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ELLIOTT SIGNS FOR FULHAM
All Whites midfielder Simon Elliott has followed in Ryan Nelsen's sprig marks all they way to the English premiership.
The 31-year-old Wellingtonian has reportedly joined Fulham on a free transfer from MLS club Columbus Crew and could make his premiership debut as early as the West Londoner's January 2 match against visiting cellar-dwellers Sunderland.
Sunderland manager Mick McCarthy had ironically also been chasing Elliott's signature, convinced the Kiwi could help save the club from relegation.
Elliott's deal of a lifetime comes after the stunning emergence of Nelsen at Blackburn Rovers after the All Whites skipper's free transfer from (Washington) DC United in January.
Capped 54 times by the All Whites and with eight international goals to his name, Elliott is now in a race with little-known Fulham reserve team midfielder Chris James to become the fourth New Zealander to play in England's top flight behind Lee Norfolk, Danny Hay and Nelsen.
Fulham manager Chris Cole has reportedly swooped on the Kiwi international on the recommendation of Fulham's American striker Brian McBride, a former Columbus player. Coleman was also impressed by Elliott when the All White helped Columbus beat Fulham 2-1 in pre-season friendly.
Elliott is set to become a regular starter for the Craven Cottage club with Coleman resigned to losing star defensive midfielder Papa Boupa Diop in
next month's transfer window.
Despite being overlooked for the All Whites sole 2005 international against Australia in London in June, Elliott has been granted a work permit in England thanks to his regular appearances for New Zealand.
Elliott joined Columbus in December 2004 after five seasons with the LA Galaxy and has made 149 appearances in the MLS, winning the 2000 Concacaf Champions Cup, 2001 US Open Cup and 2002 MLS Cup. He was also named Los Angeles MVP in 2000. |
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發表於 2005-12-18 17:58:43
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