Norway-based Reggae Boy eyeing new club

Audley Boyd, Assistant Editor - Sport

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad:

NATIONAL utility player, Eric Vernan, could be joining a new team soon following the maturity of his one-year deal with top-flight Norwegian club Nybergsund.

"My one-year contract just ended," Vernan pointed out. "I'm in the process of joining a different team in Sweden or Denmark."

The former Portmore United star, who won the Digicel Caribbean Championship's Most Valuable Player (MVP) award last year, said Nybergsund remain interested in retaining his services, but there is a money issue.

"They want to re-sign me but the club is in some financial problems at this time so it doesn't look possible right now.

"As soon as I play this match Wednesday then I will know the situation.

Based on information, it's possible that I'll be landing a new contract very soon."

The Jamaican, who formerly represented local Premier League club Portmore United, played for Nygbersund at midfield or full back, "depending on the game situation", for his team that finished ninth in the league.

'A good experience'

"It went well," he noted, of his first full season playing professionally in Europe. "It was a good experience."

Besides Vernan, former national representative, Damian Williams, also plays for the club.

"We helped the team a lot," he said, noting that in his last game, the two combined on a goal, as he provided an assist that was scored by Williams.

"We bring a lot to the team. We're an asset to the team, but it's just because of financial problems."

Williams, however, is still contracted to the club as he signed on different terms.

Vernan, who is in Trinidad and Tobago with the Reggae Boyz for today's clash against the Soca Warriors at the Marvin Lee Stadium at 6 p.m. (5 p.m. Jamaica time), pointed out that his stint at Nygnersund has enhanced his professionalism.

"I've learnt that you cannot be complacent in anything you do. You've to be professional in everything that you do, on the field and off the field. You've to give 100 per cent every time, whether it's in training or in a match, you always have to be working hard," he said.

"You've to always be at one level, you can't break down, you can't give 99 per cent. A lot of sacrifices have to be made."

Continuing, Vernan said: "I've been through good systems, I've been through Portmore where you learn that you've to be professional. It (Nygbersund stint) has helped me a lot because when you come to the national programme you've to bring that level of discipline to your game and, no matter what, it's your national team, when you put on that black, gold and green, you've to bring that level of discipline as it's a pleasure to wear the national colours."