I am delighted to have signed for Futsal Dinamo in Zagreb, Croatia for the 2016-2017 season. It will be a new adventure for me in one of the top clubs in the country and they have a huge fan base that is fanatical about the club.
I had a previous spell in the city in 2011/12 and many of the same people are now at Dinamo. This includes the Head Coach who previously worked with England, Mico Martic. I have played with 6 of the squad previously when you include the time I represented a Croatian side at the Mini Club World Cup in Kuwait.
The team finished 3rd last year and, with new signings including Croatian internationals Veki Matosevic and Kristijan Grbesa adding to last year’s squad, we will be among the favourites. The Croatian championship is one of the strongest in Europe with the best players from across the talented Balkan region plus a few foreigners from further afield. Last season 2012 World Cup Golden Ball winner Neto was playing in the league.
Futsal Dinamo is a unique club as it is run by the fans where each member has a vote in any decisions including electing the organisation’s leadership. It will be a joy to contribute to an organisation that provides an example internationally for club structure, financial management and match day atmosphere.
The importance given to the fans is shown in the fact the number 6 shirt is not used as it represents the members who are the 6th player on the court. They are probably the best supported futsal club in the world in terms of passion as the video below highlights.
My signing for Futsal Dinamo will mean an end to my 3 year spell with London Baku United. It was an amazing time representing England’s first professional club where we became one of the top teams in the whole of Europe. I maintain good relations with everyone at the club and only leave as I want a new challenge and to play in a more competitive championship. I thank everyone there for 3 memorable years and wish the club the best for the future.
After a busy summer of long days and lots of stress working in organisational roles, I am very much looking forward to getting back to the relatively easy life of playing! I am very excited about my return to Croatia and Zagreb and fighting to win the championship alongisde people who are passionate about developing their club and the sport of futsal. It is going to be a great experience to play in front of the thousands of crazy fans!
Check out my interview with the club’s website (Translate into English by Google).
You can follow the club on Facebook and Instagram.
Dinamo To Smo Mi!!
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