Los Angeles Blues News Release -- www.labluesprosoccer.com
Thursday, March 22, 2012
FULLERTON, Calif. – The Los Angeles Blues are excited to announce they have secured the services of Welsh midfielder Chad Bond for the 2012 USL PRO season, pending league approval. The 24-year-old has represented his home country at the U-17 and U-19 levels and looks back at several years in the European game that have included stints with Welsh top flight sides Port Talbot Town, Neath FC, Llanelli AFC and Afan Lido FC.
In 2008, Bond made enough of an impression with the coaching staff of Swansea City, the club where he had started his career, to earn a contract with the current English Premier League outfit. Before joining the Blues, he most recently donned the jersey of Afan Lido, on loan from Llanelli.
“Part of the reason we signed Chad is that he’s very responsible about defending,” Blues Head Coach Charlie Naimo said. “The hope is that he can help ensure that those around him have the same attitude all the time. At the same time, we gave Chad the number ten for a reason. We really like his ability to change the point of the attack and are confident that he can be that connecting piece between the midfield and the forwards and that way have a major impact in our attack.”
Upon reaching an agreement with his new club, the former Welsh youth international, who has spent most of his career as an attacker, cut short his loan deal and was able to have his Llanelli contract terminated by mutual consent.
“Everything here in Fullerton has been great so far, so it really was a no-brainer,” he said. “Not having played in USL PRO before, I obviously don’t know the league very well yet, but it was clear from the start that the coaches are experienced and know what they’re doing. In addition, everyone in the entire organization has been really welcoming to me, which made the decision even easier.”
Another aspect of Bond’s qualities that intrigued the coaching staff is his team-oriented nature, of which he provided a sample in his outlook on the upcoming season.
“Judging by the group we have assembled and by what those who know the league are saying, it seems like we have to aim to win the championship,” he said. “Personally, I just want to get on the field as much as possible and perform to the best of my abilities to help the Blues do well.”