Bunnies supporters were taken aback by the abrupt departure of Sim Leng Cheng, just a season and a half since his transfer from FC progresu. The more involved set were arguably less surprised, though, given Sim's less-than-stellar goal return of just five goals in his first twenty appearances.

Sim's previous four matches had seen him bag five more, but one sensed that it had come too late for the sundered coach-player relationship to be repaired. Sikong Darong had been visibly cold to the Number Sixteen after his welcome had worn off, and it was no secret that an unhappy Sim had been angling for an out for some time.

As it was, he found it with Finnish fifth division club FC Jalopeurat, after entertaining an approach from Italy's AC CAMPOBASSO. The Buns didn't do too badly off the deal either, with the S$9.2 million they received from FC Jalopeurat representing a near three million dollar profit, clear and free.

Sim declined a formal farewell, though he did post a heartfelt message of appreciation to his fans on Twitter. As for Sikong, one sensed that he had long moved on. "For me, everyone did well from this bit of business."

Be the first to comment