Catlin hails AFC Portchester's capture of ex-Hawks keeperÂ

Mick Catlin regards the capture of Ryan Young as a real coup for AFC Portchester.
By The Newsroom
Published 18th Oct 2018, 14:22 BST
Updated 19th Oct 2018, 04:02 BST
Ryan Young has joined AFC Portchester. Picture: Keith WoodlandRyan Young has joined AFC Portchester. Picture: Keith Woodland
Ryan Young has joined AFC Portchester. Picture: Keith Woodland

The ex-Hawks keeper left Westleigh Park last week after signing off his contract.

He's swiftly moved to the Crest Finance Stadium and is set to make his debut when the Royals host Brockenhurst in the Wessex League premier division on Saturday. 

The 38-year old-comes in for the injured Tom Price.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Catlin admitted Portchester took a chance by contacting Young after he departed the Hawks.

And the joint-manager is delighted to have signed the experienced Isle of Wight stopper.

'We knew Ryan had left the Hawks so we took a bit of a punt and contacted him,' said Catlin.

'˜He is a class act and we are crying out for a bit of experience in his position.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

'˜Ryan came down on Tuesday, had a look at our place and agreed to sign.

'˜He had a few offers from other clubs playing higher up but it involved a bit of travelling.

'˜At the moment, it suits him to be playing and doing a bit of coaching.

'˜It will be great for our young goalkeepers.

'˜Ryan is professional in everything he does and his opinions on things will be very welcome.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

'˜We don't know how long we will be able to keep him but hopefully if he likes it with us he will stick around.'

Meanwhile, second-placed Horndean are expecting a stiff challenge from Portland United at Five Heads Park.

Michael Birmingham insists his team will need to show their mettle to maintain their winning run.

The Deans boss said: '˜It was only a couple of years ago when Portland won the league.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

'˜They have got their winning manager and a lot of those players from that season back at the club.

'˜Knowing Portland they will get in our faces and try to unsettle us.

'˜We have to make sure we remain patient, keep our discipline and move the ball around.

'˜Including this we have four massive games coming up and must remain focused.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

'˜It is great to see all the four local sides in the top eight of the league.'

Fareham Town are looking to bounce back from their FA Vase exit when they travel to Hamble Club.

Baffins Milton Rovers take on Team Solent at Test Park.

In division one, United Services entertain Hythe & Dibden at the Victory Stadium.

Petersfield Town welcome East Cowes Vics to Love Lane.

 

Related topics:AFC PortchesterRoyalsMichael BirminghamPortchester