Vernon swaps sunshine for Seel Park

DARREN VERNON (left).

SEEL PARK and the windswept Pennine foothills is a far cry from the sunshine of Australia where new Mossley signing Darren Vernon had a seven-year playing stint.

The 27-year-old defender, the elder brother of former Athletic striker Scott, was forced to return home last October, severing his stay with semi-professional side South Springvale.

Darren, who last season helped Styal win the Mid-Cheshire League, explained: “After being in Australia so long, I am often asked why I came back?

“Basically, I wasn’t earning enough from football to be eligible for a visa and extend my stay.

“There is a points system in place for obtaining visas which favours anybody with a trade or qualification, which I don’t have, so I had no option but to come home.”

Darren’s father John, who was a winger at Stockport County, also played professional football in Australia’s National League and it was he who sold the idea to his son about playing Down Under.

Initially he went on holiday with a working visa, but enjoyed the life so much that he stayed.

South Springvale is a suburb of Melbourne and Darren played in Victoria State League Two, which was semi-professional and comparable to the UniBond League premier division over here.

He supplemented the money he received from football by working part time in bars and restaurants.

Vernon, who had a spell at Macclesfield Town’s centre of excellence as a youngster, added that he has had to adapt to a different style of play since returning home.

He said: “In Australia many teams have three central defenders and like to knock it about at the back and play it into midfield. It’s not as direct as it is here.

“I haven’t had any difficulty adjusting, but some managers have as they want the ball played forward quickly.”