English imports Josh Quaynor and Stephen Hoyle join South Adelaide Soccer Club

A NEW challenge and a chance to revive his soccer dreams have led Josh Quaynor to South Adelaide.

A NEW challenge and a chance to revive his soccer dreams have led Josh Quaynor to South Adelaide.

The 22-year-old joined the Panthers in November after his professional career had stalled in the UK.

Now he is preparing to make his debut for the club in its first season in the SA Premier League.

“Hopefully we can get the season off to a good start and surprise a lot of people this year,” Quaynor says.

“I feel privileged to be brought into one of the best sides the club has ever had.”

Quaynor was born in Birmingham and spent five years as a young professional at League Two club Cheltenham Town.

After being released by the Robins, he joined Conference Premier side Kidderminster Harriers, before stints with Worcester City and Redditch United.

He arrived in Australia last year to play for Victorian club Shepparton South.

The left winger was enticed to South by coach Danny Graystone, who was friends with his agent.

“It didn’t work out how I wanted it to in England so this is a new challenge for me,” Quaynor says.

“It’s good to grow up and do my own thing over here ... the last year or so I’ve enjoyed my football more than ever.

“I’ve heard a lot of good reviews about the (SA Premier) league.”

South, which was promoted from the State League for the first time in its history last season, has also signed Englishman Stephen Hoyle.

The 21-year-old striker, a youth product of Championship club Doncaster Rovers, has had recent stints playing in Canada and New Zealand.

Other new arrivals include keeper Marijan Kolar from Cumberland United and Gerrard Ambassa from Enfield.

“The atmosphere (at the Panthers) has been really good,” Quaynor says.

“A lot of people are tipping us to be relegated but hopefully we can stay up.”

South Adelaide kicks off its Premier League season away to Raiders on Sunday.