Two-time Hyundai A-League Champions Sydney FC has added the talents of 21-year-old attacking midfielder Joel Chianese and 21-year-old defender Nathan Sherlock to their senior roster with the duo both signing two-year-deals today.
Two-time Hyundai A-League Champions Sydney FC has added the talents of 21-year-old attacking midfielder Joel Chianese and 21-year-old defender Nathan Sherlock to their senior roster with the duo both signing two-year-deals today.
The pair, both part of Sydney FC-s 2011 AFC Champions League squad, turned in stellar seasons for the Sky Blues National Youth League team and further impressed the club-s coaching staff whilst training with the A-League team throughout the 2010/11 A-League season.
The two signings bring Sydney FC-s squad list to 19 players with the club adding former Socceroo Michael Beauchamp, fan favourite Karol Kisel and versatile defender Jaime Coyne in recent weeks.
“Nathan and Joel are young and talented players but they are also very calm and controlled on the pitch,” Sydney FC coach Vitezslav Lavicka said.
“Nathan gives us options in defence as he can play in the centre or on the left or right. He was captain of the Youth team and shows good leadership while Joel is an explosive and quick type of player. He can be creative for us and he has shown in games for us that he has good vision and movement. These are very good qualities for us to have.
“We have a good mix of experienced and young players at the moment but we are now working hard to bring in some quality players from both Europe and Australia to strengthen us more.”
Sherlock said he was ecstatic about signing his first full-time senior football contract.
“Although I am only 21, it feels like it-s been a long road to get here but I have never stopped trying and working hard to get here so I am over the moon,” he said.
“Personally I feel I had a good year with the National Youth League team and now I am just excited about what lies ahead in the next few years. One thing for sure is that I will give it and Sydney FC everything I-ve got.”
Chianese, who made his senior debut for Sydney FC off the bench against the Kashima Antlers at the Sydney Football Stadium on Wednesday 13 April, said he was looking forward to further developing his game.
“There are a lot of good players at the club so I can learn a lot by watching them but I will also show what I can do. It has been a great experience being part of the ACL squad, travelling with the team overseas and seeing how it is done so I am going to work as hard as ever and push for a regular spot in the A-League team,” Chianese said.
The pair add to Sydney FC-s growing list of local Sydney juniors that play for their home town club.
Sydney FC contracted players for next season and beyond:
1. Liam Reddy
2. Scott Jamieson
3. Nicky Carle
4. Michael Beauchamp
5. Jamie Coyne
6. Terry Antonis
7. Dimitri Petratos
8. Rhyan Grant
9. Terry McFlynn
10. Sebastian Ryall
11. Mark Bridge
12. Juho Makela
13. Karol Kisel
14. Bruno Cazarine
15. Hiro Moriyasu
16. Ivan Necevski
17. Shannon Cole
18. Joel Chianese
19. Nathan Sherlock
