Ross County goalkeeper Maynard-Brewer feared Olympic dream with Australia could scupper loan move away from Charlton
Ashley Maynard-Brewer feared that involvement in this summer’s Olympic Games would wreck his chances of a loan move.
While fully committed to parent club Charlton Athletic, the 22-year-old knew he needed first-team action to continue his development this season.
Representing Australia under-23s in Tokyo, even as an unused substitute, was a thrilling life experience, but meant he missed pre-season training completely.
Backed by a supportive manager in Charlton’s Nigel Adkins, though, opportunity beckoned at Ross County.
His first-team chance came on Saturday after displacing established Ross Laidlaw for the 2-2 draw with Hearts, while earning the sponsors’ man of the match award.
“Coming to Ross County is a really good opportunity for me,” Maynard-Brewer said.
“I went away with the Oz team for the summer Olympics in Tokyo and missed most of pre-season. As a result, I didn’t think I’d get a loan this season.
“Luckily, just as I was flying home from Tokyo’s airport the gaffer here called me. Immediately, I knew it was a great chance for me in a top league. I know Scotland is a football-mad country and takes football very seriously.
“Since coming here, I’ve loved everything about it – the people, club and area. I also have grandparents in Aberdeen who I don’t see very often, so that’s another nice aspect.”
Scotland’s Premiership represents a huge step up after previous loans at Dulwich Hamlet, Dover Athletic, Hampton & Richmond and Chelmsford City. I was a bit nervous. Obviously, Hearts are a good team,” the Joondalup-born keeper said.
“But I’m happy I managed to make a few saves, which was nice early on as I was a little bit jumpy.
“Their early goal was frustrating as it was their first attack. There was a deflection and it beat me at the near post, but we reacted in a good way, went in at half- time 2-1 up and withstood a lot of pressure from Hearts.”