Whiting’s ‘Make Or Break’ Game

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31307, 1 March 1967, Page 19

Whiting’s ‘Make Or Break’ Game

(Special Correspondent N.Z.P.AJ LONDON. The bid of New Zealand’s goal-keeper, P. L. Whiting, to find a place in English professional soccer will reach a climax on Friday night.

Whiting has been selected to play for the second division Charlton Athletic against the first division side, Sheffield Wednesday, in a friendly match. It has been made clear to him that a good performance could mean a contract next season with Charlton but a poor one would considerably downgrade his prospects. “It’s my big chance,” said Whiting. Ygreed To Stay

He had discussed his prospects at length with the club’s manager, Mr R. Stokoe, last week, and had agreed to stay in London a few more weeks.

Whiting said he was satisfied with his form in matches for Charlton’s reserve 11. “1 had a bad game in the first that I played but since then things have gone reasonably well,” he added. Generally in the matches played he had not been worked as hard as when playing for New Zealand. “Frequently, when New Zealand plays an international or top overseas side, the opposing team finds it comparatively easy to breach the defence. As a result I used to be kept really busy. “In the matches here, though, our sides have been evenly matched and the ball hasn’t been run through to me as often.” 1

Whiting has suffered the British goal-keeper’s occupational hazard—a target for fans standing behind the posts. *Tve beep hit by peanuts, threepenny bits and coppers,” he said. “On one or two nights I’ve left the field with a few bob in my hand.” Two Coming Back Two prominent soccer personalities return to Christchurch this month, after periods overseas. The former Canterbury un-der-20 selector, Mr L. Woods, left England in the liner Northern Star on January 27 and will arrive in Christchurch next Wednesday. He has coached several teams in the Shamrock club.

The youngest player to appear for the Canterbury senior team, at the age of 15, F. Madrussan sailed from Italy last week, where he has been living for the last year. Madrussan had trials with prominent Italian professional clubs and will be in Christchurch in time to win back his place in the City and Canterbury teams before the start of the provincial competitions, on 'April 1.