Australian International Joins Tigers

Last updated : 02 January 2002 By Andy Beill
Jason Van Blerk
Jason Van Blerk - new man at Boothferry Park
The 33-year-old has joined on a free transfer after failing to gain a contract at Wrexham after completing a short trial spell.

He was released at the end of a three-month contract with Stockport in November along with current Tiger Richard Sneekes. In Van Blerk's last game for County - a 6-0 defeat at Preston - he was sent off after only half an hour. He played in twelve other Division 1 games this season for the Hatters plus the 3-0 defeat of Carlisle in the Worthington Cup.

Van Blerk also played alongside Sneekes at West Brom, where the Aussie made over 100 appearances in 3 years, netting three goals. He had signed for the Baggies from Manchester City for a £250,000 fee in March '98. He only made 10 starts for them in an eight-month spell.

He began his English career at Millwall. He spent three seasons at the Den after the Lions bought him for £300,000 from Go Ahead Eagles, before leaving on a free transfer to Man City in '97.

Van Blerk - capped 33 times by his country - said: "I think the experience I've gained over the past few years will help me a lot and all I want to do is give the side that little extra push in the promotion race.
"It looks as though promotion could be on the cards this time around and obviously it's great to think that I could be a part of that.
"I worked under Brian [Little] at West Brom and know how he operates and the fact that he's here is a major plus for me."

He could go straight into the side when City face Carlisle on Friday night. With Mike Edwards two games away from returning and Andy Holt still struggling to find form he could slot into the left-back spot.

He said: "Up to now the team have done really well and it'll be a challenge for me to just get into the starting eleven. But I'm looking forward to it and can't wait to get going properly."