Former Gold Coast United goalkeeper Griffin Bambach discusses Western Pride move

A CONTENT Griffin Bambach has opened up about his sudden departure from Gold Coast United, admitting his switch to NPL rivals Western Pride “wasn’t taken too well” by his former club.

A CONTENT Griffin Bambach has opened up about his sudden departure from Gold Coast United, admitting his switch to NPL rivals Western Pride “wasn’t taken too well” by his former club.

Signed from Gold Coast Premier League outfit Burleigh Heads in November, the 19-year-old goalkeeper played just one game for United before being displaced by former Joeys and Sydney FC Youth player Duro Dragicevic.

After warming the bench for a month, Bambach left the Surfsiders to link up with Terry Kirkham-coached Pride, where he debuted on March 9 and has started every game since.

WORLD FOOTBALL GIANTS TO HIT THE COAST

“It’s been awesome,” the Byron Bay product said of the move.

“Obviously I needed to be playing football and I was trying my best at United but it wasn’t working out the way I wanted to. I got the call from Terry to come down and have a run and I was really excited about it.

Griffin Bambach at Gold Coast United training.

“Since I got there they said they really like the way I play as a goalkeeper, which was sadly unappreciated before by United. I really get to play the way I want here.

“No disrespect to (United) at all, I enjoyed my time there a lot and had a great time playing there. It was just a shame how it all turned out when the other keeper came in.”

It was at that point, Bambach said, he knew the writing was on the wall.

COAST CLUBS TO FACE QPL HEAVYWEIGHTS

“Kristian (Rees, United coach) always kept it an even game (with Dragicevic) but I guess it didn’t feel that way. It really seemed like I didn’t have a chance anymore - Duro has the reputation and all that - because I had no previous NPL experience.

“They didn’t take it too well, the fact that I was leaving. They’d built the squad they wanted to have and they were happy with it having two first-team goalkeepers but I need to be playing first-team football and that was my whole thing.

Bambach in action for the Pride earlier this month.

“When I told Kristian, he wanted me to stay and it wasn’t taken too well when I did leave, sadly. We’re not in the best place anymore but that’s football, that’s what happens.

“I’ve been welcomed with open arms at Pride now and that’s been amazing to be a part of. We’ve had two wins and a loss since I’ve been there so it’s been good.

DERBY DRAINS UNITED IN OLYMPIC DEFEAT

“Coming here and making sure I’m able to prove myself as an NPL goalkeeper, which I know I can be, has been really good. We’ve got a huge game this weekend against Peninsula Power, I think we’re setting up really well for that.”

The Pride sit 12th ahead of Saturday night’s home encounter with the ladder leaders.