Mapping The Future
Head coach
Niculae Stanca was not about to mope after securing another third-place finish despite what could have been, instead deciding to focus on the coming campaign. "It was hard to swallow, but I guess we can say we're serious contenders now." Stanca said in his first post-season briefing. "Of course, Siegmund and heimu XI will be in it too, and CCP if they stay, and of the new sides Rapala FC must be one to watch; they lead the nation in weekly wages of close to S$1.4 million, and are bringing Jamaican international goalie Harry Tebbitt with them."
"Fortunately, we will all have some additional breathing room financially, with the governing body negotiating a global 20% wage cut with the players' union. Which includes me, unfortunately." Stanca deadpanned. "I am also glad to announce that our former trainee Safri bin Mohamad, better known here as Safrinho, is now back in Division Two with All Stars Team, and also that we got a S$150000 cut of the transfer fee."
"Our youth setup is also doing fairly well, and are currently second in the National Youth League. Lo Kok Long, whom scored in his farewell match against Dead Poets Society, is one of the better forwards to have graduated from the Chicken Wings and should secure a contract with a good club without any issues, while I hear we're having some trouble with Thomas Darcy - the boy's great both in defence and attack, getting a brace in the same game!"
The wage reduction was not universally welcome, though, with outspoken star striker
Mohd Safri bin Mohd Kassim expressing his disappointment at his current S$76000/week salary probably staying stagnant under the new regime. "I know some will say I'm greedy for saying this, but we train hard and give all we've got on the field. I think we are worth every penny."