Tokia Russell is one of seven new players for the Hogges this season.
By Paul Scope
We are about to kick off our new season with two away games in Maryland this coming weekend and there is an exciting wind of change in the air.
New players, a new assistant coach, new uniforms, a new joint initiative with the BFA and an exciting new link up with the Centre of Philanthropy.
It has always been part of our plan to have the Hogges be an aspirational and inspirational franchise. A link up with the Centre of Philanthropy will enable the Hogges to get more involved in the community. The players and coaches will be taking part in fund raising events throughout the year and will be promoting volunteerism generally.
The new uniforms arrived this week and although it was a mad rush to get the names and numbers put on, we managed to get two sets of uniforms ready to use this weekend. We will wear the green uniforms v Crystal Palace Baltimore on Friday and the red uniforms v Real Maryland Monarchs the next day.
Jack Castle has been helping Kyle Lightbourne put the players through their paces in training for a month now and we should be well prepared for the season. Most of our players know Jack from PHC or from his spell at the National Team.
We believe we have a good bunch of new players to add to our, now, USL veterans. Starting at the back, we welcome Jason Williams back to join Timmy Figureido and Nigel Burgess in our goalkeeper ranks. Jason played for us in our first season, but missed last season through work commitments.
Tokia Russell is a talented, versatile defender that we have wanted in a Hogges uniform from day one, so his recent return to full fitness is a real boost for us.
Keston Lewis is another PHC player that is well suited for the rigours of USL-2 football. Keston will play in midfield or wing back.
Up front we have added Jamie Smith and Tokia's brother Antwon. I haven't seen too much of jamie, myself but he has caught Kyle and Jack's eyes with fine displays for Hamilton Parish.
Kyle and I had Antwon in our very first National Team squad in 2005 and we have followed him closely since. Obviously talented, Antwon needs to show he has matured into a consistent team player that can handle the physicality of this league. He could well be the matchwinner that we have rarely had at our disposal.
We look forward to seeing many of you at our first home game v Harrisburg City Islanders at the National Stadium on Friday, May 1.
