November 3, 2004

In a shocking development, Tampines Rovers striker Ismail Fitrey 26, has decided to retire from professional football due to medical reasons.

It is yet another blow to the Champion after their Thai defenderr Choketawee quits to join Vietnamese champion Hoang Anh Gia Lai.  

Ismail Fitrey had been with the Stags for the last 3 seasons & was the club's top scorer with 23 goals back in 2002. However he lost his place in the team with the arrival of Noh Alam Shah in 2003 & his season was pushed further back with Mirko Grabovac entrance.

However whenever he was called upon, the striker had always proven himself.

The best & most important example would be back in August this season when Ismail started, as a result of a suspension to Noh Alam Shah, & scored the crucial equaliser that saw a 2-1 win over Home United opening up the 4 points gap which eventually brought the club their first ever S-League title.