Swifts announce key signing for 2009 football season

The outlook for the 2009 football season just got brighter for Matamata Swifts AFC with the signing of Jon Allen, a proven top flight performer. Swifts coach, Duncan Lowry, has swooped to sign the accomplished midfielder from Tauranga City United.

This is an exciting signing and is timely for the Swifts, with their pre-season just around the corner. “Jon is a great addition and will increase the power of our squad,” says Lowry, struggling to hide his obvious delight. “I’m always on the look-out for quality players and good people and I’ve unquestionably got that with Jon.”

Jon Allen comes to Matamata carrying an impressive footballing resume. Hailing from the South West of England, he played at a high non-league standard for clubs such as Tiverton Town and Barnstaple Town, before arriving in New Zealand seven years ago.

The lure of the southern hemisphere proved too great for Jon to resist. He’d heard great things about Australia and New Zealand and settled on our fair shores persuaded, more than anything, by the lifestyle on offer. The close proximity of this country’s golden beaches to our snow covered slopes was a major draw card.

Jon’s kiwi football career kicked off almost immediately. He initially played a couple of seasons at Tauranga club Greerton Rovers, then coached by a certain Duncan Lowry, before making the move to Tauranga City United and four seasons playing in the Northern Premier League.

“I certainly enjoyed my time at Tauranga and would like to thank them for the opportunity of playing in the top flight,” says Allen. “But now it’s time for me to try something new and I’m looking forward to this move. I need a bit of a change to help recharge my footballing batteries and Duncan has presented me with just the sort of challenge I need. I can’t wait to get stuck into pre-season training and work with Duncan, Birchy [Swifts captain, Andy Birchenough], and the rest of the Swifts players.”

The Swifts intend fielding another strong team this season with the goal of again challenging for the Waikato Bay of Plenty Federation League title. “I expect to build a side that combines the very best young talent our club has to offer alongside a solid spine of experienced campaigners,” says Lowry. “Being in a position to attract players such as Jon indicates that our little club is heading in the right direction. I'm delighted to be able to work with him again and I can’t wait to get stuck into our pre-season programme.”

Matamata AFC hopes to announce several more signings before January 29, which is when the squad begins pre-season training.

Matamata has lost several players from the 2008 squad. Young winger, Daniel Frischknecht, has transferred to Hamilton Wanderers, while Jason Collins has moved to Australia. Juan Carlos Rodriguez will also be moving to Australia, but not until a little later in the year.

Further signings for Matamata


Above Grant Cooper with Swifts coach, Duncan Lowry.


Above Tim Miller with Swifts coach, Duncan Lowry.


Above Neil Slater during an earlier stint with the Swifts.


Above Tom Pamment with Swifts Vice-President, Dwayne Barlow.


Above Jack McKenna is welcomed to the club by ex-Matamata Swifts player, Hayri Cihan. Hayri owns Merhaba Turkish restaurant, which is situated on The Strand in Tauranga. Merhaba is the Swifts' restaurant of choice when they visit the Western Bay of Plenty.


Above Adam Graham is back with the Swifts for 2009.


For more information please contact:

Duncan Lowry Matamata Swifts AFC Head Coach: phone 027 455 0549, or
Dwayne Barlow Matamata Swifts AFC Communications: phone 021 993 832