Richard Gillespie Fears Wairarapa United may be forced to field a makeshift goalkeeper in several of their Central League football matches in 2012 have dissipated.
The prayers of coach Phil Keinzley were answered when Hawke's Bay national league keeper Richard Gillespie said he was prepared to be the stand-in custodian over the 2012 season.
It was a huge coup for Wairarapa United as Gillespie was a star turn for them when he wore their colours in 2009 and 2010.
"You simply don't expect a player of Richard's calibre to make himself available in circumstances like this. We are absolutely delighted to have him on board," Keinzsley said.
Just how many appearances Gillespie will make for Wairarapa United's Central League combination is unclear but with first string goalkeeper Phil Imray still heavily involved in Team Wellington's bid for the national league crown, and also taking time out for a friend's wedding, Keinzley says he could expect at least seven.