I-League contenders NEROCA (North Eastern Re-Organising Cultural Association) FC are planning to sign Australian attacking midfielder Nick Ward. There is a huge urge to bolster their squad for remaining few games and plan is to play with Nick Ward and leaving Kyrgyzstani left winger Akhlidin Israilov in the final few ones.
As per few reliable sources, Neroca want to give their best push for the title. Neroca currently has second place in the points table and this development is considered to avoid any chance of fading away from the I-League. It is a point to note that Surprise league leaders Minerva Punjab FC are still two points ahead of Neroca FC. And, Minerva Punjab FC has played one game less Neroca FC.
Neroca FC official has said, “Australian attacking midfielder Nick Ward will be playing in the last two-three matches. Here, every single match is going to be very crucial for all the contenders. Neroca management wants to give the best in I-League.”
He further added “Mutual termination offer has been signed with the Akhlidin Israilov. Israilov will leave after the Churchill Brothers match on February 14”.
Midfielder Nick Ward has played for Australia at the U-20 and U-23 level. This movement has a transfer window and this is from January 16 till February 15. Kyrgyzstani left winger Akhlidin Israilov has not that much impressive for the Manipur-based side since joining them at the start of this season. On the other hand, Nick Ward will be coming with Neroca from National Premier Leagues Victoria side Bentleigh Greens.
After the Churchill game, Neroca FC will host Mohun Bagan at home. This one is going to happen on February 18 and after that, Neroca FC will face East Bengal on February 27. Match with East Bengal will be their final game of this campaign.
“Neroca FC needs a striker who can score the goals. If I talk about weakness, I would say we have missed several good chances in our matches. I can’t say that we are going to win this league or not. But, we are doing everything to ensure the win in this league. We want to make Manipur people happy and we are fighting to win the title.” NEROCA FC head coach Gift Raikhan said.
This team already has many names in their foreigners’ list Liberian defender Varney Kallon, Bosnian attacking midfielder Nedo Turkovic, Nigerian striker Felix Chidi, Haitian midfielder Fabien Vorbe and injured Australian defender Aryn Williams.
Neroca owner Naoba Thangjam have neither confirmed nor denied about the signing of Ward. Thangjam said, “We were planning and our first goal was to be in the top-four. It was necessary to ensure a spot in the Super Cup. Now that we are close to winning the title and there are good chances.”
Naoba Thangjam further added that Neroca FC management doesn’t want to let it go away. Team management is trying everything we can to achieve our goal.