Goalkeeper part of British Universities squad heading to China for World Student Games

NEW St Albans City goalkeeper Nick Jupp jetted out to China yesterday (Wednesday) to represent Britian at the World Student Games in Shenzhen.

Jupp, who signed for the Saints on Tuesday after a string of impressive displays in pre-season, will miss the club’s first four league games due to his commitments in China where he will be joined by former St Albans City midfielder Hector Mackie.

“It should be an experience of a life-time,” Jupp told the Herts Advertiser. “I was supposed to go to China when I was with England schoolboys a few years ago but it got called off at the last minute so I finally get to go to China.

“I think last year we came fourth. There are 16 teams and the best we’ve done is third, winning the bronze medal in Sheffield in 1991.

“They’ve said it’s going to be tough with the conditions; six games in 11 days, the humidity and heat and a completely different style of football but I’m looking forward to it and it should be a good challenge.”

Jupp believes the Saints should be well equipped to achieve in the Southern Premier Division this term and the goalkeeper says he is looking forward to continuing his work with David Howell and Ken Charlery having followed the pair from Harrow Borough.

“I trust Owsy (Howell) and Owsy trusts me and I’m looking forward to playing for them this year,” explained Jupp.

“I think we’re putting together a strong team, Owsy’s come in and I think he’s tried to put his own mark on the club.

“It might take him a couple of weeks but Harrow last year started slow; it took us a few weeks to see who’s who and how each other play so it might take a few weeks but I’m definitely expecting good things at St Albans.”