Net-minder Gartside is Watford bound

After a successful trial the teenager has earned himself a two year scholarship with the Londoner’s and he’s waiting on word for his departure.

Gartside, just like Niall Logue who is jetting off to America next month on a scholarship, can’t wait to make the move across to London and he feels his Northern Ireland youth international career will also benefit with the move.

“I don’t know exactly when I’m going to England, as Stute and Watford still have to agree compensation, so whenever they agree I find out the details of my departure,” he admitted.

“When I was offered the contract I was absolutely buzzing, it’s a dream to be offered a scholarship contract with an English club.

“Going to a club like Watford and having full-time quality training can only but help my international career, but it also means a bigger step up for me, but one I can’t wait for.”

The 16-year-old who has been at Stute for five years knows that the coaching staff at the Drumahoe club have played a major part in his career.

“Stute have helped me a lot, from the first team coaches and youth coaches like Ian Harper for a couple of years, last year Robert Lynch and Kenny Hamilton and the first team goalkeeping coach Kevin McKinney.

“In fact all the first team coaches and players like Michael Doherty and Paddy McLaughlin were always giving me advice.”

The Lisneal student who has finished his GCSE exams isn’t like a lot of other teenagers over the summer relaxing and enjoying a holiday the Maydown lad will be working hard in preparation for his move.

“I wouldn’t be having a partying life-style, there’s no chance of that, all my focus will be on football,” he added.

“I will be keeping my head down and working hard, because I’m moving to a big Championship club, who were in the Premier League not so long ago and hopefully I can relish the opportunity.

In recent years the Waterside men have seen Aaron McEneff move to Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur, in fact Gartside’s deal at Vicarage Road is similar to the midfielder’s and he hopes that he can follow in McEneff’s footsteps and earn himself a professional deal.

“My contract is similar to the one that Aaron got at Spurs, which is being a full-time footballer but also going to school a couple of days a week to continue your education.”

Now that Gartside is moving on the Waterside men’s Under 17 side are looking for a new goalkeeper for both their National League and Foyle Cup squads.

The teenagers start pre-season training next Monday evening at 6.30pm until 8pm at Drumahoe and any interested goalkeepers are asked to attend.

Meanwhile the club’s season tickets for their Premiership campaign will go on sale from Monday, June 16 and are priced at £120 for adults, £85 for concessions and students can buy a season ticket for just £40. Season tickets will be on sale at both the Coffee Stop and the ground.

Stute’s Annual General Meeting, will take place at the Riverside Stadium, Drumahoe on Monday, June 23, starting at 7.30pm sharp.