Football: Duo to bolster United defence

Fergus Neil

WaiBOP United have announced a pair of defensive signings ahead of the 2014/15 ASB Premiership season.

Defender Fergus Neil and goalkeeper James McPeake have both put pen to paper and bring experience at the national league level to the table.

Queenstown-born Neil is a fullback with an ASB Premiership pedigree at Hawke's Bay United, where he has made nearly 50 appearances.

He helped Hawke's Bay to the play-offs last season and played against WaiBOP United last season in the epic Bluewater Stadium clash won 3-2 by the hosts.

Goalkeeper McPeake heads north from his Wellington base to take over WaiBOP United's No1 shirt from Andy McNeil.

McPeake was part of Team Wellington's 2013/14 ASB Premiership squad, although last season's highlight was his short-term loan to the Wellington Phoenix, where he was called in as cover for the A-League club's October 13 home match against Brisbane Roar.

He was also part of Waitakere United's 2014 Oceania Champions League squad.

Coach Peter Smith said the signings speak to the very character he wants to install in the side.

"Successful sides are built around strong defences and that's what I'm trying to build here at WaiBOP United.

"Both Fergus and James will bring quality and strength to our defensive structure and, even though they're both still fairly young, they will be strong characters and influential within this season's squad.

"I'm looking forward to working with them during the season."