SONG LAM NGHE AN KEEP FAITH WITH VAN QUYEN

HANOI (3 March 2010) – Despite him having only played a mere 45 minutes in the last four matches of the V-League, Song Lam Nghe An have decided to offer former national striker Van Quyen a new three-year deal with a monthly wage of VND30 million (USD1,700).

After four matches into 2010 season, Song Lam Nghe An are placed 12th in the 14-team V-League.

But Song Lam Nghe An’s faith in Van Quyen might be justified where in 2008, the latter had refused attractive invitations from Ninh Binh and T&T Hanoi to extend his contract with Song Lam Nghe An for a further two years.

At that time, he received VND800 million (USD42,000) of fees and monthly wage of VND20 million (USD1,100). His two-year contract will expire in January 2011.

Before V-League 2009, Song Lam Nghe An club was privatized and lost some key players, including striker Le Cong Vinh. The company’s major shareholder – the Northeastern Bank – asked the firm to try to hold on to regulars like Huy Hoang and Van Quyen. Hoang committed stay with the team under a year to year contract.

The total compensation package offered Quyen is said to be worth VND8 billion (USD420,000).

Previously, Ninh Binh paid VND8 billion (USD367,000) to Nhu Thanh (from Binh Duong club) and Viet Thang (Dong Tam Long An) while T&T Hanoi paid VND7 billion (USD367,000) to have Le Cong Vinh from Song Lam Nghe An.

But Van Quyen has a dotted past where before the V-League 2010 season, he was fined VND5 million (USD262) for violating the team’s rules.

He recently suffered from a traffic accident, which has affected his performance.