Star import set to return for Victory

Damen Francis

October 9 2012

Shepparton News

Cobram Victory star forward Billy Marshall has confirmed his interest in returning for a second season, after claiming the club’s best and fairest award on Saturday night.

The 23-year-old arrived at the club from England and struck 27 goals across all competitions, as the Victory won the Regional Premier League and reached the quarter-finals of the State Knockout Cup.

Marshall won the award from fellow new recruit, Victory goalkeeper Lyall Beazley.

‘‘I thought Lyall would get it, he’s had a great season and rightly got the players’ player award,’’ Marshall said.

‘‘Personally it was a great year for me, the last couple of seasons back home I’ve never really got going and haven’t been able to score as many goals as I did this year, I felt really sharp.

‘‘Winning the award is great, but the fact we won the league made it a lot better.’’

A promising junior and youth player, Marshall enjoyed spells at professional clubs Tottenham Hotspur and Bristol City, but his career was plagued with injury.

A knee problem brought an end to his time at the Robins and two years of rehabilitation, playing at semi-professional level, followed.

Marshall met Victory coach Craig Carley five years ago and played with he and fellow English import Matt Gray back in England.

After resisting the call from Carley to join them in Australia last year, Marshall followed good friend Jamie England to the Cobram-based club for the inaugural Regional Premier League season.

He admitted to be surprised at the quality of the league.

‘‘I just thought I might as well do it while I was young, so I quit my job and made the move,’’ he said.

‘‘It was a good challenge, talking to Matt and Craig they said this year was a completely different standard and that some of the teams were a lot better.’’

A dynamic attacker, Marshall loves to run at players and boasts remarkable ball control and a clever range of passing.

He formed a lethal partnership with line-leading striker Carley, who he gave plenty of credit as a coach and a friend.

‘‘He really helps us all out and being a little bit older than me, he’s a great role model,’’ Marshall said.

‘‘I’ve still got a got to learn, but if I can stay away from injury hopefully I can get back close to my best.’’