Soccer: Utting signs for Manawatu

Former New Zealand goalkeeper Michael Utting is a surprise signing for the YoungHeart Manawatu soccer team.

One of the sport's biggest characters, Utting has joined Manawatu for the National Football Championship which begins this weekend.

Manawatu coach Colin Tuaa agreed that Utting would be a major drawcard.

He not only played for the All Whites in the 1999 and 2003 Confederations Cups, but also The Kingz, Miramar Rangers, Waikato in last year's national league, as well as playing for South African champion side Supersports United. He played for Waitakere City in the winter competition.

"Everyone knows Michael Utting. He's one of those players people go just to watch," Tuaa said.

"I have no doubt he's still the best keeper in the country, but importantly for us he's very experienced and will be a major help to us defensively.

"We're excited to get him -- we go back a long way. Shane (Rufer assistant coach) has also had a fair bit to do with him."

Utting, who lives near Hamilton, won't play in Manawatu's first game against Canterbury United at FMG Stadium at 3pm on Sunday leaving the job up to either of the other two keepers, Hayden Englefield or Canterbury import Jordan Buchanan.

- nzpa