English Premier League football club Sunderland offer a one year deal to New Zealand under-20 captain Jack Pelter, the Sunderland Echo newspaper reported.
Born in Britain, however raised in New Zealand, Pelter was spotted at the U20 World Cup in Canada when he battled with Mexican forwards to score New Zealand's only goal at the tournament in a 1-2 loss.
He was offered a trial on Wearside, playing pre season games against Scunthorpe and Berwick.
The former Christchurch Technical player has now been offered an opportunity to remain on Wearside for a season in a bid to further progress.
Pelter impressed coach and former Man Utd player Roy Keane, and All Whites coach Ricky Herbert, who coached Pelter in the New Zealand A team, mentioned Keane possibly saw something of himself in Pelter.
Keane mentioned at the time he was impressed with Pelter's physical presence in the team.
Pelter is the 1st New Zealand player to make a leap from the domestic New Zealand Football Championship to the largest league, and will be only the 5th Kiwi to play with the top English players.
Others included Lee Osgood (Ipswich Town), Danny Hay (Leeds United), Ryan Nelsen (Blackburn) and Simon Elliott (Fulham).
Pelter was initially set for a trial period at Leeds United. His mom lives in Morley, only outside Leeds.
Born in Barrow in Furness in Cumbria, Pelter moved to New Zealand at the age of 9 with parents Jeff and Karin, and was quickly identified by Canterbury and New Zealand youth team selectors.
At 15 he has a stint at Bolton Wanderers and Knights manager Chris Turner had taken him to Chelsea and Swansea.
In 2005 he was added to the Canterbury United team and after United named him defender of the year he was picked for the New Zealand A tour to Vietnam and captained the under-20 side in New Zealand's 1st ever series triumph in Australia.
13 August 2007
Tottenham full back Gareth Bale was named in the Wales team to face Bulgaria in a friendly next week however was immediately declared doubtful for the match in Bourgas by manager John Toshack.
Toshack is acutely aware that the 18 year old is struggling with a hamstring injury and did not play for Spurs at Sunderland at the weekend.
But Toshack said, "I am aware that he is a major doubt, however I can wait until the weekend to see how he recovers. Maybe Spurs would would like him to have 45 minutes with us, however I can understand them being concerned."
Toshack, however, has not named Villa's Mark Delaney in the team with rumours that the right back is about to announce his retirement due to a persistent knee problem.
Delaney had further surgery in the summer, and Toshack is aware that his most experienced defender is facing a tough decision.
Toshack said, "We are concerned for Mark, he last played for us 12 months ago and he is our most experienced defender. I only hope that things do turn out okay for him, however even though we have spoken to Villa about him we are not getting quite as bad a feedback as some are suggesting."
The match in Bulgaria is Wales' build up to the Euro 2008 double-header next month against Germany and Slovakia.
But Toshack has not asked Toronto midfielder Carl Robinson to make the flight from Canada, and then a long trip to eastern Europe, for this friendly.
Although England were contemplating David Beckham making several long distance flights from the States for their matches, Toshack does not want to give Robinson unnecessary flights and travelling before he expects to return to Europe a few weeks later for the qualifiers.
Toshack said, "This is a decision to avoid Carl having to make more flights than needed, I would rather he only came over for the Euro 2008 games."
Toshack has named Wolves forward Freddy Eastwood again, the 23 year old missing out last season on winning his 1st cap against New Zealand due to injury.
Wayne Hennessey, 20, expects to retain the goalkeeper's jersey whilst Gillingham's Andrew Crofts would start the match in place of Robinson.
Full Squad, Hennessey (Wolves), Price (Derby), Bale (Tottenham), D Collins (Sunderland), J Collins (West Ham), Evans (Wrexham), Gabbidon (West Ham), Morgan (Peterborough), Nyatanga (Derby), Ricketts (Hull), Crofts (Gillingham), S Davies (Fulham), M Jones (Wrexham), Koumas (Wigan), Ledley (Cardiff), Vaughan (Crewe), Bellamy (West Ham), Earnshaw (Derby), Eastwood (Wolves), Nardiello (QPR).
