Melbourne Heart FC has kicked off its player recruitment campaign by completing a stellar double swoop for capped internationals Kristian Sarkies and Matt Thompson.
Melbourne Heart FC has kicked off its player recruitment campaign by completing a stellar double swoop for capped internationals Kristian Sarkies and Matt Thompson.
Thompson and Sarkies have signed multi year deals to join the Hyundai A-League-s newest football club.
Head coach, John van-t Schip said: “I am excited that Kristian and Matt have joined me at the club. Both players are technically excellent, great professionals and moving toward the peak of their careers.
“We need players who are very comfortable on the ball but also players who are prepared to work hard in transition and when not in possession. I have watched both players closely and they have these qualities.”
Renowned for his ability to play in the midfield or defence, Thompson is set to play a pivotal role in the club-s inaugural campaign and currently holds the Hyundai A-League all-time games record with 107 appearances.
Thompson has been an ever-present member of the Newcastle Jets side since the Hyundai A-League-s inaugural season, quickly developing into an integral player in the Hunter Valley courtesy of his work ethic, versatility and goal scoring ability.
The 27-year-old was a member of Newcastle-s triumphant 2008 Hyundai A-League Championship side and was rewarded for his experience and leadership with the club captaincy this year, leading the Jets into the Asian Champions League knockout stages, where the team fell to eventual winners, Pohang Steelers.
Thompson also made his senior international debut earlier in the year when he lined up for the Qantas Socceroos in its Asian Cup qualifiers against Indonesia and Kuwait.
Sarkies is set to land back in his hometown following the completion of a three-year stint with Adelaide United.
During his time at Hindmarsh Stadium, Sarkies played a key role in Adelaide-s stunning run in the 2008 Asian Champions League, starting in both legs of the final, while he featured in two games at the FIFA Club World Cup.
Through his performances at United, Sarkies was able to earn selection to the Olyroos squad for the Beijing Olympics, featuring in games against the Ivory Coast and Serbia.
Despite his youth, Sarkies has earned two caps at senior international level and was a member of the Qantas Socceroos- train-on squad for the 2006 World Cup when playing for Melbourne Victory after impressing Dutch master Guus Hiddink with his burgeoning talents.
Matt Thompson
Born: 18/08/1982
From: Sydney
Senior Career
1999 Macarthur Rams
1999 – 2004 Parramatta Power
2004 Macarthur Rams
2004 – 2005 Marconi Stallions
2005 – 2010 Newcastle Jets
International Career
2009 – Qantas Socceroos 2 caps (Kuwait, Indonesia 2009)
Honours
2007/08 – Hyundai A-League Championship w/ Newcastle Jets
2009 – Appointed Newcastle Jets captain
Kristian Sarkies
Born: 25/10/1986
From: Melbourne
Senior Career
2003 – 2004 South Melbourne
2005 -2007 Melbourne Victory
2007 – 2010 Adelaide United
International Career
2006 – Qantas Socceroos 2 caps (Liechtenstein 2006, China 2008)
Honours
2006 – Selected to World Cup train-on squad
2006/07 – A-League Premiership and Championship w/ Melbourne Victory
2008 – Selected to Olyroo squad for Beijing Olympics
