Reece Caira has given up a spot in the reserves of a 138-year-old English Premier League club to join an A-League side founded barely four months ago.
But the 19-year-old is excited about his return to Australia and being among Western Sydney Wanderers’ first signings.
“It’s great that I get to become a foundation player but it’s going to be a tough first season,” Caira said.
The defender has secured a one-year contract with the new A-League franchise, after spending the past three-and-a-half years in Aston Villa’s youth squad and reserves.
He caught the attention of Wanderers’ coach Tony Popovic during a recent trip to England and has been on trial since.
“I’ve always been interested to work with Popovic and I’ve finally got the chance,” Caira said.
“Hopefully I can have a few good seasons here … to help me get back into a European club (and) help keep up my progress with the Young Socceroos.”
Caira was one of three new additions announced on Wednesday, including former Gold Coast United goalkeeper Jerrad Tyson and midfielder Jason Trifiro.
It brings to 12 the number of official signings for the Wanderers.
Trifiro said securing a deal with fledgling club was a very proud moment, having grown up in western Sydney and played most of his soccer in the region.
The 24-year-old drifted through a series of NSW Premier League clubs before playing for Northcote City in Melbourne.
“It’s going to be a big step up (from state league to A-League) but it’s a new challenge for me,” Trifiro said.
“I’m looking forward to just being on the pitch every day.”
Popovic said all three signings were an important addition to the club but admitted he was still weeks away from having a full squad.
“The three of them have earned the right to gain a contract,” he said.
“Hopefully as we add players, the squad will work better together, understand each other better and we’ll see the team improve in the way we want to play.”
The club will face Central Coast – Caira’s home region – for their A-League debut on October 6.
Tigranes
Guest
Bit of a turnaround - previous socceroos coach said that training in Europe was better than playing in Australia - this is a good sign for the HAL, hopefully more like him will follow.
Mick H
Roar Rookie
Hopefully this springboards his reputation for European football. In Europe most young players are told to stay in their home country until they are older, for example Bale last season who has now signed a new four year contract instead of going to Spain.
Brick Tamlin of the Pants Party
Guest
I think he's made a good choice,i mean how long do you stick around in a Prem League reserve team.Look at Brad Inman,from all accounts he is one of if not the best player in the Newcastle reserves side and he couldn't even get a game when they were in the Championship.
Gwils
Guest
For this kid to choose the wanderers over an EPL career is a massive vote of confidence for the wanderers, the A-League, the FFA, poppa, Frank Lowy, Ben Buckley and Australia
Kasey
Guest
Who hasn't dreamed of leading ones local team to glory of some description, it is the very basis of the highly successful Football Manager games:) I think this kid has had his eyes opened, all the roads in Europe aren't paved with Gold, they are a long and mostly anonymous grind in reserves and out on loan in the lower divisions. Why not follow the Brett Emmerton Path and remain in Australia, with a family support network in a good standard comp to develop your game and then chase the O/S dream? Sounds like the recruiting advert for the HAL if you ask me.