Quieter base is fine for Fenlon
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JIM Fenlon has swapped London for Dingwall – now the 20-year-old can’t wait to show he can be a North star for Ross County.
The former AFC Wimbledon right-back was confirmed as one of four additional summer signings on Monday along with fellow defenders Jordi Balk, Tim Dreesen and Ben Frempah.
Highly thought of at the English League Two club after making 41 appearances in the last two terms, he knocked back the chance of a new contract to seek a fresh challenge and was thrilled to be offered that chance by Staggies boss Derek Adams.
He told the NS: "I was with AFC Wimbledon from the age of 15 and I came through the youth ranks there. I got a professional contract two years ago and I have mainly been in the first-team there. Last season though was a bit frustrating for me and I didn’t get as many chances of playing as I should have.
"I turned down a contract at Wimbledon at the end of last season and I had been looking for a new club. Ross County contacted my agent and I jumped at the opportunity. I just now want to test myself at this level.
"I have been here for a few weeks now and it’s been really enjoyable. Everyone has been very welcoming since I arrived. I have signed for a year with an option to extend it after that."
He added: "I’m looking forward to getting started. The area is obviously really quiet when you compare it to London, but that can help my focus fully on the football.
"I was surprised by how impressive the facilities are here to be honest.
"Everything is based in the one place and the stadium looks great, so it’s fine."
County are away to Highland League hosts Nairn County on Saturday before heading to the Netherlands next week and Fenlon stressed: "The squad are looking forward to the trip to Holland next week and the game against FC Twente, who are a really good side. It will be a good challenge as we prepare for the new season."
Meanwhile, Frempah wasted no time in dealing with being shown the door at English Premiership newcomers Leicester City in May.
The 19-year-old, who formed a fine central defensive partnership with Scott Boyd in the weekend’s 3-0 win at Elgin City, jumped at the chance to join Scotland’s top league this week with Ross County.
Despite coming from such a high profile English club, Frempah insists he expects to work hard every day to make manager Adams consider him for a starting shirt.
He said: "This is a change of environment, but I am getting used to things and am settling in well. I am really looking forward to the challenge that the Scottish game can offer me.
"I hope that I can make a push for the team. I just want to make sure that I do all the right things in training. If I work hard and impress in training then I hope I can be considered. That’s what everyone’s goal is, to get regular first-team football.
"My contract was up at Leicester and I didn’t get offered a new one, so I was looking to bounce back as quickly as I could. As soon as Ross County showed an interest in me I thought this was the right move for me at this present time.
"I had opportunities at home, but I was ready for this and I will get my head down and work hard."
Frempah, who described himself as a "strong, tough tackling centre half", added: "I know there are a number of good teams in this league, many of a really decent standard. I hope I get my chance to play my part for Ross County."
