Former Socceroo Scott McDonald signs for A-League expansion club Western United
A-League expansion club Western United have continued their recruitment drive ahead of their debut season, signing former Socceroo striker Scott McDonald.
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Ex-Celtic and Socceroos striker Scott McDonald will join A-League expansion club Western United.
McDonald, 35, reconsidered retirement plans to sign for Scotish second tier side Partick Thistle, scoring seven goals in 13 games to help the club stave off relegation.
It is 20 years since the goal poacher played his last domestic game in Australia, during a brief spell with Morwell Falcons before embarking on a successful European journey.
He will set a record for the longest stint between top flight appearances, set by Mark Bosnich, who had a brief stint with Central Coast Mariners, 17 years after last playing for Sydney Croatia.
McDonald, who was capped 26 times by the Socceroos, will play a key leadership role for Western United after a decorated career that included stints with Motherwell, Middlesbrough, Huddersfield Town, Millwall and Dundee United.
“In the last few years my mind has always been about returning home. I flirted with a few offers, but the circumstances were not right,” McDonald said.
“The opportunity to come home to Melbourne and be part of a new club was just the right thing to do.
“I know I’m in the twilight of my career, I will be 36 by the time the new season kicks off, but I am strong and determined to give back to the fans. I want to score goals and I know I will.”
McDonald, who won the Scottish Premier League’s golden boot award during Celtic’s title-winning season of 2007-08, netted against Manchester United and AC Milan in the UEFA Champions League.
Western United assistant coach John Anastasiadis said McDonald’s pedigree would be key.
“Scott’s experience in the dressing room will be priceless and the young boys we have should be absorbing as much as they can,” Anastasiadis said.
WESTERN United have unveiled a modern logo ahead of their inaugural season, with a ‘W’ the main design element for the club which aims to represent the western Melbourne and Victoria region.
They will play at Geelong’s Kardinia Park for at least the first two seasons, starting in October 2019, as they finalise plans to build their own stadium in Tarneit.
.@wufcofficial's logo has arrived!
— Hyundai A-League (@ALeague) May 8, 2019
Logo explained: https://t.co/EhXhGczCoF#ALeague #WUFC #WesternUnitedFC #TheUnitedWest pic.twitter.com/vEMinV5KYn
Originally published as Former Socceroo Scott McDonald signs for A-League expansion club Western United
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