By Lance Jenkinson
The January transfer window is a busy period for most A-League clubs and Western United has been no different, taking part for the first time.
Western United has seen first team players Connor Chapman, Scott McDonald and Ersan Gulum depart the club.
Chapman moved to South Korea to join Pohang Steelers, McDonald crossed to the Brisbane Roar and Gulum returned to Turkey.
A focus so far for Western United with its incomings has been shoring up its defence.
Talented youngster Oskar Dillon, brought in from the Gold Coast Knights, has already made an impression on the left side of the defence.
In a bid to bolster their central defence, United has looked much closer to home with western suburbs born and raised
Tomi Uskok signing an 18-month deal. Uskok, born in Williamstown and raised in Werribee, is no stranger to the A-League, having played with Central Coast Mariners in 2015-16.
Locally, the 28-year-old is better known for his impact for Melbourne Knights in the National Premier League.
It is not lost on Western United coach Mark Rudan the importance of claiming a player from the club’s heartland in Melbourne’s west.
“We’re delighted to give another NPL talent a chance to show what he can do at the highest level,” Rudan said.
“Tomi is a local western Melbourne product, which makes for a great story and it’s important for our club.
“Having worked with Tomi before, he has all the attributes to contribute to our club and we’re looking forward to seeing Tomi make the most of this opportunity with us.”
Uskok is eager for the opportunity to return to the A-League with Western United.
With Gulum gone and injuries to Brendan Hamill and Aaron Calver, there could be a chance for Uskok to stake his claim for a starting spot.
“Excited to be a part of it and back in the A-League and working under a coach like Mark Rudan,” Uskok said.
“I’m really looking forward to that.”
