New Zealand move is not so galling for ace Conor

By John Walsh

ADVENTURE: Conor Gaul

CONOR GAUL has swapped an NPL West title charge for the lure of success Down Under – and embark on an opportunity of a lifetime.

The 25-year-old Workington frontman flew to New Zealand on Tuesday to spend a season playing for Wellington Olympic.

Gaul, a popular member of the Reds squad this season since joining from Clitheroe, was due to stay at Borough Park until the season but received a call to join up with the Olympic squad early in their bid to defend their Central League title.

Barrow-born Gaul has spent previous summers playing abroad in Australia and Gibraltar but admits he is disappointed to miss out on the nerve-jangling finale to the NPL season.

“I was all set to go at the end of our season but they wanted me out right away,” he said.

“There are only 18 games in their Central League season and they have already played three. The club has got me a job out there, accommodation and a car and now it’s happened I’m looking forward to the experience.

“Olympic won the Central League title last season and they have already won their first three games this time.

“It would have been nice to see-out the season with Reds because I really have enjoyed my time at the club. There are some great lads there and it’s been a great experience. I’m sure we can go on and win the title.”

Wellington Olympic are the pride of the city’s Greek community with a number of players coming from Greek heritage.

The Central League is one of three major divisions in New Zealand – alongside North and South -with the top three entering into a National League round robin competition, followed by a Grand Final.