Soccer: praise attracts two more to Red Devils

TIM O'CONNOR
26 Mar, 2010 11:48 PM

A RAVE review from defender Michael Leslie has helped the Ballarat Red Devils secure two more English imports.

Leigh Sissons and Sam Winch will join the squad for the 2010 Football Federation Victoria men's state league two season, while Leslie returns for his second season with the Haymes Red Devils.

Childhood friends, Leslie and Sissons jetted into Australia from England earlier this week and had their first training session with the squad on Thursday, while Winch misses the first match of the season

on April 10 for personal reasons.

Sissons, a 22-year-old right-footed left winger, said he had seen all of the Red Devils' matches from 2009 on DVD, and liked what he saw.

"Michael (Leslie) had all the DVDs, so I know what to expect," said Sissons, who played much of his football over the past three years with Leeds University.

"I think it's good _ there are some really good players .th.th I think I can fit in pretty well."

Sissons was looking forward to the start of the season, and hoped to help the Red Devils improve on their rather disappointing campaign in 2009.

"I can't wait. We are half-way through our season back home, so I'm pretty fit already," he said.

Leslie, who returned home to England after being named the Red Devils' most consistent and runner-up in the best and fairest last season, is also hoping for bigger and better things in 2010.

"I'm basically back to win the best and fairest this season, if possible," he said.

"We have got lots to improve on as a team. Last year I think we struggled most of the season, but hopefully we've got a stronger side this year and we will push on for that championship."

* BALLARAT Red Devils will officially release their new playing kit tonight.

The shirt, created by new manufacturer Pelada, which has signed on for the next two seasons, features a new design.

The home and away kit will be unveiled at the season launch at The Heritage on Lydiard St.

http://www.thecourier.com.au/news/local/sport/football-soccer/soccer-praise-attracts-two-more-to-red-devils/1787707.aspx