Thurston raring to go

Words: ACFC Media

Monday 10 May 2021

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Midfielder Adam Thurston is raring to go after getting close to the Auckland City FC first team action on Saturday.

The 26-year-old Manchester-born attacking midfielder joins Auckland City FC from cross-town rivals Eastern Suburbs AFC and was put through his paces prior to the Northern League clash with Birkenhead United by strength and conditioning coach Adria Casals.

Although Thurston didn't make it into the match day squad, his credentials suggest its only a matter of time before he makes his debut.

Thurston played 13 games for the Lilywhites scoring an impressive nine goals and also turned out for two other New Zealand clubs in Hawke's Bay United and Canterbury United in the ISPS Handa Premiership.

In his native England, Thurston played for FC United of Manchester and Hyde United.

Coach José Figueira welcomed Thurston to the squad and can't wait to see him make his debut.

"Like any new signing, Adam has brought a breath of fresh air into the squad for what’s going to be a long season ahead.

"He's a very skilful player, hungry to win and improve and he adds tremendous value to what we already have in place.

"He's excited to get started here and that's always a good place to begin," Figueira told www.aucklandcityfc.com.

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For Thurston, the completion of the transfer means he is a step closer to doing what he enjoys most - playing football.

"I've waited a long time for the opportunity to play for Auckland City FC and I'm so happy everything has been finalised.

"I'm raring to go and really can't wait to get started with the boys," he said.

Thurston is a long way from home and so the influence and strong ties established there understandably play a key role in how he sees the world.

"My biggest influences are my parents and my family. They've done so much for me as a kid, taking me to football five times a week and making sacrifices to help me out.

"They've helped me get to where I am today.

"My girlfriend Amy has come to New Zealand so I've settled nicely to the Auckland lifestyle.

"Amy works at Auckland Hospital and has settled in as well. Her brother is here and she wanted to be closer to him here, we're good friends and long term we want to settle down in New Zealand.

"We would both love to settle down here and I hope I can contribute to Auckland City FC for as long as possible," he added.

It's no surprise Thurston is a fervant Manchester United fan and he speaks enthusiastically about his love of the Red Devils.

"I grew up a Manchester United fan so grew up watching Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney and all the top players from around the world.

"I still get up early in the morning to watch games and admire how Bruno Fernandes changes games, creates chances, creates goals and plays with passion, its something I base my game on that," he said.

With Thurston now working towards his debut for the club, he outlined his reasons for joining the Navy Blues succinctly.

"I wanted to join the club because they have the best set up in the country. They attract the best players, the best coaches and have the best facilities around.

"I wanted to better myself, train around better players because when you do that you become a better player yourself, you're always learning.

"I still feel I've got a lot to learn, develop and playing for Auckland City FC gives me that," he said.

Thurston has caught the eye in New Zealand football with top performances at his previous clubs and he believes he brings a variety of assets to the table that will excite the club's support.

"Being brought up in England, football is tough, so I've got grit and determination.

"I like to create goalscoring opportunities, I try to get some good stats with goals and assists.

"I like to be a playmaker but off the ball, I like grafting, tackling, winning the ball back and bring a will to win.

"I want to bring that to Auckland City FC and I've fit right in at training.

"The style of football suits me, its fast, technical possession with a purpose, so its an exciting time to be here.

"Everyone at the club has been superb in helping me settle in, especially Ivan Vuksich, Terry Kennelly and José Figueira.

"Auckland City FC is an ambitious football club, they always want to do well and its great to be here."

Ends

Player Profile
Name: Adam Thurston
Age: 26
Born: Manchester, England
Previous clubs: Eastern Suburbs AFC (NZL), South Shields (ENG), Hawke's Bay United (NZL), Canterbury United (NZL), Hyde United (ENG), FC United (ENG), Preston North End (ENG).

Honours
Manchester Premier Cup 2013-14 (1)