Tian Yonghang kept up his recruitment with two free transfers from abroad in a day, the first being Enrique Baena, whom some scouts have delicatedly described as "a project". Charismatic, uncontrolled and a free spirit have all variously been employed to describe him, as he wound his way through defenders and detractors alike. A tempestuous - and some whisper, scandal-ridden - stint at his boyhood club led to a longer if scarce less uneventful stay in Barcelona with fifth divisioners FC BORINOTS, and he likely broke a few hearts when he was allowed to leave.

Anyway, this should be to Grilled Birds' gain, and Baena became the club's first Spaniard since Remco van der Ban departed nearly ten years ago. "He's more than held his own in the three senior friendlies he has featured in thus far." Wings scout Mok Feng De commented. "His attitude is also... refreshing, almost fearless. We could do with more of that."

There would then be another hailing from sunny São Tomé and Príncipe, as Paulino Trindade transferred in from three-time Challenger Cup winners, FC Xemx. Ruddy and some say bulletproof, Trindade's favourite story has him kicking coconuts about the beach from dawn till dusk - which has done him no harm, looking at his assured ball control.

Head coach Tian Yonghang welcomed both seventeen year-olds to the squad, and impressed upon them the weight of expectation now upon them. "They're at a big club - to me, the biggest in the world. There will be no lack of support forthcoming, and in turn, I expect a hundred percent effort."

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