Frew star's U.S. adventure
Published 24 Feb 2010 16:10
3 Comments
By Kristian Truelsen
RENFREW could lose midfield maestro David Gray to US soccer as he jets out to America for a trial with a Washington-based club this week.
Gray has a try-out with Kitsap Pumas on Friday and despite only being founded in 2008, the Pumas have already made an impact in the national leagues, winning the Northwest Play-off Conference Finals last season.
The Frew star will be desperate to impress in the trial, but it could be a major blow to Renfrew if he lands a dream contract in the land of opportunity.
Renfrew boss Dougie Mitchell has already brought in Chris Cameron from Bellshill Athletic to plug the gap for the Western Park side.
Mitchell admitted he's disappointed to lose such a vital member of the Renfrew side at such a pivotal point in the campaign.
But he believes Paisley-born midfielder Cameron, who used to play for local rivals Neilston, can be the perfect replacement if Gray secures a permanent move to the US.
Mitchell said: "Chris was unhappy where he was and his job has been moved as well so when we heard that he wanted to move we moved in for him.
"He plays in central midfield and it's ideal because we are losing David Gray for at least a week as he is going to America for his trial.
"We would like to keep David but this is his career and you can't stand in the way of that. He has a trial with the club this week and if he does well then he will get a contract with them. But we wanted someone to slot in midfield and Chris is a ready-made replacement."
Gray left Scotland on a high note by firing home a penalty in their 4-2 friendly defeat against Beith at Ralston after Clinton Maxwell had scored their opener.
Despite the loss to Beith, Mitchell took plenty of positives from the friendly, which was arranged after their league match with Dalry Thistle was frozen off on Saturday. Mitchell was delighted with his players' performances including a great display from debut boy Cameron.
He said: "Although we were beaten by Beith the players performed well. The goals we conceded were cause for concern even though it was a friendly.
"The goals Beith scored were really down to slack defending, but these games are about sharpening players' fitness and getting 90 minutes under their belts.
"Beith were terrific opposition and it was clear to see why they are top of the Super League, but we competed well against them and it was important for a lot of players to play. Dean Sexton managed to get 90 minutes which was important because he has hardly played all season.
"Ross Currie was also included and we also played Chris Cameron for the first time."
Renfrew's re-arranged match with Dalry Thistle takes place at Western Park on Saturday, weather permitting (kick-off at 2pm).
This article appeared in The Gazette 24 Feb 10
Have your say. Post a comment on this article.
-
David Falk
Unregistered User
Feb 27, 13:28
Report commentVideo interview with David Gray and Allan Creer in USA for trials:
http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-413-Seattle-Soccer-Examiner~y2010m2d26-Kitsap-Pumas-invitational-tryouts-have-a-global-feel
Recommend?
Yes 0
No 0
-
David Falk
Unregistered User
Feb 27, 13:30
Report commentVideo interview with David Gray and Allan Creer in USA for trials:
http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-413-Seattle-Soccer-Examiner~y2010m2d26-Kitsap-Pumas-invitational-tryouts-have-a-global-feel
Recommend? Yes 0
No 0
-
David Falk
Unregistered User
Feb 27, 13:32
Report commentVideo interview with David Gray and Allan Creer in USA for trials:
http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-413-Seattle-Soccer-Examiner~y2010m2d26-Kitsap-Pumas-invitational-tryouts-have-a-global-feel
Recommend? Yes 0
No 0
Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our Sport archives.
