Western United have moved quickly to fill the void left by the departure of club captain Josh Risdon, snapping up former Western Sydney Wanderers right back Tate Russell on a two-year deal.
John Aloisi’s side wasted little time in securing the signing of Russell following his exit from fellow Isuzu UTE A-League side Western Sydney, where the 24-year-old had previously spent eight years plying his trade.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity Western United has given me to have a fresh start
and reenergise my career,” said Russell after putting pen-to-paper on his new deal.
“I’m looking forward to being part of the first full season at their new home in Tarneit and helping the club continue to grow.”
A former Olyroos regular, Russell will be looking to kick-start his career in Melbourne’s west this year after a frustrating two seasons in Sydney which saw his form and fitness affected following a serious ACL injury that put him out of action for over 500 days.
The former Wanderers fullback is now likely to slot straight into the right hand side of the Western defence following the departure of former Socceroo and club captain Josh Risdon, who left the club at the end of the season to return home to Western Australia.
“Tate’s quality is easy for all to see and his ambition and determination as a person
will fit seamlessly in with our Club culture and our vision for this season’s team,” said Western United General Manager of Football Mal Impiombato.
“We want to play a fast-paced, dynamic style of football and Tate will help us do that with his speed, strength and excellent end product from the right-hand side.
He continued: “Still at such a young age he has fantastic experience under his belt and a lot of
growth still to come, and we are delighted to see that come to fruition with us in
Tarneit.”
Russell will now link-up with his new teammates later this month for pre-season as Western begin preparations for July’s Australia Cup playoff against Newcastle Jets in Darwin.
