Fangs For The Memories
The curtain was drawn on the
Fang Tong Rong era of the Chicken Wings, after the complete youth attacker transferred to Bulgarian Division Five side Lokomotiv Pach0 for an ominous S$666 000. Manager Tibor Gőz committed to pencilling in the youngster for a right wing spot against Argentine side Anti Kurro, making it two friendlies in two days for Fang.
The final fee was regarded at the club as somewhat less than expected for what was likely one of the Wings' top three products ever, though he did get offers from Fofura Rakovník (Czech Division Six), L'AS Gribouille (French Division Four) and one2one (Portuguese Division Four), after Montenegrin's initial bid. Observers put it down to Fang's relative age, and thought it reasonable if put next to Santosh Manik's S$367 200 fee.
The outspoken Fang revealed himself to be happy at his new destination, if a little disappointed at not being able to join another local club, at least for the time being. "My parents weren't completely sold on my going overseas, and I too just want to play football without too much fuss. I was hoping that one of the sides here with a focus on training strikers would come in."
With some cash to burn for once,
Niculae Stanca reiterated that the club has become a lot more active in scouring the transfer market, and is seriously looking at the possibility of bringing 34 year-old journeyman Che Harun bin Sabtu back into the fold as a backup striker. Stanca was more guarded when questioned about Grilled's interest in M.L&G winger Wong Ping Shun, however. "I'm not saying yes or no on that one, but at the right price, we will of course take a look."