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Writes: Evan Halliday
Former Polish league champions, Legia Warsaw, have made four exciting signings to bolster their squad, bringing in Everton’s Rhyce Ramsden and Martin Heald, followed by Portsmouth stars Jamie Tregaskiss and Thomas Atkinson, all of whom played a vital role in England’s recent Nations League triumph.
“I am delighted that some of the players have been given the opportunity to play over in Poland, getting much-deserved recognition for all their hard work and sacrifice is extremely pleasing,” said England Head Coach, Scott Rogers.
“It also indicates that our England set up is heading in the right direction in terms of development and progression, the lads playing further, high-level games in addition to what they are already doing can only benefit the national team long term.”
The Lions will still compete in the EAFA league for their respective clubs while also travelling over to Poland to wear the white of Legia Warsaw.
Everton captain Martin Heald and Pompey keeper Thomas Atkinson will bring solidity and class to the Polish outfit’s backline while forwards Rhyce and Jamie add a certainty of goals and are guaranteed to get the lively Legia fans off their seat.
“I’m looking forward to playing in a new league with some of my England teammates, it’ll be tough but a great experience and we’re all very excited to go over there and show what we can do,” said Heald.
“I feel ready and confident, coming off the back of a double with Everton, I’m hopeful that I can continue to achieve and win trophies.”
Pompey’s 19-year-old shot-stopper, also had his mind on silverware: “I aim to win every game I play in and with Legia it will be no different, with the talent already there and the quality recruitment, we have the potential to do something special and have a very good season.”
“The idea of a new challenge, in a new league, new country really excited me as it’s another opportunity to test myself against some of the best players in the world, obviously Legia are one of, if not the biggest club in Poland so that was the perfect landing spot for me.
“The fans of Legia are especially top quality and as are those of plenty other teams, the combination of a new country and a structure in place to help me succeed, leads me to be very excited about the future,” Atkinson added.
Along Everton’s journey to a league and cup win, winger Rhyce Ramsden popped up with numerous important goals, continuing his Nations League form in front of goal into the business end of the blues’ campaign, making the Legia gaffer keen to bring the Bolton man to the Polish capital.
“The manager got in touch and expressed his interest in me and a couple of the England lads, it’s a great opportunity to play against people you don’t usually compete against week in week out and any chance to get more football under my belt is a chance I’ll jump at,” Rhyce said.
The lads will get their first chance to show the Polish competition what they’re all about next month (October 14th) as they are set to make their league debuts.
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