The departure of Wanganui export James Musa from his glamour English Premier League team is not being treated as an end but an opportunity elsewhere.
The 21-year-old defender completed the five-month terms of his original contract with Fulham FC at the end of June and was among a number of players released by manager Martin Jol.
Musa had returned home to Wanganui for the month, which included playing for New Zealand A against Jordan, and is now back in England looking for a trial with another club.
Mother Mandy Musa said they always had to be realistic about the Fulham contract, because the club's reserve team is an Under 21 squad and at this stage her son just did not fit in Jol's first-team plans. "It's read like it's all a disaster but it's not.
"They really wanted to keep him but unfortunately he's over 21."
Musa is staying with his English grandparents while he and his agent look to get him trials, hoping to capitalise on his Premier League club experience and status as an international player.
"He's got Fulham's support. That's the situation we're in because their season's in-between at the moment," said Mandy Musa.
"He's got every potential to do well. Something will come along."
Coming into the next English season there could be room on the books of a club in the Football League Championship or the next tier of Football League's 1-2.
There has been speculation back home that the Wellington Phoenix could be interested in their former player with new coach Ernie Merrick having room for five more players on the roster.
Mandy Musa said they have not ruled out a return to the A-League for either the New Zealand franchise or one in Australia.
"He possibly would if that was on offer but we haven't heard anything."
James Musa (Colorado Springs Switchbacks | USA)
I think he'd be a great addition, and also, i recall his whopping throw-ins too... was massive. Not that that really has anything to do with being a capable player!
I can report interest from Western Springs in James Musa - maybe for the rest of their NRFL Div 2 campaign...
I can report interest from Western Springs in James Musa - maybe for the rest of their NRFL Div 2 campaign...
He can sign for Pompey and then Ill be able to get his Number and Name on my new Jersey..
Genius
I can report interest from Western Springs in James Musa - maybe for the rest of their NRFL Div 2 campaign...
I'd like to see him at Argyle.
He's from Plymouth after all, the club is quite good at developing talent (and then selling it for peanuts :-( ) and we need a decent strong young centre back. The club has a great manger (Sheridan with a record better then Herbert's) and a couple of very good centre backs that he could learn from.
Also this might be the only season is his carer that he would have the chance of winning a division... watch this space!!!!
any news on him as of late?
If he's able to get a few trials then that'll be good it unfortunate he got chucked in the deep end in the nix.
Joey Johns said:
If he's able to get a few trials then that'll be good it unfortunate he got chucked in the deep end in the nix.
IMO he was over-rated so I'm not surprised. Yep sure he was signed by Fullham but when they let him go, no other clubs lined up to sign him up. Maybe he just wanted to come back to NZ but IMO he couldn't cut it.
A little tough. Has not looked out of his depth when he worn a NZ shirt in any age group games.
Joey Johns said:
If he's able to get a few trials then that'll be good it unfortunate he got chucked in the deep end in the nix.
IMO he was over-rated so I'm not surprised. Yep sure he was signed by Fullham but when they let him go, no other clubs lined up to sign him up. Maybe he just wanted to come back to NZ but IMO he couldn't cut it.
When I saw him play at the Olympics last year and more recently for Hereford this year there were clear signs that he had improved. From what I've seen of late he's about the same as Boxall but younger and still keen to learn/push on. He appeared quite versitile too when I saw him at Hereford.
new story on musa in todays wanganui chronicle, you can see it online in sports section.
The new James Musa article in the Wanganui Chronicle:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/wanganui-chronicle/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503424&objectid=11124671
Studying marketing and playing for Team Wellington.
who is the Smith who was an AW? Was it Jared?? could be the writer?
who is the Smith who was an AW? Was it Jared?? could be the writer?
who is the Smith who was an AW? Was it Jared?? could be the writer?
James Musa sing for South Melbourne FC according transfermarkt.de
James Musa sing for South Melbourne FC according transfermarkt.de
SMFC Football Director Nicholas Maikousis was delighted with the signing, adding that “it is quite a coup to secure the playing services of James given his experience playing in the A League and the United Kingdom. He will join what is looking like a formidable defence at South and look forward to him having a big season”.
South Melbourne videos of this season (NPL) - 13 mins highlights every game:
Mike Eager is captain and has been playing CB.
What are the chances of James being picked up by the Nix again in a season or two?
Got to be careful saying James, people might get confused
What are the chances of James being picked up by the Nix again in a season or two?
He'd need to grow as a player beyond what he showed for Team Wellington but a chance.
Got to be careful saying James, people might get confused
I was fully aware of the implications of not using a sir name. I feel that both James (Musa & Chris) along with Eager could be very useful for us down the road. Rather have those three at the Nix over the likes of "journeymen/not particularly brilliant" young or old Aussies.
Seamonster and even Durante are nearing the evening of their careers now, so young, experienced blood is needed in our defensive positions. Sadly Luke hasn't really had enough experience yet, but I hope he too goes on to prove himself.
When I saw Musa playing at the Olympics and at Hereford, I thought he had more to offer then the likes of JBS etc.
His stint at the 'Nix may have been too soon, no matter who was in charge. Remember he was 17/18 when he signed at the 'Nix with little (to no?) experience at senior level.
No NYL team, should play ASBP to develop etc. etc.
I remember his long throw ins fondly
Party streak may be a bit of a thorn in the aspirations.
Party streak may be a bit of a thorn in the aspirations.
But we never replaced Hearfield in that sense...Musa could be the new disco?
Party streak may be a bit of a thorn in the aspirations.
That's a standard requirement in a Prem footballer though!
An article about James playing at South Melbourne:
Wonder if he's coming back here afterwards?
You'd think so. he's a good ASBP player so I'd imagine someone has picked him up. Or at least tried.
apparently the Moose is going to USA gonna be sorely missed. gun player. Really think he'd be worth another shot at the nix
apparently the Moose is going to USA gonna be sorely missed. gun player. Really think he'd be worth another shot at the nix
Well our CBs are getting old and I think Boxall's off so maybe in a season or two.
Was at TeeDubs games last weekend.
Was in Melbourne last month.
I miss Musa's throw-ins