Griffiths signs with Sky Blues

Updated December 14, 2012 11:43:56

Sydney FC has signed former Australia international Joel Griffiths on a two-year deal.

Griffiths, 33, will link up with the Sky Blues once the A-League transfer window opens on January 14.

The striker's current contract with Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua expires at the end of the month.

"I'm really happy to be joining Sydney FC and can't wait to get into training with the team and then start playing games," Griffiths said in a statement.

"Sydney is my home, Sydney FC is a great club and has tremendous training facilities and I'm looking forward to playing in the A-League again."

Griifths won both the Johnny Warren Medal and Golden Boot award in 2007/08 while playing for Newcastle Jets.

He has plied his trade in China since leaving the A-League in 2009 and has three Socceroos caps to his name.

Tags: a-league, soccer, sydney-2000

First posted December 14, 2012 11:38:54

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Grella signs on with Heart

Updated October 16, 2012 14:29:28

Socceroos midfielder Vince Grella will play club football in Australia for the first time in 14 years after agreeing to join the Melbourne Heart.

Grella, 33, has been dogged by injuries during the past four years at English Premier League club Blackburn.

Prior to that, he spent a decade in Italy playing for Empoli, Torino and Parma.

Grella has earned 46 caps for Australia and was a key member of the national squad at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups.

His signing is a coup for Heart coach John Aloisi, a former international team-mate of Grella.

The Heart have made a fast start to the 2012-13 A-League campaign, with a win and a draw in their opening two games.

The Melbourne-born Grella will link up with his new club on Monday.

His only previous experience in Australian club soccer involved single-season stints with the Canberra Cosmos and Carlton in the now defunct NSL.

AAP

Tags: sport, soccer, melbourne-3000, vic, australia

First posted October 16, 2012 13:40:07

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Sydney signs Del Piero

Updated September 05, 2012 22:19:43

Sydney FC has confirmed football legend Alessandro Del Piero has signed for the club.

Del Piero, 37, was unveiled as the Sky Blues' marquee signing at a media conference in Turin on Wednesday evening (AEST). The announcement followed face-to-face negotiations in Italy with Sydney officials over the past three days.

The World Cup winner will join Sydney on a two-year deal reportedly worth $2 million and is expected to arrive in Australia in two weeks.

It is the highest-profile signing in the A-League's eight-year history.

The Sky Blues had to fend off interest from several big-name European clubs including English Premier League sides Liverpool and Southampton, Scottish champions Celtic, Sporting Braga of Portugal and Swiss side FC Sion.

While Sydney had been confident since opening negotiations last week, its hopes appeared to take a hit after a second day of talks between Sky Blues chief executive Tony Pignata and Del Piero's representatives in Turin failed to reach a resolution on Tuesday.

Sydney FC announced last week Del Piero had "agreed to finalise details on a contract" only to be forced into a U-turn after a denial by Del Piero's camp.

Del Piero's 19-year career with Juventus ended last season when he was not offered a new deal after it had won its first league title since 2003.

Del Piero began his professional career at Padova, where he played only 14 matches before being signed by Juventus in 1993.

He remained with the Turin-based club until 2012 having scored 208 goals in 513 appearances and was a member of the Italy side that beat France on penalties in the 2006 World Cup final.

AAP

Tags: soccer, a-league, italy, sydney-2000

First posted September 05, 2012 21:58:02

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Sydney FC signs Panama's Yau

Updated July 11, 2012 15:18:32

Panama international striker Yairo Yau is the latest player to join Sydney FC, the A-League club announced on Wednesday.

"We're very excited about being able to entice Yau to Sydney FC," coach Ian Crook said of the 22-year-old, who has played for his country four times, scoring once.

"He's quick, direct, can play as a striker or a wide man on either side and he can cross a ball.

"He's played recently for Panama and we're thrilled he will be joining us for the 2012/13 season."

Yau, who joins from Panamanian club Sporting San Miguelito, will link up with Croatian striker Krunoslav Lovrek who signed for the club last week.

"We now have a good group of attacking options with Yau and Kruno Lovrek joining Joel Chianese, Nick Carle, Brett Emerton, Mitch Mallia, Ali Abbas and Dimi Petratos to give our members and fans some excitement up front," Crook told Sydney FC's website.

ABC/AFP

Tags: a-league, soccer, sport, sydney-2000, nsw, australia, panama

First posted July 11, 2012 15:18:32

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Manchester United signs teen Powell

Updated June 13, 2012 08:55:44

Manchester United has completed the signing of England Under-18 international Nick Powell from Crewe.

