Gleeson to trial

Gleeson to trial

Gleeson to trial with Man Utd, Everton

New Zealand goalkeeper Jacob Gleeson has been offered all-expenses paid trials at English premier league soccer clubs Manchester United and Everton after impressing at last month's under-17 World Cup in South Korea.

Gleeson, 17, of Wellington, will trial at Everton from October 28 until November 4 before spending a week chasing a youth squad position at Manchester United.

"I'm definitely looking forward to it," the Newlands College sixth former said today.

"It's what all young footballers aspire to, a professional contract.

"But the way I'm approaching it, I'm just going over there to do my best and gain experience -- if anything else comes of it, it's a bonus."

The New Zealand under-17 team lost 0-7 to Brazil, 0-5 to England and 0-1 to North Korea.

Gleeson played in the first two matches and produced several stunning saves to deny Brazilians a double figure scoreline.

"After the Brazil game my dad (Pat) was approached by a scout and it just went from there," Gleeson said.

"Four days after the World Cup he approached us again to see if we were still interested and he arranged all the details. It's pretty cool."

http://yahooxtra.net.nz/sport/0,,14629-7877105,00.html

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this is great news for the kid, hope he gets a contract...i guess this backs up the staying with oceania thing....
gings2007-09-12 21:18:58

that's good news Gings, and yeah i reckon it shows that the benefits of the involvement in the tournament goes beyond the scorelines

Good effort Jake. All the best to the lad. Everton's youth scheme is VERY good but so is Manure's. He'll do well at either club. Hopefully he signs with the Toffees and I can meet up with him next April and meet the big boys in the first team.

Well done Jake. Deserved it too.

Has this lad got Nordic blood?

we all know if he does sign a contract if its with Man U the media will love it and will cover it, but if he goes almost anywhere else we will hardly hear boo...


if/when he signs for who ever, wherever we ALL need to bombard the media with the news...

It would be awesome for his development to sign for a Premiership club. As a United fan I would prefer him to sign for them, but as someone has already pointed out, we haven't had too much luck with keepers in recent times.

best of luck. NZ certainly needs its players to gain experience overseas. And what's better than a youngster playing in england. In my opinion - if I was him - I would rather accept a spot as a 1st goalie in a medium/low team, rather than being 3rd or someting in Man U et cetera. I saw so many players ruin themselves by doing that - such as great players going to A.C. Milan, Juventus, Man utd, and only getting onto the field 2-3 times every season...

Alright there are no two clubs i hate more than manchester and everton but congratulations to gleeson and i hope he does himself proud