A GLOBAL recruitment drive will see Northern Rangers enter the season with new players from three continents.
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American centre forward Michael Monticchio, Peruvian goalkeeper Luigi Cordova and English midfielder Conor Doherty said they were looking forward to gracing the NTCA Ground.
‘‘I want to be a quality player for the Northern Rangers, and I have been working hard to make sure I can help the team be the best it can,’’ Monticchio, an experienced, strong 25-year-old striker with a nice touch and lethal shot, said.
‘‘Everyone at the club has been unbelievably nice to me. My teammates are talented players but more importantly, they are good people.
‘‘None of the players are rude or arrogant. Everyone works hard at practice and is respectful to all of their teammates; those are very hard qualities to find nowadays.
‘‘Tasmania as a whole is superb. I absolutely love it. The people are generous, nice and hysterical. I love how everyone banters up around here and everyone can take a joke. It is a very fun and positive atmosphere.’’
Monticchio played college soccer in the US then for Corby Town in England, followed by professional stints with AC Crusaders and Delaware Copperheads.
‘‘I think the Rangers can win the league this year. With the quality we have on the pitch and the work ethic we practice with, anything can be accomplished. Once we gel and all understand how everyone plays, we will be a force to reckon with.’’
Cordova is also settling in well after a three-year stint in Queensland.
‘‘I am enjoying the club because the culture at the Rangers is amazing. I found chemistry when I first saw the group,’’ Cordova said.
‘‘I think this season is going to be interesting for the Rangers in the NPL. We are coming from a young group who are hungry to learn and grow as footballers.
‘‘I believe that we will be the revelation this year in the NPL.’’
Doherty is a 22-year-old midfielder hailing from former Ranger Shane Brassington’s home in Coventry.
‘‘I’m looking forward to the challenge and competing with Tasmania’s best football players,’’ he said.
‘‘I like to run at players, creating space and goal-scoring opportunities. I’m confident in possession and like to try defence-splitting balls opening up the play.’’
Coach Dane Hudson believes the imports can help his team win trophies.
‘‘I am looking for our new arrivals to stamp their football on the competition, and bring some flare to each game,’’ he said.
Northern Rangers play their second Summer Cup match on Saturday, against reigning champions Olympia at 2pm at KGV.