The 18-year-old, who had also been targetted by Premier League side Everton, has passed a medical and will join the club at the beginning of July on a four-year deal.

"We have scouted Nick for months now," said manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

"He is an exceptional talent and has been schooled well at Crewe. I'm delighted he has chosen to come to United.

"He has a lot to offer and we are all looking forward to working with him."

Powell made his senior debut at age 16. His last appearance for Crewe came in the League Two play-off final at Wembley in May when he scored in the win over Cheltenham.

An attacking midfielder, he is expected to fill the void created by Paul Pogba's imminent exit for Juventus.

"It really is a dream come true to be signing for Manchester United," said Powell.

"I have had a great time at Crewe and would like to thank them for helping me to develop as a player over the past 13 years.

"I'm excited about continuing my development with Sir Alex and the world class players in the squad.

"The thought of making the step up to the Premier League next year is an exciting prospect. I can't wait to get started."

AFP

Tags: english-premier, soccer, sport, england

First posted June 13, 2012 08:38:10

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Cooper signs with Jets

Updated May 25, 2012 11:49:07

Mitch Cooper has become the third former Gold Coast United player to join Newcastle Jets, who have also signed veteran Michael Bridges for another year.

Cooper, 17, was at the centre of controversy last year when his appointment as captain on his debut precipitated the sacking of Miron Bleiberg.

The attacking midfielder joins Josh Brillante and Josh Brown in having moved south of the Tweed River over the off-season and he knows coach Gary van Egmond from his time at the Australian Institute of Sport.

"Hopefully I can be an exciting player for the fans and work as a bit of a playmaker as well," Cooper said.

"I just want to do my best whatever position Gary wants me to play, hopefully I can fulfil that role and be happy just to be here."

Bridges, who announced his retirement a year ago only to return in November, will play for a fourth season with the Jets.

The 32-year-old forward, whose persistent injury problems hindered a certain international career with England, expects to play a key role on and off the pitch at Hunter Stadium.

"I'll be taking on the same role I have been since I arrived here on day one," Bridges said.

"I always wanted to be a leader on and off the park, but also to influence the young boys, take a few of them under my wing and help them along the way.

"What we've seen in the last few weeks we've got a lot of young kids who have come in and they've been sensational.

"We've only seen them the last few days but they've brought this enthusiasm and that rubs off on us older boys and it gives you a new lease of life and hopefully they can learn things off us in other parts of the field as well."

Tags: sport, soccer, a-league, newcastle-2300

First posted May 25, 2012 11:45:15

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Halloran signs on at the Roar

Updated May 13, 2012 12:49:25

Boom youngster Ben Halloran has signed a three-year deal with defending A-League champions Brisbane Roar.

The 19-year-old is considered one of Australia's brightest young talents and joins from Brisbane's now defunct neighbours Gold Coast United.

"I have pretty strong ties with Brisbane, I lived for majority of childhood before I moved to the Gold Coast," Halloran said.

The winger admitted Brisbane's attractive style of football was a strong selling point in the face of interest from rival Australian clubs.

"From a football standpoint Brisbane's record stands for itself, they've been champions for the past two seasons and play the best football in the competition," Halloran said.

"From my understanding the culture at the club is really professional and has European feel about how it's run.

"The way Brisbane play is the way I like to play, they play a real possession style and always have the ball," he said.

The Australian under-20 international also said the chance to learn from some of the competition's most experienced players was a factor in his decision.

"An opportunity to be playing with players like Thomas Broich and Besart Berisha, who are proven European performers, is a fantastic opportunity," he said.

"Playing alongside players like that can only help develop my game."

Roar coach Rado Vidosic hinted that Halloran might not be the only new face at the club and said the teenager fits into his vision for the future.

"Ben is very skilful, young and going to fit into our game plan perfectly," Vidosic said.

"We want to refresh the team a little bit and get some different dimensions to our play.

"He fits perfectly in our plans and we believe with our way of training he's going to develop even more and be an even more exciting player."

Tags: sport, soccer, a-league, brisbane-4000, qld, australia

First posted May 13, 2012 12:49:25

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Rees signs with Palmer's FA

Updated March 05, 2012 17:56:07

Veteran Gold Coast defender Kristian Rees has taken a job as player relations officer with mining magnate Clive Palmer's new Football Australia (FA) body.

