Hanson sticks with United

Press, 5 December 1986, Page 40

Hanson sticks with United

By

DAVID LEGGAT

John Hanson, the Canterbury soccer player of the year, has decided to

stick with Christchurch United for next winter’s national league campaign. The free-scoring striker, who turned 24 on Wednesday, turned down an appealing contract to join Nelson United — commuting from Christchurch each week-end to matches — and will be seeking to repeat his outstanding success of this year.

Hanson, who joined United early in the 1985 season, scored 14 league goals this year, comfort-

ably the best performance for the club, and the third highest tally of any player in the league. Hanson came close to winning New Zealand recognition and his desire to become an All White was part of his reason for staying in Christchurch.

Despite being approached by about six national league clubs, Hanson had three main reasons for staying in Christchurch. First, he enjoys his job in the city and felt an obligation to stay with his employer; second was the amount of time he would be required to spend away from home if he travelled from Christ-

church each week-end; and third was his admiration for the United coach, Mr lan Marshall.

“He’s a great guy, he’s done a very good job and he is one of the most honest people I’ve met,” he said. Hansoh’s New Zealand citizenship will be completed by-the start of next season’s national league, and with an Olympic Games qualifying programme coming up, Hanson is keen to prove he is worthy of a place in the All Whites. Mr Marshall was delighted at Hanson’s decision. “I hope he gets the reward he deserves and becomes an All White in

the coming season. If he has another season like this year surely they can’t ignore him,” he said. While Hanson will again be leading the United attack, two of the club’s English-born midfielders, Chris Riley and Russell Cotton, will be playing in the North Island next season.

Riley, who joined United this year, has transferred to Mount Wellington, which won the national league for the sixth time in 1986. Cotton, who was troubled by injury for much of this year, is to play for the Wellington central league side, Waterside.