‘Whisper’ Richards set for Newcastle trial
KINGSTON College and Phoenix Academy forward Dujuan “Whisper” Richards is expected to go on a two-week trial with English Premier League outfit Newcastle United this week.
The Jamaica Observer has been reliably told that Richards received a British visa last week. And he is currently awaiting a Schengen visa, which allows him entry to some other countries in Europe for trials at a number of clubs.
When contacted Craig Butler, founder and president of Phoenix, confirmed Richards is to go on trial at one of teams currently in the top five of the English Premier League points standing, but he declined to name the club.
“It is one of the top five clubs in the English Premier League at the moment, but this is not something that is new to Phoenix,” said Butler.
“It is something that we have gone through before. We all know that the Phoenix players have been developed the proper way, good technique, good development and Whisper is one of those that is at the highest level,” he said.
Up to Sunday, Arsenal were atop the Premier League, with Manchester City, Newcastle United, Manchester United and Tottenham completing the top five.
“He [Richards] is going to England to do trial with a club there and we are looking forward to seeing him perform at that level and to make his path,” Butler said.
“He is a very talented young player and a very powerful young player and a very dedicated young player.
“I believe that it is now the right time to make the move to go and show what he can do so that when it is time for him to sign, he would have been wellknown and well appreciated by the clubs in England and mainland Europe,” the Phoenix boss added.
The 17-year-old Richards had an outstanding campaign in the just-ended schoolboy football season. He netted more than 30 goals, while providing 19 assists for Kingston College. He also received his senior Jamaica call-up to a training squad last week.
Butler pointed out that Richards has worked very hard to reach this far and has the potential to go on to become a very successful football player.
“I think that as a coach, a mentor and manager it is a lot of work but it is work that you are proud to do because he is a very good player, a humble player and he has a lot of potential,” he said.