Perth Glory is delighted to announce that livewire winger Matt Ellis has joined the club on a one-year deal.
The 25-year-old New Zealander made 18 appearances for Auckland FC in the OFC Pro League earlier this year, scoring four goals and adding two assists.
A former New Zealand Under-23 international, he has also played more than 50 times for Auckland City in the OFC Men’s Champions League, FIFA World Club Cup, National League and Chatham Cup, contributing 15 goals and two assists.
Ellis is now relishing the prospect of heading across the Tasman and making his A-League debut for Glory.
“This is an opportunity that you dream of having,” he said, “and it’s something that you work so hard for ever since being a little kid, so I am very proud to be joining Perth.
“This season personally, I want to put my best foot forward.
“I want to develop through the help of the coaching staff that have given me this opportunity and show a little bit of what I’m about.
“It’s my first time playing in the A-League and therefore it’s a great challenge for me, one that I am excited for and one that will push me.
“From a team perspective, I’m really looking forward to getting amongst the squad.
“I hope that I can help contribute to the team’s success and together, make it a season to remember for ourselves as players and for the fans.”
Glory Football Director Stan Lazaridis believes that Ellis has the potential to make a major impact at A-League level.
“Matt is a winger whose blistering pace makes him very difficult to defend against,” he said.
“He also has a good goalscoring record and quick feet and will provide another important attacking option for us this season.
“We’re lacking out-and-out wingers in our squad and wingers of Matt’s profile are not easy to find.
“We feel that he’s been overlooked and is exactly the type of player we need.
“Matt is the kind of exciting, high-energy wide player who gets people out of their seats and I’m sure our Members and fans will really enjoy watching him play.”
Further ALM squad announcements will be made shortly.
#ONEGlory
