When Parky Met Le Hugo

When Parky Met Le Hugo 

Park Life is all about the big stories and the big story in the Big Travel League this year cropped up at the Oranje.  It�s the discovery and meteoric rise of French sensation Le Hugo. 

As Le Hugo prepared himself for this weekend�s Big Travel League match against Petone Park Life caught up with Wellington United�s new starlet, over un pain au chocolat et une petite caf� au lait, to find out what makes this fleet footed Frenchie tick.

Le Hugo's career en Nouvelle Zelande began not with a high profile transfer from a glamorous French outfit but through the diligent management of the Oranje's Ross Durant.  Former All White Rossco, now Dutch ambassador to France, plucked Le Hugo out of the lower leagues like a ripe grape off a vine when he discovered him playing for United�s lowest team in Capital Football�s lowest grade.

Since then Le Hugo has swept into Big Travel League faster than you could waive a white flag. 

First team managers from around the region have been spotted at grounds like Frazer Park and Crawford Green in search of there own Capital 14b star and the conversation around the clubrooms has been all about: �How did he know?  Does Ross actually watch these guys train?  Does he have a scouting network? �

We'll never know but two things are for sure:  The Oranje are now almost certainly safe from relegation in Big Travel League thanks to Le Hugo's goal scoring feats and in Capital 14b they're in a whole world of trouble.

We asked Le Hugo if he had enjoyed Capital 14b.  "For me, obviously, it was fun" he surrendered.  "I was able to score many goals.  But perhaps some of the other players in this league are not so experienced."

Diplomatic.

Le Hugo explained that in his native land he played at a level similar to Big Travel League alongside PSG Academy cast-offs however it was, with the French metric system, a 7 a side league.

Switching from 7 to 11 a side has been an interesting adaptation for the French sensation but not quite as dramatic as having to adapt to the playing surfaces. The Frenchies have spent up large on converting natural grass playing surfaces to all weather artificial grass.

The switch doesn�t seem to have slowed him down much.  His pace and flowing trickery has proved a handful for some experienced Kiwi defenders since he debuted in the league.

The fans� highlight so far has been his length of the field effort against Palmerston North Marist.  He famously dubbed it �a little action in midfield� at the time and again played down his feats.  �No, it really was not so much,� he said, �I got the ball from the kick off in the midfield, and just ran to the goal, the other striker made a great run which opened up some space for me, so I just kept going and scored.�

Just like that.

Last week Rossco jacked up an opportunity for him to train with Les Phoenix.  Something he found challenging and exciting.

"They are good players" he said.  "I think as good as some professionals in France.  I found it challenging, especially with my fitness at the moment.  But I think I did okay and I hope I will have the opportunity again."

Could the Fever Zone soon be chanting 'Allez Le Hugo'?  We asked.

"I don't know, but maybe."  He winked as he finished his croissant and moved on to his Camembert.

In the mean time it's back to business for Le Hugo in Big Travel League.

Supporters of the beautiful game might be able to help Le Hugo out.  He�s looking for work at the moment to add to his part time gig at Felix caf�.  Park Life can vouch for him being a really nice chap, and a good footballer, so if you can help him out with some work, send your message to Park Life.  (Look for jobs at the Station Bar and Village, and Wilson Electrical in the mail Hugo!).

Park Life

Isn't the BB looking for workers.

Hugo has already got to near mythical status at Welly U. In his 1st game for 14b he scored 6, got a double mom for that, next game scored 3, now has 22 for the club in total. Modest about it too but we all know the PN marist one was a beauty. Yesterday he was serving drinks, toasties and pies to the crowd at Newtown Park to help me out. But note the bit in the interview about his footballing background - he's never played junior football, hardly any 11 a side, now he is knocking in goals in CL. And there was no sign on fee!

From what I heard from some dropkick who was sitting in the stand it occurred the 5th minute when an Alderdice pass down the left flank found Farrington in space 70 metres out. 

He weaved his way past eight Marist defenders and then slotted the ball to the left of keeper Andrew Bailey into the back of the net to put Miramar 1-0 up. The first of their 6 goals inside the half