Glory secures a green & gold Coyne
Perth Glory’s remarkable off-season recruiting drive has netted an unprecedented third current Socceroos player with Chris Coyne agreeing to join the club for the next three years.
Perth Glory-s remarkable off-season recruiting drive has netted an unprecedented third current Socceroos player with Chris Coyne agreeing to join the club for the next three years.
Glory placed a formal offer to Coyne following his release from English club Colchester United last night and the West Australian has confirmed his intentions to play for his home town club.
Perth was not the only side interested in securing the services of the uncompromising defender and won the race for Coyne-s signature against a host of other clubs both in Australia and abroad.
“The Perth Glory revival is well and truly on the march,” said Perth Glory Owner Tony Sage.
“Chris has seen what we-ve set in motion here and the high standard of players we-ve brought together at the club.
“Quality attracts quality and we are delighted to add another player with the experience and skill that Chris possesses.
“Chris played a huge part in Australia-s successful World Cup qualifying campaign and will be a vital component in our squad, all of whom are hungry and determined to propel Perth back to the top of the Australian game,” said Mr Sage.
It will be a homecoming for the 30 year old West Australian following 13 years overseas, and will unite him with younger brother, and fellow defender, Jamie for the first time in their professional careers.
“To play alongside Jamie and for my hometown club was an opportunity that I didn-t want to pass up,” Coyne said.
“I-m very happy to be coming home and I think Perth have been able to put together a really strong squad.
Like Glory-s other Socceroos recruits, Jacob Burns and Mile Sterjovski, Coyne sought out the blessing of national team boss Pim Verbeek ahead of his move back to Australia.
"I spoke to Pim and he was happy for me to come back. He will definitely have more opportunity to see me playing week in and week out which helped me make the decision.
"I feel as though I-m coming back while I still have plenty of good football to play and can offer Perth Glory my best,” Coyne said.
Perth Coach Dave Mitchell said Coyne-s signature is another significant addition to a squad which is determined to make their mark in the Hyundai A-League this season.
“We-ve been able to strengthen all areas across the pitch and have depth in every position,” Mitchell said.
“Chris is a wonderful player and brings added experience and toughness to our defence. I-m delighted he has decided to join our club.”
Coyne will arrive in Perth this weekend and is expected to begin training with his new team mates early next week.
Profile: Chris Coyne
Date of birth: 20 December 1978 (1978-12-20) (age 30) Place of birth: Brisbane, Australia Height: 185cm Position: Centre Back
National Team
Qantas Socceroos: 7 apps Debut Match: v Iraq (L0-1), World Cup qualifier, Dubai (UAE), June 2008 Most recent match played: v Bahrain (W2-0), World Cup qualifier, Sydney (AUS), June 2009
Qantas Under 23's - 8 appearances Australian U17 - 7 appearances (Played at the 1995 FIFA U17 World Cup)
Previous Clubs 1995-1996 Perth SC (WA Premier League); 1996-2000 West Ham United 1 (0); 1998 Brentford (loan) 7 (0); 1999 Southend United (loan) 1 (0); 2000-2001 Dundee 20 (0); 2001-2008 Luton Town 221 (14); 2008- 2009 Colchester United 32 (1)