Post by djebella on Dec 7, 2007 11:18:27 GMT 10
from 442
EXCLUSIVE: CENTRAL Coast Mariners have snatched rising star James Holland from under the nose of Newcastle Jets.
Holland made an impressive A-League debut with Newcastle after being plucked from AIS obscurity as short-term cover for Olyroo Stuart Musialik.
Newcastle had been lining up a place in the squad for the 18 year old on his return from a two week trial in Belgium - but the Mariners have got in there first.
He is expected to be confirmed as the latest addition to the Mariners squad later today in yet another coup for the Central Coast side who stunned the A-League by signing John Aloisi earlier this season.
Newcastle manager Gary Van Egmond had been confident about snaring Holland's signature and just two days ago was singing the teenager's praises in the hope of fielding him against Sydney tonight.
"We would have to ascertain how he is after the flight [from Europe] and get him in to train," van Egmond told the Newcastle Herald.
"In terms of getting him signed and registered, it would be very tight with the paperwork and what have you, but you never say never."
He added: "He was a popular boy when he was here. He fitted in well with the group and was effective on the pitch.
"James can play in a holding role or push further forward. There is flexibility there. He definitely has the potential.
"His technique in keeping the ball and seeing things is very good. He has some really good natural attributes straight off the bat which makes it a lot easier for him to achieve these things."
Holland made an impressive A-League debut with Newcastle after being plucked from AIS obscurity as short-term cover for Olyroo Stuart Musialik.
Newcastle had been lining up a place in the squad for the 18 year old on his return from a two week trial in Belgium - but the Mariners have got in there first.
He is expected to be confirmed as the latest addition to the Mariners squad later today in yet another coup for the Central Coast side who stunned the A-League by signing John Aloisi earlier this season.
Newcastle manager Gary Van Egmond had been confident about snaring Holland's signature and just two days ago was singing the teenager's praises in the hope of fielding him against Sydney tonight.
"We would have to ascertain how he is after the flight [from Europe] and get him in to train," van Egmond told the Newcastle Herald.
"In terms of getting him signed and registered, it would be very tight with the paperwork and what have you, but you never say never."
He added: "He was a popular boy when he was here. He fitted in well with the group and was effective on the pitch.
"James can play in a holding role or push further forward. There is flexibility there. He definitely has the potential.
"His technique in keeping the ball and seeing things is very good. He has some really good natural attributes straight off the bat which makes it a lot easier for him to achieve these things."
