Soccer: Cellar dwellers Welly let Bannatyne slip through the net

The mystery over Team Wellington's slide to the bottom of the New Zealand Football Championship table has deepened with the revelation that coach Mick Waitt turned down the chance to add an international keeper to their books, not once, but twice,

Former All Whites keeper James Bannatyne learnt he was transferring in his job to Wellington before the start of the season and contacted Waitt with a view to joining his squad.

"He said: 'I've got two good young keepers here, so I won't be chasing you'," Bannatyne said.

Although Bannatyne, a Wellingtonian, found the attitude strange, he said he had to respect Waitt's decision, "though I felt I could have added something to the squad".

Instead Bannatyne was snapped up by Auckland City who use him as understudy to another All Whites custodian, Ross Nicholson.

"We've got a great set-up, are top of the league and unfortunately Wellington are bottom, but I feel for their guys having played with most of them."

Wellington could still have come in for Bannatyne during the December transfer window but, during a chance meeting at a recent Ray Clemence dinner, Waitt reiterated to Bannatyne that his services weren't required.

Waitt's motives are difficult to understand given Team Wellington have been shipping goals at over two a game and two of their three keepers, Phil Imray and Dylan Hall, are under an injury cloud.

Team Wellington haven't been inactive during the December 13-17 window though, signing Raf de Gregorio and David Johnston.

"Raf and David are great signings for us. They both bring experience of playing at a high level, and will boost confidence in the squad as we head into the second half of the season.

"They are both Wellington boys which sits well with the original intent and concept of Team Wellington," Waitt said.

Wellington were expected to be one of the stronger sides in the league and their poor position has surprised most football followers.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY