2018 Summer Wishlist: Bondz N'Gala

As part of the Everything Orient transfer window series 'Summer Wishlist', we look at a number of players that could or should end up in the iconic Orient colours and assess why they would be a hit in E10. First up, Bondz N'Gala.

This image was published by the Non-League paper

Bondz N'Gala 

Place of Birth: Newham, London

Date of Birth: 13 September 1989 (28) 

Height: 6ft 2 inch 

Position: Central Defender

Current club: Free Agent 

Player Profile

With 255 professional appearances over the course of his career, Bondz N'Gala has gained a reputation of a solid, strong, no nonsense defender. Coming through the ranks at West Ham, N'Gala became known as a journeyman player due to his short stints at clubs. Most recently, N'Gala's contract at fellow Vanarama National League side, Dagenham & Redbridge, was terminated on the 25th May 2018 due to mutual consent. 

You may remember Bondz from a loan spell he had at Brisbane Road earlier in the season, making five appearances and scoring a goal in a 2-0 away triumph at Maidstone, a performance which helped him secure a further one month loan extension. Brought in for cover for injuries, Bondz done considerably well in the Orient team as Justin Edinburgh's side picked up form during the Christmas period. However, his loan spell was cut short due to a controversial sending off at home to Bromley at the end of December which resulted in a three match ban, taking him up to his loan expiry and out of Justin Edinburgh's plans. 

Career Path

Starting off at West Ham United, between 2008 and 2010 N'Gala had four loan spells in the Football League/Conference League with loan spells at Weymouth, MK Dons, Scunthorpe United and Plymouth Argyle. After an impressive loan spell with Argyle, he made his move permeant in 2010 after making no appearances for the Hammers. One season later he moved on to Yeovil Town, then two spells at Stevenage and Barnet followed in League Two. 

In 2013 he signed for Portsmouth, making 27 appearances and scoring 3 goals, a move to Barnet followed where he made over 100 appearances for the Bee's in his two years at the club being a vital member of the team that won the National League in 2015.

In 2016 N'Gala signed for cash injected Eastleigh on the clubs pursuit to get the Spitfires into the Football League, however, injury ruined Bondz spell at the Hampshire side and left after one season. Last summer, N'Gala joined Dagenham & Redbridge and made five appearances for the Essex side but his contract was terminated by mutual consent on the 25th May 2018. 

My Reasoning

In my opinion, Bond'z would be a good signing for the club, even though I don't see this as a long term deal (like all of his moves) or even him being a week in week out starter. He represents great depth in the squad and if injuries strike us like they did last season, he could be the man to turn to. If we have another injury plagued season it could cost us promotion if we have no suitable replacements. Also, I rated N'Gala, if it wasn't for a poor assistant referring decision in my opinion, he may of stayed on with us as he made quite a keen and consistent first impression for Justin Edinburgh.

He put in a very solid performance at Maidstone, grabbing a goal in the win and making the National League team of the week - even Dagenham fans were begging for him to be recalled on Twitter following this dominant display. Also, I remember him impressing against the O's for Barnet in a 1-0 defeat at the Hive in April 2016, recent injuries have held him back and he maybe the strong, physical, non-league type of player that Orient lack in their squad. 

I feel this is a very important transfer window for the club and it is crucial we capture talent good enough of getting the club back to the Football League. I feel a striker, a winger and a central midfielder are also needed. 

Written by Roman Quane

Edited by Tom Kelly