Becks kicks off hopes for player

A young footballer from the Black Country who flew to America for a trial with David Beckham's new team has been invited back after being inspired by words of advice from the superstar himself.

And Beckham was not the only famous face Craig Timmins saw and spoke to. He also met actors Jason Statham, Vinnie Jones and Ray Winstone and Everton FC players. But it was the words of encouragement from Becks that meant the most to the Bloxwich youngster.

He had an intensive two-week trial with the Major League Soccer outfit LA Galaxy. And the advice worked as 21-year-old Craig, of Sandbank, said he played the best football of his life during the trip.

He arrived home yesterday but has been invited by the coach to return to America at the end of August for a three month trial.

Craig spoke to the superstar twice during the fortnight and got advice while they both worked out in the gym. He also spoke to Beckham after Chelsea had beaten LA Galaxy in a friendly game, in which the England international starred, and he met the trio of actors at LA's Copacabana Club.

Craig, who works as a sports technician at St Thomas More School in Willenhall, hopes to play for LA Galaxy full time.

He said: "The whole experience was absolutely incredible. I played seven matches over there and I did play really well. I met David Beckham twice.

"The first time I met him was in the gym. He is a great bloke. He was offering me advice and words of encouragement.

"It was just an unbelievable experience and I am so excited about going back."

Last season, Craig played in the Premier Division of the Midland Football Combination with Walsall Wood and is also a coach at Goals Soccer Centre.

He started his career with Hednesford Town Football Club and has since had spells with Kidderminster Harriers, Walsall, Stafford Rangers and Telford United.

By Andrew Richardson