Brett on the move - National player joins USL outfit Birmingham Legion FC

Jamaican international Neco Brett will continue his playing career in America’s south.

The 27-year-old forward is the newest member of United Soccer League(USL) Championship side Birmingham Legion FC, based in Alabama, having moved to the club on a free transfer from Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. The deal was announced via the club’s website on Tuesday. The transfer is pending the league and federations’ approval and are part of the club’s first two signings ahead of the 2020 season, in addition to the transfer of midfielder Bolu Akinyode.

Legion FC President and General Manager Jay Heaps said that Brett’s prowess in front of goal will be a major upgrade as the team goes into it’s second full season in the league. “Neco brings a proven goal-scoring ability to Birmingham to help boost an area we’re focused on improving,” he said.

Birmingham Legion FC made its debut last season after being granted a franchise in America’s second tier football league in August 2017. They finished 10th in the eastern conference with 43 points, qualifying for the play-offs at the first time of asking. They were eventually defeated in the conference quarter-finals by Brett’s Riverhounds.

Support and dedication

He took to Instagram thanking the Riverhounds organisation for the support and dedication during his two-year stint with the club. “The last two years with the organisation was all love and memorable moments,” he said. “Big thank you to coach Bob and the rest of the coaching staff for giving me the opportunity to present the organization and the community. [Also] I just want to say a big thank you to my teammates for helping me to become a better player over the last two years. The love and respect was always there from day one. I appreciate everything you guys have done for me. Good luck in the future.”

He has scored 32 goals and provided 17 assists in 70 appearances for the Riverhounds after joining the club on a free transfer from Portland Timbers 2. Brett’s tally of 13 goals last season helped the team to finish the regular season atop the eastern conference with 68 points. They were eliminated in the conference semi-finals by eventual championship finalists Louisville City FC, which features Jamaican midfield Devon Williams.