AFC Totton
TEENAGED ATTACKING MIDFIELDER JACK McGIVNEY has signed for AFC Totton, and has already made a very promising start with the club’s new U23 team.
In common with several other recent recruits to the Snows Stadium, McGivney was a member of the Yeovil Town Academy when The Glovers made the decision to close it.
A Welsh international from the age groups from 12 to 15, he joined Exeter City as an Under-14 and remained with The Grecians for two years. He had an unsuccessful trial with Fulham, playing in games against the academy teams of Charlton Athletic and Reading, before he eventually arrived at the Bob Lucas Stadium as part of Weymouth’s U23 squad.
Predominantly right-footed, McGivney prefers to play on the left wing where he has the option to cut infield and shoot. He can also operate as a playmaker in the No.10 role. When prompted to liken his style of play to a famous player, he picks the Belgian international winger Leandro Trossard, who currently plays for Arsenal, and previously for Brighton.
“I’m not necessarily the quickest but I have the technical ability to do good things on the ball and I like to cut in and shoot whenever I have the chance,” said the 17-year-old.
McGivney has been training and playing with the AFC Totton squad throughout the summer. In additon to a couple of substitute appearances during the first team’s pre-season campaign, he took part in the U23s’ friendly against Downton’s first team in August, before scoring in their opening game of the Hampshire Combination & Development Football League U23 Premier Division campaign to contribute to a 2-0 win at AFC Stoneham.
Being young enough to qualify for the FA Youth Cup team, he was named in the side that suffered defeat at Gosport Borough last week, before coming on as a second-half sub in the U23s’ 6-1 win at Dorchester Town to maintain their 100% start to the U23 Premier Division programme.
NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK: Jack McGivney (right) poses with fellow new recruit Connor Bent (left) and their Manager Jimmy Ball.
“I came to Totton because the set-up is brilliant with excellent facilities. The attitude is very professional; they don’t let you get away with not trying or not turning up on time, and that suits me. I believe this environment can get the best out of me as a player, and I’m keen to work hard and try my best to progress as far as I can.
“Training with the first team is a valuable experience. Their standards are so high, that all you can do is show the same levels of concentration and try to match their hard work, focus and dedication, to make sure you feel as though you belong.
“It’s great to be part of such a great set-up as a young player. Obviously, I want to play first team football but I know that at my age I’m going to be heavily involved in the U23s and at some point, I’d like to go out on loan to get more experience of senior men’s football, whether that’s this season or next.”
Stags boss Jimmy Ball commented on his new signing:
“Jack was a key figure in Weymouth’s U23s last season with a lot of eyes and interest around his performances. He won Weymouth’s Supporter’s Young Player of the Year award.
“We’re delighted to get this lad onboard with us, as he has great potential, a great attitude and works extremely hard.”
By Ben Rochey-Adams
Image courtesy of Sayers Sports Photography
