Trialists - The end of an era?

No more like him?
By 4two
July 26 2003

With Barrett going back to Pompey, and a lack of trialists, where have all those foreigners got to? Is this the end of an era?

Neil Barrett has returned to Pompey after an unsuccessful trial spell at the Bescot. He was far from spectacular in the Pre-Season games, and any possible move to the Bescot is unlikely.

Trialists have been thin on the ground this Summer with only Barrett, Fishlock and Ighadosa being given a chance. In the days of Paul Taylor we were busing them in from Heathrow, throwing a kit on them and giving them a game! If they had a good first half we would sub them and sign them up. It shows fans how far things have moved on since Colin Lee arrived, no more mystery trialists...established professionals only.

In a funny kind of way it is a bit strange, because the foreign trialists we have signed( Leitao, Matias and Junior to name a few) have made their own mark on the Saddlers. Signing these foreign players has been part of what we are about. Those outside the club know us for our work in the foreign markets, and we have been able to recruit players with skills that English players just don't have (or do, but are just to expensive).

Take the partnership between Leitao and Junior as an example. It was a unique blend. They linked up in a way that no two English strikers could. This entertained the fans, and troubled the opposition.  

Some may say a blend of foreign flair and traditional English hard work is a reason behind our success. It has been a joy to watch the skills of Pedro and Junior. Only a few of the foreigners now remain. Is this the end of an era? Are you going to miss them.

 

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