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The Advertiser
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Max played for the Jets but lived in a hostel. He says it won't happen again
MAX Burgess stayed in a backpackers youth hostel near Newcastle Beach for three months the last time he played for the Jets. Burgess, then 20, defender Themba Muata-Marlow and winger Jake Adelson joined tourists from around the world in the dormitory accommodation. Shared kitchen, bunk beds ... the whole lot. Initially on trial, Burgess was signed as an injury replacement for James Virgili and made five appearances at the end of the 2014-15 season. The Jets collected the wooden spoon, coach Phil Stubbins was sacked, and Burgess moved on. Now 30, Burgess returns to Jets on a two-year deal with a resume that includes 100-plus A-League games, including three finals series and season in Portugal. The midfielder is one of the higher profile signings brought in by new coach Mark Milligan. "I have good memories of my time here 10 years ago, although it was brief," Burgess told the Newcastle Herald. "I was in the youth hostel with Themba Muata-Marlow and Jake Adelson. We were there for a couple of months at Newcastle Beach. I came in on an injury-replacement deal. Themba and Jake signed for the following year. "I'm just pumped to be back. I won't be staying in a hostel this time. "I am more of an experienced player and am looking forward to working with the young guys." Burgess joins a front third that includes Japanese international Kota Mizunuma, wholehearted No.9 Lachie Rose and exciting youngsters Eli Adams, Clayton Taylor, Alex Badalato, Ben Gibson and Oscar Fryer. Taylor's management are seeking a release from the final year of his contract, but the midfielder will join the squad for the start of preseason training on Tuesday. "There are a lot of young talented players here I have been watching from afar for the past couple of years," Burgess said. "I'm really excited about the style of football Mark Milligan wants to instil. I want to be part of it. I want to be part of a successful footy side. There is potential for a successful season next year." After playing 72 games in three campaigns at Sydney FC, Burgess fellow out of favour with coach Ufuk Talay last season. The attacking midfielder made just three appearances, the last in round four. "I think being here next season offers that. "As a footballer you are always growing, always developing. I have been lucky enough to travel with football. I have able to experience different life experiences. "This is the right place to be at this point in my career. It's an important time for me as well. I have a lot of ambitions in the game. "I think my best football is still ahead of me. Even though I am 30, I developed a bit later and arrived on the scene a bit later. I have a lot of miles left in the legs. That really excites me." Confirmation of Burgess' signature takes the roster to 14 senior players plus scholarship quartet Will Dobson, Alex Nunes, Van Dorssen and Oscar Fryer. Irish defender Joe Shaugnessy has agreed to terms and is awaiting a visa. Teenage Sydney FC left back Richard Nkomo is understood to be in line for a scholarship. All bar, Shaughnessy will be on deck Tuesday. "I'm good to rip into training. I have a fire in the belly and am keen to get going," Burgess said. "We will build chemistry during the preseason. It is hard to know until we get on the pitch together. I have played against them. Some of the young boys were at Sydney Academy when I was in the senior team. It's exciting." MAX Burgess stayed in a backpackers youth hostel near Newcastle Beach for three months the last time he played for the Jets. Burgess, then 20, defender Themba Muata-Marlow and winger Jake Adelson joined tourists from around the world in the dormitory accommodation. Shared kitchen, bunk beds ... the whole lot. Initially on trial, Burgess was signed as an injury replacement for James Virgili and made five appearances at the end of the 2014-15 season. The Jets collected the wooden spoon, coach Phil Stubbins was sacked, and Burgess moved on. Now 30, Burgess returns to Jets on a two-year deal with a resume that includes 100-plus A-League games, including three finals series and season in Portugal. The midfielder is one of the higher profile signings brought in by new coach Mark Milligan. "I have good memories of my time here 10 years ago, although it was brief," Burgess told the Newcastle Herald. "I was in the youth hostel with Themba Muata-Marlow and Jake Adelson. We were there for a couple