Three months after an impressive trial, Welsh midfielder Matthew Crowell has returned to Australia, to put pen to paper on a deal which will keep him at Bluetongue Stadium until the end of the season.
Three months after an impressive trial, Welsh midfielder Matthew Crowell has returned to Australia, to put pen to paper on a deal which will keep him at Bluetongue Stadium until the end of the season.
Crowell showed his class in wins over Queensland State League side Logan United and Hyundai A-League newcomer North Queensland Fury, before returning to the UK to honour a pre-existing contract with Blue Square Premier Division outfit Altrincham.
“We were very interested in Matt from the outset, but of course respected his contractual obligations back in the UK,” said Mariners Executive Chairman Lyall Gorman.
“Now he has tied up all the loose ends with his British club, we are delighted to have Matt back on Australian soil, and look forward keenly to his contribution to the Mariners.”
Crowell began his professional career as an apprentice at the famed academy of then English Premier League club Southampton, which also produced the likes of England legend Alan Shearer, Tottenham and Wales defender Gareth Bale, and Arsenal-s exciting youngster Theo Walcott, along with of course the club-s favourite son, Matt LeTissier.
Crowell worked alongside Qantas Socceroo Scott McDonald at St Mary-s Stadium before moving to North Wales, to link up with League Two outfit Wrexham, where made 93 appearances, and was part of the LDV Vans Trophy (now Johnstone-s Paint Trophy) winning team of 2006.
After a short stint at Conference side Northwich Victoria, Crowell moved to nearby Altrincham, the club part owned by Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting.
“Matt was really good for us in Queensland and he-s come back in and he fits in really well at training. He gets on well with the lads and has a bit of a presence about him, so we-re looking forward to seeing how he does.
“He-s a youth international and has done very well in the UK, so we hope he can come in and provide a bit of extra spark in the midfield,” said McKinna.
A defensive midfielder by trade, Crowell will be looking to put in some impressive performances in the yellow and navy, in the hope of securing a contract beyond the Hyundai A-League 2009/10 season.
“We-ll see how he goes and we don-t need to make any decisions just yet, I-m just looking forward to seeing how he goes on the park and not worrying about anything too far ahead,” said McKinna.
Crowell could line up alongside his new teammates in the Mariners next match of the Hyundai A-League 2009/10 season, against Wellington Phoenix at Westpac Stadium this Sunday, 27 September. Kick-off is at 1pm AEST, 4pm NZDST.
The Mariners next home match of the Hyundai A-League 2009/10 season will be against North Queensland Fury on Sunday, 11 October. Kick-off is at 3:00pm. Tickets for this match are available online here or by phoning 132 849.
Mariners Memberships for the Hyundai A-League 2009/10 season are now available online by clicking here or by phoning 1300 767 442.
