Fresh off his match-winning assist in the Sydney Derby, fullback Tate Russell has penned a one-year contract extension with Western Sydney Wanderers.
The announcement means the 20-year-old Australian youth representative and Wanderers Academy graduate will spend a third Hyundai A-League campaign with the club after showing steady progress since his debut last season against Melbourne Victory.
In Round 21, the pacey defender’s well-placed cross for captain Mitchell Duke secured his side an upset 1-0 victory in the Sydney Derby over league-leaders Sydney FC.
Earlier this season, Russell scored his first professional goal for the Wanderers in their FFA Cup Round of 16 win over Sydney United.
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With his immediate future secured, Russell told wswanderersfc.com.au that he is looking forward to building on his 11 Hyundai A-League appearances for the Red and Black.
“I’m buzzing to get that next contract and I’m just looking forward to working hard, improving as a footballer and as a person, improving the team in any way that I can,” explained Russell.
“I’m excited to keep myself here and be around the people that are around here – my teammates and the staff.”
Russell was part of the Wanderers Championship winning youth side in the Foxtel Y-League in 2017/18 and he said his time in the club’s Academy had set him up to make an impact in senior football.
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“It’s kind of overwhelming to see how many young boys have come up through the Wanderers Academy system, even young boys who aren’t signed with the first team, but boys that come up and train with us because they have been performing well with the youth team.
“It’s definitely how it was when I was coming through so to see that pushed is such a good thing.
“I think no matter what if I’m on the bench, coming off the bench or starting, I need to be able to make that impact and be ready whenever I’m needed.”
A player of the future, @TateRussell9 is buzzing to take the next steps in his career #WSW pic.twitter.com/XHswznEzYf
— WS Wanderers FC (@wswanderersfc) March 5, 2020
Wanderers CEO John Tsatsimas said he was delighted to see Russell take the next step in his footballing career.
“We are very proud of Tate’s journey so far from the Wanderers Academy to the first team,” said Tsatsimas.
“Tate’s work ethic and determination coming through the ranks of the Wanderers Academy has helped get him to where he is today and we are looking forward to watching him continue to develop over the next year with the first team at the Red & Black.”
Round 22
Friday, 6 March 2020
Kick-off: 8.30pm (AEDT)
Venue: Suncorp Stadium
Broadcast: FOX Sports
Stream: MyFootball Live App, Kayo Sports