Plymouth Argyle manager Steven Schumacher says the signing of All Whites forward Ben Waine began with a tip-off from Wellington Phoenix striker David Ball.
“I played with Bally at Fleetwood (Town). I’m godfather to his son so we keep in good contact,” Schumacher has told Plymouth Live.
While keeping tabs on Brisbane Roar defender Macaulay Gillesphey, Schumacher spotted a young centre forward “who looked energetic”.
“He (Ball) kept in contact and said ‘you need to keep your eye on him, there is a few English clubs interested in him and he’s really good, and he would suit you the way you work down to the ground.’
After monitoring Gillesphey and Waine on television, Schumacher managed to sign both.
Waine (21) has arrived at Plymouth after the club and the Phoenix negotiated an undisclosed fee.
Main photo: Ben Waine is introduced to the home fans at Plymouth. Photo credit: Stan Kasala Images.
Schumacher told Plymouth Live: “He’s a good player and it’s one that has gone under the radar. It’s the type of signing that we have to do.
“We can’t go and buy the established League One centre forward because we can’t afford it, so we have to go and get ones that nobody else is looking in the markets for, and he’s one of them.
“He has got loads of ability, loads of potential. He’s desperate to learn and desperate to improve.”
When his move was announced, Waine revealed he had been encouraged to sign for Plymouth by two former players, Phoenix defender Scott Wootton and the club’s assistant coach, Rory Fallon.
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