New Zealand international goalkeeper Jamie Searle has changed English clubs in a summer move from Barnsley to Forest Green Rovers.
Rovers are Searle’s fourth professional club after spells with Aston Villa, Swansea City and Barnsley, since heading overseas in 2019 from New Zealand where he played for Whakatane Town and Waikato clubs Melville United and, briefly, Cambridge.
Main photo: Jamie Searle arrives at Forest Green Rovers. Photo credit: Forest Green Rovers.
Searle (22) told Rovers’ website:
“I’m buzzing to be here. The whole club, the whole opportunity is something that I really looked at and ‘thought I want to be a part of that.’
“The club wants to go forward, and I want to go forward. I want to help the club get back to League One.”
‘Jamie is a goalkeeper with high potential’
Of the 6′ 6″ goalkeeper, Rovers’ goalkeeping coach Dan Connor said:
“Jamie has the physical and psychological profile we’ve been looking for.
“He comes here with ambition, international pedigree and with youth on his side — and we’re all looking forward to working with him.”
Rovers’ new manager David Horseman said:
“Jamie is a goalkeeper with high potential. He’s hungry to play games and his personality type really fits with the group.
“He’s been at some big clubs and has played under some good coaches. We’re really excited to have him with us.”
Another Kiwi at Forest Green Rovers
Meanwhile, Searle will have at least one New Zealander at the club to share stories from home.
Aucklander Marcus Reynolds was chosen from more than 600 applicants to become the League Two club’s new Chief Executive in June.
Reynolds (43) has a background in New Zealand sport, having been a regional CEO with NZ Rugby League, CEO of the ASB Classic and Tennis Auckland, and a senior advisor at Sport New Zealand.
READ MORE: Aucklander lands CEO role with English League One club ahead of 600 applicants >>>>
Watch Jamie Searle interview
Searle’s first interview since he was unveiled as a Rovers signing:
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