Fresh from starring in Bayswater City’s 2-1 win over Stirling Lions in the 2013 All Flags Grand Final, Devon Spence has been offered a short-term contract as an injury replacement for Jack Duncan.
It’s been an eventful 48 hours for Devon Spence.
Fresh from starring in Bayswater City’s 2-1 win over Stirling Lions in the 2013 All Flags Grand Final, the former Glory NTC goalkeeper has been offered a short-term contract as an injury replacement for Jack Duncan.
“It’s been massive. It’s been a good weekend to say the least. We wrapped up the championship with Bayswater and now I’ve signed an injury replacement contract … so I can’t really complain,” Spence said.
The 22-year-old personal training instructor is in to his fourth year with Glory having made his way through the youth ranks (plus a couple of loan stints overseas), but it will be his first season as a replacement on a senior contract.
Spence admits being around the professional setup at Glory has been very beneficial to his development as a player.
“Even Coyney (Chris Coyne – Bayswater City Senior Coach) said after the game that training with the Glory for a week had improved my positioning and distribution. That’s the benefit of the full time coaching and training – it’s huge.”
While the six week contract is a step in the right direction, the man with a bone-crushing handshake wants to make the most of his opportunity and prove to the Glory coaching ranks he has what it takes if called upon.
“I think the next step for me is a full time contract. I’ll take six weeks over nothing but now it’s up to me now to show them I’m ready. I have to keep improving and asking the coaches for feedback so as to prove to them I’m ready to go.”
And with only four days to go until the Hyundai A-League kicks off, Spence thinks the Glory are in a healthy position following an influx of youth in the off-season.
“The boys have had 14 preseason games – they’ve been together a long time and I think they’ve really enjoyed it.”
“It’s quite different to last season’s team but the young boys who have come in have been absolutely fantastic,” he added.
“I think the team balance is good, the culture is good … so fingers crossed we can have a good season.”
