T-Team pulling in supporters

Source: NST Online

THE future looks bright for T-Team.

At least the Kuala Terengganu club side will no longer play their home matches to an almost empty stadium when the new season starts on Jan 8.

More than 3,000 fans turned up at Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah Stadium in Kuala Terengganu yesterday when the team unveiled their new players and jerseys for the new season.

Head coach Peter Butler said the number of supporters are likely to rise as local residents are taking second looks at T-Team, now known as the Titans.

"I heard that T-Team could hardly sell 100 tickets in the past but I think that is about to change judging by the crowd at the stadium today (yesterday).

"The people know that we are a new team now under new management, with new players and most importantly with new hope," he said.

The 46-year-old English coach who is also the team manager, said local residents are beginning to see that the Titans are serious in their quest to challenge for honours in all competition in the new season.

"They know that we have brought in quality foreign players -- George Boateng and Caleb Folan -- in addition to making wholesale changes to the team.

"Most of our players are young and unknown but I have a feeling a few of them will become a household name not long from now," said Butler who announced in a press conference at the stadium Boateng, the former Dutch international and Aston Villa player as co-team captain.

The 37-year-old Ghana-born will however share the responsibility of leading the team with former Terengganu captain Marzuki Yusof who has joined T-Team at the end of this season.

"Both players are leaders on the field and for the time being while Marzuki is recuperating from knee injury, Boateng will wear the armband.

"I am truly happy to see all the players get along wonderfully with one another and this is one of the key ingredients for success," he said.

Boateng who used to play with the former Ireland international at Hull City almost 10 years ago, predicts a great start for the Titans.

"I know we are practically a new team but under coach Butler, we are a very fit and very hungry for success.

"I am a winner personally and I will do whatever it takes to win a trophy or two as I want the people in this country to remember my name," he said.

Meanwhile, 31-year-old Marzuki said he has no problem with Boateng being named as co-captain of the team.

"I know how great a player Boateng is and it is truly an honour for me just to be in the same team with him," he said.