Remco Joins Band
The Birds made a move off the radar as they acquired 22 year-old Spanish winger
Remco van der Ban for a nominal fee of S$6000 from the newly set-up F.C Oddland, their first foreign arrival since Polish goalie Edmund Kryus some four seasons ago.
"I know there has been whispering that we have become - what's that word -
xenophobic, but no." Grilled head coach
Niculae Stanca, himself Romanian, assured reporters. "We just haven't had many positions that needed to be filled, but when our scouts sent me a video of Remco, I said to myself, that's a lad we can use!"
The fact that Remco has yet to make his professional debut did not faze Stanca in the least, as he spoke of the attacker's qualities up front; it didn't deter Ukranian Division Four side All Blacks Lemberg either, as they were poised to take him before Grilled came in.
Remco, who will keep his Number 24 jersey, last worn by central defender Lin Jungui, was delighted, but he will have to vie with established backups
Sandy Fu and
Dennis Kong, among others, for games - not that he is unwilling.
"I know I have it all to prove, and I will show Mr. Stanca that he was right in choosing me." the newcomer said excitedly in halting English. "I cannot wait to start training!"
