 Despite not yet turning professional, Kelly offered Alston a deal which quadrupled the wages he was receiving at Preston to move to Australia and join South Coast United on an initial six-month loan deal.He had been playing with Preston for one year and was convinced to move after being told that the "heavy grounds" in England did not suit his playing style.Alston was due to be married at the time but convinced his fiancée Doreen to make the move with him.