Braves sign American keeper Bernie White

The six-foot-six shot-stopper previously played in the US college system, having graduated last summer from Amherst College, Massachusetts, after gaining four years of experience with the ‘Mammoths’. “In the US, the game is growing”, stated Bernie after signing for the club, “but the experience isn’t the same, so coming to Scotland where it’s such a tight knit footballing community is a really good opportunity to play more, and at a good standard.”

The English born ‘keeper moved to the USA from Liverpool at the age of seven, before settling in Austin, Texas prior to his college career. As a dual-citizen, Bernie was keen to return to the UK to gain crucial first-team experience and joined training for the first time earlier in the week. “I’m the only foreigner in the squad, so it may be a bit weird for them to have a foreign guy on the team, but they’ve all been really welcoming… it’s my first time in Scotland and I’m really enjoying myself so far!”

Bernie will come into the squad to provide important competition to Chris Henry and Grant Thackray, but is under no illusions as to the challenges in his way to securing the number one shirt. “You’re never going to come into a good team like this and not have competition, but if an opportunity comes, I’ll try to do my best and work hard in training.”

As a dominating figure in goal, Bernie is relishing the opportunity to get started in British football with the Caledonian Braves and is looking to embrace the robust challenges of the Lowland League. “I knew that Scotland was known for its physical style, which I suit being a big guy myself, but I also know everyone here is really technical.”

Bernie was in attendance for our entertaining midweek victory over Hearts B and will now be available for selection for Ricky Waddell’s side going forward. We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Bernie to Braves and we wish him the very best of luck for the rest of the season!