Wallen Leaves Palmy For Birmingham
Words: Garry McKenzie
Image: Ray Gardner / Redlands United FC
Palm Beach has announced Josh Wallen will leave the club before Wednesday’s Westfield FFA Cup tie against South Melbourne FC.
The central midfielder flies to England on Friday following renewed interest from English Championship side Birmingham City.
Wallen undertook an initial trail with Birmingham at the end of the English season after two years with the Watford Football Academy under-18 team.
The ex- Magic United player then returned to Australia and signed for Palm Beach three weeks ago.
However Birmingham has now offered a second trial with a view to adding Wallen to their under-21 squad.
Palm Beach coach Grae Piddick thanked Wallen for his short time at the club and wished him well in England.
“It will be a great opportunity for Josh that he can't let go,” Piddick said.
Piddick admitted Wallen’s departure is a loss having been earmarked to the replace U.S.-bound Lochlan Reus for the remainder of the season.
Wallen impressed in place of the suspended Reus during the 3-1 home win against Sunshine Coast.
With Ben Litfin also ruled out indefinitely due to injury, Palm Beach will now identify a new partner for Justyn McKay in central midfield.
Piddick is likely to look within the existing squad to replace Wallen due to the difficulty of signing players late in the season.
“This will provide more opportunities for someone else to fill his spot for the rest of the season,” Piddick said.
The departures of Wallen and Reus come as Palm Beach chase a top four finish in the PlayStation ® 4 NPL Queensland.
Palm Beach sits six points behind fourth place Redlands but can overtake their opponents if they win their three games in hand starting with this weekend’s match against SWQ Thunder at Mallawa Complex.
Fixture Details:
PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues Queensland
Palm Beach SC v SWQ Thunder FC
Mallawa Complex, Gold Coast
Saturday, 25 July
Kick-off - 5:00pm
Westfield FFA Cup Round of 32
Palm Beach SC v South Melbourne FC
Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
Wednesday, 29 July
Kick-off - 7:30PM
Broadcast LIVE on Fox Sports
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