Chasing Adams

HEAD DOWN, EYES ON THE BALL: Gisborne United striker Josh Adams shows his close control as he prepares to beat a Western Rangers defender in a Pacific Premiership football match. Picture by Paul Rickard

Gisborne United striker Josh Adams is being chased by two Hawke’s Bay teams.

Central League champions Napier City Rovers and Havelock North Wanderers, who were relegated from the Central League, have offered the 19-year-old contracts for next season,

“They’ve also offered me job positions but at this stage the plan is to play one more season with United (who are coached by Josh’s older brother Cory and managed by their father Chris) in the Hawke’s Bay Pacific Premiership League.

“It’s not just the family loyalty that makes it a tough decision not to go. I’ve also got a good job as a quality controller for Chris Hurring Logging.

“At some point, if I want to play at a higher level, which I do, I will have to move . . . maybe the next year (2020).”

Meanwhile, Adams, who toured Britain with the Pulse Premier Football Academy squad last month, is on the verge of breaking into the Hawke’s Bay United semi-professional squad, who are eighth in the 10-team ISPS Handa Premiership league.

“I’ve been training with the first-team squad and playing for Hawke’s Bay United in the National Youth League.

“Brett (Angell, Hawke’s Bay United Premiership coach) said he was looking at playing me after Christmas.

“He wants me to get fitter between now and then, which I’m working on.”

Adams, who helped Napier City Rovers-19s to the semifinals of the Under-19 National Youth Tournament over Labour Weekend, said he learned a lot from playing against English youth club teams.

“Playing in England was an eye-opener. The players were so much more physical, faster and their first touch gave them a lot more time on the ball.

“I’ve been offered the chance to tour again next year, which I’m keen to do.

“My dream has always been to play for the All Whites and make a living from football, and all the experience of playing against better players will help me.

“I’d love to play for the All Whites under-23 team at the 2020 Olympics. But to do that I need to first cement a regular place in the Hawke’s Bay national league team, then continue to work hard and improve.”

Adams was a key player for Heavy Equipment Gisborne United, who finished second in their first appearance in the Pacific Premiership. He scored 32 goals in 18 games, including seven hat-tricks.