Western Sydney Wanderers have confirmed defender Tate Russell has left the club in order to pursue opportunities elsewhere.
After initially joining the Wanderers’ academy back in 2016, Russell eventually made well over 100 appearances for Western Sydney and bagged seven goals during his eight year association with the club.
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“I would like to thank the club for giving me the opportunity eight years ago to join the Academy to start following my football dream,” said Russell in an address to the fans.
“It has been such a dream come true for me and I treasure every moment I’ve ever played in the Red & Black.
He added: “Thank you to all the coaches and players that I have worked with who have guided me throughout this journey.
“And finally thank you to the members and fans who have always supported me and driven me to become a better player and person.”
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After establishing himself as a mainstay in the Wanderers’ first team setup Russell’s career then hit the buffers in 2022.
Whilst attempting to ride a challenge during pre-season ahead of the 2022-23 campaign, scans later revealed the 24-year-old ended up tearing his ACL during the incident, with the subsequent injury ultimately keeping him out of action for 527 days.
However the Wollongong native returned to action in the 2023/2024 campaign, making 16 appearances and scoring one goal for the Wanderers as they finished seventh in the regular season.
“I would personally like to thank Tate for his contribution to the club both on and off the field over the last eight years,” added Western Sydney Wanderers CEO Scott Hudson.
“Tate has grown up at our football club and has always been a shining example of our Academy pathway.
“The entire club – Wanderers Board of Directors, football staff, administration staff, partners and wider Wanderers family, want to wish Tate all the best in the next stage of his career.”
