The Brisbane Roar’s defensive stocks for the 2009/10 Hyundai A-League season have been boosted with the addition of Scotsman Bob Malcolm.
Malcolm, who has enjoyed successful stints with Scottish Premier League outfits Motherwell and Rangers, arrived in Brisbane six weeks ago and has been trialing with the club since.
Malcolm has played most of his career as a central defender, but it is his ability to play a number of different roles that prompted Roar coach Frank Farina to make an offer.
“(He has been signed on) a one-year deal. Really it is his versatility that we looked at,” Farina said.
“We’ve just got to get him fully fit, he’s still a little bit underdone but that’s just time.”
“We’ve still got a couple of weeks but he gave 90 minutes on the weekend so that was a good sign.”
The other major factor in Malcolm’s arrival was Farina’s intention to add serious depth to his youthful squad that is likely to be depleted throughout the year due to representative duties.
Luke DeVere, Mitch Nichols and Isaka Cernak are all currently in Argentina with the Young Socceroos and, barring injury, there is every chance they would have been joined by Tommy Oar (quadriceps) and Luke Brattan (ankle).
DeVere is the only defender amongst that group, but Farina said his side could not risk being caught short in the season proper.
“Particularly with what can potentially turn out to be a difficult season with the Under-20s away quite a bit, they’ll miss at least six games,” he said.
“Also, maybe some of our younger players will be involved with the Under-18 training camps as well.”
“So it’s important that we have experienced players that we know are going to be around.”
Malcolm’s move continues the Roar’s long association with the Scottish Premier League.
The 28-year-old admitted the efforts of former Rangers team-mates Craig Moore and Charlie Miller helped bring him to the Roar.
“I went to an agent in Glasgow and spoke to him about the possibility of a move here but it wasn’t with Brisbane Roar, it was with a few other teams,” Malcolm said.
“I phoned Craig to ask about the other teams and he said: ‘why don’t I speak to the manager and see if you can come here?'”
“He spoke to the manager (Frank Farina) and in the next couple of weeks I was on the plane over.”
“Obviously staying with Craig and Charlie helps, but even the first couple of days I came to training the other boys were brilliant as well, so that’s helped me settle in easily.”
Malcolm, who played with the Roar in a series of pre-season matches including the clash against former Old Firm rival Celtic, was already eyeing off the season opener on August 8 against Gold Coast United.
“The whole squad is looking forward to it and I think it’s a great game to be your first game, playing in a derby match, so I can’t wait,” he said.
“I’ve played in a few Old Firm games and I’m sure this is going to be the same sort of atmosphere.”
Farina admitted a hold-up in the visa process was the only reason the official announcement of Malcolm’s signature was delayed.
