Darryl Warner, managing director of Digicel Pro League champion, bmobile Joe Public has confirmed that nippy Japanese midfielder Yu Hoshide will be part of the squad for the upcoming 2010 season. The 32-year-old Hoshide joined the Eastern Lions last July on a six-month deal after leaving USL Premier Development League club Northern Virginia Royals. His quick thinking and technical ability in midfield proved vital in helping Joe Public capture five titles that included the Big Six, Toyota Classic, Digicel Pro Bowl and the T&T Football Federation FA Trophy last season.
Hoshide, who previously played in the Japanese Third Division with YKK AP for five years (2003-2007), and USL Second Division club Harrisburg Islanders in 2008, is said to be returning Joe Public for the 2010 season after enjoying the Christmas vacation in his native homeland. Warner said, "He (Hoshide) will be back with us for the new season on a one-year deal. He is expected back in February." Warner also revealed that the club is currently screening a number of players ahead of its loaded 2010 season which begins in March with the Caribbean Football Union Club Champions Cup.
A Surinamese goalkeeper, as well as trialists from Japan, are among the players to be overlooked by coach Derek King and his staff, according to Warner. The two-time Pro League champion began its pre-season yesterday with open trials for local players. So far, Joe Public has signed up Guyanese defender, Charles Pollard from Caledonia AIA of Morvant/Laventille, as well as former Clico San Juan Jabloteh and United Petrotrin right back, Nigel Daniel, Marcus Ambrose, Andre Toussaint and Marcus Joseph to contracts. National goalkeeper, Marvin Phillip is expected to complete a one-year loan deal from W Connection early this week. Veteran Colombian keeper Alejandro Figureoa and defenders Keyeno Thomas and Seon Powers have all joined Ma Pau.