By Martin Morgan

Last updated at 12:49, Wednesday, 18 November 2009

The British game’s only Serbian pro Soni Radovanovic has signed his first twelve month contract with Whitehaven.

Soni with Ged Stokes

The 21-year-old joined Haven mid-way through last season and the club plan to keep him busy next term – on and off the field.

“Soni has raw ability, as he proved last season, and coach Ged Stokes has backed him to kick on,” said Gary Hewer, Haven’s head of development.

“I was involved with the Serbian national team this year, and Soni was outstanding, regardless of results.

“I’m sure with a full off-season behind him, he will play first-team football next year. He has to develop further but he’s come a long way.

“We’ve linked him up with a local family that will give him a support package. Soni will also feature in community development work and we’ll put him through a basic coaching programme.”

Radovanovic made only three first-team appearances in his debut campaign, and Stokes believes he will step up next year.

Haven are still looking for additional fresh talent for 2010 and are casting their net overseas, as well as much closer to home in the local amateur game.

First published at 11:37, Wednesday, 18 November 2009
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk