LEISTON have swooped to sign Jamaican international and former Premier League striker, Jamar Loza.
The 29-year-old joins the Blues on a two-year deal from National League, Barnet.
Jamar has played in all four of England’s top leagues, from the Premier League to League Two, while winning four caps for Jamaica. He made his Premier League debut for Norwich City against Arsenal in 2014, making five further appearances, and is set to be an explosive front-line addition to the Blues.
He’s delighted to be joining Leiston.
“I spoke to Chris (Wigger), Darren (Eadie) and the chairman and they told me about the project they have going on and clearly the club is moving in the right direction,” he said, after signing at the weekend.
“They’re building a 3G pitch, they got so close last season to getting promoted and I know many of the squad through playing with them, or from the Norwich area.
“This team can go places. There have been some good players leave, but the managers have added some quality, and I think we can go the next step for sure and get promoted.
“I’ve played three games pre-season and it’s been very enjoyable. The way the managers like us to play, we like to keep the ball, getting loads of touches for us front players, is good.”
And Jamar is looking forward to bringing his experience to the Leiston squad.
“Yes, I’ve played in every league from the Premier League to League Two. I’m literally going through them all,” he laughed. “But it’s National League I’ve played mostly and I’m looking to help the younger members in this Leiston squad.”
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Meanwhile, joint Blues boss Darren Eadie said: “We are delighted to have secured the services of Jamar.
“He’s a player that has vast experience at pretty much every level and he brings knowledge, experience and leadership that can help our younger strikers develop around him, as well as provide a huge threat to defenders in our league.
“He can ghost past defenders, provide goals, and assists. We are delighted to have him with us.”
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Chris Wigger, joint boss added: “I feel adding Jamar to this squad adds a real threat and with the pace we have now, I’m very excited going forward.”
Jamar joins new signings and former Ipswich Town players, Chris Casement and Ross Crane in this season’s Leiston squad, with more signings being announced in the next few days and weeks.
The Blues entertain Lowestoft Town in their final pre-season friendly at Victory Road this coming Saturday, 3pm kick-off, before their opening Southern League Central Premier game of the season, away at Halesowen on August 5.