MBU’s Williams set to move
TUCKER, St James — Montego Bay United’s national striker Dino Williams could get a second chance at the North American Soccer League (NASL) as he is reported to be returning to the Indy XI during this transfer window.
Orville Powell, the president of Montego Bay United (MBU), had little to say when contacted by the Jamaica Observer but conceded there is a possibility the striker, who leads the team with seven goals in the Red Stripe Premier League, could be on the move again.
Powell said the NASL was not the only option available to Williams as there were some interest as well from clubs in Europe.
With the signing of five teenaged players this week, Powell said MBU were in the transfer market should overseas clubs come calling about any of their players.
“We are building a core here for the long run, but we will not turn a blind eye to offers from overseas clubs either,” Powell said.
“Once the offer is good for the player and for us, we will always entertain the offers.”
Owayne Gordon, last season’s top scorer with 20 goals, has rejoined the club after a stint with Indy XI in the NASL and is expected to partner Williams in the MBU attack when the RSPL resumes this Sunday with a home game against Waterhouse.
Williams’ own move to the NASL’s Indy XI last season broke down after he failed a medical test, but he has since had an operation on a groin issue that bothered him for more than two seasons, and kept him out of action for a period last year.
Tim Hankinson, the Indy XI coach, spent about five months with MBU at the start of last season and was impressed with Williams and has sought to take him to the NASL.
With the American transfer window open until later than the end of January, MBU will be hoping Williams will be on their books at least until they host their first round group in the Caribbean Football Union’s Club Championship, set for later this month.
MBU and runners up Portmore United will both take part in the regional championship set to start in the third week of January, but Powell told the
Observer this week they were still awaiting confirmation of the dates and the other teams that would be in their group.
After winning their group in the 2014-15 CFU Club championships and placing third in the competition, MBU qualified for the CONCACAF Championships and finished at the bottom of their group with one point — a 3-3 result against DC united of the MLS.
Last season they failed to advance after finishing second in their first-round group to defending champions Central United of Trinidad and Tobago in their first round hosted in Montego Bay.