U21 Squad, Taylor (Chelsea) O. Fon Williams (Crewe), Eardley (Oldham), Gunter (Cardiff), Jacobson (Bristol Rovers), M.Williams (Wrexham), Wiggins (Crystal Palace), R.Williams (Boro), Allen (Swansea), Blake (Cardiff), Collins (Fulham), D.Edwards (Luton), McDonald (Swansea), Ramsey (Cardiff), Church (Reading), Cotterill (Wigan), C.Evans (Manchester City), Vokes (Bournemouth).
11 August 2007
Sheffield United started life back in the Championship with a disappointing 2-2 draw at home to Colchester.
The Blades' big money signing James Beattie gave them the lead midway through the 2nd half with a debut goal however within 30 seconds the Us were level.
Mark Yeates crossed from the right and Kevin McLeod found the net.
Bryan Robson's side restored their lead through Michael Tonge in the 82nd minute however the visitors fought back again as new signing from MK Dons Clive Platt scored from close range with a minute to go.
It was an even worse opening day for the Blades' city rivals Sheffield Wednesday, who lost 4-1 at Ipswich.
The Owls were a goal down in the 2nd minute when Alan Lee converted a penalty after a foul by Lee Bullen on Pablo Counago. Gary Roberts volleyed in a 2nd 9 minutes later and Lee added his 2nd and Town's 3rd in the 25th minute.
Counago scored a 4th on the hour before Leon Clarke's late consolation for Brian Laws' side.
Laws' old club Scunthorpe marked their return to the 2nd tier with a 1-1 draw away to Charlton.
Marcus Bent scored in the 62nd minute for the Addicks however Scunthorpe secured a draw through defender Izzy Iriekpen, their summer signing from Swansea.
Southampton, one of the favourites for promotion, suffered a shock 4-1 home defeat to Crystal Palace.
James Scowcroft scored a hat trick for the Eagles, hitting a quickfire brace (30 and 31) before Marek Saganowski's scrambled effort gave Saints hope on the stroke of half time.
Scowcroft completed his treble 10 minutes into the 2nd half and Clinton Morrison added a 4th 2 minutes later.
Coventry, under former Palace manager Iain Dowie, were also 4-1 winners at Barnsley.
Leon McKenzie gave the Sky Blues a 6th minute lead however Brian Howard's penalty 3 minutes later levelled the scores.
Kevin Kyle headed City back in front (50) from Jay Tabb's cross and new boy Julian Gray added a 3rd 15 minutes later.
Maltese forward Michael Mifsud wrapped up the scoring in injury time.
Leicester started the Martin Allen era with a 1-0 defeat to newly-promoted Blackpool, led by former Foxes defender Simon Grayson.
The only goal came in the 63rd minute from Keith Southern to give the Seasiders a winning start in the east midlands.
West Bromwich Albion failed to live up to their pre season billing with a 2-1 defeat at Burnley.
The Baggies led through Kevin Phillips' 18th minute effort however Michael Duff's header pulled Burnley level (47).
Steve Cotterill's side got the winner when handball was given against Neil Clement in the 79th minute and Andy Gray stroked in the penalty.
Cardiff also succumbed to defeat, at home to Stoke, as Ryan Shawcross got the only goal in the 27th minute, Steven MacLean missing a late penalty for the Bluebirds.
Newly-promoted Bristol City were seconds away from win however had to settle for a 2-2 draw at home to QPR.
Lee Johnson (25) put the Robins ahead however Rangers hit back immediately through Dexter Blackstock.
Scott Murray's excellent effort in the final seconds of normal time looked decisive however John Gregory's men again hit back as Damion Stewart headed home in injury time.
Hull lost 3-2 in a dramatic match against Plymouth at the KC Stadium, Dean Windass putting the hosts ahead in the 3rd minute however Plymouth fighting back to lead 2-1 at the break through David Norris (15) and Rory Fallon (45).
Hull drew level through Dean Marney (49) however a terrific strike from Sylvan Ebanks-Blake 9 minutes from time proved the winner.
Preston, whose late slump saw them miss out on last season's play-offs, started with a goalless draw against Norwich at Deepdale.
10 August 2007
Rotherham United have completed the signing of Blackpool midfielder Marcus Bean on a month's loan with a view to extending the deal.
The 22 year old was brought in as cover for the injured Mark Hudson.
Bean started his career at QPR and broke into the senior side at the London club in August 2002.
Whilst at Loftus Road he also had 2 loan spells with Swansea in 1995 before making the transfer to Blackpool during the transfer window in January 2006.