Rees accepted the job after declining a contract offer from Football Federation Australia (FFA) to play out the remainder of the season in the wake of FFA revoking club owner Palmer's A-League licence last week.

He did not travel with the rest of the young United team to Wellington for Sunday's 2-0 loss to the Phoenix.

"An offer was made to me in regard to this new role and it's one that I've been very happy to accept," Rees said in a FA statement.

Rees will start next week with FA, which was set up last week by Palmer after losing his A-League licence with the stated intent of being a FFA watchdog and think tank for Australian football.

"I'm looking to the future and I think what Football Australia has planned so far is going to be a good thing for the game in this country," Rees said.

"It's early days and I'm sure the role will evolve as issues are presented to us from players all around the country.

"The aim is to make the game better for everyone who is involved in it and, to do that, they must all have a voice.

"Whatever the issues are, we aim to tackle them head on."

FA director Clive Mensink says Rees will be a valuable asset.

"Kristian has a rich history in the game and great experience as a player," he said.

"We're looking forward to working closely with him to identify concerns and ideas from players all over the country.

"We envisage the scope of the role will include working with football players across the entire football community, from grassroots upwards."

AAP

Tags: a-league, soccer, robina-4226

First posted March 05, 2012 17:56:07

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Everton signs Gibson from Manchester United

Updated January 14, 2012 09:22:29

Everton has signed Ireland midfielder Darron Gibson from Manchester United for an undisclosed fee, the Premier League club said on Friday.

The 24-year-old, a product of United's youth system, made 60 appearances for Alex Ferguson's side since making his debut in 2005 but never nailed down a regular place in the side despite scoring a few spectacular goals.

Gibson has signed a four-and-a-half-year contract, Everton said on its official website.

He is Everton's second new recruit since the opening of the January transfer window, following the loan signing of LA Galaxy's Landon Donovan.

Gibson, who has 17 Ireland caps and will be part of the squad for this year's Euro 2012 finals in Poland and Ukraine, could be in line for his debut against Aston Villa on Sunday morning (AEDT).

Reuters

Tags: english-premier, soccer, sport, england

First posted January 14, 2012 09:11:11

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Phoenix skipper signs new deal

Updated January 06, 2012 18:47:27

Sydney-born Wellington captain Andrew Durante is considering playing for New Zealand after agreeing to a new three-year deal with the A-League club.

The former Newcastle defender, who won a premiership with the Jets in 2008, has been a consistent performer for the Phoenix since crossing the Tasman four years ago.

And his close relationship with All Whites and Wellington coach Ricki Herbert could see the 29-year-old pin his colours to the New Zealand mast if the opportunity arises.

"It isn't something I would push for, but at the same time I would never say no if I've not made the Australian team," Durante said.

"The big thing with Ricki is that he understands people. He knows that different players need handling in different ways."

AAP

Tags: a-league, soccer, sport, new-zealand

First posted January 06, 2012 18:24:26

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Adelaide United signs teenager Kamara

Updated December 21, 2011 17:22:48

Former Liberian refugee Teeboy Kamara has signed a three-year deal with Adelaide United a week after becoming the A-League's youngest ever player.

The 15-year-old came on for the Reds against the Gold Coast last week and according to new coach John Kosmina is "a natural".

He will remain a contracted youth league player until he turns 16 in May next year when his three-year senior deal will officially begin.

Under Football Federation Australia (FFA) rules a professional contract cannot start until the player reaches school leaving age, which is 16 in South Australia.

Kamara said it was exciting to know he would be a permanent member of United's squad.

"The last eight months have been eight months of joy with what has happened with my football, but I'm definitely not going to get ahead of myself," he said.

"So many people have supported me family, friends.

"I'm very grateful and I just hope I can be a role model for other young African people to follow their dreams and never stop believing that they can achieve them."

Kosmina said Kamara's acquisition was a fantastic story.

As a six-year-old he fled Liberia with his family, coming to Australia as a refugee.

From kicking a ball around in the park with his brothers he first played club football with the Croydon Kings under-8s before moving on to Salisbury United and the South Australian Sports Institute.

He also spent time with SANFL club North Adelaide's under-13 development squad before abandoning thoughts of a career in Australian rules.

"I saw him come on the other night and the way the crowd reacted to him was brilliant," Kosmina said.

"I asked some people at Croydon about him and they said he was not only a good quality player but also a good quality person.

"For a 15-year-old he's quite mature, physically he's a fantastic specimen and last Friday night and this week at training he's looked comfortable.

"He's a natural."

