Walmsley talks about Everton and also this “We’re looking at three players — one visa player and two Aussies. The one Australian is overseas and the other is playing in Australia.”
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...star-adam-dawson/story-fnk6rl6i-1227434080441
TONY Walmsley has been on a recruiting mission in the UK and it looks like the Mariners coach will be bringing a highly-rated English midfielder back with him when he returns to the Central Coast.
The club is believed to be close to agreeing terms with Leicester City youngster Adam Dawson, who spent two years in Liverpool’s youth setup, before signing a professional contract with Wigan Athletic.
Dawson, 23, is an exciting talent who can attack and create chances for those around him.
“He has a high pedigree and a lot of high level development behind him,” Walmsley said.
Leicester City’s Adam Dawson.
Source: Supplied
“If you’re a young player in an English Premier League squad, England is a very tough gig. You’ve got Championship clubs that want the finished product and EPL teams who won’t give them an opportunity. This type of quality player is filtered down either out on loan and, in this particular case, we’ve probably got somebody who we can really define and put them right back up there.”
Part of Walmsley’s trip was also spent at Everton, who the Mariners have formed a partnership with, working out how best to get some of the EPL club’s youngsters out on loan to Gosford.
It’s a mutually beneficial relationship, with the Mariners offering competitive matches to players who need the game time.
“The point of the trip was to catch up with Everton and establish a firmer footing with them and that’s gone really well as well,” Walmsley said.
Paul Izzo (goalkeeper) joins the Mariners from Adelaide. Picture: Simon Cross
Source: News Corp Australia
“The challenge there will be one of timing. There are a lot of issues with the Under-21 league in England and a club like Everton are having difficulty getting the value from the competition in terms of it really pushing their players the way they want it to. For the partnership with us to be worthwhile to Everton they need their players to be playing games. A 20-year-old with very little first team experience, it’s difficult to find the right player who is age eligible and fits the gaps in our squad, is where the challenges are. The intent is there, (Everton coach) Roberto Martinez is supportive, he’s bought into it and it’s now about timing. Long-term it will be a fruitful relationship.”
The Mariners have signed young goalkeeper Paul Izzo from Adelaide United after elevating Matthew Nash to the role of goalkeeping coach and Walmsley says the next priority will be to secure a centre-back.
“We’re looking at three players — one visa player and two Aussies. The one Australian is overseas and the other is playing in Australia.”