02 August 2007
Bristol City have completed the £1 million signing of Lee Trundle from Swansea.
The 30 year old forward agreed personal terms on a 3 year deal with the Robins last week after handing a transfer request at Liberty Stadium.
He played for his new club on Saturday in a friendly with Yeovil after being given special dispensation by the FA of Wales and Swansea.
The deal was finalised between both clubs Monday, with Swansea receiving their record transfer fee for a player.
"I would like the Swansea fans to know how hard this decision was, I do not want there to be any bitterness after all we have been through together," mentioned Trundle.
"In the end I decided I had to go because I did not want to take the risk of not getting another opportunity to play in the Championship, which is somewhere I would like to prove myself."
City manager Gary Johnson was in the market for a new forward after Steve Brooker suffered a setback to his recovery from knee injury.
The Swans turned down a £750,000 bid from Sheffield Wednesday for Trundle in 2005.
But Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins mentioned this time there is little point in trying to force the player to stay.
"We have tried everything probable to keep Lee and spoke about a wage increase, however it was never about money," he informed the Swansea website.
"What we would not offer was Championship football. It is a sad day for the club, he's been fantastic for us."
Jenkins' feelings were reflected by Swansea manager Roberto Martinez, who mentioned last week that he would "never attempt to sell" Trundle.
"Trundle was a fantastic servant to Swansea and he knows how much we think of him," mentioned Martinez.
"The timing is not ideal, however we are already looking to bring somebody in. We need to be strong and look forward. I have huge confidence in the players in my squad, they will relish the extra responsibility."
Inspite of his prolific scoring exploits since joining from Wrexham in 2003, Trundle could have faced stiff competition for his place at Swansea next season following the arrival of forwards Jason Scotland, Darryl Duffy and Guillem Bauza.
The Liverpudlian scored 86 goals in 178 games in all competitions for the Swans, topping the 20 goal mark in all his 4 seasons at the club.
He was given his 1st shot at professional football by Wrexham after signing from League of Wales side Rhyl in 2001.
28 July 2007
Lee Trundle helped inspire Bristol City to fight back for a 2-2 draw in his debut game, a friendly with Yeovil.
The Robins went 2-0 down before the forward got his 1st goal for his new club and helped make a late equaliser.
Trundle was given permission to play at Ashton Gate by Swansea and the FA of Wales, even though his move from the Swans is not yet complete.
Trundle, 30, has agreed personal terms with the Robins and expects to complete a £1 million transfer Monday.
"As a forward it was good to get a goal on my debut, that is what it is all about and working on my fitness ahead of the start of the season," mentioned Trundle, under Swansea contract to 2009.
"I would like the Swansea fans to know how hard this decision was, I do not want there to be any bitterness after all we have been through together. In the end I decided I had to go because I did not want to take the risk of not getting another opportunity to play in the Championship, which is somewhere I would like to prove myself."
Bristol City chief exec Colin Sexstone mentioned Friday, "I'd rather not said what the fee is at this stage, however we have agreed a fee with Swansea. There are some small details, minor in nature, that need to be sorted before the contract can be signed."
City manager Johnson was in the market for a new forward after Steve Brooker suffered a setback to his recovery from knee injury.
The Swans turned down a £750,000 bid from Sheffield Wednesday for Trundle in 2005.
Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins mentioned there is little point in trying to force a player to stay.
"We have tried everything probable to keep Lee and spoke about a wage increase, however it was never about money," he informed the Swansea website.
"What we would not offer was Championship football. It is a sad day for the club, he's been fantastic for us."
Jenkins' feelings were reflected by Swansea manager Roberto Martinez, who mentioned last week that he would "never attempt to sell" Trundle.
"Trundle was a fantastic servant to Swansea and he knows how much we think of him," mentioned Martinez.
"The timing is not ideal, however we are already looking to bring somebody in. We need to be strong and look forward. I have huge confidence in the players in my squad, they will relish the extra respnsibility."
Inspite of his prolific scoring exploits since joining from Wrexham in 2003, Trundle could have faced stiff competition for his place at Swansea next season following the arrival of forwards Jason Scotland, Darryl Duffy and Guillem Bauza Mayol.
The Liverpudlian has scored 86 goals in 178 games in all competitions for the Swans, topping the 20 goal mark in all his 4 seasons at the club.
