Anwar started his career at West Ham United where he spent seven years playing alongside the likes of Joe Cole and Michael Carrick. Despite being part of the side that won the FA Youth Cup, he was unable to make the breakthrough into the first team and in February 2002, following a successful two-week trial, he joined Sheffield Wednesday. Despite wearing the captain's armband for the reserves he chose to join Bristol Rovers instead of waiting to negotiate a new contract. The tough tackling defender, who can also play in midfield, missed part of his first season at the Memorial Stadium with a groin injury and this restricted him to only 22 appearances in all competitions for the Pirates. He had loan spells at Telford United and Hereford United before joining the Daggers in May 2004. He has made a big impression since his arrival at Victoria Road and won the Clubs player of the year trophy in his first season. In 2006/7 Anwar was handed the Captains armband and proudly collected the Nationwide Conference championship trophy at the end of that season. He proudly became the first Asian player to captain a football league club in August 2007 when he played for Dagenham at Stockport .