Joe Public became the first club in the T&T professional league to have signed a player from the Asian continent, more-so Japan.
On Monday Joe Public signed Mr. Yu Hoshide on a 6-month contract (12-Jul-09 - 31-Dec-09) as they look to strengthen their side in search of some silverware this season.
The Eastern Lions were fruitless last season but are determined to push for every trophy available to them for the remainder of this season.
The former Meiji University player will suit up for the Eastern Lions and will more than likely sport the number 18 jersery, which he likes off course. He could be introduced as early as Public's next game at home against table-propers Tobago United on Saturday July 18th.
The diminutive midfielder played in his native Japan for Kataller Toyama of the JFL from 2000 - 2007 and scored 40 goals from the midfield. In 2008 he headed to the United States and had stints with USL clubs Harrisburg City Islanders and Northern Virginia Royals.
While there he became close friends with our very own Fabien Lewis. The former Naparima College defender who now plies his trade with Real Maryland Monarchs was the one who introduced Mr. Yu to me, who in turn assisted him in obtaining a trial with the Eastern Lions. Mr. Yu was quite impressive on his first trial with the Pro League title chasers and as a result was offered a short-term contract. It should also be mentioned that Joe Public were very co-operative during the process, particularly Mr. Jack and Daryll Warner.
Hoshide (星出悠), 31, who was born on August 16th, 1977 in the city of Tokyo took some time off to talk with Soca Warriors Online about his ambition and expectation of his new found life.
"I love the way of Joe Public plays soccer. It is simple, but very effective. The style is very close to what I have played in Japan. The team is very well formed and skillfull".
"During my trial with Joe Public I was very impress with JP number 6 (I do not know their names as yet). He does not stand out from the other players, but I have noticed often that he pays very close attention to his position in relation to other players.
I also, noticed that the number 4 player has a very good move on the field. The other players who were impressive were their number 7, 8 and 10. I have paid close attention to their movement on the field and they are very good. They also treated me very nice and welcomed me with open arms."
"I will do my best for the team and hopefully be an asset to help them excel in the league".
Yu Hoshide also touched on his first experience in the Caribbean.
"I choose T&T to play my game because I like pass and skill soccer. I also love the weather, but most of all, the people in Trinidad are very nice. Everybody was so nice to me. I would like to say thank you to Joe Public for providing a very nice place to stay and it was very comfortable".
"I have never been treated this nice during any of my trial period. I would also like to thank the staff for assisting me during the practice sessions so I was able to concentrate on playing soccer".
"As for the food in T&T. I love the food especially the chicken. Trinidad has very tasty and spicy chicken. I would also love to visit the beaches too, but for now, I’d like to concentrate on playing soccer and helping my new team", ended Yu.
PERSONAL HONORS:
2003: State Select (Toyama) - All Japan Runner Up
2003: Japan Football League All Star - Myanmar/Indonesia Tour
2000: State Select (Toyama) - All Japan Champion; League Assit King