Contract hope on course

JULIUS ROSS | January 04, 2011 12.01am

FORMER South Hobart midfielder Greg Downes has made impressive progress in his bid for a dream football contract in England.

The 18-year-old signed with North Tyneside club Whitley Bay FC recently and played his first game in a Northern League Division One match against West Allotment Celtic last Thursday.

Downes has been seeking a club to play regular football with in England in order for two clubs, Football League One side Hartlepool United and Conference National League's Darlington, to monitor his development.

"Since my arrival in the UK [in November] I have had trials with Hartlepool United FC and Darlington FC," Downes said.

"Both clubs were interested in me but couldn't do anything because they needed to see me play."

Downes was satisfied with his debut for Whitley Bay in an advanced right wing-back role, despite being substituted after 54 minutes in the side's 3-2 victory.

"Overall, I had a great time and really enjoyed myself and the coaching staff were very pleased with my performance," Downes said.

"The level is slightly higher than the Tasmanian leagues, a little bit quicker and also a little bit more physical; they aren't afraid to throw in the tackles."

Downes is hoping for more game time in order to impress Hartlepool and Darlington.

"Hartlepool seems to be the most interested out of the two clubs," Downes said.

"Craig Dean [Academy Coach] from Newcastle United has helped me a great deal with organising the trials.

"My short term goal is to get offered a contract with a professional club; [either] Hartlepool or Newcastle United."

Downes was in Korea in late September to bolster his CV with second division side Mokpo City, where he spent five weeks.

Downes boasts a successful junior career in Tasmania, where he captained the under 14 and 15 state sides, earned a spot in the Tasmanian Institute of Sport side and made his senior debut for South Hobart in 2008 at age 16.

He went to England in August 2008 for trials with English Premier League side Sunderland and League One club Walsall before returning to represent the state in the Tasmanian A-League Youth Squad, in which he scored the winner in a 3-2 win over Adelaide United's Youth side.

Downes suffered a setback in early 2009 when he broke his leg, but appears to have his career back on track.
http://www.themercury.com.au/article/2011/01/04/197611_soccer.html