South Melbourne have scored a massive coup on the eve of the NPL Victoria season, securing the signature of Young Socceroo Jake Barker-Daish, The Corner Flag can exclusively reveal.
A Melburnian from his junior days, the 21-year-old attacking midfielder was on the books of Adelaide United last season, having made his A-League debut with the now defunct Gold Coast United in 2012.
He made seven senior appearances before securing a move to the Reds, where he added 19 appearances – including four starts – to his tally, while also contributing two goals.
His early career saw him turn out for state league sides Box Hill and Monash City, while he also made a solitary appearance for Altona Magic in the then VPL.
A call up to the Australian Institute of Sport followed, where he won the AIS player of the year for 2010/11, while he also made 17 appearances at Australian under 20’s level, scoring four goals and representing Australia at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Columbia.
His most recent footballing stint was a short spell in England, where he spent few months at lower division English side Colne FC.
His four game run saw him earn man of the match honours once, as well as adding two wins and a goal.
Barker-Daish has impressed onlookers and coaches not only for his movement, passing and eye for goal, but also for his strong temperament, eagerness to learn and ambition to succeed.
“South is a big club and I am quite excited to pull on the shirt for the 2015 season. I am really looking forward to working hard under Chris Taylor and assisting the side in trying to win back-to-back NPLV titles,” Barker-Daish said.
“From what I’ve noticed so far, South is run quite professionally and everyone has welcomed me with open arms. I really believe that I will enjoy my time here and it will allow me to play my career best football.”
“South fans can expect to see a hard working and versatile midfielder with an eye for goal.”
It’s this mentality that’ll see the youngster thrive in the professional set-up of South Melbourne, who are pushing for a second straight NPL Victoria title.
Miron Bleiberg handed Barker-Daish his first professional contract at Gold Coast United but will now face off against his former signing when South Melbourne open their NPL Victoria campaign against Oakleigh Cannons on Thursday 19 February at Lakeside Stadium at 8:15PM.