Glover heads home to UK

May 9 2014

Shepparton News

Goulburn Valley Suns import Josh Glover has returned to England for personal reasons.

The former England under-20 schoolboys representative started four matches for the National Premier Leagues club in the first six weeks of the season, but was limited by niggling injuries and struggled to produce his best form.

Suns board member Michael Crisera said Glover’s departure left a hole in the club’s playing roster that was unlikely to be filled until the transfer window opens next month.

‘‘He has issues back in the UK he has to deal with,’’ Crisera said.

‘‘He’s gone back to run his own business again, he couldn’t afford to stay in Australia anymore.

‘‘It is disappointing and we’re one down on our roster now.

‘‘We’ll work out what we can do, if there’s any players we can bring in before that time I’m not sure.’’

Technical director Melvyn Wilkes has also returned to England for personal reasons, but will return in the next two weeks.

Wilkes, who is a UEFA A-licensed coach, has also been unable to obtain the necessary working visa, an issue he and the club hope can be resolved prior to his return.

‘‘With GV Suns being a new entity that has only started up in the past 12 to 14 weeks, to sponsor a person is very difficult, so we’re looking for assistance from FFV,’’ Crisera said.

‘‘At this stage it’s looking positive.’’

Wilkes was replaced as senior coach last week to focus on his role as technical director.

Meanwhile, Crisera said the club was still on the lookout for volunteers, particularly on match days.

As a newly formed club, the Suns lack an existing base of volunteers to draw from and with two separate draws for the senior and junior competitions, he said the work was being left to too few.

‘‘We’re calling on parents and people in the Goulburn Valley soccer community to help us with support staff for seniors and juniors,’’ he said.

‘‘It is the Goulburn Valley’s team, we’re not competing with any local clubs and if people have got one or two weekends spare and can offer any support it would be great.’’