KEEPERS GO SOUTH

Last updated : 02 July 2002 By Editor
Paul Rachubka said it was a "major decision" to leave United and join Charlton Athletic in a £200, 000 move, but felt that it was the only thing he could do to kick-start his career.

Born in California but raised in Stockport, he claimed that it was a tough choice to leave United: "It was a major decision, but I think it happened a long time ago when I thought the best thing for me was to move on," he said.

"When Charlton made an offer for me and it was accepted, I had a long chat with the manager and Tony Coton the goalkeeping coach, and with quite a lot of people whose opinions I trusted and decided I wanted to move forward. "

Rachubka made one Premiership appearance in January 2000 in the Maracana Stadium in Brazil. He came on as a substitute for Van der Gouw during the FIFA Club World Championship.

Meanwhile, the man he replaced that day, Raimond van der Gouw says he is happy to play understudy to David James after signing for West Ham on a free transfer.

RVG pulled out of a move to First Division Coventry to join the Hammers after passing a medical on Thursday.

"I know my role and what I have to do and there is no problem to be David James' understudy. Manchester United is a difficult club to leave six years is a long time at a club like Manchester United but there is a time to come and there is a time to go. You never know how it goes in football, but I am happy with the contract I have and I am looking forward to the new season," he told the club's official website.