of months at Newcastle Beach. I came in on an injury-replacement deal. Themba and Jake signed for the following year. "I'm just pumped to be back. I won't be staying in a hostel this time. "I am more of an experienced player and am looking forward to working with the young guys." Burgess joins a front third that includes Japanese international Kota Mizunuma, wholehearted No.9 Lachie Rose and exciting youngsters Eli Adams, Clayton Taylor, Alex Badalato, Ben Gibson and Oscar Fryer. Taylor's management are seeking a release from the final year of his contract, but the midfielder will join the squad for the start of preseason training on Tuesday. "There are a lot of young talented players here I have been watching from afar for the past couple of years," Burgess said. "I'm really excited about the style of football Mark Milligan wants to instil. I want to be part of it. I want to be part of a successful footy side. There is potential for a successful season next year." After playing 72 games in three campaigns at Sydney FC, Burgess fellow out of favour with coach Ufuk Talay last season. The attacking midfielder made just three appearances, the last in round four. "I think being here next season offers that. "As a footballer you are always growing, always developing. I have been lucky enough to travel with football. I have able to experience different life experiences. "This is the right place to be at this point in my career. It's an important time for me as well. I have a lot of ambitions in the game. "I think my best football is still ahead of me. Even though I am 30, I developed a bit later and arrived on the scene a bit later. I have a lot of miles left in the legs. That really excites me." Confirmation of Burgess' signature takes the roster to 14 senior players plus scholarship quartet Will Dobson, Alex Nunes, Van Dorssen and Oscar Fryer. Irish defender Joe Shaugnessy has agreed to terms and is awaiting a visa. Teenage Sydney FC left back Richard Nkomo is understood to be in line for a scholarship. All bar, Shaughnessy will be on deck Tuesday. "I'm good to rip into training. I have a fire in the belly and am keen to get going," Burgess said. "We will build chemistry during the preseason. It is hard to know until we get on the pitch together. I have played against them. Some of the young boys were at Sydney Academy when I was in the senior team. It's exciting." MAX Burgess stayed in a backpackers youth hostel near Newcastle Beach for three months the last time he played for the Jets. Burgess, then 20, defender Themba Muata-Marlow and winger Jake Adelson joined tourists from around the world in the dormitory accommodation. Shared kitchen, bunk beds ... the whole lot. Initially on trial, Burgess was signed as an injury replacement for James Virgili and made five appearances at the end of the 2014-15 season. The Jets collected the wooden spoon, coach Phil Stubbins was sacked, and Burgess moved on. Now 30, Burgess returns to Jets on a two-year deal with a resume that includes 100-plus A-League games, including three finals series and season in Portugal. The midfielder is one of the higher profile signings brought in by new coach Mark Milligan. "I have good memories of my time here 10 years ago, although it was brief," Burgess told the Newcastle Herald. "I was in the youth hostel with Themba Muata-Marlow and Jake Adelson. We were there for a couple of months at Newcastle Beach. I came in on an injury-replacement deal. Themba and Jake signed for the following year. "I'm just pumped to be back. I won't be staying in a hostel this time. "I am more of an experienced player and am looking forward to working with the young guys." Burgess joins a front third that includes Japanese international Kota Mizunuma, wholehearted No.9 Lachie Rose and exciting youngsters Eli Adams, Clayton Taylor, Alex Badalato, Ben Gibson and Oscar Fryer. Taylor's management are seeking a release from the final year of his contract, but the midfielder will join the squad for the start of preseason training on Tuesday. "There are a lot of young talented players here I have been watching from afar for the past couple of years," Burgess said. "I'm really excited about the style of football Mark Milligan wants to instil. I want to be part of it. I want to be part of a successful footy side. There is potential for a successful season next year." After playing 72 games in three campaigns at Sydney FC, Burgess fellow out of favour with coach Ufuk Talay last season. The attacking midfielder made just three appearances, the last in round four. "I think being here next