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Wednesday July 30, 2008

James wants to quit Kedah due to Earthquakes

PETALING JAYA: Hot-shot Marlon Alex James wants to quit Kedah immediately although his contract with the Canaries only ends on Aug 31.

He has two reasons for wanting out.

The two-time Golden Boot winner says that he and team-mate Bernard Huggins have received offers to play in the Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States.

“Huggins and I have received offers to play for San Jose Earthquakes in the MSL,” said James in a telephone interview from Alor Star yesterday.

“I have been offered a two-year contract and I have set my heart on a move and to take on a new challenge.”

The second reason for his decision to walk out on the Canaries is the FA of Malaysia’s (FAM) proposal to do away with foreign players next season.

James said this was disconcerting as their future was at stake.

“I am also disappointed that even my own coach (Mohd Azraai Khor) fully supports FAM’s proposal. I worry about my future and that of my family too.

“We (the foreigners) have made strong contributions to the Kedah team and it is disheartening to read such negative remarks by my coach in the local dailies,” said James, who is the top scorer in the Super League with 23 goals.

James, Huggins and Nelson Sam Martin have played key roles in Kedah’s road to the Treble – winning the Super League, FA Cup and Malaysia Cup titles – last season.

This year, Kedah are on the verge of a repeat, having won the Super League and FA Cup titles and qualifying for the Malaysia Cup quarter-finals.

James said he had spoken to the Kedah management about his decision to leave.

“I have made a decision and I want out ... the sooner the better,” James said.

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