Soccer: Knights bank on experience

New Zealand goalkeeper Glen Moss joins the Knights from Sydney Olympic. Picture / Dean Purcell

Don't dare suggest to John Adshead that the New Zealand Knights squad he is putting together to play in Australia has a Dad's Army look about it.

The age of the players does not come into it, said Adshead after naming six more recruits yesterday.

"I have not looked at the players' ages in making my decisions," he said.

"Take a look at the Australian cricket team. How many of those players are on the supposed wrong side of 30?

"But you tell me any team who enjoys playing them. I might sign a couple more [30-plus players]."

Neil Emblen, 33, is a utility player who had had a stint with Crystal Palace in the Premier League and Sean Devine, 32, has played in the English leagues, including time at Adshead's old club, Exeter City. Devine helped City to a shock FA Cup third-round draw at Manchester United in January.

Also in are Australians Josh Maguire, 24, and Steve Fitzsimmons, 28, Japanese-born Australian Naoki Imaya, 24, who has been playing in Switzerland and New Zealand goalkeeper Glen Moss, 22, who has been playing with Sydney Olympic.

They bring the squad to 12.

"They are all players who we think can bring something to the Knights," Adshead said.

"Some of the performances by older players in the Football League have been outstanding.

"We are hoping that kind of experience will come through with these players.

"I hope, like the Australian cricket team, we can develop a team that other teams won't fancy playing."

Adshead now has only eight spots still open and three of those must be for under-20 players.

Elsewhere there appears to be a shortage of natural left-side players on defence, in midfield and up front.

"We have two goalkeepers and a large number of defenders but so far it all runs through the middle of the park and to the right," Adshead said.

"Obviously we need to look on the left and see who we can find.

"I would like to find three naturally left-footed players.

"Frankie [Frank van Eijs] can play on the left but he is not naturally left-footed."

While more than happy with the signings, Adshead made it clear that he will not be following the Sydney franchise, who have signed Dwight Yorke, in chasing a marquee player. "Absolutely not," Adshead said. "We are not about super stars. We want players to come here for the right reasons.

"Those who have come to us from the UK have already made it clear they see their move as a lifestyle change.

"That's how we want it."

As well as his player signings (and Adshead emphasised all have signed contracts with the club) he announced Kenny McMillan as one of three appointments to their medical staff as trainer. McMillan, the head sports scientist with Scottish giant Celtic, brings a wealth of experience.

He will be joined by team doctor Brendan ONeill and physiotherapist Justin Lopes.

Signed so far

Darren Bazeley, Sean Devine, Neil Emblen, Steve Fitzsimmons, Danny Hay, Noah Hickey, Naoki Imaya, John Maguire, Danny Milosevic, Glen Moss, John Tambouras and Frank van Eijs