season offers that. "As a footballer you are always growing, always developing. I have been lucky enough to travel with football. I have able to experience different life experiences. "This is the right place to be at this point in my career. It's an important time for me as well. I have a lot of ambitions in the game. "I think my best football is still ahead of me. Even though I am 30, I developed a bit later and arrived on the scene a bit later. I have a lot of miles left in the legs. That really excites me." Confirmation of Burgess' signature takes the roster to 14 senior players plus scholarship quartet Will Dobson, Alex Nunes, Van Dorssen and Oscar Fryer. Irish defender Joe Shaugnessy has agreed to terms and is awaiting a visa. Teenage Sydney FC left back Richard Nkomo is understood to be in line for a scholarship. All bar, Shaughnessy will be on deck Tuesday. "I'm good to rip into training. I have a fire in the belly and am keen to get going," Burgess said. "We will build chemistry during the preseason. It is hard to know until we get on the pitch together. I have played against them. Some of the young boys were at Sydney Academy when I was in the senior team. It's exciting." MAX Burgess stayed in a backpackers youth hostel near Newcastle Beach for three months the last time he played for the Jets. Burgess, then 20, defender Themba Muata-Marlow and winger Jake Adelson joined tourists from around the world in the dormitory accommodation. Shared kitchen, bunk beds ... the whole lot. Initially on trial, Burgess was signed as an injury replacement for James Virgili and made five appearances at the end of the 2014-15 season. The Jets collected the wooden spoon, coach Phil Stubbins was sacked, and Burgess moved on. Now 30, Burgess returns to Jets on a two-year deal with a resume that includes 100-plus A-League games, including three finals series and season in Portugal. The midfielder is one of the higher profile signings brought in by new coach Mark Milligan. "I have good memories of my time here 10 years ago, although it was brief," Burgess told the Newcastle Herald. "I was in the youth hostel with Themba Muata-Marlow and Jake Adelson. We were there for a couple of months at Newcastle Beach. I came in on an injury-replacement deal. Themba and Jake signed for the following year. "I'm just pumped to be back. I won't be staying in a hostel this time. "I am more of an experienced player and am looking forward to working with the young guys." Burgess joins a front third that includes Japanese international Kota Mizunuma, wholehearted No.9 Lachie Rose and exciting youngsters Eli Adams, Clayton Taylor, Alex Badalato, Ben Gibson and Oscar Fryer. Taylor's management are seeking a release from the final year of his contract, but the midfielder will join the squad for the start of preseason training on Tuesday. "There are a lot of young talented players here I have been watching from afar for the past couple of years," Burgess said. "I'm really excited about the style of football Mark Milligan wants to instil. I want to be part of it. I want to be part of a successful footy side. There is potential for a successful season next year." After playing 72 games in three campaigns at Sydney FC, Burgess fellow out of favour with coach Ufuk Talay last season. The attacking midfielder made just three appearances, the last in round four. "I think being here next season offers that. "As a footballer you are always growing, always developing. I have been lucky enough to travel with football. I have able to experience different life experiences. "This is the right place to be at this point in my career. It's an important time for me as well. I have a lot of ambitions in the game. "I think my best football is still ahead of me. Even though I am 30, I developed a bit later and arrived on the scene a bit later. I have a lot of miles left in the legs. That really excites me." Confirmation of Burgess' signature takes the roster to 14 senior players plus scholarship quartet Will Dobson, Alex Nunes, Van Dorssen and Oscar Fryer. Irish defender Joe Shaugnessy has agreed to terms and is awaiting a visa. Teenage Sydney FC left back Richard Nkomo is understood to be in line for a scholarship. All bar, Shaughnessy will be on deck Tuesday. "I'm good to rip into training. I have a fire in the belly and am keen to get going," Burgess said. "We will build chemistry during the preseason. It is hard to know until we get on the pitch together. I have played against them. Some of the young boys were at Sydney Academy when I was in the senior team. It's exciting."
