Melbourne Heart have signed three young players from A-League rivals.
The arrival of Connor Chapman and James Brown from Newcastle and Adelaide United’s Jacob Melling increases Heart’s list to 16 players, still well short of a full squad.
Teenage defender Chapman is arguably the brightest prospect, having made 21 starts in two seasons for the Jets before making the switch south.
Coach John van `t Schip called him a gifted young defender.
“He has shown experience beyond his age with two full seasons in the A-League and he is still just 19,” he said.
“He will no doubt grow further under the leadership of Patrick Kisnorbo and Robbie Wielaert.”
All three have signed two-year deals.
Heart, bought by oil-rich owners of Manchester City in January, are expected to make several prominent signings – including a new international marquee before the new season starts in October.
tommaso
Guest
J Melling is an AIS product and has played in the Joeys World Cup 2011 - is a good solid player and will do well for MH. Had limilted opportunities at Adelaide and wasn't favoured by Gombeau at all.
fadida
Guest
Brown was a dud at the Jets. It was painful to see a talented player so clearly devoid of confidence and playing with fear. As usual I blame GVE :)
clayts
Guest
Ever thought that perhaps the Jets was the reason Brown 'lost his mojo'? I think Mooy, Brown and Chapman (haven't seen a heaps of Melling) can all be good players for Heart. All have youth on their side. With an international and possibly an Australian marquee signing still to come (and who knows what from Ci'eh) I expect Heart to charge up the ladder and contend. Hopefully their recruits will play more than half a season next year
clayts
Guest
Haha. Loving supporters of the clubs who these players came from coming on here and declaring them all duds.
Michael_Newcastle
Guest
Brown really lost his mojo at the Jets. Every time he came on in a game you cringed. He was an OK midfielder but lost possession way too easily and his reading of the game seemed really off. Maybe something going on in his head? Hope he can improve his form but not sorry to see him go.
Matthew Skellett
Guest
I felt Mooy could be absolutely brilliant and dynamic at times but it seemed this happened way too seldom -go as far as to say petulant in this regard -maybe that's why Poppa gave him the pink slip early but hey I wish him well -Hope VS can get the best out of him :-)
AZ_RBB
Guest
Was a really big fan of Mooy in season 12/13. Loved his passing vision and strength in defence. Could be better off the ball though, often find him in no mans land and not really helping out the man in possession. He was below average in season 13/14 with the odd free kick here and there and a few good all round performances. Sad to see another foundation player leave but I think Van't Schip will be good for him.
striker
Guest
Mooy is a dud im happy WSW got rid of him.
clayts
Guest
I'd have called Brown the most promising of the three but each to their own. Heart just signed Mooy too. Starting to gain some pretty interesting players. Brown was brilliant for Gold Coast at times but injuries and what not have sorta held him back. Mooy has been pretty decent for Wanderers too. With a decent international signing and I'm assuming an australian marquee still vacant, the might just have a pretty decent squad. Let's hope their season isn't ruined by injuries again next year. I think it would have been a very different story if the big dutchman (and 'arry) actually played a fullish season this year.
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
Two rather young signings there. Things are looking interesting at Heart.