Shock as South Adelaide’s star recruit returns to MetroStars

South Adelaide is remaining tight-lipped on the departure of Sergio Melta medallist Liam Wooding to MetroStars just nine months into a three-year contract. See our wrap of Round 13 here.

South Adelaide is remaining tight-lipped on the departure of Liam Wooding, after its prized recruit returned to MetroStars just nine months on from arriving on a three-year contract.

The ex-Adelaide United attacker re-signed for MetroStars on Thursday, having completed his transfer back to the National Premier Leagues SA side for an undisclosed fee.

Sergio Melta medallist Liam Wooding in action for South Adelaide before his transfer back to MetroStars. Picture: Adam Butler.

Panthers chairman Phil Reid refused to comment on why Wooding was allowed to leave the club, which languishes at the bottom of the table and five points adrift of safety.

The Sergio Melta medallist, 26, had joined his junior team South in the off-season following four campaigns at TK Shutter Reserve.

MetroStars chairman Rob Rende said Wooding would be central to the third-placed outfit’s title push, as it bid to chase down competition leader Campbelltown City.

“It’s always important to improve the team,” Rende said.

“It bolsters our depth and we are firm believers that if you don’t have depth, you don’t win championships.

“Definitely overall we have increased the strength of our team.

“Liam and I have been friends for many years, we had a chat and he was pretty disappointed with what was happening down there (at South).

“He was losing his enthusiasm to play the game, so we will have to make sure we can provide a better environment.”

Wooding will not have to wait long to face his former club. MetroStars host South Adelaide on Saturday June 15.

Meanwhile, Adelaide Blue Eagles coach Vojo Gluscevic said his players’ hard work on the training track paid off after beating Adelaide Comets 2-1 in Premier League soccer at Marden Sports Complex on Saturday.

Emanuele Testardi scored a brace Adelaide Blue Eagles in the win against Comets. Picture: Joe Janko

Gluscevic demanded improvement from his side after a disappointing result the week before and he was pleased with the response against Comets.

“The previous two weeks had been very disappointing so credit to the boys on their performance today,” Gluscevic said. “It was a massive improvement and everyone played well.

“The boys have worked really hard on the track.

“It was nice that they got reward today for their efforts.

“We could’ve won by more as we created lots of chances but we are very happy with the win.”

Emanuele Testardi scored a brace for Blue Eagles.

Both goals were headers that resulted from crosses from his teammates.

Blue Eagles went up 1-0 with Testardi’s first goal in the 29th minute, Comets then equalised in the 57th minute.

Testardi’s second goal in the 74th minute proved to be the winner.

In other results, South Adelaide drew with Croydon Kings 1-1 at home, Adelaide City also shared the points with West Adelaide 0-0, as did MetroStars and Adelaide United youth, 1-1.

Raiders also recorded a 1-2 with Adelaide Olympic at Croatian Sports Centre on Saturday, while Campbelltown City triumphed against Para Hills 3-1 at Steve Woodcock Sports Centre.