HEALEY: what I've heard around the HFX Wanderers so far this off-season
The Rolling Stones tell us time waits for no one but I think it's high time for a news-related re-write given the overwhelming plethora of CPL storylines. If Mick Jagger had instead quipped footy news waits for no one (and I mean, he may have as an avid Arsenal supporter), I wouldn't bat an eye.
Now I get that this time of year is always hectic for football fans of every stripe — January's days marching steadily towards the end of the transfer window — but things seem especially dizzying of late for CPL fans. The last week in particular has been a rollercoaster.
From the collapse of Canada Soccer Business' deal with MediaPro and ensuing court battle, the release of the 2024 CPL schedule, multiple player signings and transfers, we've officially entered what Sportsnet reporter Elliotte Friedman likes to call silly season; news and rumours are as plentiful as fog in St. Margaret's Bay.
You'd be forgiven for being behind on the cycle. I typically pride myself for being in the know and can't seem to keep up with everyone going on.
Which brings us to this column; it is not the column I planned to write.
This off-season, I've been endeavouring to keep things simple for my CPL coverage through my 8 CPL Thoughts columns and weekly updates on my podcast, the Healey & Bailey Notebook.
But yesterday's news about Callum Watson made me feel like I should put out the tidbits of information I've gathered over the winter before the Wanderers start publishing their signings on Jan. 31. It's about time I start ramping up and producing this blog's namesake.
So, without further ado, here's what I've heard around the Wanderers so far this off-season in what I can only describe as a hodgepodge of news and notes.
Watson transferred to Chattanooga FC
By now, you'll have heard that the Wanderers have sold midfielder Callum Watson to MLS Next Pro's Chattanooga FC for an undisclosed fee. Although we don't know the terms of the deal, it seems a good fit given Watson previously had offers to trial with MLS clubs before opting to sign with the Wanderers last off-season. This move guarantees young Watson the opportunity to try and make his mark on the next rung of the North American football pyramid and makes good on Wanderers founder and president Derek Martin's talk of selling players this off-season. I heard earlier in the off-season that something might be in the works — although I don't know if there were other clubs involved —and am happy to see the club get this deal over the line.
Fernandez will start the season in Halifax
Now for a deal that didn't work out. I previously reported 22-year old Zachary Fernandez was perhaps the likeliest candidate to be sold by the Wanderers this off-season; he had put together two very good CPL campaigns, was young and had showcased his match-breaking talent. Heading into the holiday season, multiple clubs in Europe and North America were interested. I'm told talks progressed but ultimately fell apart due to financial matters, meaning Fernandez will be back in Halifax to fulfill the last year of his contract. Although I'm sure this is hard on the player, this doesn't mean he won't be sold in the future should he continue to impress in Wanderers blue (Goteh Ntignee is a good example of a player being sold mid-season).
Wanderers get their business done early
One of the goals I set for myself starting this project was to talk to as many people in the Canadian football landscape as possible. The result of that is — be it through match day chats, phone calls and Instagram DM's — I've gotten a sense for how clubs operate. People talk. And when it comes to the Wanderers this off-season, I'm told they wanted to get their business done early this year for a number of reasons. Firstly, I think it allows the coaching staff to solidify their tactical plans for the year well ahead of time. It also sets them up so that if a player opportunity arises, they know what they can and can't do. Suffice it to say, Jan. 31 will showcase all the work the Wanderers have done these last few months.
Jury still out on Aparicio
As I've reported previously, pretty well every club in the CPL touched base with Manny Aparicio's camp to gauge interest. A total of five clubs were fully in the hunt — with the Wanderers being one of them — to start the off-season. He had offers on the table to make him the highest paid player in the CPL with a multi-year contract to bring him into his 30s. But with MLS camps in full swing, the jury is still out on where Aparicio will play in 2024. I've been told he covets a chance at an MLS side but don't know if he'll decide to return to the CPL after officially saying goodbye to Pacific FC earlier this month. The Wanderers, like everyone else, will have to wait and see.
Wanderers sign Giorgio Probo
I reported on Jan. 17 that 24-year old Italian Giorgio Probo has signed with the Wanderers. I had the opportunity to speak with his college coach, Johnny Torres, and think Probo will fit seamlessly into Patice Gheisar's system after our conversation. To put it simply, Probo was arguably one of the best collegiate footballers in America last year and was coveted by MLS Next Pro and USL clubs for a reason. I think he's going to be very, very good as a No. 10. One thing I did want to note was my process for publishing transfer news. Typically, the club does not comment on transfer rumours so reporters have to do their due diligence before publishing any news. For myself — being reporter, editor and publisher of this fine outfit — this means collecting information and corroborating it with multiple sources to ensure what I write is accurate to the best of my knowledge. Although I'm not a full-time football journalist, I take this very seriously.
A familiar face returns in Gagnon-Laparé
It may seem like an about-face to some but the return of Jérémy Gagnon-Laparé makes a lot of sense. I'm not certain on the exact details of his departure last winter (officially, the club listed the roster move as not exercising their option) but I've been told both sides felt good with the way things were handled. And now Gagnon-Laparé finds himself back in blue, this time surrounded by a much better squad. I think the Wanderers, pending their unannounced additions, are shaping up to have the best midfielders in the league and Gagnon-Laparé will only add to it with his passing and leadership. Given the departures of Mo Omar, Ryan James and Doneil Henry, I think the Wanderers needed another veteran.
Perruzza likely headed out on loan again
Just a small note but I've had multiple people tell me TFC's Jordan Perruzza will almost definitely be headed out on loan again this year. Generally, his loan to the Wanderers was lauded as a success by Toronto media as he received minutes and starts. Perruzza is currently at TFC's camp in Florida but I wonder if there'd be any interest in bringing him back to the East Coast.
Wanderers ask for public support
I don't profess to be an expert on municipal matters (please check out The Coast's excellent Grand Parade podcast to better understand the nuances of the situation and how city hall works) but the club recently started asking the public to sign up to support their proposal for a $40-million modular stadium at the Wanderers Grounds. 25 letters of support for the Wanderers from various businesses and community organizations were submitted along with the initial presentation. I'm sure we'll hear more in short order.
Cover Photo Credit: Halifax Wanderers FC
