Tara Murray
Joshua Phelps is heading home to Australia, while a National Premier League star is crossing clubs as the Melbourne Knights strengthen their squad.
Originally from Australia, Phelps has spent the last six seasons with United Soccer League, league one champions South Georgia Tormenta.
The 6’4” central defender played in the US College system with Thomas Terriers and UNC Pembroke Braves before joining Tormenta.
Despite operating primarily in the centre of defence, the versatile Phelps was also utilised as a striker on occasion.
Phelps said on the Knights website that he couldn’t wait to return to Australia and get started at Somers Street.
“I was excited for the chance to play under the new manager Ben Cahn whilst also continuing to develop myself as a player,” Phelps said.
“The decision to leave the US and come back to play in Australia wasn’t easy, but the new challenge ahead of me adding to the long history of Melbourne Knights excites me.
“We want to make sure that we’re playing a style of football that excites the fans and makes them want to come out and watch us week in week out.”
The Knights also announced the signing of Mitch Hore as it further strengthened its squad.
The 26-year-old arrives at Somers Street after spending the past two seasons at Bentleigh Greens.
Hore, who’s best known for his engine, playmaking and ability in tight areas was a key cog in the Greens side that won the 2022 Dockerty Cup and reached the Australia Cup round of 16.
Originally from Queensland, the former Brisbane Roar Youth midfielder spent three seasons at Lions FC before making the move south.
Hore previously played under Knights coach Ben Cahn in the NPL Queensland all-stars said he couldn’t wait to get going at the Knights.
“I’ve known Ben (Cahn) for about 15 years and played against him in Queensland before I came to Melbourne and his teams have always played really good football, so when he came down here to the Knights I thought it would be a really good move for me to make,” he said.
“To start off with I just want to get back to playing regularly, I had a bit of an injury ridden season this year so I want to get back into the groove of it. and then
“Every game we want to push to win, obviously, most teams want to go out to win the league and I think we’ve got a side to be up there.
Hore and Phelps join Ivan and Joey Franjic, Gian Albano, Steve Whyte, Chris Oldfield, Corey Sewell and Ciaran Bramwell as having signed with the Knights for next season.
