Sockers’ Perez Travels to Scotland to Try Out for Hearts Soccer Team

Socker midfielder Hugo Perez flew to Scotland Sunday to try out with the First Division outdoor team Hearts. If Hearts is interested in signing Perez, the Sockers are willing to sell him, according to Bob Bell, Socker general partner.

Socker Coach Ron Newman said that Southhampton of the English First Division called him Monday to say they were also interested in Perez.

Earlier this month, Bell fined Perez $4,500 and suspended him for two weeks because he tried out for Ajax Amsterdam, a European team, in July without telling the Sockers. Perez has expressed interest in joining the renowned Dutch club after his contract with San Diego expires June 30, 1988.

Bell and Newman have expressed concern that Perez might not put out maximum effort in the upcoming season with the Sockers.

“It’s OK for a person to believe he’s giving all he’s got,” Newman said, “but it doesn’t happen that way. If he’s not committed to us for a long term, it has to affect him subconsciously.”