Geylang eye top three raid

By Daniel Teo

The Eagles, who finished fifth last season, have been craving for their first title since 2001.

And while adding another S.League trophy into their dusty cabinet this year remains a far-fetched target, Wong reckons a top-three finish is within the horizon.

"Top three? It is not a tall order," said the Geylang coach in a press conference on Wednesday afternoon.

"Balance in the team will be key if we were to upset the likes of Tampines Rovers, Singapore Armed Forces and Home United.

"But I believe we will give them a run for their money this season."

Asked if the club have achieved their targets for last year, he added: "We've achieved certain targets. One of which is being in the ‘top group' as we finished just six points behind SAFFC."

While Home United have been the biggest spenders in the pre-season, Geylang have been quite the opposite - signing just two players - Mohamed Sofiyan Bin Abdul Hamid from Balestier Khalsa and former Super Reds defender Joo Ki Hwan.

Wong also revealed plans to sign another striker while retaining the services of Romanian midfielder Vasile Ghindaru and South Korean defender Kim Jae-Hong.

"The club have retained both Vasile [Ghindaru] and Kim [Jae-Hong] in addition to our new defender Joo [Ki Hwan], who has impressed me with his composure and ability to marshal the defence."

"We're still looking at one more foreign signing and hopefully we can secure the services of a striker by the end of the month."

Geylang veteran goalkeeper Yazid Yasin also spoke of his targets for the new season.

Said the 31-year-old: "Personally I hope to remain injury-free throughout the season. But target wise, I prefer not to think about it as there is no point setting one if I don't perform in the first 15 or 16 games."

Geylang kick-off their 2011 Great Eastern-Yeo's S.League season against defending champions Etoile FC on 17 February at Bedok Stadium.