Carney to join Blackpool

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1 September 2010-SBS EXCLUSIVE

Blackpool bound ... Australia defender David Carney (Getty)

Australia defender David Carney’s dream of playing in the English Premier League finally came true as the transfer deadline expired with the former Everton junior agreeing to a one-year deal with an option for one more with promoted Blackpool.

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The Premier League will meet to ratify the transfer on Thursday but it’s believed there will be no hitches with the one-time Sydney FC wingback, who spent two-years at Sheffield United before switching to FC Twente last season, ecstatic at the switch.

Blackpool boss Ian Holloway has been tracking Carney for some time and an impressive pre-season performance against Ajax in the Dutch Super Cup convinced him to put in a bid with the clubs agreeing terms for an undisclosed fee for a player with a year still to run on his deal with Twente.

”I’ve always wanted to play in the Premier League,’’ said Carney, who stood to appear for Twente in the UEFA Champions league had he stayed put.

”What player wouldn’t? Blackpool are a club that plays attacking football under Holloway and are keen to make an impression and the chance to join them and to also return to England where I have always been very happy was far too good to pass up.

”Obviously Blackpool are a lot of people’s favourites to go down and that’s always going to be the case because they are on a tight budget.

”But there’s a lot of spirit at the club and obviously plenty of ability and hopefully we can shock a few people this season.”

Carney, who also appeared for Twente in their first two games of the new campaign before being benched as transfer speculation swirled around him, added: “Things were picking up for me in Holland after I didn’t get too much of a look-in last season mainly because of a shoulder injury.

“But I’m delighted with this move and can’t wait to make my debut.”

Carney is currently in camp with the Socceroos ahead of Saturday morning’s (AEST) friendly against Switzerland in St Gallen, followed by the duel with Poland in Krakow four days later.

“The deal came right on the deadline but that‘s how things work in football. Hopefully it will all be cleared and I’ll be good to go.’’

Blackpool has picked up four points from its opening three games in the top flight – a 4-0 win at Wigan, a 6-0 hammering at Arsenal and a 2-2 home draw with Fulham.

It returns to action after the international break at Newcastle on September 19.