Kamara was the youngest member of the Australia's FIFA under-17 World Cup squad in Mexico and has played all but one of united's National Youth League games this season.

He has been included in Adelaide's travelling squad for the match against Sydney FC on Thursday.

AAP

Tags: a-league, soccer, sport, adelaide-5000, sa, australia

First posted December 21, 2011 17:22:48

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Pantelidis signs with Glory

Updated October 14, 2011 20:20:09

Former Gold Coast and Melbourne Victory midfielder Steve Pantelidis has vowed not to do anything "silly" after signing with Perth Glory for the remainder of the A-League season.

Renowned for his aggressive playing style, Pantelidis has racked up numerous yellow and red cards during his six years in the league.

The 28-year-old has been training with Perth in recent weeks and is now keen to repay the faith after signing on as the club's 23rd and final player.

"As the gaffa (Ian Ferguson) said, he's not going to tolerate stupid yellow and red cards, so I'm in the same boat as everyone else," Pantelidis said.

"I like to get in and get the ball but I'm not going to do anything silly.

"I have a bit of experience, I've been in the A-League since its inception, so I've been here for seven years now and I have a lot of experience and hopefully can bring that to the team."

Ferguson said a player of Pantelidis' flexibility would prove crucial to the side, which opened its season with a 1-0 victory over Adelaide.

"Pantelidis is a great signing because he can do three different positions, he can hold midfield, he can play centre-half and he can also play right full-back, so were lucky to have him," Ferguson said.

"Pantelidis wears his heart on his sleeve, he's an honest player.

"That's what you want, you want competitiveness in there and that's what he gives you. He's done that throughout his career.

"I think people have unfairly judged him because of his bookings but he's a far better player than people give him credit for."

Pantelidis, who became the 12th new player to join Perth this season, said he was excited to secure a deal with the Glory.

The Glory take on Melbourne Heart at AAMI Park on Sunday.

AAP

Tags: a-league, soccer, sport, perth-6000, wa, australia

First posted October 14, 2011 20:20:09

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Pantelidis signs with Glory

Updated October 14, 2011 20:20:09

Former Gold Coast and Melbourne Victory midfielder Steve Pantelidis has vowed not to do anything "silly" after signing with Perth Glory for the remainder of the A-League season.

Renowned for his aggressive playing style, Pantelidis has racked up numerous yellow and red cards during his six years in the league.

The 28-year-old has been training with Perth in recent weeks and is now keen to repay the faith after signing on as the club's 23rd and final player.

"As the gaffa (Ian Ferguson) said, he's not going to tolerate stupid yellow and red cards, so I'm in the same boat as everyone else," Pantelidis said.

"I like to get in and get the ball but I'm not going to do anything silly.

"I have a bit of experience, I've been in the A-League since its inception, so I've been here for seven years now and I have a lot of experience and hopefully can bring that to the team."

Ferguson said a player of Pantelidis' flexibility would prove crucial to the side, which opened its season with a 1-0 victory over Adelaide.

"Pantelidis is a great signing because he can do three different positions, he can hold midfield, he can play centre-half and he can also play right full-back, so were lucky to have him," Ferguson said.

"Pantelidis wears his heart on his sleeve, he's an honest player.

"That's what you want, you want competitiveness in there and that's what he gives you. He's done that throughout his career.

"I think people have unfairly judged him because of his bookings but he's a far better player than people give him credit for."

Pantelidis, who became the 12th new player to join Perth this season, said he was excited to secure a deal with the Glory.

The Glory take on Melbourne Heart at AAMI Park on Sunday.

AAP

Tags: a-league, soccer, sport, perth-6000, wa, australia

First posted October 14, 2011 20:20:09

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Socceroo signs with Reds

Socceroo Dario Vidosic has signed with Adelaide United after a three-year stint playing in Germany.

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Tags: aleague, socceroos, adelaide-5000

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United signs keeper De Gea

Posted June 30, 2011 13:44:00

Goalkeeper David de Gea has joined Manchester United on a five-year contract, with the English champions reaching an agreement with Spanish side Atletico Madrid for his transfer.

The 20-year-old passed a medical this week, having become a European Championship winner with Spain Under-21s last weekend.

He now has the responsibility of succeeding Edwin van der Sar as United's new number one following the veteran Dutchman's retirement last month.

Sir Alex Ferguson's preseason spending has now rocketed to about 50 million pounds ($80.53m) after Phil Jones and Ashley Young both arrived at Old Trafford earlier this month.

