Talented Youngsters Sign For Adelaide United.

[Sam_goUUUdogs]

TALENTED YOUNGSTERS SIGN FOR ADELAIDE UNITED

Adelaide United FC has confirmed another two signings, youngsters Shaun Ontong and Matthew Mullen, taking the number of players in the squad to 20.

With marquee player Paul Agostino, Brazilian defender Cassio and midfielder Jonas Salley to arrive in Adelaide before the start of pre season training, Adelaide United has signed the talented duo on one year deals. Ontong is immediate past captain of the Young Socceroos (Under 20’s) and Mullen is a talented young South Australian from the Australian Institute of Sport.

Ontong, who has also captained the Australian Under 17 team, is a quick, tenacious and disciplined player who is extremely versatile and able to play as a midfielder or wide defender. The 20 year old from Canberra has made 20 appearances for the Young Socceroos and is thrilled to have signed with The Reds.

“It’s unbelievable and a dream come true for me. It has been a long time coming and I have been working very hard to get this opportunity and am very grateful to Adelaide United,” Ontong said.

“I will grab this opportunity with both hands. I have been watching Adelaide United in the Hyundai A-League, I like the way they play and am looking forward to being part of the club’s continued success.”

Local prodigy Mullen is currently at the AIS in Canberra, undergoing the same training and development program that Nathan Burns and Bruce Djite were part of before they were signed to The Reds. Mullen has been a train on player with Adelaide United in the past and is seen as a player the club can develop for the future.

Adelaide United coach Aurelio Vidmar said the addition of another two promising young players is exciting for the club and the supporters moving into the next season of the Hyundai A-League.

“It is great to have signed another two youngsters who we think will have a bright future at the club. Shaun has proven his calibre having captained the Australian Under 20’s and Under 17’s and Matt is the nephew of former NSL player Joe Mullen so it’s great to add another South Australian to the squad,” Vidmar said.

With the addition of Ontong and Mullen, Adelaide United is expected to make a further signing before the Pre Season Cup commences in July.

[Dirko]

Looks like a couple of good pickups...really need another key defender to help out Ang, Mikey & Gich though...

[devilsadvocate]

Ontong.....any relation to the South African cricketer?

If so, maybe the Redbacks could share him?

[brent]

Looks like a couple of good pickups...really need another key defender to help out Ang, Mikey & Gich though...

agreed, with only valkanis and costanzo able to play at centre half we desperately another one, i would have hoped two but i think we only have 1 spot left on the squad (?) all it takes is an injury and we look rather thin, plus i'd rather have ang in a holding defensive mid role in an ideal world... maybe not now that we have about 80 midfielders

also valkanis and ang are 33 and 31 respectively... top players but need to look forward too


with respect to that post though, pretty exciting to see quality youth on the roster.... burns, djite and spagnuolo were electric last year and they will just keep improving. as i've said before, a lot to look forward to this year although i have been accused of being optimistic (i am a bays supporter...)

[devilsadvocate]

Hey lads

Any news of signings at other A league clubs for those of OS and not in the hear?

Cheers

[The Real Number 3]

http://www.theworldgame.com.au

SBS soccer site. Quite good.