The Advertiser
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Defender departs as Jets squad takes shape ahead of preseason training
The Newcastle Jets have parted ways with centreback Phil Cancar in the first of three expected changes to the squad ahead of the start of preseason training on Tuesday. Cancar has been released from final year of his contract in Newcastle and is expected to join Western Sydney. The 24-year-old returns to Wanderers, where he spent two seasons from 2020 and made 12 A-League appearances. New Jets coach Mark Milligan is rebuilding the roster, which finished ninth last season. The Jets have been linked to a move for attacking midfielder Alex Badalato, who was on loan from Wanderers to Melbourne Victory last season. The 20-year-old led the Young Socceroos to Asian Cup success earlier this year and was named player of the tournament. Former Sydney FC midfielder Max Burgess has finalised a deal with the Jets while the Newcastle Herald understands that Dundee captain Joe Shaunessy has agreed to terms. Shaunessy, 32, turned down a two-year extension in Scotland, to move to Australia. His impending arrival combined with Cancar's departure leaves the Jets with four senior centrebacks - Shaughnessy, Aleks Susnjar, Mark Natta - and scholarship player Ben Van Dorssen on the Jets books. Kosta Grozos was used as a makeshift centreback ahead of Cancar for much of last season by then Jets coach Rob Stanton. The latest development leaves Milligan with 13 senior players on contract, not including Burgess, Shaughnessy and Badalato, plus scholarship players Will Dobson, Alex Nunes, Van Dorssen. Teenage Sydney FC left back Richard Nkomo is likely to receive a scholarship. Milligan plans to run with a squad of 19 senior players and seven scholarships. One of the vacant places will go to a second keeper. Cancar is the ninth player from last season's roster to depart, following Ryan Scott, Cal Timmins, Charles M'mombwa, Wellissol, Dane Ingham, Matt Scarcella, Justin Vidic and Jacob Dowse, who has medically retired. The Newcastle Jets have parted ways with centreback Phil Cancar in the first of three expected changes to the squad ahead of the start of preseason training on Tuesday. Cancar has been released from final year of his contract in Newcastle and is expected to join Western Sydney. The 24-year-old returns to Wanderers, where he spent two seasons from 2020 and made 12 A-League appearances. New Jets coach Mark Milligan is rebuilding the roster, which finished ninth last season. The Jets have been linked to a move for attacking midfielder Alex Badalato, who was on loan from Wanderers to Melbourne Victory last season. The 20-year-old led the Young Socceroos to Asian Cup success earlier this year and was named player of the tournament. Former Sydney FC midfielder Max Burgess has finalised a deal with the Jets while the Newcastle Herald understands that Dundee captain Joe Shaunessy has agreed to terms. Shaunessy, 32, turned down a two-year extension in Scotland, to move to Australia. His impending arrival combined with Cancar's departure leaves the Jets with four senior centrebacks - Shaughnessy, Aleks Susnjar, Mark Natta - and scholarship player Ben Van Dorssen on the Jets books. Kosta Grozos was used as a makeshift centreback ahead of Cancar for much of last season by then Jets coach Rob Stanton. The latest development leaves Milligan with 13 senior players on contract, not including Burgess, Shaughnessy and Badalato, plus scholarship players Will Dobson, Alex Nunes, Van Dorssen. Teenage Sydney FC left back Richard Nkomo is likely to receive a scholarship. Milligan plans to run with a squad of 19 senior players and seven scholarships. One of the vacant places will go to a second keeper. Cancar is the ninth player from last season's roster to depart, following Ryan Scott, Cal Timmins, Charles M'mombwa, Wellissol, Dane Ingham, Matt Scarcella, Justin Vidic and Jacob Dowse, who has medically retired. The Newcastle Jets have parted ways with centreback Phil Cancar in the first of three expected changes to the squad ahead of the start of preseason training on Tuesday. Cancar has been released from final year of his contract in Newcastle and is expected to join Western Sydney. The 24-year-old returns to Wanderers, where he spent two seasons from 2020 and made 12 A-League appearances. New Jets coach Mark Milligan is rebuilding the roster, which finished ninth last season. The Jets have been linked to a move for attacking midfielder Alex Badalato, who was on loan from Wanderers to Melbourne Victory last season. The 20-year-old led the Young Socceroos to Asian Cup success earlier this year and was named player of the tournament. Former Sydney FC midfielder Max Burgess has finalised a deal with the Jets while the Newcastle Herald understands that Dundee captain Joe Shaunessy has agreed to terms. Shaunessy, 32, turned down a two-year extension in Scotland, to move to Australia. His impending arrival combined with Cancar's departure