Soccer: Classy Hay may be cleared for Kingz debut

New Football Kingz signing Danny Hay could be cleared to play against the Wollongong Wolves in Auckland on Sunday, following talks with NSL officials.

The classy defender has been released by his English club, Walsall, and as he is a free agent, the NSL agreed he did not have to wait for the transfer window to open before playing for the Kingz.

The club is moving to get Hay cleared in time for the game at Ericsson Stadium and has lodged all documentation with the NSL.

"This is tremendous news for the Football Kingz and should generate interest in all quarters," general manager Peter Cox said.

"Danny's debut will be a rare treat for the fans of the Kingz. He has spent three years playing for Leeds in the premiership and has played against the Manchester Uniteds of this world.

"It would be absolutely wonderful if he could debut in front of our home crowd on Sunday."

Hay shared that excitement.

"I am really looking forward to playing at home and to meeting all the supporters face to face. Hopefully there will be a big crowd to welcome me," he said.

"I'm committed to making this team more competitive and to working with them in rebuilding our future, with a view to doing really well in the coming seasons."

The Football Kingz' other signing, All White striker Noah Hickey, is in a similar situation regarding clearances.

But whether he plays will depend on how coach Tommy Mason views his fitness.

Hickey this week signed with the Kingz until the end of the 2005-06 season.

The team's 1-0 loss to second-bottom Melbourne Knights on Wednesday night will almost certainly condemn the Kingz to their first wooden spoon.

Underlining why these teams are lowly placed, it took some rusty defence and a scrambling goal by skipper Andrew Marth just before halftime to break the deadlock.

The Kingz' best chance came when Tallan Martin got on the end of a scramble in the box, but he could only drive the ball into keeper Tommi Tomich.

Jeremy Christie had a late chance for the equaliser, but his left-footed curler went wide.

- AGENCIES