MILES TO GO

I’ve made the 703-mile journey from Truro to Elgin but I’ll need to go the distance before my dream move to Paradise becomes reality

THOMAS McHALE has made the move from Truro to Elgin as he maps out a route to the top.

The young keeper reckons his 730-mile journey away from the Vanarama National League South could be the record for the longest distance transfer in British football.

McHale now hopes City fans rework the words to the Proclaimers song “500 Miles” in homage to his switch.

The 22-year-old has arrived in Scotland’s League Two on a two-year deal at City with big ambition – he dreams of playing in goal for Celtic.

The young keeper may be a long way off from fulfilling that aspiration but he’s determined to go the extra mile to make it happen.

McHale said: “I am guessing this is the longest move in British football. I’m claiming it as some sort of record anyway.

“I’d love for the Elgin fans to sing the Proclaimers song to me and change the words to ‘I would walk 700 miles’. That would be great!

“I was brought up down south, I am a Cornish lad and I spent the last three-and-half years with Truro City. My dad Tam is originally from Glasgow.

“My parents relocated to Forres when they retired and my sister Clare also stays there.

“My contract came to an end with Truro and it got to the point that I needed a club.

“I thought it was worth it getting in touch with Elgin as they are just 20 minutes away from my family.

“Elgin is still a decent level of football and I still want to push on and play in the higher leagues.

“It is great to be back around my family and

doing what I love in playing football. I’m a massive Celtic supporter because of my dad.

“My dream is to play in goal for Celtic. I refuse to rule that out. I am only 22 and there is still plenty of time for that to happen.

“I believe in myself. The sky’s the limit in terms of my ambition and I am not one to hold back in terms of what I go for. If I think I can do it I will give it my best shot.

“I don’t want to harbour any regrets especially when it comes to football. I have worked so hard for the past few seasons and I don’t want to just settle for playing in the lower leagues.

“People might think it’s a weird move but it may turn out to be the best thing I ever did. I will never give up hope of one day playing for Celtic.”

McHale attracted the interest of Premiership St Mirren earlier this summer after failing to agree a new deal with Truro where he spent three years.

He also turned out for the England non-league team in a 4-2 loss to Ireland back in June – and he’s hoping starring in Scotland leads to future international recognition.

McHale: “I played for England C last season and in the FA Cup.

“We accumulated the most points Truro ever have in one season and reached the playoffs. It was a highly successful season.

“To play for England was brilliant and I hope playing Scottish football helps me gain more international recognition. My goal is to get promoted with Elgin this term and I expect nothing less.”

People might think it’s a weird move but it may turn out to be the best thing I ever did THOMAS McHALE