Frani’s liking United more every week

August 24 2007

Shepparton News

It may not be as bonnie as his homeland but the Goulburn Valley is a dreamworld for Shepparton United's Frani More.

Lured to Shepparton by the offer of soccer, weather and a relaxed lifestyle, More has fallen in love with the Goulburn Valley and can't see himself going anywhere - or playing for any team other than the Blues.

It is a stark contrast to his days in Elgin, Scotland; a town of 25 000 people to the north-west of Aberdeen where More played for four different senior teams.

Now 28, More sees his future in Australia and knew from the moment he took the advice of teammate and friend Scott Moore that it was going to work.

"I came out on a one-year visa after Scott told me what it was like and straightaway it was fantastic," More said.

"I got another visa after that and now I'm hoping that Rullo Orchards can sponsor me for another two years as a worker so I can keep playing."

After coming up through Elgin City's junior teams, More hopped between Losiemouth, Deveronvale, Forres Mechanics and Buckie Thistle during a period of eight years.

But in Shepparton United, he found a club he could be loyal to.

"I'll always be at United," More said.

"Coming to Australia from Scotland was a big chance, especially to play soccer, so I had to see what it was like."

More said he'd been the target of some banter, but took it as a compliment.

"I do hear things like `you Scottish this' or `Scottish that' but I take it with a pinch of salt, if they're singling me out I know I'm an important player," he said.

More scored the winning goal against Yoogali two weeks ago to seal a finals berth for United, but will be used sparingly this weekend against Shepparton to avoid a suspension.

"We know that Shepparton will be up for it, but we want to come through the game with no injuries and no suspensions - some of the youngsters will get a run," More said.