Etheridge lands new English club

HIS CAREER in limbo the past four months, Philippine Azkals goalkeeper Neil Etheridge finally found a new club in English League One side Oldham Athletic which signed him to a short-term deal Thursday.

The 24-year-old Etheridge, who was released by Fulham last May, trained with clubs like Queens Park Rangers, Charlton and Wolverhampton the last four months in the hope of landing a contract.

Oldham plays in the third-tier of English football and Etheridge is relishing the opportunity to boost the club’s stock.

“I am extremely happy and I want to help the club in any way possible to climb up in this very difficult league with games flying thick and fast,” said Etheridge, who played for the Azkals in the AFC Challenge Cup early this year.

Etheridge’s decision to find a new club was one of the reasons why he has not been recalled by Azkals coach Thomas Dooley.

“It’s been a long off season and I have to thank clubs such as Charlton for giving me the opportunity to train,” Etheridge said.

The development could mean Etheridge may not be available for the Azkals again in the AFF Suzuki Cup late this month.