Buns Sign Benson
In a move that took the local footballing fraternity by surprise, the Farmer Bunnies announced their acquisition of former Northern Irish youth international playmaker
Jon Benson, from his hometown club of Costa del Ards for the princely sum of S$11.5 million.
An unused substitute as a trainee in Costa's successful Sapphire Challenger Cup bid some ten seasons ago, Benson would enjoy a stint in the Northern Irish Premier a few seasons later, after decisively helping his club to a league title, alongside eleven caps for the national U-20 side.
Costa have struggled after that glimpse of the top flight, though, and with the club sinking to the third division after a string of runners-up finishes in II.2, their young Indian head coach Manish Saikia has opted for a major revamp, as Slovakian winger Juraj Bušinský was too dealt away after a month's stay.
It will be a whole new experience for the 27-going-28 year-old Benson, who has known only Costa del Ards thus far; however, in switching his Number Six jersey for Number Fourteen with the Buns, he will instantly inherit a new army of supporters, many whom have taken to the fiery redhead immediately.
Buns gaffer
Sikong Darong strangely appeared slightly deflated as he presented his new star, though he quickly got into selling Benson's many skills. "Jon will improve almost any team in the land, and we're delighted that he's here. I daresay he offers us a unique package, that will open up many new tactical possibilities."
The newcomer was nothing if not confident, as he revealed that he had been a phone call from going to Brazil's Tabaco Sport Club. "It was very hard to leave, so I wanted to be sure that I picked the right destination. Tabaco were very welcoming, but Bunnies really sold me on their project."
As to what he was after, Benson was firm. "Winning. Trophies. Silverware."