leaves the Jets with four senior centrebacks - Shaughnessy, Aleks Susnjar, Mark Natta - and scholarship player Ben Van Dorssen on the Jets books. Kosta Grozos was used as a makeshift centreback ahead of Cancar for much of last season by then Jets coach Rob Stanton. The latest development leaves Milligan with 13 senior players on contract, not including Burgess, Shaughnessy and Badalato, plus scholarship players Will Dobson, Alex Nunes, Van Dorssen. Teenage Sydney FC left back Richard Nkomo is likely to receive a scholarship. Milligan plans to run with a squad of 19 senior players and seven scholarships. One of the vacant places will go to a second keeper. Cancar is the ninth player from last season's roster to depart, following Ryan Scott, Cal Timmins, Charles M'mombwa, Wellissol, Dane Ingham, Matt Scarcella, Justin Vidic and Jacob Dowse, who has medically retired. The Newcastle Jets have parted ways with centreback Phil Cancar in the first of three expected changes to the squad ahead of the start of preseason training on Tuesday. Cancar has been released from final year of his contract in Newcastle and is expected to join Western Sydney. The 24-year-old returns to Wanderers, where he spent two seasons from 2020 and made 12 A-League appearances. New Jets coach Mark Milligan is rebuilding the roster, which finished ninth last season. The Jets have been linked to a move for attacking midfielder Alex Badalato, who was on loan from Wanderers to Melbourne Victory last season. The 20-year-old led the Young Socceroos to Asian Cup success earlier this year and was named player of the tournament. Former Sydney FC midfielder Max Burgess has finalised a deal with the Jets while the Newcastle Herald understands that Dundee captain Joe Shaunessy has agreed to terms. Shaunessy, 32, turned down a two-year extension in Scotland, to move to Australia. His impending arrival combined with Cancar's departure leaves the Jets with four senior centrebacks - Shaughnessy, Aleks Susnjar, Mark Natta - and scholarship player Ben Van Dorssen on the Jets books. Kosta Grozos was used as a makeshift centreback ahead of Cancar for much of last season by then Jets coach Rob Stanton. The latest development leaves Milligan with 13 senior players on contract, not including Burgess, Shaughnessy and Badalato, plus scholarship players Will Dobson, Alex Nunes, Van Dorssen. Teenage Sydney FC left back Richard Nkomo is likely to receive a scholarship. Milligan plans to run with a squad of 19 senior players and seven scholarships. One of the vacant places will go to a second keeper. Cancar is the ninth player from last season's roster to depart, following Ryan Scott, Cal Timmins, Charles M'mombwa, Wellissol, Dane Ingham, Matt Scarcella, Justin Vidic and Jacob Dowse, who has medically retired.
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Sky Blues ace seals English Championship move
A-League Men star Adrian Segecic is off to Europe after snaring a move to English Championship side Portsmouth. Sydney FC were keen to retain the services of the highly-rated forward, but the lure of a three-year contract proved too strong. The 21-year-old will reunite with former Sky Blues teammate Hayden Matthews at the English club, as well as fellow ALM talents Jacob Farrell (Central Coast Mariners) and Thomas Waddingham (Brisbane Roar). "Adrian is a really exciting young player – one of the hottest prospects coming out of Australia at the moment," Portsmouth boss John Mousinho told the club website. "We've already had some success with bringing people over from that part of the world and we hope that Adrian can now make a real impact at Pompey." Sega speaks. 🗣️ — Portsmouth FC (@Pompey) June 18, 2025 Segecic leaves as the reigning Golden Boot winner, scoring 13 goals in 24 matches this season. His move gifts Sydney FC a substantial six-figure fee in compensation for the Young Socceroos midfielder. Segecic said the move came at the right time after nine years at the club. "I'm honestly devastated to be leaving Sydney FC – this club has been my home for almost a decade," Segecic said in a club statement. "But I know I have to test myself and find out how far I can take my career. "I'm so excited for what's ahead of me in England, but I'll always be grateful to Sydney FC for the incredible opportunities they've given me." Segecic lit up the ALM after a loan spell at Dutch club FC Dordrecht last season. He has scored 24 goals in 65 Sky Blues appearances across all competitions. Sydney coach Ufuk Talay could only praise Segecic, keeping his fingers crossed on a potential return in the future. "His hunger to improve and his desire to perform every week really stood out - he absolutely deserves this opportunity," Talay said. "While we would have loved to keep him ... he's determined to test himself in one of the toughest leagues in world football, and we're proud that our pathway has enabled him to do that. "He's a homegrown boy done good, and we'd love to see him back in Sky Blue one day."
