The Western Sydney Wanderers have continued to strengthen their squad for the next A-League season, signing former Perth Glory defender Dean Heffernan.
The Western Sydney Wanderers have continued to strengthen their squad for the next A-League season, signing former Perth Glory defender Dean Heffernan.
Heffernan has agreed to a one-year deal with last season’s grand finalists and will now turn out for his fourth A-League club.
After being released by the Glory at the end of last season, the 33-year-old has been playing for Dapto in the Illawarra Premier League.
“When the opportunity came up to play for the Wanderers, I jumped at it,” Heffernan said.
“It’s a real honour to play for the club especially after the success they had last season.
“And it will be a real privilege to play in front of the Wanderers fan each week.”
Wanderers Executive Chairman Lyall Gorman added: “Dean brings a rich experience and versatility to our squad.
“He is a very talented left sided player and a true professional.
“He is very familiar with many of our team having played beside Michael Beauchamp during their days together at the Mariners and again at Melbourne Heart.
“He will add a lot spark to the style of football we play and knowing Dean as I do, he will be very focussed on playing first eleven football.”
Heffernan started his A-League career with Central Coast Mariners in 2005 before trying to forge a career in Europe.
He had a loan spell at FC Nuremberg in 2006-’07 but failed to make the first team and before breaking his leg in 2007 when back at the Mariners.
Another later stint at Huddersfield Town was also cut short and he joined the Heart for a season before two spells at Perth Glory.
In other signing news on Monday, Perth Glory added exciting 19-year-old attacker Jamie Maclaren to their squad for the next three years.
Maclaren was part Paul Okon’s Australian Young Socceroos squad which took part in the Under-20 FIFA World Cup last month and scored a stunning goal in the final group game against Turkey.
He had spent the last four years with English club Blackburn Rovers.