CHAMAL FENELON has turned over a new leaf according to Redhill manager Mike Maher, who admits he is taking a "gamble" on the much-travelled striker.
It is almost easier to list the clubs Fenelon has not played for, with the striker having turned out for everyone from Havant & Waterlooville to Dorking Wanderers, Lewes to Three Bridges, as well as trials at Football League clubs, including Crewe Alexandra, Port Vale and Brighton & Hove Albion.
But the striker, who had a spell at Kiln Brow under Simon Colbran, has committed to Redhill and boss Maher is hopeful that things will be different this time around.
"Cham contacted me. He's a player I get on with very well and we've stayed in touch after his first spell at Redhill when I was a coach," he said. "He has changed his mindset; he is no longer chasing the pound note and, after taking a year out of the game, he wants to enjoy his football again.
"By his own admission, Cham has grown up a bit and he said if he started playing again there was only one club he wanted to play for – Redhill."
Having had successful spells in the Conference South, there is no doubt Fenelon has the ability to score goals in the Ryman League, if he puts his mind to it. And Maher intends to ensure he does just that.
"If I was signing Cham in January or February it would be a gamble but we have the whole of pre-season ahead of us," Maher said. "Since I first spoke to him, he's gone away and got fitter, and lost a stone. If I can get him playing to even 60 or 70 per cent of him potential then I will have a very good player."
