Tarek Elrich has agreed to terms with Adelaide United and becomes the final player in Reds player roster for upcoming 2013/14 Hyundai A-League season.
Former Western Sydney Wanderers and Newcastle Jets full-back Tarek Elrich has today agreed to terms with Adelaide United and becomes the twenty-third and last player in the Reds player roster for the coming 2013/14 Hyundai A-League season.
A former Australian National Under 20 and Under 23 representative Elrich who although only 26 years of age has played 147 senior games mainly as a right back but is a versatile and adaptable player which is one of the reasons he was targeted by the Reds.
Reds Director of Football Michael Petrillo sees his previous experience playing in other positions as a key in bringing him to the Club.
“Tarek has been on the radar for a while now but we needed to make sure that our new Coach Josep Gombau was right across any further player signings and with the recent signings of Sanchez and Cirio completed we got the green light to go ahead with finalising contract negotiations with Tarek”, said Petrillo.
“Obviously he comes here as a right back with lots of experience at A-League level but he has played at left back and also as a right winger earlier in his career so his versatility is something that is a real bonus for us.
“The other really important aspect in our negotiations with Tarek was that he made it very clear early on that Adelaide United was the Club he wanted to be at and that was something that Josep Gombau wanted to hear before ticking any other boxes.”
Elrich is very keen to make a new start to his career with Adelaide and is looking forward to joining his new team mates as soon as possible.
”I-m looking forward to getting stuck in to training and making sure I-m ready as I can be for the start of the A-League.”
He also said there were several reasons for deciding to sign with the Reds.
“Adelaide has a great history and a very successful club both domestically and in the Asian Champions League. Adelaide is a great city and every time I-ve played there I-ve enjoyed myself and the atmosphere at Hindmarsh.
“It-s finally happened that I get to join this great club as in the past contract negotiations just fell short. I bring experience to the club having played 140 odd games, and I feel at 26 I still have a lot to offer the game and the Adelaide United Football Club.
“Also my versatility of playing higher up will suit the attacking style of football that coach Josep wants to play.”
The signing of Elrich means that there are no spots left on the roster for the 2013/14 A-League Season and Director of Football Michael Petrillo gave confirmation that Fabian Barbiero and Evan Kostopoulos will not be re-signed for the 2012/13 season.
“On behalf of the Club I-d like to thank both Fabian and Evan for the important contributions they-ve made to the Club over several years.
“They were very popular players both inside and outside the club and they will be missed. We wish them every success in the future.”
Courtesy of Adelaide United
