League-leaders Perth Glory have signed 31-year old German winger Dragan Paljic until the end of the 2014/15 Hyundai A-League season.
Paljic arrived in Perth at the weekend from Holland after spending the past two and half years at Eredivisie club Heracles Almelo. He comes in as an injury replacement for Perth star Youssouf Hersi who tore his hamstring earlier in the season.
Paljic, says his former team mate and current Socceroo Jason Davidson urged him to consider playing in the A-League.
“I have heard many good things about Australian football, from my friend Jason Davidson and his father Alan who’ve only spoken positively about the league and the growth of the sport here” Paljic said.
“I have always looked at playing abroad and for me the A-League offers a tremendous opportunity and the challenge I thrive for” he added.
“But most of all I am here to play football and help the club win its first championship. Perth is on a high and I want to help the team carry that momentum going forward and be part of history” Paljic said.
Prior to his stint in the Netherlands, Paljic won a league title in Poland with Wisla Krakow, the same team former Glory skipper Jacob Burns and current captain Michael Thwaite also played for.
Paljic has also enjoyed a successful career in Germany with Hoffenheim and Kaiserslautern where he played against current Brisbane Roar star Thomas Broich and former Perth Glory striker Branko Jelic.
Glory coach Kenny Lowe says Paljic is a quality player and is a great addition to his team’s line-up.
“Dragan is a professional, played at a top level and by all accounts is a top act. He can play on the wing or in the midfield so he’s a quality player and versatile which is what we’re looking for going forward” Lowe said.
Full name Dragan Paljić
Date of birth 8 April 1983 (age 31)
Place of birth Starnberg, West Germany
Height 1.74 m (5 ft 9 in)
Playing position Left winger
Senior career
Years Team Apps† (Gls)†
2002–2003 TSV 1860 München II 10 (0)
2003–2004 FV Olympia Laupheim N/A (20)
2004–2008 TSG 1899 Hoffenheim 96 (13)
2008–2010 1. FC Kaiserslautern 46 (3)
2010–2012 Wisła Kraków 52 (1)
2012–2015 Heracles Almelo 20 (0)
