By Lance Jenkinson
Western United’s playing roster for its inaugural A-League season is starting to take shape.
United’s latest signing is a player approaching the peak of his powers in former Newcastle Jets and Melbourne City defender Connor Chapman.
Chapman has spent the past two seasons playing in the K-League with Incheon United and Pohang Steelers.
He is the third signing for United, following the captures of Greek international Panagiotis Kone and Socceroo Josh Risdon.
The lure of playing on home soil and being part of a new franchise excited Chapman.
“I am very excited to join Western United as we embark on our inaugural season,” Chapman said.
“My experience in the very tough Korean league has been invaluable and at 24 I feel that I am entering the peak of my career.
“I look forward to building something special with my future teammates and for the fans of the west.”
Chapman has represented Australia at U17, U20 and U23 levels.
The highlight of his senior career was being part of Melbourne City’s FFA Cup triumph in 2016.
Western United chief executive officer Maurice Bisetto said the team will continue to identify targets that will make the club competitive from day one.
“Our coaching staff have been working diligently to identify targets as we prepare for our inaugural season in October 2019 and we couldn’t be happier to have the calibre Panagiotis, Joshua and now Connor commit to our club,” Bisetto said.
“We feel we are forming a very competitive squad, who will be supported by a great coaching staff and combined will represent the west of Melbourne in the best possible light.”
