FORMER Melbourne Knights striker Andrew Barisic has become the 12th confirmed signing by Gold Coast United after the 22-year-old hit-man agreed terms on his first fully professional contract.
United coach Miron Bleiberg tracked the progress of the 188cm striker for several months after a scouting mission to Victoria earlier this year alerted him to Barisic’s goalscoring talents.
After firing 19 goals in 26 games for the Foxtel Cup Grand Finalists, Barisic was offered a one-year deal with the Hyundai A-League newcomers and took little time in signing on the dotted line.
“My goal has been to make the step into the Hyundai A-League and now I have to make the most of the opportunity in front of me. I’m determined to grab it with both hands,” Barisic said.
“When I heard about Gold Coast United coming into the competition I thought it would be a great club to be involved with, but never really thought I would get the chance to join.
“There’s already a lot of quality in the squad and obviously there’s more to come on board. It’s going to be an unreal time for me and I’ll be working hard to learn as much as I can, especially from players like Shane Smeltz. I want to push hard for a place in the side.”
Bleiberg, who plucked Sasa Ognenovski from the same competition in 2006 while coach of Queensland Roar, says the young striker has the ability to make the transition from state league to Hyundai A-League.
“Andrew has been performing well in what is a tough competition and I believe he is ready for his next challenge," he said.
"The Victorian State League has produced a number of players who have managed to forge a professional career in the Hyundai A-League and it’s up to Andrew now to prove he can make the step up.
“He has the right physique to adapt to the demands of the Hyundai A-League and has a real eye for goal. He will continue to improve in a professional environment and will benefit from the excellent players who will be around him.
“I’m confident he will be an excellent addition to our squad.”
CONFIRMED ROSTER TO DATE (12 players):
Goalkeepers: Jess Vanstrattan, Scott Higgins.
Defenders: Adam Griffiths, Daniel Piorkowski, Kristian Rees.
Midfielders: Matt Osman, Steve Fitzsimmons, Zenon Caravella, Steve Pantelidis, James Brown.
Strikers: Shane Smeltz, Andrew Barisic.
After firing 19 goals in 26 games for the Foxtel Cup Grand Finalists, Barisic was offered a one-year deal with the Hyundai A-League newcomers and took little time in signing on the dotted line.
“My goal has been to make the step into the Hyundai A-League and now I have to make the most of the opportunity in front of me. I’m determined to grab it with both hands,” Barisic said.
“When I heard about Gold Coast United coming into the competition I thought it would be a great club to be involved with, but never really thought I would get the chance to join.
“There’s already a lot of quality in the squad and obviously there’s more to come on board. It’s going to be an unreal time for me and I’ll be working hard to learn as much as I can, especially from players like Shane Smeltz. I want to push hard for a place in the side.”
Bleiberg, who plucked Sasa Ognenovski from the same competition in 2006 while coach of Queensland Roar, says the young striker has the ability to make the transition from state league to Hyundai A-League.
“Andrew has been performing well in what is a tough competition and I believe he is ready for his next challenge," he said.
"The Victorian State League has produced a number of players who have managed to forge a professional career in the Hyundai A-League and it’s up to Andrew now to prove he can make the step up.
“He has the right physique to adapt to the demands of the Hyundai A-League and has a real eye for goal. He will continue to improve in a professional environment and will benefit from the excellent players who will be around him.
“I’m confident he will be an excellent addition to our squad.”
CONFIRMED ROSTER TO DATE (12 players):
Goalkeepers: Jess Vanstrattan, Scott Higgins.
Defenders: Adam Griffiths, Daniel Piorkowski, Kristian Rees.
Midfielders: Matt Osman, Steve Fitzsimmons, Zenon Caravella, Steve Pantelidis, James Brown.
Strikers: Shane Smeltz, Andrew Barisic.
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