Wanderers’ new stadium starting to take shape

The new stadium at Parramatta which will be the home of the Western Sydney Wanderers in 2019 is on track to be completed next year…and it looks amazing!

Elsewhere, Adelaide United’s new recruit reveals his reasoning for coming home while a Brisbane Roar import’s fashion sense is causing a stir.

Catch up with all that as we wrap up the best bits from clubs and the media in our Hyundai A-League Paper Talk.

WANDERERS’ NEW STADIUM TAKING SHAPE

The may be coming off a tough season on the field but there’s plenty to be excited about for the Western Sydney Wanderers if the latest footage on the redevelopment of the new stadium is anything to go by.

The club have shown off the most recent footage of the work at the old Parramatta Stadium, which is set to be opened in 2019.

It’s getting there… 🏟️ #WSW pic.twitter.com/1wZ3LGAVWt

— WS Wanderers FC (@wswanderersfc) May 28, 2018

And from what we can see, it is going to be one of the best footballing venues in Australia.

Not only will the redeveloped stadium be able to sit 30,000 fans really close to the action – with a steep seating plan – but there’s also a 360-degree open concourse with views of the playing field.

There are 3,000 premium seats in the venue, while huge LED screens are planned to be installed on the outside of the stadium walls, so fans outside can also enjoy the unique atmosphere of a Wanderers Hyundai A-League match.

CHECK OUT THE LATEST FOOTAGE OF THE NEW STADIUM BELOW

GOODWIN EYEING CALTEX SOCCEROOS RETURN

Adelaide United pulled off a huge coup with Championship-winning full-back/winger Craig Goodwin signing to return to the club next season.

Goodwin, who played a key role in the Reds’ 2016 title success, is back after a frustrating season with Sparta Rotterdam in the Dutch Eredivisie.

As well as getting back to playing regular football with the Reds in the Hyundai A-League, the 26-year-old hopes he can re-ignite his international career with three caps to his name so far.

“I’m obviously looking for a new opportunity to really take me to the next level and put myself back in the face of the Socceroos,” Goodwin admitted.

“I guess the [2019 AFC] Asian Cup is my main target for that.

“I felt that the best thing for me was to come back to Adelaide United and really spring board from there.”

Despite a strong first season with Sparta, Goodwin found it hard to replicate that form in 2017/18, earning just eight starts as the club finished in the relegation play-off places.

Craig Goodwin is returning to Adelaide and hopeful of soon returning to the Socceroos as well. #ALeague https://t.co/JYIV5CzhaF

— Goal Australia 🥅 (@GoalAustralia) May 27, 2018

BURNS EYEING A COACHING FUTURE?

Wellington Phoenix attacker Nathan Burns is staying busy during his Hyundai A-League off-season.

Burns was last week undertaking his PFA C Licence Coaching Course at Cromer Park on Sydney’s northern beaches.

The course, which was facilitated by MWFA Coach Development Manager and Manly United Technical Director Warren Grieve, saw a host of other former Hyundai A-League players there as well as current Westfield Matilda Chloe Logarzo.

Could a career in management be on the cards for Burns once he finishes up his playing career?

ROAR STAR SHARING THE LOVE

Brisbane Roar attacker Eric Bautheac raised a few eyebrows while enjoying his off-season, posting photos of himself wearing the colours of rival Hyundai A-League clubs.

The Frenchman, who is expected to remain with Roar for the 2018/19 Season, was snapped on Instagram posing in the jerseys of both Sydney FC and Melbourne City.

The pics were taken while Bautheac was back home holidaying in France.

But don’t fear Roar fans, the exciting winger was quick to downplay the incident and pledge his loyalty to the men in Orange.