Singapore Premier League • April 25, 2014

Walid Adapting Well to Stewart’s Reign at Woodlands

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Written By: Muhammad Yazid

One of the acquisitions made by Woodlands Wellington for the 2014 Great Eastern Yeo’s S.League campaign, Walid Lounis has adapted well to life in his new club and he attributed it to the support he has received from the fans so far.

“The supporters of Woodlands are the best group I have ever seen in the S.League and that adds to why I’m loving it here in Woodlands,” Walid said.

Walid was not the only new signing made by Woodlands for the Great Eastern Yeo’s S.League 2014 campaign, with coach Darren Stewart among the new faces at the club.

“Coach’s philosophy is simple; train hard and put together everything we learn. All he demands is effort and training hard. He’s a good tactician and we are able to follow his game plan so far,” the 1.83m defender commented.

The Rams were going on a good unbeaten run which lasted till the sixth match, where they eventually lost to Warriors 1-0.

They have claimed two wins in the season so far; the first being a 1-0 win over Tanjong Pagar United and the second being their latest, impressive and morale-boosting 2-1 win over reigning champions Tampines Rovers.

“Of course we feel good beating the champions because we entered the game as underdogs,” Walid said.

“We knew our coach had given us a clear game plan which we stuck to as a team and got rewarded.”

However, Walid insisted there was more to come from the northern-based side.

“Everything has been good so far. We are gelling very well together, on and off the pitch. I can see that we are improving day by day,” he said.

“We have gained ten points in eight games. We are happy with what we have and the boys are working hard everyday to achieve better.

“People may only look at the ten points and think it is low for eight games but we are improving everyday and have only lost twice.”

The Tunisian-born player will be leading the backline with Serbian partner Milos Jevtic once again in Woodlands’ next game against Geylang International, where a win will put them above the Eagles.

The defensive duo have been very impressive throughout this season, as they constantly gave opposing strikers a difficult time.

“Geylang has changed a lot since I left. I still do have a good memory from my time in the club winning the Singapore Cup,” the 31-year-old said.

“But it will be a close affair this Saturday as both teams are improving. There is no easy game in the S.League so we will just go out there to do our job and see how it goes for 90 minutes.”

To witness Woodlands try and extend their winning streak to two games in a trot, catch Walid and his army battle it out against Geylang this Saturday at the Bedok stadium.