The Advertiser
19-06-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Caceres weighs up ALM future as World Cup looms
Knowing a World Cup spot is up for grabs, Socceroos midfielder Anthony Caceres is still weighing up his playing future at Sydney FC. Caceres, 32, went from believing his national team dream was dead to being a genuine option for Socceroos coach Tony Popovic within six months. The classy midfielder helped Australia seal direct qualification to the 2026 tournament in their crunch clashes against Japan and Saudi Arabia. Viewing the upcoming club season as "the most important year of my career", Caceres said he hasn't made a call on whether he'll stay at the Sky Blues. Caceres has played at the ALM heavyweights since 2019, having arrived on loan from Manchester City. He has been linked with a move to Macarthur FC, after Sydney failed to make finals last season under coach Ufuk Talay. Highly rated Sky Blues forward Adrian Segecic has already sealed his move after earning a three-year contract at English Championship side Portsmouth. "I'm still weighing it up, that's the thing," Caceres said on Thursday at the Commbank sponsorship announcement. "I've had a few sniffs in Asia and actually some countries in Europe. "Ultimately, the league needs to be competitive enough to keep me in the frame for national team football. "It's tempting to stay in Australia because our league gets recognised by the national team coach. "I understand the league well, and I think it's a great option." Should he make the cross-town switch to the Bulls, he'll be reunited with former Sky Blues teammate Luke Brattan. It was Bulls captain Brattan's long-awaited Socceroos debut, at 34, last year that reignited Caceres's national team hopes. "When I saw my good mate Luke Brattan get a call, that told me that age isn't the deciding factor," Caceres said. "Not that I'm old, but there's certain perceptions that come with it. "Before then, it's safe to say that I had almost given up on it. "At my age, at 32, you never stop learning and improving. That fuels my energy to kick on in my career." While his eyes are set firmly on retaining his spot for the 2026 finals, Caceres admits he's still pinching himself after their deciding 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia. "I know other boys have been there and done it before, so maybe they feel a bit differently," Caceres said. "For me, disbelief is the word. It takes a while to actually understand what is happening. "You've gone from not being involved in the national team and watching them over decades, to one day being there in a crucial moment like that." Knowing a World Cup spot is up for grabs, Socceroos midfielder Anthony Caceres is still weighing up his playing future at Sydney FC. Caceres, 32, went from believing his national team dream was dead to being a genuine option for Socceroos coach Tony Popovic within six months. The classy midfielder helped Australia seal direct qualification to the 2026 tournament in their crunch clashes against Japan and Saudi Arabia. Viewing the upcoming club season as "the most important year of my career", Caceres said he hasn't made a call on whether he'll stay at the Sky Blues. Caceres has played at the ALM heavyweights since 2019, having arrived on loan from Manchester City. He has been linked with a move to Macarthur FC, after Sydney failed to make finals last season under coach Ufuk Talay. Highly rated Sky Blues forward Adrian Segecic has already sealed his move after earning a three-year contract at English Championship side Portsmouth. "I'm still weighing it up, that's the thing," Caceres said on Thursday at the Commbank sponsorship announcement. "I've had a few sniffs in Asia and actually some countries in Europe. "Ultimately, the league needs to be competitive enough to keep me in the frame for national team football. "It's tempting to stay in Australia because our league gets recognised by the national team coach. "I understand the league well, and I think it's a great option." Should he make the cross-town switch to the Bulls, he'll be reunited with former Sky Blues teammate Luke Brattan. It was Bulls captain Brattan's long-awaited Socceroos debut, at 34, last year that reignited Caceres's national team hopes. "When I saw my good mate Luke Brattan get a call, that told me that age isn't the deciding factor," Caceres said. "Not that I'm old, but there's certain perceptions that come with it. "Before then, it's safe to say that I had almost given up on it. "At my age, at 32, you never stop learning and improving. That fuels my energy to kick on in my career." While his eyes are set firmly on retaining