Sport
'Mannie will take Lions Blue to the next level,' says Marchant
Sam Marchant expressed delight after confirming former Player of the Year Liron Mannie has joined Maccabi London Lions Blue from North London Raiders.
October 3, 2017 15:40
Sam Marchant expressed delight after confirming former Player of the Year Liron Mannie has joined Maccabi London Lions Blue from North London Raiders.
October 3, 2017 15:40Marchant revealed the clubs have been in talks for several weeks and that Lions “couldn’t be happier with the outcome”.
Attacking-midfielder Mannie has a tremendous work ethic and helped Raiders win the Peter Morrison Trophy for the first time last season. This was the culmination in a purple patch where Raiders won back-to-back Premier Division and Cyril Anekstein Cup doubles. As well as team success, Mannie won the coveted Player of the Year title in 2014/15 and his arrival is seen as a major coup.
Marchant told JC Sport: “Last season we tried to get this same deal over the line but it wasn’t meant to be, so it’s a fantastic feeling for the club to be able to make it happen this year.
“Liron is a former MGBSFL Player of the Year and Golden Boot winner and will undoubtedly add a lot to the team with his pace, skill and game-changing abilities.
“This is something we’ve specifically been looking to bring in this season in order to make an impression in our first season in the Premier.
“Liron also brings with him a top-class attitude and mentality and the players have all expressed their excitement and anticipation to begin training and playing alongside the new signing”.
Mannie was quick to thank NLR boss Dan Shafron, Head of Logistics Rob Richman and his team-mates for “three great seasons at the club”.
He told JC Sport: “NLR was my first experience of Jewish football and what an experience it was.
“With Jake Doffman and Nicky Lewis leaving the club, one would think the performances would have crumbled, but far from that. They have improved since last season and I know they will go on to achieve great things.
“I look forward to meeting up with the new lads at the club. Sam has surpassed all expectations, particularly beating the so-called Maccabi London Lions A team in the first game of the season.
“Again, our team will take on the ‘A team’, and I know we can make it two wins from two in the league. Easy win! COYL!"