Keeper hitting Bach

A CONTENT Griffin Bambach has opened up about his sudden departure from Gold Coast United, admitting his switch to NPL rivals Western Pride “wasn’t taken too well” by his former club.

Signed from Gold Coast Premier League outfit Burleigh Heads in November, the 19year-old goalkeeper played just one game for United before being displaced by former Joeys and Sydney FC Youth player Duro Dragicevic.

After warming the bench for a month, Bambach (pictured) left the Surf-siders to link with the Terry Kirkham-coached, Ipswich-based Pride, where he debuted on March 9 and has started every game since.

“It’s been awesome,” the Byron Bay product said.

“Obviously I needed to be playing football and I was trying my best at United but it wasn’t working out the way I wanted to. I got the call from Terry to come down and have a run and I was really excited. Since I got there they said they really like the way I play as a goalkeeper, which was sadly unappreciated before by United. I really get to play the way I want here.

“No disrespect to (United) at all, I enjoyed my time there a lot. It was just a shame how it all turned out when the other keeper came in.”

It was at that point, Bambach said, he knew the writing was on the wall.

“Kristian (Rees, United coach) always kept it an even game (with Dragicevic) but I guess it didn’t feel that way. It really seemed like I didn’t have a chance anymore – Duro has the reputation and all that – because I had no previous NPL experience,” he said.

“When I told Kristian, he wanted me to stay and it wasn’t taken too well when I did leave, sadly. We’re not in the best place anymore but that’s football, that’s what happens.”