Beattie Will Be Back In London To Play Professional Soccer

Morris Dalla Costa -
The London Free Press -

London City continues to rebuild for the Canadian Soccer League season.

They are using some FC London graduates to help out.

City signed their second former FC London player, this time going to England to sign midfielder Tom Beattie.

Beattie played last year with the USL PDL club. After leaving, he played in England, Australia and Scotland.

"We're excited because he's going to provide a link between him and striker Kevin Zimmerman," City general manager Ryan Gauss said. "One of the reasons Beattie came back was because Kevin came here."

Zimmerman was the first former FC London player to sign with City. Zimmerman was the leading scorer for FC London last year and is good friends with Beattie.

City also signed a key defender, getting Marconi fullback Abdo Halbouni to come across town from the Western Ontario Soccer League Premier Division team.

"He's experienced and a strong addition," Gauss said.

Beattie played well in London last year. He has the ability to help at the back but is more adept at moving forward and helping in the attack.

After his stint in London, he went to England and then Scotland where he was supposed to sign with a Division Two Scottish league club.

"I waited but they had some financial issues and I just couldn't wait anymore," Beattie said from England. "While I was waiting, I got a call from London City. I had a good time in London and I just thought 'why not?' They treated me very well. This would give me a chance . . . .

"It's a new challenge and that's good for me."

Beattie and Zimmerman have been in contact.

"He told me he'd signed and that he had been treated really well and that they were interested in me," Beattie said.

Beattie admits to not knowing a great deal about the Canadian Soccer League. He did know that London City has been struggling the last few years.

He was aware that City was making a push this year to improve on and off the field.

"I heard that this year it is going to be a little more quality," Beattie said. "I was intrigued by it and it gives me a chance to play."

The CSL will play 24 games this year, six more than last year with the addition of three new teams.