Football: Probert signs for another season

Tom Probert

WaiBop United has re-signed young defender Tom Probert ahead of the 2014/15 ASB Premiership season.

Probert, 18, made his ASB Premiership debut for WaiBop United during the 2013/14 season and went on to make 10 appearances for the side.

"I think I had a solid debut season and I'm really looking forward to helping the team improve during the upcoming season," he said after signing.

"I'll always be thankful to Peter [Smith] for giving me my ASB Premiership debut and I'll be looking to repay his faith in me this season."

Probert, who learned his football in the Bay of Plenty, played his winter 2014 club football season for Central League side Wellington Olympic.

WaiBop United coach Peter Smith said he was happy to retain the young defender.

"I've known Tom a long time, ever since I began working with him at age-group level here in the Bay," Smith said.

"You could see back then he had something about him, but his performances over the back end of last season surprised even me.

"Tom came into the side when we had a couple of injuries, did his job with a minimum of fuss and, by the end of the season, was one of the first names on my team sheet."