South Hobart sign Scottish defender
Thursday, 10 July 2014 - Damian Gill
Tasmania’s sole entrant in the Westfield FFA Cup, South Hobart, have bolstered their squad ahead of their Round of 32 tie against Tuggeranong United next month, bringing in a boom Scottish recruit.
Defender Scott Lamont comes into the star studded South Hobart squad after playing football in the USA, spending last season with St Louis Lions in the United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League – a high standard of competition at what is considered the third tier of football in the country.
Coach Ken Morton was elated in unveiling his latest signing, adding his new star Scot to an impressive squad that has his side six points clear on top of the Victory League table and in the box seat to go back to back.
“We have a long season ahead of us with both local and national competitions on the horizon and we want to make a splash in the Westfield FFA Cup, so we were keen to bring in further quality to boost our squad for the big games ahead,” Morton said.
“He is a quality player that comes highly recommended to the club, a defensive player with versatility to play through midfield or at the back from a high standard of competition overseas and we welcome him into the club with open arms."
Lamont has landed in the Victory League through his connections with enigmatic South Hobart forward Ben Hamlett, the pair having played together in the USA College system and have stayed in touch since their days at Mountain State University.
"I graduated college and was looking to play somewhere else and fancied a change. I played with Ben Hamlett in our freshman year over in the US so we've kept in touch and it just kind of went from there,” said Lamont.
"Ben and I had a bit of a connection on and off the field so cannot wait to get back playing with him.”
The 23 year old defender said the professionalism of the club also drew him to Tasmania.
"I can't wait to come and get playing right away, I have been playing all summer at a good standard so I’m feeling fit and raring to go,” said Lamont.
"Ken has been really helpful in making the move happen so I look forward to repaying his faith in me.
“After looking into them (South Hobart) a lot, they look like a really well run club and when I spoke to Ken on the phone he sounded like a good coach so that helped me make my decision.”
Lamont will have just under a month to find his feet and develop an understanding on the field with his new team mates before South Hobart hosts Capital Football’s Tuggeranong United.
