Boogaard strengthens Reds’ defence for another season

Adelaide United defender Nigel Boogaard has signed a one-year contract extension with the Reds keeping him at the club until the end of the 2014/15 season.

Adelaide United defender Nigel Boogaard will remain a Red until at least the end of the Hyundai A-League 2014/15 season after penning a one-year contract extension with the club.

At 27 years of age, the new deal will see the central defender go into his sixth season with the club, having already made to date, 72 appearances as a Red.

Boogaard-s current contract was set to expire at the end of this season after he signed a two-year extension with the Reds back in May 2012.

“We-re very happy that Nigel has agreed to stay on for a further season,” Adelaide United Coach Josep Gomabu said.

“I am so happy to have Nigel in the squad for next season.

“He is player who has a lot of value and plays in the style we are implementing.”

But according to Gombau, Boogaard-s value to the squad is not only limited to his football talent, the defender who was voted as Best Team Man Award at the club-s 2012 Presentation Night, also brings a strong and positive presence around the playing group.

“On and off the pitch he helps to develop the players we have in the club,” said Gombau.

“He understands the style, is a true team man and a good role model for the younger players.”

In contemplating the next stage of his career, Boogaard, who was selected as a member of the inaugural Foxtel A-League All Stars squad in 2013, says he is delighted to be able to stay and is driven to help bring the first Hyundai A-League championship to South Australia.

“I am extremely delighted to stay with the club for another year,” said Boogard.

“I always had plans to stay and continue my time here and I am glad that we have been able to work something out.

“The coach (Gombau) is a big reason I wanted stay and play for another season. His style and philosophy hasn-t just helped the team, but it-s helped me develop into a better player, which I hope to improve on next season.”

The announcement of Boogaard-s re-signing comes as he prepares to face his former club at the Central Coast Stadium on Saturday for the Sudden Death Final against the Central Coast Mariners.

“I-m looking forward to tomorrow night-s Sudden Death Final and feel with the squad we have, hopefully we can finish the season off on a high and take this success into next season.”

Saturday, 19 April 2014
Hyundai A-League 2014 Elimination Final 1
Central Coast Mariners (3) v Adelaide United (6)
Central Coast Stadium, Gosford
Kick-off: 4.30pm local (4:30pm AEST)

Join the conversation on Twitter using the hash-tag #ALeagueFinals

To purchase tickets visit www.aleague.com.au/tickets