Socceroos: Midfielder Jackson Irvine joins German ‘cult’ club St. Pauli

Socceroos midfielder Jackson Irvine is ‘delighted’ to have joined German second division club St. Pauli.

Socceroos midfielder Jackson Irvine’s versatility and physicality has made him the right fit for German second division club St. Pauli.

Irvine, 28, has joined the Hamburg-based club on a free transfer following the end of his contract with Scottish outfit Hibernian.

“I’m delighted to be here,” he said.

“The club and its values are a perfect fit for me. The way St. Pauli play football suits me, too.

“I can’t wait to meet my teammates now and get started.”

St. Pauli coach Timo Schultz forecast an important role for Melbourne-born Irvine, who has made 37 appearances for the Socceroos.

“Jackson Irvine gives us more flexibility in midfield because he can play both an attacking and a defensive role,” Schultz said.

“He also brings a certain physicality and rugged style of play that will add stability, and his experience will benefit our younger players.”

Where do I begin?! I could not be more excited to play for this amazing club and I am so grateful to have the opportunity to be a member of this historic community. Let’s go! 🤎 @fcstpauli@fcstpauli_ENpic.twitter.com/KAHHNdQ4L5

— Jackson Irvine (@jacksonirvine_) July 5, 2021

St. Pauli director of sport Andreas Bornemann said Irvine – who has also had stints with Hull City, Burton Albion and Ross County – was “at his prime age for a footballer”.

“(Irvine) works extremely hard and comes with international experience,” Bornemann said.

“He’s at home in a variety of midfield positions, so signing him gives us many more options.”

St. Pauli have developed a cult following in Germany and around the world due to social activism among the club’s supporters.

The club was most recently in Germany’s top-flight Bundesliga in 2011, and finished 10th in the second division last year.