Wong Walks
In a not-entirely-unexpected but still devastating announcement, head coach
Djan Bacelar gave notice of the departure of first-choice goalkeeper
Wong Tian Han, effective immediately. The 34 year-old will move to Rome-based Italian Seventh Division leaders Fc Quasar after completing nine full seasons with the Birds, for a consideration of just over S$2.1 million.
"It had to happen sooner or later, and I daresay we have arranged an adequate replacement in
Valentin Batâr." Bacelar said. "Wong has been an extremely important part of Grilled throughout his tenure here, but these things don't last forever, sadly."
This was no understatement at all, with the former Phantasm Hotspurs man playing a crucial role in all four national-level cups that the Birds had won in his time here. Respected for his understanding of the intricacies of positioning by afficandos, Wong has also managed his fair share of show-stopping saves, and will be dearly missed by the fans.
The Number One then revealed that he had been thinking of a move since last season, but agreed to stay on until the club found a replacement. "It has been a pleasure, but it felt right to end my career in Europe, where I had spent the best part of my early years. I'd like to wish Grilled well, I have no doubt they'll be back among the best in a few seasons."
Indeed, Italian clubs in general were partial to Wong's style, given the firm offers he had also received from realbagnolese, of Campania, and Lazio risers S.S.Lazio Style, who went as far as to offer him a choice between their main club, and their Honduran Division Two affiliates S.S.Olimpia Lazio.
For all the kind words, this did not go down well with the older Grilled supporters, who remembered well the dark days that have befallen the side whenever a long-serving goalkeeper left. "I'll be pinching myself if we managed to stay up this season." one morose member wrote.
In other news, Farmer Bunnies defeated Vietnamese Fourth Division club Neko FC !!??~~ 2-0 in a friendly, with
Vishnu Tallapaka finally setting a very tense game alight in the 77th minute, before converting a penalty four minutes later.
Tham Leng Teck also began to amply exhibit the potential that so many saw in him, as he dominated all comers on defence.
