2007 - Look Ahead

s one of the top clubs in Singapore, Home United has set its sight on improving their performance, after a disappointing end to the 2006 season.

Looking back to last year, you need not be a scientist to figure out exactly what went wrong with Home’s season. Things turned pear-shaped as players came in and out of the revolving door at Bishan. Replacements were brought in hastily to fill the never ending woes. Injuries inevitably took the toll, the most notable being the absence of star striker Indra Sahdan. Still the statistics of only 49 goals scored, one of the worst in recent years, spoke volumes. Meanwhile key players and even squad players ‘took turns’, as they had various spells on the sidelines, with the national call-ups not helping Home’s cause. That said, it was a heartening sight to see youngsters step fearlessly into the fold.

Otherwise the annual mid-year malaise that struck Home since 2004 came into the fore once again. Unexpected draws and defeats against the likes of Sengkang and Albirex ultimately put paid to any chances of Home catching the top teams. This should not be the case for if consistency suffers, the title is at stake. Switching coaches early was a clever move to see things through for the new season.

Vincent has embarked the players on a very early pre-season schedule, barely 2 weeks after the end of the final fixture against Sporting Afrique. While the coach was busy finalising his squad for 2007, he has been trying to find the best formula in order for Home to succeed in 2007, with the new pre-season tournament the ideal eye-opener.

In coming weeks, the players, especially the new signings would be introduced, as Home are staring ever closer to March 4, the opening day of yet another new season. Stalwarts bade their long farewells, foreign and local players left for pastures anew, and ten new signings, plus six already retained, should give Home United a brand new competitive look for the new season ahead. All the better if Shahril Ishak and Shia Jiayi can weave their magic and with Indra Sahdan and Qui Li on target at Bishan, everyone would be in for a treat if they do.