FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Domestic Return: FC Edmonton Signs Michael Banner
Washington, D.C. (Stone Sports Management, LLC) -- January 15, 2014
Stone Sports Management is pleased to announce FC Edmonton's signing of Michael Banner to a one year contract with an option. The 29 year old Washington, DC native returns to North America after playing the last two seasons with Jaro FF in the Finnish Veikkausliiga. The versatile, left footed midfielder and defender will depart to Edmonton in early February for pre-season.
(Above: Michael Banner Signing FC Edmonton's Contract At The SSM Offices in Downtown Washington, DC)
"I am excited to return to North America, and FC Edmonton's vision rebuilding a squad that is reliant on a veteran core, along with Coach Colin Miller's coaching style and philosophy made this project one I wanted to take part," says Michael Banner from the Stone Sports Management offices. "After playing consistent minutes in Scandinavia these past two seasons, I am confident that I have returned as a stronger player compared to when I had left after five years Major League Soccer experience with the Chicago Fire."
The 4th year NASL franchise has made a big step to reaching its goals by luring the versatile, technical Banner in order to improve on its 2013 table position. Banner discusses the rationale behind his move, "signing with FC Edmonton is a unique challenge as the club is still in its infancy and will not settle until the club reaches and wins the NASL Soccer Bowl or the Amway Canadian Championship. I will make sure that the standards are kept at a high level in trainings and in matches, especially with the NASL Schedule that plays once a week and is a winner-take-all in each competition. I cannot wait to get started and join my teammates for pre-season and will help the squad any way that I am able."
(Above: BannerIn Front Of Washington, DC Skyline)
"FC Edmonton made a quick, aggressive play for Banner once it was known he had interest returning to North America despite interest from abroad and Major League Soccer. Not only did the club make Banner very welcomed during their courtship, but FC Edmonton also made it very attractive for Banner financially. I know Banner is excited to show his development since plying his trade abroad and wish him the best in his transition to the NASL," remarked Agent Justin Stone.
At the end of the 2011 season, Banner retained Stone Sports Management with a focus on exploring his options abroad after playing his first five years professionally with Major League Soccer's Chicago Fire. An unfortunate Achilles injury limited Banner in 2011 and found himself out of the Fire's lineup after returning from the injury late in the season.
(Above: Agent Justin Stone and Michael Banner)
Banner explains his satisfaction both on and off the field with his move abroad, "I achieved my goals at Jaro FF rebounding from a injury plagued 2011 season and gaining consistent playing time in a European environment. I would like to thank the Jaro FF Front Office for all that it did for me with my transition and certainly my coach Alexei Eremenko Sr. who showed unwavering confidence in me and my playing style, which I hope to transition flawlessly to FC Edmonton. In addition, my appreciation goes out to Sami Salonen for assisting with the move and teaching me my first Finnish words. Lastly, the Jakobstad community was amazing, and I fostered some life-long relationships that I will forever be grateful."
Stone Sports Management would like to congratulate Michael Banner on his FC Edmonton contract and his return to North America. You can follow Banner's and FC Edmonton's season by clicking HERE for the club's schedule. Please enjoy below his 2012 and 2013 Jaro FF Highlights.
You may contact Justin B. Stone by phone at +001 202 712 9104 or email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.
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