his spot for the 2026 finals, Caceres admits he's still pinching himself after their deciding 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia. "I know other boys have been there and done it before, so maybe they feel a bit differently," Caceres said. "For me, disbelief is the word. It takes a while to actually understand what is happening. "You've gone from not being involved in the national team and watching them over decades, to one day being there in a crucial moment like that." Knowing a World Cup spot is up for grabs, Socceroos midfielder Anthony Caceres is still weighing up his playing future at Sydney FC. Caceres, 32, went from believing his national team dream was dead to being a genuine option for Socceroos coach Tony Popovic within six months. The classy midfielder helped Australia seal direct qualification to the 2026 tournament in their crunch clashes against Japan and Saudi Arabia. Viewing the upcoming club season as "the most important year of my career", Caceres said he hasn't made a call on whether he'll stay at the Sky Blues. Caceres has played at the ALM heavyweights since 2019, having arrived on loan from Manchester City. He has been linked with a move to Macarthur FC, after Sydney failed to make finals last season under coach Ufuk Talay. Highly rated Sky Blues forward Adrian Segecic has already sealed his move after earning a three-year contract at English Championship side Portsmouth. "I'm still weighing it up, that's the thing," Caceres said on Thursday at the Commbank sponsorship announcement. "I've had a few sniffs in Asia and actually some countries in Europe. "Ultimately, the league needs to be competitive enough to keep me in the frame for national team football. "It's tempting to stay in Australia because our league gets recognised by the national team coach. "I understand the league well, and I think it's a great option." Should he make the cross-town switch to the Bulls, he'll be reunited with former Sky Blues teammate Luke Brattan. It was Bulls captain Brattan's long-awaited Socceroos debut, at 34, last year that reignited Caceres's national team hopes. "When I saw my good mate Luke Brattan get a call, that told me that age isn't the deciding factor," Caceres said. "Not that I'm old, but there's certain perceptions that come with it. "Before then, it's safe to say that I had almost given up on it. "At my age, at 32, you never stop learning and improving. That fuels my energy to kick on in my career." While his eyes are set firmly on retaining his spot for the 2026 finals, Caceres admits he's still pinching himself after their deciding 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia. "I know other boys have been there and done it before, so maybe they feel a bit differently," Caceres said. "For me, disbelief is the word. It takes a while to actually understand what is happening. "You've gone from not being involved in the national team and watching them over decades, to one day being there in a crucial moment like that."
The Advertiser
19-06-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Sky Blues ace seals English Championship move
A-League Men star Adrian Segecic is off to Europe after snaring a move to English Championship side Portsmouth. Sydney FC were keen to retain the services of the highly-rated forward, but the lure of a three-year contract proved too strong. The 21-year-old will reunite with former Sky Blues teammate Hayden Matthews at the English club, as well as fellow ALM talents Jacob Farrell (Central Coast Mariners) and Thomas Waddingham (Brisbane Roar). "Adrian is a really exciting young player – one of the hottest prospects coming out of Australia at the moment," Portsmouth boss John Mousinho told the club website. "We've already had some success with bringing people over from that part of the world and we hope that Adrian can now make a real impact at Pompey." Segecic leaves as the reigning Golden Boot winner, scoring 13 goals in 24 matches this season. His move gifts Sydney FC a substantial six-figure fee in compensation for the Young Socceroos midfielder. Segecic said the move came at the right time after nine years at the club. "I'm honestly devastated to be leaving Sydney FC – this club has been my home for almost a decade," Segecic said in a club statement. "But I know I have to test myself and find out how far I can take my career. "I'm so excited for what's ahead of me in England, but I'll always be grateful to Sydney FC for the incredible opportunities they've given me." Segecic lit up the ALM after a loan spell at Dutch club FC Dordrecht last season. He has scored 24 goals in 65 Sky Blues appearances across