Soccer: Good vibes as Knights get down to business

Chinese player Xiaobin Zhang adds an Asian flavour to the NZ Knights. Picture / Kenny Rodger

Given the number of players either British-born or having played a fair share of their football there, the New Zealand Knights must have felt right at home as they ventured out in the wintry conditions for their first official training session yesterday.

But if there were any concerns, the 20 players working out at North Harbour Stadium under sports scientist/trainer Kenny McMillan certainly were not showing it. Indeed, in a meet-the-media briefing later it was easy to pick up on the positive attitude this squad oozes.

These are early days, but in talking to seasoned players including goalkeeper Danny Milosevic, there is a feeling this is a group of players determined to give it their best shot.

"It's great. The atmosphere is very positive," said Milosevic.

"Everyone wants to do well. There is a great feeling within the team and from what I have seen already, we have some good players. It is a fresh start for us all and I'm sure one we will enjoy."

In speaking to his mates across the Tasman, Milosevic said there was a sense that they (the Australians, not the Knights) would be a force in the Hyundai A-League.

"Sydney FC can talk about themselves, but I'm more than happy with what we've got and what we can do," he said.

There is already more than passing interest in Chinese under-23 international Xiaobin Zhang, who has arrived sight unseen by manager John Adshead after 3 1/2 years at English club Stockport County.

"I had planned to go to Europe because of the problems I was having in getting a work permit in England," said Xiaobin, 20. "But then my agent was in contact with the Knights who offered me a one-year plus one-year contract so I came here.

"Since I left China all I have done is play football. I don't know anyone here but I'm used to that."

Adshead yesterday confirmed the remaining two players on his 20-strong roster, naming English professional Ronnie Bull, 24, and Australian Joshua Rose, 23, to round out his squad.

Bull signed as a pro at 18 with Millwall and has more recently played regularly with Grimsby Town. Rose, a left-side midfielder, played 52 matches over three seasons with the Brisbane Strikers in the old Australian League.

As part of the club's agreement now signed with Charlton Athletic, the Knights have signed Jeremy Christie, 22, Sam Jasper, 19, and Kris Bright, 18, as apprentices. A fourth will be added.

Adshead said he saw Christie, who led the 1999 under-17 national side, as his 21st player should a long-term injury sideline one of the 20-man squad.