Indian Super League side Kerala Blasters have announced the signing of former Sheffield United and Scunthorpe United full-back Marcus Williams, just hours after confirming Carlos Marchena as the marquee player for the ISL franchisee this summer.
Williams, 29, bolsters the defence of Peter Taylor's side ahead of the upcoming edition of the ISL. Apart from Indian defensive rock Sandesh Jhingan, the Blasters defence consists of names like former Newcastle defender Peter Ramage as well as Brazilian duo Bruno Perone and Erwin Spitzner.
The Englishman has 78 appearances in the English Championship so far, along with 16 FA Cup appearances. However, he mostly plied his trade in the English League One, where he has a total of 172 appearances.
The Sachin Tendulkar co-owned ISL side also confirmed the news of former Valencia star Marchena's arrival at the franchisee side this summer as part of an Onam surprise.
The 2010 FIFA World Cup winner with Spain himself wished the Blasters fans 'Happy Onam' in a video.
It was reported by Spanish daily Marca last month that the Spaniard has been zeroed in as the Blasters marquee player, but the franchisee side waited for the perfect occasion to unveil him. With two La Liga awards with Valencia, along with an UEFA Cup, and a Copa del Rey, as well as an UEFA Super Cup, Marchena brings oodles of experience to the Kerala Blasters side.
Kerala Blasters were the finalists last year in the Indian Super League. They continued their good form in the final as well, but it were Atletico de Kolkata who had the last laugh.
In the upcoming edition of the ISL, the Blasters -- under British coach Taylor -- begin proceedings against NorthEast United FC on 6 October at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi.
The franchisee side have also announced the signings of other foreign players like Spanish midfielders Josue Currais Prieto and Victor 'Pulga' Herrero, former QPR youth player Antonio German, ex-Benfica midfielder Joao Coimbra, former Arsenal man Sanchez Watt, and English striker Chris Dagnall this summer.
