A-League: Macarthur FC’S Ulises Davila replaces Adam Federici as Bulls captain, latest news

Updated: Macarthur FC’s new captain said he will wear the captaincy arm band “with pride” as the Campbelltown-based club bids to top the success of its first season in the A-League.

Amanda Lulham and Daniel McGookin

6 min read

November 7, 2021 - 4:18PM

NewsLocal

Ulises Davila will lead Macarthur FC this season.

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Macarthur FC fans will watch their team led into battle by new captain in Ulises Davila when the Bulls open their A-League campaign at Campbelltown stadium later this month.

The highly regarded Mexican international has been chosen as a replacement for former Australian goalkeeper Adam Federico who has retired injured before the season start.

The 30-year-old from Guadalajara was a prized signing for Macarthur FC in July with the attacking midfielder now signed with the club for the next three seasons.

Ulises Davila playing for Phoenix is tacked by Sydney FC’s Alexander Baumjohann.

“To be honest it was a big surprise, but I am very honoured they chose me as captain,” Davila said.

“It’s a big challenge after Mark Milligan and Adam Federici, they are two Australian legends and have done a great job.

“I’m not a person who likes to talk a lot, but I will give my body and soul to ensure I’m a good leader through hard work and being a role model especially to the younger players.

“I am excited for our first game in front of fans and can’t wait to walk on the pitch wearing the captain band with pride for my club.”

Ulises Davila is expected to make a big impact with the club.

Davila, the 2020/21 Johnny Warren Medal winner, comes to Macarthur from Wellington and at one stage of his career was with Premier League club Chelsea.

During his time at Phoenix he was hailed as one of the best ever players and a fabulous leader, scoring 19 goals and 12 assists during 50 appearances in a two-year stint.

Davila’s first job as captain will be to lead the Bulls in their debut FFA cup match.

Filip Kurto has replaced the Bulls former captain.

NEW GOALIE FILIP KURTO TO REPLACE INJURED ADAM FEDERICI

The Bulls’ search for a new goalkeeper to replace retired captain Adam Federici is already over, with Polish shotstopper Filip Kurto agreeing to terms with the Campbelltown-based club.

The 30-year-old has played in more than 60 A-League Men’s matches for Western United and Wellington Phoenix and was crowned Goalkeeper of the Year following the 2018/19 season.

“Filip will bring his invaluable European and A-League knowledge and experience to our squad,” head coach Ante Milicic said.

“Alongside Nick Suman, he will give us tremendous security in the goalkeeping department.

“He has been outstanding in his A-League journey so far and I look forward to watching what he can bring under the guidance of myself and Glen Moss for the upcoming season.”

Kurto, who has played most of his professional career in the Netherlands, said he was excited for the challenge.

“I think the club has done a tremendous job on recruitment for the upcoming season and I look forward to joining my teammates,” he said.

“It’s always a challenge moving to a new city, but I believe it will be an exciting one for both myself and my family.”

RISING PRODIGY SIGNS WITH BULLS

Six months ago rising prodigy Al Hassan Toure bamboozled three would-be Macarthur FC defenders with his dazzling footwork with footage of the clip turning heads overseas.

Now, the talented 21-year-old will call Campbelltown Sports Stadium home after signing with the A-League Mens youngest franchise.

Amaze-Balls ðŸ¤¯

Al Hassan Toure out here ending careers.

ðŸŽ¥: @FOXFOOTBALL #AUFC #ADLvMAC pic.twitter.com/x0KZIohJ51
— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) April 14, 2021

Bulls coach Ante Milicic had a front-row seat to the dribbling wizardry of then-Adelaide United star Toure at Coopers Stadium in April and said can’t wait to help unleash the forward’s full potential.

“Al Hassan is a talented player who will help strengthen our squad,” he said.

“I believe he can maximise his potential with consistent performances on the training pitch and match days, and I look forward to watching him grow.

“I’m sure Al Hassan will settle in well with the playing group and get to know what the club is all about.”

Al Hassan Toure in action in September. Picture: Will Russell/Getty Images

The forward, born in Guinea, scored on his debut for the Australian under-23 team in 2019 and played a role in helping the Olyroos qualify for the recent Olympic Games.

