By Martin Walker
Jason Steele says he’s “buzzing” after making Stuart Pearce’s final 18-man squad for this summer’s Olympics.
The Middlesbrough goalkeeper and Aycliffe resident will join Welshmen Ryan Giggs and Craig Bellamy in the squad announced by Team GB today.
Steele said: “I’m absolutely buzzing. I’ve said from early on that it would be very special to represent Team GB and now I can’t wait to get going and be involved.
“I first found out a little while ago off the manager, Tony Mowbray. It wasn’t something I could really shout about but I told my mam and dad and my close family.
“But you never really know for sure until you get the final confirmation. That came from the Team GB goalkeeper coach, Martin Thomas.
“He rang me while I was playing golf with my dad on holiday in Spain. It was a special moment and especially good to have my dad with me, it was great to share it with him.
“It’s a really nice feeling. It’s something I’ll really cherish for the rest of my life and tell my children and grandchildren about. Hopefully I’ll get a chance to show everyone what I’m all about.
“I think you’ve got to go into it aiming for the gold medal. I’ll find out more about the structure of the competition when the squad meets up. At the moment I’m still taking it all in.”
Aycliffe Today are fairly sure Steele will be the first Newtonian to be represented in an Olympic Games tournament – correct us if we’re wrong, though! Email us on [email protected]