Game's Up For Four
This Saturday morning has seen a number of young trainees call a close to their professional football ambitions, with Huan Kuan Rong, Neville Ling, Li Shi Hock and Heng Siong Keong cut from the reserves. The 18 and 19 year-olds, all of whom had graduated from the Chicken Wings youth academy, had stayed on in expectation of gaining a squad number, but found playing time limited.
"It's very unfortunate, and I never like to be the one to inform lads that we simply don't have slots for them." reserve coach Luis Alcántara said with a tinge of regret. "They all might yet have made it at a slightly lower level, but made a decision to retire together after their short-term contracts expired."
Ling, an aspiring left winger who made 21 appearances for the Wings, accepted the decision. "It's hard to just walk away from something I've pursued for years, but training with the first team has really opened my eyes on the distance between me and them. Rather than dither on, it's better to make a clean break and plan for university."
Chew Long Lai and Girivar Soibam were handed extensions, but observers are privately doubting that the duo have a long-term future with Grilled either. "Especially for Chew, it's a pity." an unnamed youth coach remarked. "He was so highly rated, and had he been more serious, he would have had a good shot. In fact, Soibam may have a better chance of being picked up now, for his height."
