Dunkerque get roster ready for next season

The French newcomers of the VELUX EHF Champions League Dunkerque HB Grand Littoral have announced their new addition for the next three seasons as they signed Zarko Pejovic.

Currently, Pejovic plays for the EHF Cup participants Tatran Presov. At 27, the left back from Montenegro has chosen to give his career a new start.

"This is definitely exciting to play in the French league. Dunkerque is a very good team, they play the Champions League this year and I hope they will manage to qualify again at the end of this season," Pejovic said.

He took part in the EHF EURO 2014 in Denmark with his national team, where he scored three goals in as many matches. This new arrival means, on the other end, that current left back Erwan Siakam will probably not play for the club next season.

Coach Patrick Cazal hopes that Pejovic is exactly the replacement he was looking for.

"He is a player that can defend hard, but also who is able to shoot from close range in attack. Espen Lie Hansen only shoots from outside the 9 meter line, while Zarko is able to go inside the defence, and win in one on one situations," Cazal said.

Confident in his new player's qualities, Cazal is also aware that Pejovic might bring some much needed experience to his roster.

"He's played the European Cup almost every season since he was 20, and our squad has shown this year that it was lacking people with European experience. I'm sure he will be a key element in those tight continental games," coach added.

More contract extensions

Pejovic should be the only main change in Dunkerque's squad for next season. Baptiste Butto, Mickael Grocaut, William Annotel, Benjamin Agfour and Bastien Lamon has all signed a contract extension for at least two more years, with Butto and Annotel signing for four additional years, much to their delight.

"This is definitely what I wanted," said goalkeeper Annotel. "We get to play the European Cup every year, and playing the Champions League this year makes me want to play it more often. With such a squad, we should be able to reach this goal soon."