Teenage defender Euan Thum-Davidson joins Gold Coast United from NPL rivals Gold Coast Knights

GOLD Coast United continue to put their faith in the city’s Generation Next after handing teenager Euan Thum-Davidson a spot in their men’s squad for next season.

GOLD Coast United continue to put their faith in the city’s Generation Next after handing teenager Euan Thum-Davidson a spot in their men’s squad for next season.

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Originally from Sydney, the 19-year-old left back spent the 2019 campaign with NPL rivals Gold Coast Knights but will get a chance to force his way into United’s first XI under coach Kristian Rees next year.

“I’m looking forward to being a part of the senior squad,” said Thum-Davidson, who has racked up more than 50 junior NPL appearances for Marconi Stallions and Blacktown Spartans.

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“Kristian’s spoken to me at length about how he wants me to play, which I like the sound of. Being in an encouraging environment, working with experienced coaches who know the game well and training and playing alongside players with lots of experience is only going to benefit me. I’m ready.”

Gold Coast United signing Euan Thum-Davidson.

Having steered United to seventh place in his maiden NPL coaching campaign this year, Rees said his newest recruit would bring a different dimension to the playing group.

“Euan’s an exciting prospect. He’s got all of the qualities needed to play at this level and beyond,” Rees said.

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“He’s quick, reads the game well and has a sweet left peg, and that’s a rarity in the game these days. If he’s prepared to work hard, I think he’s in the right environment to progress.

“Developing young talent is a key to our club’s future. We’ve got a good platform established, we need to remain focused on building upon that and players like Euan are a key element in that.”