Trinidad and Tobago midfielder Trent Noel ended last season as CLICO San Juan Jabloteh captain, spent his pre-season with United Petrotrin and is set to compete in the 2009 Digicel Pro League as a Joe Public employee.
Noel could not be reached for comment on his surprise move from Petrotrin. However, King is happy to welcome the former Jabloteh linchpin to Public's Macoya headquarters.
"We are short on experience in the midfield department," said King. "Dale (Saunders) is 35 so we need someone else there to help provide leadership in the middle of the park. And Trent also fits the style of football we play."
There were seven debutants in the Public line-up on Friday, including goal scorer Akeil Guevara, as they edged Caledonia AIA of Morvant/ Laventille 3-2 at Marvin Lee Stadium in the first game of the season.
Noel did not feature in Public's opener and will miss Tuesday's clash with Defence Force as well because of his late registration. But the versatile midfielder and set piece expert can make his debut on May 19 when Public travel to Marabella to face newly-admitted outfit, FC South End. Noel scored 16 goals last season as Jabloteh won the Pro League, Toyota Classic and Lucozade Big Six titles.