Football: Auckland pair back, rest here and there

NOT BOTHERED: Sean Lovemore, of Auckland, is returning and isn't interested in the politics. PHOTO/FILE

So who's coming back to Hawke's Bay United this summer?

The word out there is Sean Lovemore (striker) and Ross Halivand (defender) are the pair locked in.

The Onehunga Sports players are from Auckland but Lovemore confirmed last night he intended to live in the Bay this summer in his third season.

While it did bother him "a little" that no Bay players were in the mix, he didn't "give a toss" about the politics.

"They were a good bunch of lads last summer but I'm staying away from the politics," he said.

The third person is possibly Thomas Mosquera, of New Plymouth.

It is understood captain Bill Robertson, Tom Biss, Danny Wilson, Angus Kilkolly, Fergus Neil, Matt Hastings, Richard Gillespie and Matt Gould are among Bay-born or based players who are not returning.

Robertson last night confirmed he had signed with Team Wellington.

Biss, who played for Wairarapa United this winter, is bound for Waitakere United.

Hastings can't play because of his franchise position as events and marketing manager.

Wilson said he was taking a summer off because he was on the verge of becoming a father.

"I'll probably play futsal for Hawke's Bay because it's less demanding on my time," he said, hoping to return next summer.

Defender/midfielder Neil last week signed a contract with Wai/BOP United.

"I just wanted a change," he said, adding he'd be based in Tauranga where he'd have a coaching job.

Goalkeeper Gillespie, after a recurring knee injury, has retired.

Kilkolly is in the equation of the Wanderers Soccer Club who comprise New Zealand Under-20 squad members.

Reserve goalkeeper Gould, the son of former Scottish international and Wellington Phoenix goalkeeping coach Jonathan, has signed a deal with England's Cheltenham Town FC in the 4th-tier League Two competition.