Former Melbourne Victory goalkeeper Michael Theoklitos is returning to the Hyundai A-League next season after signing with the Brisbane Roar.
The back-to-back Hyundai A-League goalkeeper of the year joins the club on a three-year deal after an unsuccessful stint in England with Championship side Norwich City.
The 29-year-old said he was relishing the opportunity to be part of an ‘exciting’ chapter in the club’s history.
“The opportunity to join the Brisbane Roar is an exciting prospect,” Theoklitos said.
“I know there’s a lot of rebuilding and it is a great opportunity for me to come back home and be involved in what I believe will be a successful team.”
“It’s a very young and exciting team.”
“With Ange Postecoglou being at the club I’m looking forward to the opportunity to be working with him.”
Theoklitos only made one appearance for Norwich, conceding seven goals in a disastrous debut. Following that defeat, City sacked manager Bryan Gunn and Theo fell out of favour with new coach Paul Lambert.
He was effectively third choice and effectively ended his chances of a recall to the senior team when he failed to turn up for the team bus when he was selected on the bench for a Football League Trophy match at Gillingham.
Theoklitos is still happy with his time in England and is looking forward to playing first-team football again.
“For me it was just a matter of playing again and being happy,” he said. “I’ve learnt a lot about myself.”
“Football is a funny game and sometimes it doesn’t go your way, it’s just about how you handle matters.”
“You just have to keep working hard and eventually things will turn.”
“For me, this has been the thing which has turned for me.”
Theoklitos will join his new team-mates for pre-season training in May as the squad begins preparations for the 2010/11 season.
Meanwhile, defender Luke DeVere swept the field at the club’s presentation night. He won the Player’s Player award and the Roar Foundation Members Player award before claiming the club’s highest honour – the Gary Wilkins Award.
With 25 points, DeVere narrowly edged out Craig Moore (22) and Tommy Oar (18).
