Ex-Watford FC goalkeeper aiming to impress at Wealdstone

Aug 26 2010 By Tim Edwards

Jonathan North insists Sean Thomas has a battle on his hands to regain the no.1 shirt after cutting his teeth alongside some big name goalkeepers.

The highly-rated teenager spent a decade at Watford before his release this summer and worked with some impressive shot stoppers in recent times, notably England duo Ben Foster and Scott Loach, Richard Lee and veteran-turned goalkeeping coach Alec Chamberlain.

North impressed on trial in pre-season and, coupled with an ankle injury to first choice Stones stopper Sean Thomas, has carried on that form in the club's first two games of the new Ryman Premier campaign.

He was vociferous and made a stunning reflex save in Monday's 3-0 win over Tooting & Mitcham when the score stood at 1-0.

Now he plans on retaining the yellow shirt with a long-term aim of getting back to the Football League and reviving his international prospects with Wales.

“It is nice to get a chance to show what I can do,” said North, who hails from Waltham Forest.

“It is a good set up here and now I have got to make it as hard as possible for Gordon to leave me out and consider Sean.”

North believes training with such an array of quality goalkeepers during his time at Vicarage Road will reap dividends.

“Ben Foster was fantastic to work with, as were Loachy, Richard and Chambo (Chamberlain), who is a legend and helped me loads,” he added. “It is not every day you get to work with two England goalkeepers in a short space of time. I picked up a lot of stuff from them along the way.”

North is confident he will play at a higher level, providing he delivers for Wealdstone.

“I want to play a lot of games and get back playing as high as possible. You do not get to the top without working hard and that is what the likes of Ben and Scott have done.”

He also hopes regular game time and solid displays will enhance his international prospects with Wales. He qualifies for the Principality via his Aberystwyth-born father and has represented them at U16, 17, 19 and 21 level.

“It is a fantastic experience playing at international level and I would love to be involved again,” added North, who offered himself up for selection following an U16 game between Watford and Cardiff.

“There is a lot of talented players in the U21 squad and Brian Flynn (U21 manager) told me if I keep playing competitive games I will be in contention.”

Jonathan North. Pic: Steve Foster/Wealdstone FC