Image: Mark Avellino
2016 NPL Goalkeeper of the Year Chris Oldfield has announced his departure from Hume City following five memorable seasons with the club.
The 25 year-old Englishman had previously been on the books of Liverpool and Welsh club Bangor City before moving down to Melbourne in 2012.
Since then, he went onto make 121 league appearances for the club while also playing a pivotal role in City’s memorable FFA Cup adventures both last season and this campaign.
His good form saw him crowned NPL Goalkeeper of the Year on two separate occasions – in 2014 and most recently this year – while also taking out TCF Goalkeeper of the Year award for 2015.
The Liverpool academy graduate spoke exclusively to TCF about his time with the club and the fond memories he has made at ABD Stadium since joining the club as an unknown quantity back in 2012.
“It’s been the most enjoyable time of my life and career. My life has changed dramatically for the better since my arrival. I have met my beautiful wife and now have my twin boys. All this wouldn’t have happened if Lou Acevski and Steve Kaya didn’t bring me out here so for this I am forever thankful,” Oldfield said.
“Hume City and the people involved in the club are amazing people, they are very passionate and I have loved my time. I have made friends who I will always stay in contact with. It has been an honour to be a part of the clubs success over the last five years and something that will always stay with me.”
Over the course of Oldfield’s time with the Broadmeadows-based club, Hume has undergone a major overhaul in professionalism which has seen the club founded by Turkish migrants become one of the most respected clubs in the state.
A large part of that occurred thanks to the on field success of the team under Acevski and most recently Dean Hennessey with Oldfield and compatriot and Gold Medal Winner Nick Hegarty playing a large role in that.
But it came as no surprise that the 2015 FFA Cup campaign which saw City reach the semi-finals as being the pinnacle of his time at Hume, with Oldfield making a number of valuable contributions along the way.
“The highlight on the pitch was the FFA Cup run last year. It was a long season which lasted almost 12 months of playing including preseason but one that I will never forget. Off the field, the highlight for me has to be meeting my wife. She is one of a kind and the birth of our two boys is the most emotional thing I have ever been through.”
The family-orientated Oldfield also spoke about the difficulties of reaching such a decision given while also stating he is unsure of where his next career move will be.
“My decision to leave Hume was a tough one and a decision I took a lot of consideration on but I felt I needed a new start and to open a need chapter to my career.
“I wish Hume all the luck in the world and I hope their success continues. At the moment I haven’t got a club and I’m not really thinking about it but am just enjoying being around the family and spending more time with them.”
“My next move hasn’t been decided yet. People have caught wind of me leaving Hume already and I’m sure I’ll have a few phone calls, however I’m just enjoying spending time with my wife and boys.”
Born on Merseyside, Oldfield is hoping to have his permanent residency status approved by the end of the year and is aiming to play in the A-League, having last November spent some time trailing with the Central Coast Mariners alongside Alistair Bray who eventually joined the club.
“I would love to play at that level and feel that I have proved my ability at this level particularly over the last three seasons where I won two NPL Goalkeeper of the Year awards and also The Corner Flag Goalkeeper of the Year for 2015 so I must be doing something right,” joked the shotstopper.
“On a serious note though, I do believe that I am entering the prime of my career and that I am ready to take my game to the A-League.”
Brimming with confidence, desire and workman-like attitude, he could be well-placed to make such a leap but for the time being, one can only reflect on a golden period of success for the custodian and club alike after five unforgettable years of service.