By Tara Murray
Sunbury United has signed English striker Jimmy Daniels for the upcoming FFV state league 3 north-west season.
After spending time at a number of clubs in his home country, Daniels has decided to make the trek to Australia for a new challenge.
Daniels joins Sunbury from Radcliffe FC, which plays in the Northern Premier League division 1 west.
“I’ve been at Radcliffe for just over a year now and have really enjoyed the challenge of playing football in what they say is probably the toughest and fastest league in England,” he said.
“I found this tough fast football suited me and really enjoyed my time at Radcliffe.
“Now I’m ready for my next challenge – travelling across the world to Melbourne after Sunbury United asked for my services. I just cannot wait to get out there now, meet my new teammates, staff and fans.”
Daniels started his career with Fife Rangers at the age of nine in his home town of Warrington.
He made his senior debut at the age of 16 for Warrington Town while a member of its youth side. The youth side won a league cup during his time at the club.
Then he joined Moore United before playing with Rylands FC and then Radcliffe.
Sunbury vice-president Greg Czapnik said the club was excited about what Daniels would bring to the club
The arrival of Daniels will help make up for the departure of Jayden Mercieca, who has moved on to newly promoted Lalor United.
Mercieca spearheaded the Sunbury attack last season and led the state league 3 north-west scoring.
Mercieca isn’t the only departure, with Archie Sweeney and captain Joel Grech among those also on the way out.
Czapnik said that with such a young playing group, the club would always lose players who wanted to play at higher levels.
Czapnik said they were still to finalise their list for the coming season, with training and trials only just getting underway.
He said there had been some good numbers at training,
Off the field, Sunbury has appointed Ken Price as technical director.
Price, who coached the club years ago, brings a wealth of experience to the club, having played professionally and from his role as one of FFV’s coaching instructors.
