Heffernan joins Glory

Dean Heffernan has officially joined the Perth Glory after his difficult spell at Melbourne Heart came to an end with the club and player consenting to a mutual parting of the ways on Friday.

Dean Heffernan has officially joined the Perth Glory after his difficult spell at Melbourne Heart came to an end with the club and player consenting to a mutual parting of the ways on Friday.

Heffernan, who in his time at Central Coast was regarded as one of the best full backs in the league, failed to fire under coach John van ‘t Schip this season, playing just 13 matches.

But after gaining a release form the Heart, the 30-year-old wasted little time sorting out his future, signing with the Glory for the 2011/12 season.

“This is a significant move and I’m proud to be joining Perth Glory,” Heffernan said.

“I’ve worked with Fergie (Ian Ferguson) before and I’m excited by the challenge to help rebuild this great club.”

Glory coach Ferguson said he was delighted to be linking up the Heffernan again.

“Dean has a great pedigree,” Ferguson said.

“He’s played for the Socceroos, played in two Hyundai A-League grand finals and also had two stints overseas in Germany and England.”

Heffernan will join his new teammates for pre season training in the first week of August after he completes a short term loan deal with Chinese club Liaoning Whowin.

He is the second key signing for the club after they also secured goalkeeper Danny Vukovic from the Wellington Phoenix.

Heart Football operations manager John Didulica praised Heffernan’s professionalism and wished him well with his future.

“Whilst Dean didn’t feature on the park as prominently as was initially anticipated, we thank him for his initial show of faith in Melbourne Heart FC,” Didulica said.

“At all times, Dean was the ultimate professional both in the way he trained and prepared himself for the possibility of a recall.”