Prattley back in familiar colours of Dunedin Tech
A FAMILIAR face has returned to Dunedin Technical colours.
Tristan Prattley is back with the club, making his comeback in a 31 win over Green Island on Saturday.
The 29yearold, who now lives in Auckland and is travelling south for games, will turn out for the side through the remainder of its Southern Premier League games.
Coach Tony Martin said the team had not planned further ahead than that, not knowing whether it would qualify for the South Island league.
The club and its players looked to keep in touch with its old players and it was through maintaining that link that Prattley has returned.
‘‘He’s a Tech player from back in the day,’’ Martin said.
‘‘So it was good to get him available and he was keen to play.
‘‘We’re delighted to have him. Tristan’s been at the club since he was a very young lad, so it’s a bit like welcoming back one of the family.’’
The defender has spent the past two seasons with the Eastern Suburbs club in the national league.
He made 17 starts for the side this past season, including its semifinal against Auckland City.
Previously he has played for Waitakere United, while also turning out many times for both Southern and Otago United.
It goes without saying, then, that the 29yearold brings valuable experience to the club, which he helped reach the Chatham Cup final in 2008.
‘‘It’s a big plus for Tristan,’’ Martin said of his experience.
‘‘He’s a very intelligent player and, with his experience, he just adds to our group in a really positive way.’’
With three rounds remaining, the league remains tight.
The top three teams will advance to play in the South Island league, and, tied for first on 13 points, Tech remains right in contention.
It made for what Martin believed was the most competitive league there has been in several years.
‘‘I think there’s plenty to play for this season and clubs are up for it.
‘‘There’s a lot of value to each game — each game is quite meaningful.
‘‘I think, with only three games to go in the season, for most of the teams there’s going to be twists and turns yet, as teams battle for a position to get into the South Island league.
‘‘I think it’s the most competitive league we’ve had in some time, which has got to be good for the players and good for the fans watching.’’