Millwall

PUT A LIONS JERSEY ON

16 August 2007

Millwall are expected to announce the signing of Jersey striker Peter Vincenti.

The 21-year-old, who can play as an attacking midfielder or up front, has been on trial at Millwall for the past two weeks and has impressed manager Willie Donachie enough to earn a permanent contract.

The club were confident of completing the deal after holding a round of talks with Jersey Footballer of the Year Vincenti, 21, who plays for the island’s champions St Peters, at the Den yesterday.

Vincenti said: “I'm delighted, this is a great opportunity for me and hopefully I can move forward. It's a big step up and over the past two weeks I've played two 90-minute games against Tooting and Mitcham and Sutton United and came on as a sub against Kingstonian.

“It's a big step up and I know I still have a lot of hard work to do with regard to my fitness - especially with my body strength.

“This is a great opportunity for me and I really want to make something out of it.”

Vincenti, who only recently finished a degree at De La Salle University, was recommended to Millwall by St Peter official Brian Foulser.

James Ollivio, who has played against Vincenti for Jersey outfit Grouville, said: “He normally played as an attacking midfielder but also played the odd game up front.

“He is good in the tackle, has very good ball distribution and must be about 6 foot 2 inches tall so is good in the air. He is a good all-round footballer.

“He must have got between fifteen and 20 goals last year. He went to university but still managed to get Jersey’s Footballer of the Year award.”

Donachie said: “There is nothing definite but we are trying hard to bring someone in. I am actually with a player and talking to him at the moment.

“We have always been looking to boost the squad.

“Last year Sheffield United got promoted with six strikers. I don’t want that amount but you can’t get enough good players – especially good strikers.”

With the Darren Byfield situation remaining unresolved and the transfer window two weeks away from closure, Donachie has acted to add to the three strikers he has at the club.

However, after Millwall followed up a goalless draw at Doncaster with a 2-0 defeat at Northampton on Tuesday night, he still believes the current forward trio can get the goals needed to push the club up the table.

Donachie said: “I was disappointed with losing to Northampton but there were some positive things.

“We created a lot of chances and as long as you’re doing that you will be okay. It is when you’re not that you begin to get worried.

“As long as we carry on doing this I know we will score. I know that Gary Alexander, Ben May and Neil Harris are working hard in training and it’s a matter of time before we score.” 

Donachie’s backing came in the week that May vowed to use sniping comments from Millwall supporters to his own advantage.

The frontman was targeted by some Den fans last term after injury prevented him from repeating the impact of his ten-goal Championship contribution in 2005/06.

And May believes the criticism will spur him on to repeat the form of two years ago.

He said: “I believe I can do it and believe in my own ability but I truly believe in the adage that you’re only as good as you’re last game.

“Supporters don’t remember a couple of years ago – they only remember your last game.

“Even though I remember I can’t keep living off that. I have to carry on and have a better season than two years ago.

“It does hurt how fans have forgotten about me. I had a bit of stick last season and it was not nice.

“In my younger days I had seen it happen to other players at Millwall and I hoped to god that it would never happen to me.

“I don’t want it to happen again, and the best way to make sure it doesn’t is by doing my best.

“Last year was not nice. I was kicking myself because I wanted to play but it was not happening but now I feel fit and ready and want it more than ever.”

Also motivating the 23-year-old is the desire to prove manager Willie Donachie made the right decision to let fellow forwards Poul Hubertz and Marvin Williams leave the club.

“I’m really happy with that,” said May. “I’m not happy about them leaving, but I’m really glad that Willie Donachie put his faith in me.

“I didn’t play much last season but he has stuck by me and I want to repay him by getting as many goals as I can for the club.”

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