Settled Wilson signed to keep for Tasman United
Tasman United have been quick to sign a replacement for departing goalkeeper Coey Turipa, securing the services of standout Nelson Suburbs shot-stopper Corey Wilson.
With Turipa opting to return to Canterbury United for the 2017-18 ISPS Handa Premiership, Tasman coach Davor Tavich was in desperate need of a new No 1.
Which is why Wilson’s signature is so important.
The 23-year-old originally arrived in New Zealand with the intention of pushing for a Tasman contract but it didn’t take long for him to attract interest outside of Nelson, with Southern United also pursuing the Northern Irishman.
However, Wilson, who has conceded just 15 goals in 18 games during the winter season, said the reason he opted to reject Southern’s offer and sign with Tasman was because he already felt settled in Nelson. Plus Turipa’s departure opened the door for a starting role.
‘‘I’m happy where I am, plus I heard the summer is pretty unreal and Tasman have one of the best group of fans in the whole national league so playing in front of them every week will be pretty decent,’’ he said. ‘‘When you’re playing in front of 1000-2000 and walking out to the pitch it gives you a bit of a buzz to go and do well, and it really gets you up for the game so I’m looking forward to that.
‘‘I know all the boys coming back here, too, like Cameron Lindsay and Daniel Allan, so playing in the team where you know half the boys and you have that team bond makes it a lot easier as well, and I think we’ll actually do really well with the players we’re bringing back.’’
Wilson will be in action tomorrow as Suburbs turn their attention back to the Mainland Premier League after last weekend’s Chatham Cup victory in Queenstown. Suburbs will meet a Western side that hasn’t won in Nelson since 2013.
With one eye on next month’s Cup clash against Cashmere Technical, Wilson said the intention will be to continue building form.
‘‘I think it’s still important for us to put a good side out because you don’t want to get beat and then by the time we hit the Chatham Cup your form is down.’’
Meanwhile, the Tasman United women’s team will be looking to lock up third place when they host FC Twenty11 at 11.30am tomorrow. Tasman, who head into the game on the back of a record 9-0 win over Universities, have never lost to FC.
Their game will be followed by the Suburbs versus Western fixture.