Central FC, which is seeking to challenge for the T&T Pro League title in its second season in existence, has boosted its roster with the signing of T&T international goalkeeper Jan-Michael Williams.
Williams, who spent several years with W Connection before joining St Ann's Rangers, will return to Couva, his hometown to ply his trade.
The 28-year-old shot stopper, who has played 51 times for T&T, has just returned from representing this country at the Gold Cup where he became the first ever T&T goalkeeper to keep a clean sheet at the competition.
"Jan is a great acquisition for the club," said technical manager, Adrian Romain. "Marvin Phillip gave us very good service last season between the sticks and he'll be missed around the club. But, having a Couva boy like Jan is another step towards showing our commitment to the Central community."
Technical director and head coach, Terry Fenwick said he only has one final piece of his jigsaw to complete. "I think we have signed all of the players that we targeted and who are available, but we are still looking for a left back," said Fenwick. "We started with the concept of keeping the squad young and as local as possible to encourage our community to get behind the lads." Fenwick said although there are many exciting young players, there is still a sprinkling of experience in the squad.
"Marvin Oliver and Carey Harris were our two most consistent players last year, so it shows that age is just a number. Bringing in Jan-Michael gives us a great role model for our young keeper, Jevon Sample. And, players like Jason Marcano and Hector Sam have a wealth of experience to share."
Central FC managing director, Brent Sancho said, "It's great to have a local boy like Jan-Michael at the club. Although we want to create a squad with a core of Central players, it will take time. In fact, we're more representative of Tobago than Central at the moment. But, with players like Jan-Michael and Nicholas Dillon representing their home town, it's a good start. We've been searching for a quality left back or a left sided central defender and it looks now like we will have to go outside to find one."
Williams, who states his favourite teams to watch as Juventus and Italy, and had spells in Europe at Belgian club, White Star Woluwe and Hungarian outfit, Ferencvaros, may also bring an added quality to the Sharks. "I once scored for W Connection against Petrotrin in the Pro League and I'm always looking to double my total," said Williams.
Williams said that he's pleased to be back representing a local club. "Obviously, I spent a few happy years at W Connection. But I feel that joining Central will raise my profile more in the region as they do so much work in the community. Of course, football is all about winning matches, but I really want to become a role model to young kids in the area and I feel Central will help me achieve this."
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