Strikers needed - Goalscorers top list of needs for western teams

BY PAUL A REID Observer West Writer reidp@jamaicaobserver.com

Thursday, December 29, 2011

MONTEGO BAY, St James — Prolific goal scorers will be at the top of the list of all three western-based clubs taking part in the Red Stripe Premier League, when the FIFA transfer window open next week.

Montego Bay United in ninth place- one spot ahead of Reno FC- and last- placed Village United who are all in the lower half of the point's tables, will be seeking to strengthen their squads.

Of the three, the promoted Montego Bay United has the most goals, 20, which puts them in the fourth best overall and the only one not to have a negative goal difference, as they have also conceded 20 goals in 18 games.

Reno has scored 17 goals and conceded 21, while Village's 15 goals scored is the second lowest, only behind Highgate United's 13 goals.

Reno's Technical Director Wendell Downswell say they have taken steps to reduce their goals allowed, noting that they have signed Rusea's and National Under 17 goalkeeper Richard Trench, who he said, will "add some stability."

Former national representative Craig Foster will also return to the Westmoreland team, after a stint in Sweden, Downswell said.

He added that Reno will still be looking for a "left sided attacking midfielder and a central midfielder."

Downswell told Observer West that after going nine games without a loss at one stage, they "fell down as the forwards were not talking us over the edge."

Orville Powell, president of Montego Bay United noted that his team missed out on two good young attacking players, who they were hoping to sign. Those players, he said, have gone elsewhere.

He added that his club is also pursuing the signature of Rusea's High marksman Brian Brown, but pointed out that the club could lose out to Western Confederation Super League outfit, Mt Pelier.

In addition to two quality strikers, Powell said their biggest need was in defence where they were trying to find full backs and central defenders, as well as a third goalkeeper.

According to Powell, injuries are also having a negative impact on the team, pointing out that midfielders Troy Reid and Andrae Thomas are out with "serious injuries."

Preston Bernard, one of the coaches at Village United, told Observer West they would be holding tryouts between this week and next week. This, he said, have attracted a number of players from Manchester, St Ann and from several local clubs.

The club also needs two strikers and midfielders, as well as a goalkeeper, Bernard added.

He said they have heard "rumours" of players leaving the club in the transfer period, but noted that he has not been officially advised.

Village has lost 12 of their 18 games played, winning four and drawing two.