Western Sydney have received a boost ahead of their A-League grand final rematch against Central Coast, with Ante Covic and Shannon Cole re-signing with the club.
Western Sydney have received a boost ahead of their A-League grand final rematch against Central Coast, with Ante Covic and Shannon Cole re-signing with the club.
Goalkeeper Covic and the versatile Cole are the latest to pledge their futures to the Wanderers, for one and two years respectively.
“It’s great news for the club and great news for our fans as well,” Wanderers coach Tony Popovic said.
“Ante (Covic) has been fantastic for us in goals and we’re delighted that he’s continuing on.
“Shannon has certainly shown his versatility for the team. He came into a position he hasn’t played in while Youssouf (Hersi) was out and has shown how versatile he has been for this football club and we’re delighted that both players will be with us here next year.”
Covic has been a permanent fixture in Popovic’s side since the club’s inception and has continued his superb form this season, keeping five clean sheets.
The veteran gloveman, who has played in two A-League deciders and was part of the Socceroos 2006 World Cup squad in Germany, said he was delighted to have another season with Western Sydney.
“I’m still playing at the highest level, I’m still learning, I still want to improve and I’ve still got all the ambitions I’ve had for the last 15 years,” Covic said.
“I’m really happy here at the club, I’ve loved it here, the lads are great and the people around the club are fantastic.”
Cole has shown himself to be a ‘Mr Fix It’ for the Wanderers, playing in a host of different positions over the last season and a half.
He said: “It’s great to be staying on at the club. It’s a great group of players and we all love playing here in front of the best fans in the country.
“I feel in this environment I can improve with every session and every game. I’m excited to see just how good I can become with this team.
“I’ve played in two grand finals, one as a right wing and one as a left back and played for the Socceroos at right back. When everyone knows their roles it makes the transition easier and I really enjoy challenge.”
