KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah FA is close to getting the signature of an ex England Under-17 player.They are currently in talks with the said player and at press time nothing has been finalised as both parties are still in the midst of negotiating a deal.
Jamie Phoenix, 23, arrived in the State for trials about 10 days ago and had played in three friendly matches with the Rhinos. And during these trials, Jamie, who also had a stint with Bolton Wanderers in the English Premiership, impressed the FA Selectors including its head coach Drago Mamic.
The FA Executive Secretary Harry Baking confirmed to the New Sabah Times Sports yesterday that negotiations are still ongoing with Jamie. But it is going to take sometime before everything is finalised as Jamie has told the FA that he needs to go back home to England as he has personal matters to attend to. He is expected to leave today with the FA providing the air tickets.
If the deal is through, then the Rhinos can finally end their search for a foreign player as they have already hired a Bosnian-Herzegovina defender, Dragic Dalibor. Another is expected, a Croatian striker, whose identity is still being withheld until his imminent arrival, which is expected to be at the end of this month.
Jamie meanwhile, can play as a striker or an attacking midfielder. He joined the Manchester City Youth team from 1994-1998 before signing for Bolton Wanderers in 1998-2000. He played for a few lower division clubs in England, among them Nantwitch Town, Altricham and Stafford Rangers, FC United being the last before venturing into ‘greener’ pastures like playing for Dong Tap in the Vietnam Premier League before coming to Sabah.