"I feel very proud and I can't wait to start playing here," de Gea said in an interview with MUTV.

"When a club the size of Manchester United comes in for you it obviously makes you very, very happy.

"I saw their interest as an extra motivation to work even harder to show off my ability.

"It's a great privilege to be part of a club like United and I'm keen to do my best and show what I can do."

Germany's Manuel Neuer, who impressed against United in the Champions League, was also talked of as a potential successor to van der Sar before opting to join Bayern Munich from Schalke 04.

Given Anders Lindegaard joined United in December, Tomasz Kuszczak may now be allowed to leave the Red Devils even though the Polish goalkeeper was on the bench for the Champions League final defeat by Barcelona at Wembley last month.

Meanwhile, de Gea's arrival may not signal the end of United's preseason spending, with a midfielder possibly on his way to Old Trafford following the retirement of Paul Scholes.

Tottenham's Luka Modric and Alexis Sanchez of Udinese have both been linked with moves to United, as has Inter Milan star Wesley Sneijder.

- AFP

Tags: sport, football, english-premier-league, united-kingdom, england

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Man Utd signs England forward Young

Updated June 24, 2011 07:58:00

Premier League champions Manchester United continued their close-season restructuring and acquisition of home-grown talent by signing Aston Villa and England forward Ashley Young overnight.

Young, who agreed a five-year contract in a deal estimated to be worth around 15 million pounds ($22.8m), is manager Alex Ferguson's second June buy.

The United boss is bidding to strengthen his ranks following last season's 19th Premier League title and Champions League final appearance in which they were largely outclassed by a rampant Barcelona side.

The 25-year-old winger, who can also play as a second striker, joins England under-21 defender Phil Jones, who moved to United from Blackburn Rovers in another big-money move earlier this month.

"Manchester United is delighted to announce it has reached agreement with Aston Villa for the transfer of Ashley Young," the club said in a statement on their website.

"The player passed a medical in Manchester this week and has agreed a five-year contract."

Young joined Villa from Watford in 2007 and has since built a reputation as a consistent Premier League performer with an impressive change of pace and an eye for a pass.

"The opportunity to come and play for one of the biggest clubs in the world is one I couldn't turn down," Young told the club website.

"It's a prospect I always looked at from being a child."

- Reuters

Tags: sport, football, english-premier-league, united-kingdom, england

First posted June 24, 2011 06:51:00

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Amini signs with Dortmund

Posted July 5, 2011 06:37:00

Central Coast young gun Mustafa Amini has joined German giant Borussia Dortmund but will remain with the Mariners on loan for the coming A-League season.

In an outcome described by the Mariners as "win-win for all parties", the 18-year-old midfielder was on Monday transferred to the reigning German champion and instantly loaned back to the Gosford club.

It brought an end to lengthy negotiations, after the Mariners reportedly rejected a transfer offer of $135,000 earlier this year after Amini trained with the club in Germany.

The new transfer fee was not disclosed but is believed to be well in excess of the initial offer.

Amini said he was excited about joining the German club and welcomed the chance to spend another season under Graham Arnold at the Mariners.

"I'm really excited to be joining Dortmund, they're a big club with amazing supporters," Amini said.

"But first of all I want to have another great season with the Mariners, as well as a good under-20s World Cup in Colombia."

Mariners chairman Peter Turnbull thanked Dortmund after nutting out a "much-improved" deal.

"We now have a deal that satisfies everyone, Musti's international future, the club's needs and more importantly, the fans," he said.

"They will now be able to see Musti play out the balance of his original contract plus the Asian Champions League group stage."

Amini will link up with fellow Australian young-gun Mitchell Langerak at Dortmund after the goalkeeper moved from Melbourne Victory last year.

-AAP

Tags: sport, football, football-germany, aleague, australia, nsw, gosford-2250, germany

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Smeltz signs with Glory

Updated April 19, 2011 14:19:00

Perth Glory have signed two-time golden boot winner Shane Smeltz for the next three A-League seasons.

Glory owner Tony Sage claims Robbie Fowler has also agreed to play on with the club for another year.

Smeltz, who played with Gold Coast United last season and also scored a goal for New Zealand in the 2010 World Cup, joins Travis Dodd, Dean Heffernan, Danny Vukovic and Evan Berger as new signings at the Glory.

Smeltz will become the Glory's international marquee player, while Fowler will be classed as a normal player under the salary cap.

- AAP

First posted April 19, 2011 13:35:00

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