Michael Green
MICHAEL GREEN
D.O.B: 12/05/1989
BIRTH PLACE:
Previous Clubs:
Brockenhurst, Christchurch, Eastleigh, AFC Totton, Port Vale
Position: Defender
Nationality: English
STATS 2010-2011
Games Played (Sub Appearances): N/A
Goals: N/A
EFC All time - up to end of 2010/2011 season
Games Played: N/A
Goals: N/A
Eastleigh League Debut:
22nd October 2011, v Welling United
Michael Green began his career learning his trade under Graham Kemp at Brockenhurst and Christchurch, before moving to Eastleigh in summer 2009. Despite impressing in five pre-season games for the Spitfires, Mike found his path way blocked into the first team by more experienced players.
Green joined Southern League neighbours AFC Totton on loan in August 2009 before signing for them permanently in a four-figure deal.
He played two outstanding seasons for the Stags and, following trials for Millwall, Wycombe and Reading, Green landed his big pro break with Port Vale during the summer, signing a two-year deal at Vale Park.
In May 2011 he won the Hampshire Senior Cup with Totton, following a 3–1 victory over Sholing at St Mary's Stadium. This came after he helped his side top the Southern Football League Division One South & West – they finished just two points ahead of Sholing.
As a 22-year-old, Green was signed by Micky Adams' League Two side Port Vale in July 2011. He described the move into professional football as "a dream come true". He made his debut on the opening day of the 2011–12 season, as Vale drew 2–2 with Crawley Town at Vale Park. He played four further games, before he returned to Eastleigh on a one month emergency loan deal on the 20th October 2011.
Eastleigh had been struggling in the left-back department, so much so that striker-turned-centre back Andy Forbes has had to play there during the opening months of the season.
Michael made an outstanding impression on his return to the club helping the Spitfires to an unlikely 3-0 home win over second-placed Welling United. Green scored the opening goal to set his side on their way to victory, helped the team to a clean sheet and won the sponsors man of the match award.
On November the 18th, it was revealed that Michael Green made a permanent switch to Eastleigh after being released from his contract at Port Vale.
Less than five months after signing a two-year deal for the npower League Two club, his contract was "reluctantly" terminated by Vale because, they say, Green wanted to be closer to his family.
During his month on loan for the Spitfires, Eastleigh pulled themselves away from the Blue Square Bet South relegation zone to within five points of the play-off places.
Confirming the Sway-based former Christchurch player is now a permanent fixture at the Silverlake Stadium, Eastleigh boss Ian Baird said: "Greener has joined us for this season and one more.
"We haven't suddenly come into money. Michael has taken a hell of a hit on the contract he had at Port Vale.
Baird thinks Green could one day return to League football - as long as he works on his self-belief.
"Michael's got all the raw attributes to be a good footballer, but he doesn't believe in himself as much as he should," he said. "If he puts that right, he could still have a bright future. How high he wants to go is entirely down to him.
JAMIE MONTIGUE
