The pulling power of the JC never ceases to amaze. Just a couple of weeks after I reported that Jamie Wolfson of Norstar London Raiders was going to live Hong Kong, I bring news of a big-money move.
No sooner had Wolfson started to settle down to life in the Far East than did Hong Kong Maccabi FC flex their muscles in the January transfer window and move for the wing wizard.
Indeed the HKM management team, led by Ben Myers, Adam Sandzer and Tim Cresner, had all flown to London on separate occasions during November and December to negotiate with the player, following raving reviews from Oakwood’s Ric Blank and Ilan Scorah.
Reports filtered back to Wolfson that HKM are unbeaten in their league in 18 months, having been crowned City League Division One and Division Two champions respectively, and Plate Cup winners in the 2013/2014 season.
The team remain unbeaten in the league this season, despite the departure of Daniel Gordon and Daniel Suissa, instrumental figures in the club’s set-up. They returned to the UK in the summer, leaving the young management team to describe the acquisition of Wolfson as “possibly the club’s biggest ever signing”.
The player himself has made an internal transfer with Ernst & Young to Hong Kong which will allow him to continue his consultancy profession on the side of HKM duties.
Wolfson made his debut in Tuesday’s top-of-the-table clash under the floodlights in Sha Tin. He came off the bench during the second half and helped HKM win 1-0.
An HKM spokesman said: “Wolfson looked sharp but he still needs time to acclimatise to the ex-pat lifestyle in the Special Administrative Region.
"But if he shows anything close to the form and service he has given Raiders, there is every chance Hong Kong Maccabi will retain their crown as league champions this term.”
* Dan Garman has refused to comment on rumours linking him with a move to arch rivals Manchester Maccabi. The AFC Flixton goalkeeper was seen in Coopers Deli discussing the possibility of a transfer with Ashley Loofe as he was unhappy with the manor of the his team’s first defeat.
* Adam Warner told me he is relishing life as a Masters swimmer. The Team Maccabi GB star, 25, claimed three golds and a silver at his first event, the South East region masters championships in Crawley. He is now aiming to compete at the Masters World Championships in Kazan later this year. Adam said: “I know I still need to work hard if I want to achieve my target for August."
* London Maccabi Vale, the only Jewish team to run a colts cricket section, are looking for new players, from Years 4-10. Indoor training is under way in Borehamwood, with matches and outdoor training commencing at the end of April. For details, call Tony Wise on 07951 953313.