Soccer: Kingz sign Argentine goalie

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Argentine goalkeeper Julio Cuello will ensure the Football Kingz' South American connection continues in their second National Soccer League season.

Cuello and Chilean striker Aaron Silva, who yesterday re-signed with the Auckland-based franchise, follow Dennis Ibrahim, of Germany, as the overseas-based players that have been signed by the Kingz.

They and Australian Levent Osman, also back for a second season, are likely to be the only non-New Zealanders in the expected 20-strong squad who will report for training next week.

Aaran Lines, who missed almost all of the 1999-2000 season through injury after returning from Germany, has also agreed terms for the new season.

"Aaran had an operation on his injured hip in Australia four weeks ago," Kingz general manager Chris Turner said last night. "We have been assured he will be 100 per cent fit for the new season which is great news for the club.

"He is due to return to Australia tomorrow for a final check-up. There is no doubt he has the potential to be one of the best players at the club."

Cuello, a 1.88m, 22-year-old from Argentine first-division club Estudiantes La Plata, joins Jason Batty as the club's second goalkeeper.

Due in Auckland tomorrow, Cuello arrives at the Kingz sight unseen by coaches Wynton and Shane Rufer, but with good credentials.

Silva's return will be welcomed by the fans.

One of the most exciting players, especially in the latter part of the season, he has signed another one-year contract apparently at a slightly less figure than he and fellow Chilean David Moya earned last season.

Silva has been allowed to remain in Chile until August 20 for his mother's birthday and is expected to join the squad on August 21.

The club is continuing discussions with Fred de Jong in the hope that he may be involved for a second season after initially announcing his retirement at the end of last season.

"The ball is in his court and nothing is settled," Turner said. "We are very keen to use Fred in whichever way we can. The discussions are ongoing in the hope he will accept a performance-based contract such as he had last season."

Shane Rufer is just as keen to have the veteran striker back: "There is no player in this country who can do the job Fred can."

Meanwhile, the club's administration had their thoughts elsewhere yesterday as they considered bids from North Harbour Stadium and Ericsson Stadium to gain the home-ground rights for the new season.

"Both submissions were very professional," Turner said. "We will sit down and have a good look at what they are offering and take it from there."