Soccer: Hiccup over Chelsea player for Kingz

By TERRY MADDAFORD

The Football Kingz will have to wait until January before welcoming a Chelsea player into their ranks.

The arrival of Russian businessman Roman Abramovich at the London club has thrown plans for one or two Chelsea players to join the Auckland-based club into limbo.

Kingz director Chris Turner said yesterday that the five players identified by coach Ken Dugdale as possibilities were no longer regarded as first-team possibilities and were now looking to leave Chelsea for first or second division clubs.

"Things are on hold, but we are hopeful something will happen when the NSL transfer window reopens in January," Turner said.

In the meantime, the Kingz have signed Norwegian defender Espen Schjerven, who arrives on Friday to join striker Aleksander Midtsian as two of their allowable four imports.

They have also re-signed Chilean defender Mauro Donoso.

The Kingz also have Australians (not regarded as imports) John Tambouras (a defender), and strikers Paul Harries and Tallan Martin on their books.

As part of the agreement with Chelsea, two young players (16-18 years) will have two weeks at the club in November-December.

Chelsea assistant manager Gwynn Williams, who also looks after the reserve and youth teams, will, along with two other coaches, spend two or three weeks at the Kingz during the season.

"We couldn't be happier with the arrangement we have with Chelsea," Turner said.

"This delay over getting a player is just a hiccup."

The Kingz play their first game of the new NSL season against Newcastle United at Ericsson Stadium on Sunday at 12.15pm.