Adelaide United FC’s latest signing, former Gold Coast United youngster Daniel Bowles, cannot wait to begin his time at the Reds.
Adelaide United FC-s latest signing, former Gold Coast United youngster Daniel Bowles, cannot wait to begin his time at the Reds.
In what had become the worst kept secret of the past five days, the Reds can confirm Bowles has signed a two year deal to move to Adelaide. Prior to the contract being finalised, the club gave Bowles its word that it would not make an official announcement until the 20 year old had played his final game for Gold Coast United.
In his last hurrah for Gold Coast United, Bowles opened the scoring against Brisbane Roar, although it was not enough to end his time in the Sunshine State on a high as the league-s reigning champions fought back to win 2-1.
But now he is ready to start the next chapter in his life in South Australia and he is hopeful his move to the Reds will prove fruitful for both he and the club.
“It-s a massive honour to sign with a club like Adelaide United. It has a great history and it-s something I-m really looking forward to,” Bowles said.
“Hopefully I can just bring a good work rate and I can either play right back, centre back or in the last couple of weeks I-ve been playing on the right wing, so I-m fairly versatile, but just as long as I-m helping the team get results and be successful, that-s all that matters.”
Having started the 2011/12 season in Gold Coast United-s Youth squad after spending the previous three seasons with the Roar-s Youth team, the youth policy employed by GCU midway through the season saw Bowles make 11 Hyundai A-League appearances and score two goals.
He paid tribute to his former club for the chance to compete on the Hyundai A-League stage, which in turn has resulted in the door opening for him to forge a career playing football.
“I-m very thankful to Gold Coast United. They gave me the opportunity towards the end of this season and I-m very grateful for that,” Bowles said.
“I-ve learnt a lot playing in the A-League in the second half of the season and I think it has put me in good stead for the coming seasons. I-ve learnt to play against men compared to the Youth League so it was a great experience for me.”
Born in Melbourne but having moved to Toowoomba before he was two months old, Bowles calls the Queensland town home and took an interest in the round ball game after he saw his neighbours playing it.
The exciting Australian U-20 representative is certain to provide Reds Coach John Kosmina with a quality right sided midfield and defensive option for the next two seasons, further adding to the club-s talented list of young players.
“He-s a young player with a bright future,” Kosmina said.
“He-s found his feet in the A-League this season, he-s a youth international and also quality right sided player so we-re delighted to have him join us.”
Bowles- contract with the Reds begins on May 1.
Daniel BOWLES
DOB 19 October 1991 (Melbourne)
Age 20
Position Midfielder
Height 189cm
Weight 77kg
Club History
2011/12 Gold Coast United Youth (National Youth League)
2008/11 Brisbane Roar Youth (National Youth League)
2008 AIS
2007 Queensland Academy of Sport
2006 Toowoomba Raiders
Representative Honours
Qantas Young Socceroos (U/20)
Additional Information
Hyundai A-League Appearances – 11 (2 goals) for Gold Coast United
