Celtic offers another US keeper contract | TalkCeltic

T.D. · Jun 12, 2008

News - Potomac Soccerwire

FAO- American papers dont bother with bullshit stories so this is the truth.

Potomac Soccer Wire has learned that U.S. Under-20 National team goalkeeper Abdul “Bill” Hamid has a contract offer pending to join to the Celtic FC reserve team in Glasgow, Scotland. Hamid’s grandparents are European citizens, so no visa issues are anticipated. Should the team and player agree to terms, the 17-year old would be expected to report to pre-season camp on July 2nd. The contract would be a Reserve Team Contract only, permitting him to play with the U19s in the Celtic youth system or with the reserve team.

Reached by phone this afternoon, Hamid confirmed, “They’re [Celtic] working on my visa right now. They’re putting together a contract for me and I hope it goes well.”

Hamid was discovered by a local Celtic scout while playing with the McLean FC youth team last summer. A trial was arranged in November in Glasgow, where he impressed the coaches before he re-aggravated a shoulder injury and was forced to return home early.

In December, Hamid traveled with McLean FC to the Disney Showcase soccer tournament, where he was spotted by Under 20 National Team Coach, Thomas Rongen. Rongen invited him to join the team on their upcoming trip to Mexico in January for the Copa Chivas tournament in Guadalajara. Unfortunately, he promptly separated his shoulder 14 minutes into his first start.

Upon returning from Mexico and recovering from his injury, Hamid left McLean for the D.C. United Youth Academy in search of a more vigorous training schedule. It wasn’t his first exposure to the local pro club, as he had also worked out with United’s first team the previous summer. However, despite Hamid’s regular exposure at United a contract offer does not appear to be in the works.

“He’s still raw, and needs a lot of work,” said D.C. United Goalkeeper Coach Mark Simpson when reached by phone tonight.

Celtic may or may not agree with the three-time MLS Cup Champion Simpson, but they certainly seem to be willing to give Hamid the opportunity. Following two more international trips with the under 20 team, where Hamid manned the nets in a 3-0 drubbing of Northern Ireland in April and a 2-1 win over the Manchester United reserves in May, Celtic asked him back for another trial.

“After the England trip with the US National team I went to Scotland and had another trial. I did incredibly well, and they loved it so they began talking to my agent,” said Hamid of his most recent experience.

The contract is not complete yet, so Hamid was not sure of the details of the offer, but says his Agent, Chris Megaloudis of Long View Management, LLC, has been briefed by Celtic and will be sitting down with the hopeful teenager to go over the details of the offer as soon as possible.

When asked if Celtic would be his first choice assuming he agreed to the contract terms, Hamid said he had other options, but was clear, “Anybody in the world would want to play for them. They’re one of the best clubs in the world. I’m thankful to have the chance.”
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BBhoy · Jun 12, 2008

Hmmm, possibly a shout for the future. Seems quite injury prone though

pHatRon67 · Jun 13, 2008

BBhoy said: ↑

Hmmm, possibly a shout for the future. Seems quite injury prone though
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I'd rather he got that out the way at this age :50:

col_p67 · Jun 13, 2008

America seems to produce a lot of good 'keepers. I wonder if it's because they have more hand-orientated ball sports? I wouldn't imagine many kids over there go straight into "soccer". A different set-up compared to Europe, where the big slow guy, who can't play as centre-half, gets stuck in nets and develops from there!

hoops no7 · Jun 13, 2008

Think youve got a point there seems to be alot of decent american keepers

shop · Jun 13, 2008

He looks a big fella so he is. Only 17 aswell!

Bhoys Dont Cry · Jun 13, 2008

looks quite good...
one for the future..
id take him.

T.D. · Jun 13, 2008

Actually more americans play youth football(soccer) than any other country in the world.

Just most kids stop by the time they hit 13 or 14

Kingforaday · Jun 13, 2008

since we are on the subject of american players does anyone know wats happenin with that midfielder we signed like 2 years ago think his name was brad dalby or sumfin like that,
we loand him out as soon as we signed him i think

Celticnut · Jun 13, 2008

We never signed Dalby because we couldn't get a work permit.

Daver · Jun 13, 2008

Maybe a good one for the future.... still a bit concerned with buying a guy who is 17 and who has already binned his f^cking shoulder twice though - keepers always end up b^ggering their shoulders at some point, but at that age it's a big concern.

Having said that, he'll probably cost about 150k, so could be a worthwhile investment.

Nice (for once) to hear a transfer rumour that has an element of substance to it! Cheers Mithrandir.

Sideshow Bob · Jun 13, 2008

future Celtic first team keeper? keep us updated if he signs.

T.D. · Jun 13, 2008

He would be free. He is not on any club.

He practices at DC United. But they dont pay prospects because the MLS doesnt have money to pay prospects

Bhoy Brian · Jun 14, 2008

that what i like to see scour the globe for young talent that at the very least will rake in a profit down the line

garybhoy87 · Jun 14, 2008

BBhoy said: ↑

Hmmm, possibly a shout for the future. Seems quite injury prone though
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And you know this how? Because It was written in an article he has had a shoulder injury a couple of times?