Perth Glory will give outstanding young West Australian defender Scott Neville a chance to fulfil his dream of playing at the highest level in the country after signing the 20 year old for the next three seasons.
Perth Glory will give outstanding young West Australian defender Scott Neville a chance to fulfil his dream of playing at the highest level in the country after signing the 20 year old for the next three seasons.
Neville was a standout in the Glory-s National Youth League team and made the most of a call-up to the senior squad late in the season where he produced several telling performances that cemented coaching staff opinion of his enormous potential.
“Scott came into the squad and stepped up to the plate straight away and I have no doubt he-ll be able to continue to develop and will be a real asset for Perth Glory,” Coach Dave Mitchell said.
Neville has enjoyed an exciting year in his football progression after helping local club Sorrento FC win the WA Premier League title prior to embarking on the inaugural season of the National Youth League. The young defender blossomed in the new competition and earned a debut Hyundai A-League appearance as a substitute on New Years Eve against Central Coast.
Neville made his starting debut at Members Equity Stadium the following week in Perth-s impressive 3-2 win against Melbourne Victory and marked his 20th birthday with a performance that captured the attention of football commentators across the country.
“I set myself to perform consistently in the Youth Team and hoped to get an opportunity to play with the Glory in the A-League and when it came around I was really happy. Now to have a contract for the next three years just tops it all off,” Neville said.
“I know that I have a lot more to learn and can-t wait for pre-season training to get started so I can continue to improve and hopefully push for more game time,” said Neville.
The youngster is part of the next-generation of West Australian footballers who grew up watching Glory sides take all before them and is determined to ensure the club-s passionate members and supporters in the stands enjoy similar experiences next season and beyond.
“The Glory is a great club and I-m really proud to be here. There is a lot of determination in the squad to make this a great season and to be part of that will be a dream for me,” Neville said.
“To have guys like Gareth Naven and Scott Miller (Perth-s Youth Team Coaches and former club champions) helping me was fantastic. They said ‘never let the grass grow under your feet, continue to work hard and have the right attitude to achieve your goals-. I haven-t forgotten that and I-m thankful for being part of the Youth Team which has helped me get to where I am now.”
Neville is the second Glory National Youth League player to receive a senior contract following the club-s signing of midfielder Andrija Jukic last week.
PROFILE
Name: Scott Neville
Date of birth: Jan 11, 1989
Place of birth: Devon, England
Nationality: Australian
Weight: 71 kg
Height: 184 cm
Position: Defender
Previous Clubs: Sorrento
Institutes & Academies: National Training Centre (WA)
Representative Honours Achieved: WA State Team U13,U15, U16
2008/09 Statistics: Perth Glory Youth Team – 12 apps; Perth Glory Hyundai A-League – 4 apps (3 starts)
