Newcastle United to sign Australian youngster

Nineteen-year-old Curtis Good is set to fly to Newcastle United to sign a contract with the North-East outfit after impressing in his two-week trial earlier in the year.

The Melbourne born 6’ 1” centre back has reportedly signed for around $600,000AUD (£400,000) from A-League club Melbourne Heart after being a summer long target of the Magpies' boss Alan Pardew.

Left-footed Good played 25 times for the Melbourne club after cementing his position filling in as an injury replacement, helping his team reach the final series. Impressing so much that he has been called up to the Socceroo’s training camp.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for Curtis. Newcastle United is one of the biggest clubs in the United Kingdom, and we are absolutely delighted he has the opportunity to test his wares on such a stage,” coach John Aloisi.

Good will join recent signings Gael Bigirimana and Romain Amalfitano as well as extended contract signings Paul Dummett, Michael Richardson, Conor Newton and fellow Australian Bradden Inman.

Good has progressed rapidly at Melbourne, only signing a senior contract in February 2011, but due to Graham Carr’s latest signing triumphs this is not going to cause concern among the Geordie faithful. If Good progresses as fast and as successfully as he has down-under, this meager fee is going to add another jewel to Carr’s crown.

With the recovery of Steven Taylor’s Achilles injury, Newcastle are back to having three designated centre-backs, and with the newcomer Good, there looks to be healthy competition for the spot. Plus transfer progress is seemingly stuck in limbo involving the signing of centre-back giant Douglas from FC Twente, Curtis Good’s time could come sooner rather than later.

Article by Greg Hall