Neo Da One
Grilled kept up their restocking of up-and-coming local apprentices by scooping defensive midfielder
Neo Da Teck from Sentosa-based club QueensOdd for S$154 000. Neo is nearly as comfortable coming out of the centreback role as he is chasing back, but the most impressive thing is that he does it all with a silky touch more often seen at the flair positions.
"The trend is towards ball players everywhere now." Grilled coach
Han Lik-Tsun, himself known for his composure during his playing days, explained. "Neo will be exceptional once his passing gets up to speed, which shouldn't take too long with our new training regime."
At least some overseas clubs seem to have embraced this concept, with Italian sides Electron Blue, BigBang UTD and Michel Wangu fans club eager to instruct Neo in the intricacies of defence. Gladbach Fohlen of Germany and FC AK09 of Switzerland were likewise very interested.
Several of Grilled's old guard will not be around to witness the revolution, though, as fringe players
Chua Qiang Dong and
Lim Chuan Heng were let go, with the two having less than ten games between them despite being longtime squad members. Joining them was speed merchant Leong Ping Ying, who has decided to return to his schooling at nineteen after failing to win a start.
"I can't wait around forever, and after being on the same field as some of the seniors, I doubted whether I could ever reach their level." Leong, who has enrolled in a finance course, said in his farewell interview.
