Photo: University's new midfielder, Englishman Andrew King
University’s new 22-year-old midfielder from England, Andrew King, has already caught the eye after just two games for the last-placed Forestry Tasmania Southern Premier League club.
His speed, vision, touch and reading of the game are very good, but he has also received two yellow cards - one in each game.
“I think maybe it’s a little bit different in England,” King said.
“I think you can get away with things a little bit more over there, but I’ll learn.”
University has beaten New Town Eagles 2-1 in the league and lost 2-0 to Clarence United in the State-wide Cup in King’s two games to date.
“We did well in the first half against Clarence on Saturday and I think we can move on from there,” King said.
“In the second half, we dropped a bit.
“I think if we had better fitness, we can be there and definitely avoid relegation.
“We’ve got the spirit and, if we can beat the teams around us, we can do it.”
King grew up in Surrey in England and has played at a semi-professional level.
His last club was Westfield FC in the Combined Counties League, which is four levels below professional level and of a similar standard to here.
“The tempo over there is a bit quicker than here, but I think the fitness levels here are higher,” he said.
King has a one-year visa and he came to Tasmania to work and play football and it was his friendship with University coach Scott Gallacher - both are involved in the construction industry - which led to him joining University.
He is playing as a wide midfielder and bears an uncanny resemblance in looks and playing style to former University player, Raymond Benson.
He can also play in the middle, or as a striker, but is happy with his current role.
“He’s fantastic,” said University coach, Scott Gallacher. “He had to perform a few roles against Clarence and did it well.
“His switch of play is excellent, and he’s good with both feet.
“I guess we just aren’t getting the ball to him enough, I suppose.”
If University manage to do that, the goals should flow from the Englishman and the club will be well on the way to avoiding relegation.
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