Western United’s new-look squad for the next Isuzu UTE A-League season is taking shape following the arrivals of goalkeeping duo Tom Heward-Belle and Matt Sutton.
It is a new era for John Aloisi’s Western, who have said goodbye to veteran goalkeeper Jamie Young, Leo Lacroix, Neil Kilkenny, Tongo Doumbia, James Troisi and foundation Dylan Pierias among others.
With Young gone, the 2021-22 champions have brought in Heward-Belle from semi-finalists Sydney FC and Sutton via last season’s runners-up Melbourne City.
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“We are extremely pleased to have Tom and Matt joining our club. Both are top quality goalkeepers and people who will fit perfectly into our group,” said Aloisi.
“Both players have experience in top environments, being part of Championship-winning teams and knowing what it takes to be successful even at such an early stage in their careers.
“Tom and Matt have a mixture of exciting qualities in goal and are eager to continue to learn and develop. We are looking forward to seeing them compete with each other throughout the season.”
Heward-Belle departed Sydney in pursuit of more first-team minutes after six seasons with the Sky Blues.
The 26-year-old made 13 Isuzu UTE A-League appearances following his maiden professional campaign at Central Coast Mariners in 2015-16.
“I’m super excited to join Western United and I am honoured to be given an opportunity at the club,” he said.
“I’m keen to start pre-season, hit the ground running, apply myself and get to know my new teammates. I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead and I’m proud to be adding to an already successful team culture.”
A back-up to Thomas Glover at City, Sutton was a Championship-winning keeper in 2021 and he was part of the team’s Premiership three-peat.
Sutton said: “I’m absolutely stoked to be joining Western United, it’s a fantastic club with so much potential – I can’t wait to be part of it.
“I’m as keen to be involved on the pitch as I am off it, helping to grow the club in the West – I want to contribute in every way possible to help the club achieve greatness.”
