Gretna ace jets off to Oz to rebuild career

By Amanda Little

Last updated 12:02, Thursday, 01 May 2008

Long-serving Gretna winger Ryan Baldacchino is hoping to rebuild his career in Australia.

Baldacchino: Fresh start

Baldacchino, who joined Gretna during their Scottish Division Three days from neighbours Carlisle United, flew out this morning to join Victorian Premier League side Altona Magic.

The Melbourne-based club are currently fifth in the table after ten games, and the 27-year-old will link-up with his new team mates this weekend.

It’s a fresh start for the former Blackburn and Bolton youngster, whose career has been overshadowed by a serious knee injury he suffered against Forfar on Christmas Eve 2005.

His departure continues the break-up of the Gretna squad after the clubs was forced into administration with debts of nearly £4million.

Baldacchino said: “I’ve been here for nearly five years now and I am devastated that I have to leave but I’ve been left with little choice.

“I did have another year on my contract and the original plan was to go out on loan to a club in Australia or America at the end of the Scottish season.

“Because I have been injured for a long time, I need to play regular football and I was going to come back for the new season with Gretna.

“Everything had been sorted but obviously the situation has changed now and it doesn’t look good for the club.

“It’s a shame the way things have happened but I have to look after my own interests and I think this a good move for me.”

Baldacchino had scouts flocking to Raydale Park as Gretna began their incredible rise towards the SPL.

The fans’ favourite made 111 appearances, scoring 16 goals, but his career was disrupted by a serious knee injury and he has managed only a handful of appearances over the last two seasons.

Doctors discovered he had been playing with a detached medial ligament but after two operations and three ill-fated comebacks, he feels he is getting back to his best and hopes to make the most of a fresh start down under.

He said: “The Victorian Premier League is a stepping stone to the A-League, which starts in August and ultimately that’s where I see myself playing.

“I have a few months to impress and I feel my confidence is returning now that I’m fully fit and have had a run of games so hopefully I can continue to improve.”