27 July 2007
Swansea forward Lee Trundle maybe on the verge of joining Bristol City, who are thought to have met his valuation.
Speculation grew when Trundle, 30, was left out of Swansea's 1-1 friendly draw at Port Talbot Wednesday.
The Swans discarded a move for Trundle from new Championship side the Robins last week, and turned down a £750,000 bid from Sheffield Wednesday in 2005.
But it is thought that the Ashton Gate side have returned with an offer thought to be close to £1 million.
Swansea manager Roberto Martinez mentioned he knew nothing of the rumours and that he was keen to keep the club's top scorer of the last 4 seasons.
"I'll never attempt to sell Lee," Martinez informed BBC Sport Wales after the Remax Stadium draw.
"I have informed him lots of times how important he is to Swansea City, the club is not going to attempt to sell him. If Lee would like to go that is another situation, however that is all hypothetical."
Bristol City chairman Steve Lansdown was quoted as saying the Robins have had "a conversation" with the Swans about their talismanic player.
Inspite of his prolific scoring exploits since joining from Wrexham in 2003, Trundle faces stiff competition for his place at Swansea next season following the arrival of forwards Jason Scotland, Darryl Duffy and Guillem Bauza Mayol.
Bristol City manager Gary Johnson is in the market for a new forward after Steve Brooker suffered a setback to his recovery from knee injury.
But when questioned about Trundle, he said, "I do not comment on speculation".
19 July 2007
Swansea City have firmly discarded bids from newly-promoted Championship side Bristol City for forward Lee Trundle, BBC Wales Sport understands.
Bristol City chairman Steve Lansdown is quoted as saying they have had "a conversation" with the Swans about their talismanic player.
The Swans are refusing to comment, however they are known to be keen to keep their top scorer of the last 4 seasons.
Swansea discarded Sheffield Wednesday's £750,000 bid for Trundle in 2005.
Inspite of his prolific scoring exploits since joining from Wrexham in 2003, Trundle faces stiff competition for his place at Swansea next season following the arrival of forwards Jason Scotland, Darryl Duffy and Guillem Bauza Mayol.
Bristol City manager Gary Johnson is in the market for a new forward after Steve Brooker suffered a setback to his recovery from knee injury.
But when questioned about Trundle, he said, "I do not comment on speculation".
07 July 2007
Swansea City are confident of taking young Liverpool wing Paul Anderson on a season long loan.
Anderson, who will be 19 this month, came through the ranks at Hull and joined the Anfield giants in 2006.
"We needed a bit of pace out wide and hopefully Paul Anderson will provide us with that," Swansea manager Roberto Martinez informed the Evening Post.
"Paul is exactly the type of player we are looking for, I think he is keen to come and join us."
Anderson is predominantly right footed however Martinez has confidence the youngster can make an impact on either flank.
"He will have given us an extra dimension because he has the ability to go on the outside. He is an excellent crosser, sees the game well and has good quality on the ball," Martinez added.
Swansea remain hoping that that their protracted negotiations to sign Hull forward Darryl Duffy would reached fruition soon.
An initial fee of £200,000 is thought to have been agreed between the 2 clubs for Duffy, who played for Swansea on loan last season.
But personal terms have yet to be agreed and other clubs are still interested in the 23 year old.
04 July 2007
Jason Scotland is officially a Swansea City player after been granted a new work permit by the Home Office.
The Trinidad and Tobago forward had agreed a 2 year deal with the Swans, however the transfer was subject to him being granted a work permit.
A one hour hearing in London Wednesday rubber-stamped his move from St Johnstone for a nominal fee.
"It is absolutely fantastic news, we had a very good hearing," Swansea manager Roberto Martinez informed the club website.
"We were all delighted to hear the positive outcome and I am already excited about working with him. He will be a quality buy to our squad. Goalscorers are the most precious commodity in football and I think we have captured one of the highest calibre. As I mentioned before, he has a magic touch and can make something out of nothing. He will certainly entertain and excite the crowds at the Liberty Stadium and beyond."
The Swansea team at the midday hearing consisted of Martinez, GM Alun Cowie, chief scout Kevin Reeves and Scotland's own representative.
The 28 year old scored 26 goals in 46 games for Scottish Division One side St Johnstone last season.
Scotland comes highly recommended by his former T&T team mate Dennis Lawrence, the central defender who is at the Liberty Stadium.
