Posted On Wednesday, January 7th, 2015

Michael Sheridan’s 18 month journey continues in the German semi-pro leagues

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American Goalkeeper in Germany – Michael Sheridan’s ascent amongst tough German Goalkeeper competition

After more than 18 months in Germany, IFX and ASV Neumarkt Goalkeeper Michael Sheridan continues to work his way in the tough semi-pro leagues of Bavaria. Sheridan, a 25 year old Coloradan native, who tended goal previously for Baker University, has demonstrated a sturdy hand in goal, and has gradually inched his way to becoming ASV Neumarkt’s preferred keeper. But Sheridan, as he’s called by his teammates,  has made his way in Germany not without without great persistence and ongoing dedication to improvement.

His journey began first with top Franconian club SV Seligenporten’s reserve squad. Sheridan sparked interest from several regional clubs but opted for Seligenporten, liking the possible mobility into their first team competing in Bavaria’s Regionalliga, Germany’s fourth division, just one division below the 3. Bundesliga. Sheridan made a slow but steady ascent on the club’s goalkeeper short list, moving within a half a year from basically a substitute goalkeeper for the second team to their second team’s preferred goalkeeper. Sheridan appeared in 9 matches in the 2013-14 season, helping Seligenporten reserves win their league title and gain promotion into the Landesliga. Despite having a great season with Seligenporten and their promotion, Sheridan felt it was time to move on, considering his chances slim of getting much consideration for a significant role in the 1st team, whose starting keeper, Dominic Brunnhübner, is now in his 4th season with Seligenporten after transferring in from 1.FC Nürnberg, (now in 2. Bundesliga).

During the Spring of 2014, IFX and Sheridan began seeking alternatives for the following season. As luck would have it, in April 2014, Sheridan was in the right place and the right time, and was invited to train with SpVgg Greuther Fürth reserves under then Head Trainer Ludwig Preis. Although he would have been an unlikely choice for their reserve squad due to his age at the time, Sheridan made enough of an impression to be invited to train with the club and their partake in their goalkeeper training for 2 months at their pro training ground in Rehdorf, next to the Trolli Arena in Fürth. Sheridan continued this alongside his obligations to Seligenporten.

With IFX’s help, Sheridan was then introduced to ASV Neumarkt in the late Spring, who narrowly was edged into the Landesliga after an unsuccessful 2013-14 campaign, stricken with injuries and failure to win games. Sheridan’s trial at Neumarkt was extremely positive, with a fairly quick gesture from the club that they wanted to sign this young American for the 2014-15 season. Their heart was made up quickly for several reasons which were first and foremost his solid goalkeeping technique and ability, but also his fairly strong grasp of the German language, his positive interaction with the other players, as well as his proven track record with Seligenporten. Ironically, Seligenporten is Neumarkt’s local derby opponent.

Agreeing to terms before the summer transfer period opened, Neumarkt and Sheridan sealed their pact for the season and have since enjoyed positive results, hovering in the top 5 of the Landesliga, just currently four points out of first place. Now on winter break, anything is possible during the Ruckrunde (2nd half of season), and hopefully the American will bring some of his luck to his former club’s foe, repeating in helping secure his club, this time Neumarkt, a promotion spot back into the Bayernliga Nord division from where they last came.

Michael Sheridan Highlight Video – SV Seligenporten II – Spring 2014

  • Sheridan sparked interest from several regional clubs but opted for Seligenporten, liking the possible mobility into their first team competing in Bavaria’s Regionalliga, Germany’s fourth division, just one division below the 3. Bundesliga.

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