Perth Glory has secured a major on-field asset with Socceroos midfielder Jacob Burns agreeing to a three year deal with the club.
Perth Glory has secured a major on-field asset with Socceroos midfielder Jacob Burns agreeing to a three year deal with the club.
Burns returns to Australia after a successful overseas career which has seen him play in the English Premier League with Leeds United before heading to the top flight in Poland and Romania.
Glory Coach Dave Mitchell has kept close tabs on the midfielder since developing Burns through Sydney United and Parramatta Power in the National Soccer League.
“I-ve known Jacob for many years, he has a great attitude, he-s very competitive and above all he is a wonderful player. There is no doubt in my mind that he will be key component of our side this season,” Mitchell said.
“He is a box to box player, able to get forward and be a danger in front of goal while also having the work ethic to get back and stop them at the other end.
“I think he will complement a strong midfield line-up at the club and I-m looking forward to coaching him again,” said Mitchell.
Burns follows in the footsteps of Socceroos team mate and fellow midfielder Jason Culina as high profile Australian recruits who have chosen to return to the Hyundai A-League this season and Mitchell believes it-s the right move for the 31 year old-s national team prospects.
“I have spoken to Pim (Qantas Socceroos Head Coach Pim Verbeek) and he knows what Jacob can do on the pitch and what he offers the Socceroos set-up. Pim was supportive of the decision and I think it will be a good outcome for everyone,” Mitchell said.
Burns will finalise his playing commitments in Romania shortly however it is not yet known when he will join his Perth Glory team mates for pre-season training with the midfielder expected to have Socceroos duties over the coming months.
“When he will join the team is still a bit unknown, it will depend on any impending Socceroos commitments but either way he-ll be preparing himself well for the season ahead,” said Mitchell.
“He is still playing at the moment so fitness won-t be a concern at all and I don-t think it will take long for him to gel with the squad,” said Mitchell.
Perth Glory has 17 contracted players for the Hyundai A-League 2009/10 season and is continuing negotiations with additional high profile players which will be announced once finalised.
JACOB BURNS
Name: Jacob Burns
Date of birth: 21 April 1978 (age 31)
Place of birth: Sydney, Australia
Height: 1.78m
Position: Midfield
SOCCEROOS
Australian ‘A- Internationals: 8 games (0 goals)
All Socceroos matches 10 games (0) goals
Debuted for Australia in 1999
Previous clubs: 1996-1999 Sydney United (Australia – NSL); 1999-2000 Parramatta Power (Australia – NSL); 2000-2003 Leeds United (England – Premier League); 2003-2006 Barnsley (England – Championship); 2006-2008 Wisla Krakow (Poland – Ekstraklasa); 2008- 2009 FC Unirea Urziceni (Romania – Liga 1)
