The talented Subramani feels it is time to face new challenge

By BEN NADARAJAN

FIVE days after winning the Player of the Year award, S. Subramani has decided to leave Tanjong Pagar United.

Said Subramani, who signed a contract with Home United on Monday night: "I have been playing with Tanjong Pagar since 1992. I just feel that it is time for a change of environment and a new challenge."

Other players who will join Home next season are Imran Mohamed, Effendy Sabtu (both from SAFFC), A. Sivakumar (from Balestier Central) and R. Sasikumar (from Geylang United).

Said Subramani: "It was a very hard decision to make. At Tanjong Pagar, we had the best defensive record this year and I am sorry that I have to break it up.

"However, I will be teaming up with Aide Iskandar, who also plays for the national team, so I think I can form another strong partnership at Home."

But the Jaguars' coach, Tohari Paijan, was not too worried about the departure of his top defender.

"No one is irreplaceable. Not even if he is the player of the year. It is not that if we lose Subramani, we cannot win the league next year."

Tohari said that the club will be looking for a top defender to replace Subramani.

However, there is some good news for Jaguars' fans. Goalkeeper Dragan Talajic and midfielder Vlado Bozinoski have signed new contracts with the club.

Meanwhile, former national goalkeeper David Lee has confirmed that he will be joining Tampines Rovers from Geylang although he has not signed a contract.

Said Lee: "Tampines coach Robin Chan approached me and told me about his plan for next season. I was very impressed with it and would like to help him achieve that. After three years at Geylang, I need a new challenge."

Other Geylang players who are likely to leave the Eagles' nest are national players Rafi Ali and Zulkarnean Zainal.

Rafi, who left this morning for a two-week attachment with Australian Division One side Perth Glory, has been linked with his former club Tampines.

Geylang's Director of Football Seak Poh Leong said: "Zul is close to negotiating a deal with us but Rafi says that he wants more time to consider."

Meanwhile, Balestier Central has confirmed the signing of Johor defender Darren Stewart.