Perth Glory is pleased to announce the signing of local product Neil Young as the back up goalkeeper for the club in 2011/12.
Perth Glory is pleased to announce the signing of local product Neil Young as the back up goalkeeper for the club in 2011/12.
The former Sorrento custodian will join Danny Vukovic between the posts and will be a significant addition, as next season-s team continues to take shape.
Young said he is ecstatic to have the opportunity to come back to his home town and pull on the Perth Glory jumper in front of thousands of supporters.
“Not only did I want to play for Perth Glory, but to play at home in front of The Shed will be an awesome experience.
“I-m looking forward to coming home. I finally get to play for Perth Glory which is something I-ve been waiting to do.
“I-ve always wanted to wear the jersey for Glory and now I get the opportunity to do it. It-s kind of a dream come true,” Young said.
The 31-year-old has beaten all the odds to get his chance, including a freak accident that almost ended his career – and his life.
In January last year, Young was accidentally kicked in the face by Gold Coast United striker Shane Smeltz. In a horrific turn of events, Young suffered a severe bowel infection, a reaction to the medication he was given to help with the pain from his broken nose.
After six weeks in intensive care and six operations later, Young said there was a time when he doubted whether he-d be able to pull on the gloves ever again.
However, Young battled his way through his injuries and made a remarkable comeback to the Newcastle Jets youth team for the last five matches of last season.
“There was definitely a time then where I didn-t think I was ever going to play again.
“To actually get back to play was a goal in itself, just the chance to play again in the A-League it-s a pretty good feeling and I can-t wait.
“The tough year I-ve had has been pretty hard for me but to finally say that I can play again, especially for Perth Glory, like I said, it-s a dream come true,” Young said.
Although being signed as the number two ‘keeper, Young said he will be doing his best to challenge Vukovic for the number one spot.
“I think as a goalkeeper you always want to play and I know I-m coming there as a number two, but I want to give Danny a challenge.
“If I can push him a bit that will make him a better player as well so I think we-ll help each other,” he said.
