Hickey signs for Sky Blues

FOOTBALL 

All White Noah Hickey, who announced his international retirement earlier this month, has been signed by Gisborne City.

Club CEO Kevin Whitley confirmed on Tuesday that Hickey, who retired after 10 years in the New Zealand team, and Czech professional Henrink Hahn had been signed to bolster the club�s Central League and Chatham Cup campaigns.

They are, however, unavailable for City�s Chatham Cup opener away to Feilding this Saturday.

"It was always on the cards that we could get Henrik (a former City player)," said Whitley. "He enjoys playing for City. But Noah is undoubtedly the signing of the season in New Zealand football.

"When he decided that he would not play in the A-League next summer, he could have picked his club in New Zealand. I�m sure some will think we paid a heap of money to get him. They�re wrong and this is what makes him an extra special signing.

"I�m sure he could have demanded a big fee from some of the well-healed clubs and got it as he is a utility specialist who can play practically anywhere.

"But he has decided to come to Gisborne in a typically, big-hearted payback gesture to our coach Kevin Fallon."

"When Fallon was in charge of Central United, he recruited some of the country�s young up-and-comers and drafted them straight into the big-time.

"One of those was 15-year-old sweeper Hickey. Not only did Fallon stick him straight into the first team but he dropped a particularly prominent New Zealand international to do it � Ricky Herbert (former All White and now All Whites and Wellington Phoenix coach).

"In a recent newspaper article, Hickey said he owed his great start in the game to Fallon�s confidence in him."

On learning of this, Whitley contacted Hickey and invited him to join City�s 2007 campaign which had been stuttering.

"Noah decided it was payback time and his signing has given us a much-needed boost."

Fallon said Hickey would probably come straight into the team as sweeper as his pace, ability to read the game and courage under fire made him special.

The signing of Hahn, who has been playing for Otago in the summer franchise, was also welcomed.

"City fans know what he can do as he has given us tremendous service over the past two season with his pace and skill as a midfield player or striker." said Whitley.

"He could have signed for any number of clubs but said he had enjoyed playing in Gisborne where the home support was better than many clubs get in the national franchise."