Players quit soccer squad
(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON. Three Aucklanders—l. Hastie, W. Fleet, and W. de Graaf—will not be available for selection in the World Cup soccer squad.
De Graaf will leave for England next month, while Hastie and Fleet, both of whom were on the Asian tour at the end of last season, have withdrawn for personal reasons. All three players were included in a 30-man squad that began a fitness programme early last month. De Graaf, leading scorer for Eastern Suburbs in the Rothmans National League championship this year, hopes to have trials with clubs in England. The decision by Hastie and Fleet to withdraw, follows a circular sent out by the national coach, Mr B. Truman, to all players last month. In it, Mr Truman said that the fitness programme was exacting and the training camp in Auckland on December 16 and 17 would be 'even more demanding.
“Only those players who are prepared to meet the demands being made and believe in the ultimate success of the venture should commit themselves,” he told the players. “Let me know if you decide to withdraw from such a commitment.”
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Bibliographic details
Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33094, 8 December 1972, Page 24
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192Players quit soccer squad Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33094, 8 December 1972, Page 24
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