Under Milicic’s guidance, Toure said he has hopes of reaching new heights on the football pitch.

“I’ve spoken to Ante about the style of football and the experience within the squad and I believe this can help take my football to the next level,” he said.

“Witnessing the bells last year at Campbelltown created such an atmosphere. Joining the club, my motivation is to score and hear them ring loud and proud.

“I’m looking forward to joining my new teammates and getting straight into pre-season with focus on the competition starting next month.”

Toure took to Instagram to farewell to signal a new chapter and pay tribute to his former teammates, staff and fans.

“I have shared a lot of special memories with you guys and these memories I’ll definitely never forget”, he said.

https://www.facebook.com/macarthurfc/videos/157473279923657

GOAL! SPECIAL ROLE FOR MACARTHUR FC’S ‘MIRACLE MAN’

A former Olympian from the NSW south coast, whose skills went viral last season, has been tasked with leading the Bulls in the A-League this season.

Former Reading, Bournemouth and Stoke City goalie Adam Federici played with the Bulls in the highly successful inaugural season after returning to Australia after two decreases in England to join the club.

He signed a deal for two years with the club and takes over the captaincy reigns from Mark Milligan in his second.

Macarthur FC goalkeeper Adam Federici in action last season.

The former Premier League goalie, who goes by the nickname Fedders, played a big role in Macarthur’s success last season.

He also produced one of his great moments.

In an extraordinary defensive display against the Western Sydney Wanderers in February, he produced four saves in seven seconds to thwart his side’s cross town rivals.

His heroics earned him his miracle man moniker and Save of Matchweek 7 honours with a clip of his feat going rival.

Federici, who made his Under 23 debut at the Beijing Olympics back in 2008 and started his career at the Huskisson Football Club, was officially appointed the club’s new captain on Monday.

Adam Federici during an Australia Socceroos training session in 2016.

During his stint overseas he played over 280 matches across the English Premier and Championship.

“It is very special to be given an opportunity like this and I am very proud and honoured to be named captain,’’ he said.

“Working alongside Milligan last year, I know the dedication and expectation required for the role but I am privileged to follow in his steps and be the best captain I can be.

“With dates set for the season, we’re now looking to work towards this. It’s a great feeling to know we will be back at Campbelltown in November and I’m excited to lead the Bulls out of Campbelltown Stadium in front of fans.”

Macarthur FC Head Coach Ante Milicic said he was a natural pick for the leadership role.

“He is someone who strives for team excellence every day and has the respect and trust of the entire football club to be a brilliant captain.” Milicic said.

Socceroos goalkeeper Adam Federici during a friendly against Greece.

MCARTHUR FC BULLS A-LEAGUE FIXTURE REVEALED

Macarthur FC will host their first match of the season against Wellington Phoenix at Campbelltown before playing five straight games against NSW rivals in their start to the 2021/2022 A-League season.

And in great news for fans of the Bulls, four of the first six games will be played at Campbelltown Stadium.

The changed dates for the A-League and W-League seasons were revealed on Thursday and will start on November 19 and December 3 respectively.

Nick Ansell of the Victory challenges Matt Derbyshire of Macarthur FC during an A-League match.

The Bulls will open their season on November 21 against Phoenix, before travelling to Jubilee Oval for their first away clash against multiple A-League champions, Sydney FC.

The Bulls will face the Sydney FC side twice in the first six rounds of competition.

Next for the Bulls is a clash against the Mariners back at home, before they take on the Wanderers in the western Sydney derby on December 11 at the recently renamed CommBank Stadium.

The Bulls then tackle the Jets at Campbelltown before hosting a Boxing Day clash with Sydney FC on December 26.

21/22 Bulls x Macron ðŸ”¥

Pre-order now ðŸ‘‰ https://t.co/uJwbHH8cln #WeAreTheBulls pic.twitter.com/XOmONLK6RA
— Macarthur FC (@mfcbulls) September 20, 2021

The Bulls have also unveiled their kit for their second season in A-League, opting for vertical black stripes with ochre details on a white home kit for 2021/22 season.

The club’s ochre away kit pays homage to the region’s indigenous past and its local Dharawal Aboriginal people.