From the humble training grounds of Petane Domain to professional contracts - Hawke's Bay United is gaining eminence on the global stage.
The recall of Hamish Watson yesterday to Wellington Phoenix is the beginning of an exodus of players from the Bay franchise to greener pastures.
Another player from theBrett Angell and Paul Ifill-coached stable will be jetting off overseas to ply his trade in Indo-China.
Bay United operations manager Matt Hastings said last night the paperwork still had to be completed but an announcement was imminent today.
In another deal, a Wellington Phoenix Reserves player is on cue to join Bay United as a replacement striker for Watson, who was among the leaders in the premiership golden boot race.
Hastings said that deal also fell in the category of a signature to contract and was likely to be done today. All that means Angell and Co are doing a sterling job in showcasing the talent of pedigree players.
It also is an endorsement of the former Premier League striker's nous in recruiting players while waiting for home-grown talent to mature.
Fourth-placed Bay United host WaiBOP United in Napier for a 3pm kick off on Sunday.
