Article: Barrie McAuliffe
On Friday May 23rd Cardiff City FC are delighted to announce that Tom Heaton has agreed to sign on loan for the 2008/09 season from Manchester United.
Twenty two year old Tom is an up-and-coming talent at Old Trafford, signing for the Red Devils as a youngster and coming through the ranks.
A regular reserve 'keeper, Tom was a part of the Manchester United team that won the 2004-05 Barclays Premiership Reserve League North title. He made his senior team debut on in March 2007, coming on as a substitute for Tomasz Kuszczak in the UEFA Celebration Match against a Europe XI.
Tom also spent time in the 2005/06 season at Swindon Town, playing over twenty games for the Robbins and saving a penalty on his debut.
Dave Jones said of the capture: "We have looked at Tom for a while and we are really pleased to be securing the services of an England U21 goalkeeper.
"I am grateful to Sir Alex for allowing him to come to us and it shows we are building relationships with the best team in Europe."
Former Manchester United goalkeeping coach and Tom's representative Tony Cotton agreed with Dave's enthusiasm, saying, "Tom is joining an ambitious club in Cardiff City and he is looking forward to helping them kick on from their FA Cup Final appearance next season.
"The Club are one that is clearly going places with the stadium and training ground developments and Tom will enjoy working hard in competition for a first team place. Their aim is to reach the Premier League by gaining promotion and Tom hopes to be a part of that success."
