Failla, Mifsud complete Sliema move

Sliema Wanderers FC underlined their strong ambitions for season 2009/10 when they made the double signing of winger Clayton Failla and defender Josef Mifsud official yesterday.

Failla, who won the league championship with Hibs last month, held talks with other Premier League clubs over the past weeks but opted to join the Blues on a long-term contract until 2014 after protracted negotiations.

Mifsud's move to Sliema was more straightforward as the former international defender took little time to agree personal terms on a five-year deal after Sliema had reached an agreement with Valletta over his signature.

Failla, favourite to win the MFA Player of the Year award this week, was presented to the media yesterday and he was looking forward to this new challenge.

"I'm honoured to be joining the most successful team in Maltese football," the 23-year-old said.

"I'm grateful to Sliema president Steve Abela and main sponsor Robert Arrigo to have given me this opportunity and I'm determined to give my all for my new club.

"After four years with Hibernians, where I won all major domestic honours, I felt the time was right for me to seek a new challenge. I'm still hungry for success and I have no doubt that with Sliema I can reach most of my objectives."

Abela said that Failla's signing was a great coup for the club, winners of the FA Trophy last season.

"Failla is without question one of the top players in the Premier League and he will be a useful addition to the squad. He is young and talented and a perfect reflection of the future of our club," Abela said.

The transfer campaign for the Wanderers is not over though.

"We are not going to stop here," Abela added.

"We are also very close to acquire the services of Ryan Fenech, on loan from Ħamrun Spartans, and Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza who is set to sign a four-year contract.

"Our plan is that in two years' time Sliema Wanderers will be in a position to challenge strongly for the league title. So far, the signings of Failla and Mifsud put us in a good position to reach that target."

Robert Arrigo, a former club president, said: "As main sponsor of this club I'm always open to help whenever possible.

"During my time as president we won several honours. Now, there's a new team of administrators who are doing a great job.

"I promise to continue backing Sliema. These were two valid transfers we made and the committee is looking to add more new signings to make this team even stronger and, perhaps, add more honours to an unparalleled list of successes in Maltese football."

Euro Cup draw

The Malta FA will be holding the draw for the Euro Cup this evening at its offices in Ta' Qali.

The competition, open for the four Maltese teams in UEFA club competitions this summer, will be played on a round robin format between June 22 and 26.

The four participants are champions Hibernians, FA Trophy holders Sliema, league runners-up Valletta and third-placed Birkirkara.