Russian soccer team for N.Z.

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33881, 28 June 1975, Page 48

Russian soccer team for N.Z.

GVtftr Zealand Press Association >

WELLINGTON.

The Russians are coming. Mr Ron Kelly, chairman of the New Zealand Football Association, yesterday confirmed that a three-test tour of New Zealand by the Russian soccer team was in the oiling.

I The visit by the Russians; (will be coupled to a series; I of five internationals that; I they will play in Australia ' in late September and early! i October. Mr Kelly and the N.Z.F.A. ; finance sub-committee conivener, Mr Terry Killalea, had i lunchtime talks yesterday with Mr Tony Goodliffe, the ! New Zealand director of Michael Edgely Associations, i the Melbourne-based entrepreneur. Further negotiations are to follow. Mr Kelly is under no illusions about the difficult job I of slotting the Russians’ visit into an already heavily-; I crowded international pro-; gramme this year. I “They would probably be; I the most highly-qualified

national side to visit here,” he said. “I understand certain assurances have been made that the team would contain a number of top international names.

OTHER TOURS “I should make one thing :lear, however. We wouldn’t .vant to interfere with major commitments already entered into.” China—next month—md Indonesia will also tour Slew Zealand this season. The New Zealand soccer squad is also to visit SouthEast Asia. That tour will be?in on October 11 or 12. “We shall be looking seriously at our fixture list to see if we can accommodate :he Russians,” said Mr Kelly. “The proposal is that the Russians play three full nternationals, in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, naking it an eight-match our of Australia and New! Zealand. Because of the timing of! heir Australian package-—; ind the New Zealand party’s i iverseas dates, the Russians I vould have to kick-off in ! 'Jew Zealand and then cross, he Tasman. BUCKLE LN SQUAD Paul Buckle, the mainstay; >f Wellington City’s mid’leld, has been included, after ill, in the City squad to meet Christchurch United in the Rothmans National League natch at Queen Elizabeth II ’ark tomorrow. City refused Buckle’s ransfer to Stop Out and he vill stay at the club for the •est of the season. United vill have one change from :he side that beat Caversham ast Saturday, Robert Wilson aking over in goal from Mike ’annell. New Brighton has a full;trength side to meet Blockiouse Bav in Auckland todav. rrevor Reece is fully relovered from a groin injury. United and Wellington City vill also be playing for the frans Tours Trophy, which City has. Both clubs have he same sponsor, and the rophv is played for on a lome-and-away basis.