all competitions. Sydney coach Ufuk Talay could only praise Segecic, keeping his fingers crossed on a potential return in the future. "His hunger to improve and his desire to perform every week really stood out - he absolutely deserves this opportunity," Talay said. "While we would have loved to keep him ... he's determined to test himself in one of the toughest leagues in world football, and we're proud that our pathway has enabled him to do that. "He's a homegrown boy done good, and we'd love to see him back in Sky Blue one day." A-League Men star Adrian Segecic is off to Europe after snaring a move to English Championship side Portsmouth. Sydney FC were keen to retain the services of the highly-rated forward, but the lure of a three-year contract proved too strong. The 21-year-old will reunite with former Sky Blues teammate Hayden Matthews at the English club, as well as fellow ALM talents Jacob Farrell (Central Coast Mariners) and Thomas Waddingham (Brisbane Roar). "Adrian is a really exciting young player – one of the hottest prospects coming out of Australia at the moment," Portsmouth boss John Mousinho told the club website. "We've already had some success with bringing people over from that part of the world and we hope that Adrian can now make a real impact at Pompey." Segecic leaves as the reigning Golden Boot winner, scoring 13 goals in 24 matches this season. His move gifts Sydney FC a substantial six-figure fee in compensation for the Young Socceroos midfielder. Segecic said the move came at the right time after nine years at the club. "I'm honestly devastated to be leaving Sydney FC – this club has been my home for almost a decade," Segecic said in a club statement. "But I know I have to test myself and find out how far I can take my career. "I'm so excited for what's ahead of me in England, but I'll always be grateful to Sydney FC for the incredible opportunities they've given me." Segecic lit up the ALM after a loan spell at Dutch club FC Dordrecht last season. He has scored 24 goals in 65 Sky Blues appearances across all competitions. Sydney coach Ufuk Talay could only praise Segecic, keeping his fingers crossed on a potential return in the future. "His hunger to improve and his desire to perform every week really stood out - he absolutely deserves this opportunity," Talay said. "While we would have loved to keep him ... he's determined to test himself in one of the toughest leagues in world football, and we're proud that our pathway has enabled him to do that. "He's a homegrown boy done good, and we'd love to see him back in Sky Blue one day." A-League Men star Adrian Segecic is off to Europe after snaring a move to English Championship side Portsmouth. Sydney FC were keen to retain the services of the highly-rated forward, but the lure of a three-year contract proved too strong. The 21-year-old will reunite with former Sky Blues teammate Hayden Matthews at the English club, as well as fellow ALM talents Jacob Farrell (Central Coast Mariners) and Thomas Waddingham (Brisbane Roar). "Adrian is a really exciting young player – one of the hottest prospects coming out of Australia at the moment," Portsmouth boss John Mousinho told the club website. "We've already had some success with bringing people over from that part of the world and we hope that Adrian can now make a real impact at Pompey." Segecic leaves as the reigning Golden Boot winner, scoring 13 goals in 24 matches this season. His move gifts Sydney FC a substantial six-figure fee in compensation for the Young Socceroos midfielder. Segecic said the move came at the right time after nine years at the club. "I'm honestly devastated to be leaving Sydney FC – this club has been my home for almost a decade," Segecic said in a club statement. "But I know I have to test myself and find out how far I can take my career. "I'm so excited for what's ahead of me in England, but I'll always be grateful to Sydney FC for the incredible opportunities they've given me." Segecic lit up the ALM after a loan spell at Dutch club FC Dordrecht last season. He has scored 24 goals in 65 Sky Blues appearances across all competitions. Sydney coach Ufuk Talay could only praise Segecic, keeping his fingers crossed on a potential return in the future. "His hunger to improve and his desire to perform every week really stood out - he absolutely deserves this opportunity," Talay said. "While we would have loved to keep him ... he's determined to test himself in one of the toughest leagues in world football, and we're proud that our pathway has enabled him to do that. "He's a homegrown boy done good, and we'd love to see him back in Sky Blue one day."
