Image: Mark Avellino
Avondale FC have unveiled reigning NPL Victoria goalkeeper of the year Chris Oldfield as their first signing for the 2017 season.
The 25-year-old Englishman comes from Hume City where he enjoyed a 121-game stint that spanned over five years.
The custodian arrived in Melbourne in 2012 after stints at Liverpool’s youth academy and Welsh club Bangor City.
He was a key pillar in City’s memorable FFA Cup semi-final run in 2015 and the club’s numerous finals appearances with him between the sticks.
His good form saw him crowned FFV’s NPL Goalkeeper of the Year on two separate occasions – in 2014 and most recently this year – while also taking out TCF’s Goalkeeper of the Year award for 2015.
His form earnt him a well-publicised trial at A-League club Central Coast Mariners last year, however a professional move eluded him as former NPL counterpart Alastair Bray earned a deal with the Mariners at the time.
Oldfield replaces May, another former FFV goalkeeper of the year who departs after a season at Avondale following his move from Melbourne Knights.
He is believed to be linking up with another NPL top-flight rival, with an announcement expected soon.