Uhlmann's Tally Grows

 

He is also third equal on the list of Chatham Cup wins with four and can boast of two O-League titles.

Uhlmann, 32, and the seven other members of City�s inaugural 2004 squad who remain with the club were honoured last week at its annual awards evening.

Goalkeeper Ross Nicholson is the only colleague who comes close to Uhlmann�s tally of successes. The former All White has five national league wins and four Chatham Cup triumphs to his name.

Uhlmann�s medals have been earned with both Auckland City and his winter club Central United. He singles out Central�s first Chatham Cup win in 1997 as the highlight.

The Sandringham-based club overcame Napier City Rovers thanks to some late drama.

"We were down and out at 0-2 with only 12 minutes left to play and came back to win 3-2 in the 106th minute," Uhlmann says. "It was our first major trophy."

The former New Zealand under-23 international enjoyed a season-long stint as a professional with Swedish club Bodens BK in 2002 and says it was a real eye-opener.

"Sweden was a fantastic experience. They had good players and great facilities, complete with under-soil heating and full-field indoor training facilities. The level was quite a jump up from New Zealand � it was much faster, technically better, and they played a possession-style of game where they didn�t give the ball away freely."

The ex-Kelston Boys High student wasn�t the only player with west Auckland connections recognised at City�s awards ceremony. Three of the eight originals play, or have played, for west clubs. They are former Bay Olympic stars Liam Mulrooney and James Pritchett, and current Lynn Avon midfielder Chad Coombes.

Liston College old boy Paul Urlovic is also a member of the elite group.

His former All White teammate Ivan Vicelich, who was raised in Henderson and went to Rutherford College, was named player of the year while supporters� player of the year went to Coombes.

Ex-Waitakere United striker Keryn Jordan received the golden boot for most goals scored.