Rees is delighted to have signed on the dotted line and joins the likes of Adam Griffiths, Daniel Piorkowski and possibly Michael Thwaite as members of United's defenders club.

The former Adelaide United and Wellington Phoenix man admits he cannot wait to get started and admits there is already strong competition for places before a ball has even been kicked.

He told au.fourfourtwo.com today: "It's an exciting time and I'm really looking forward to getting up there and starting to train with the boys.

"Miron is putting together an excellent squad and there's some real high calibre signings in there.

"People like Piorkowski and Griffiths are good quality defenders and you know you're in for a tough game when you come up against them.

"I'm sure everyone will have to work hard to impress and get a place in the team.

"I've no problem with that though. I think you want that situation in a squad, it's healthy."

While Rees is delighted with the defensive blocks being put in place at United, he is also looking forward to linking up with a familiar face who takes delight in terrorising defenders.

Rees said: "This will be the fourth time I'll have played with Shane Smeltz. We were at Adelaide City, then the first season at Adelaide United, then Phoenix and now Gold Coast.

"He's a proven goalscorer. He gets all that attention from defenders during games and yet he still keeps on scoring. It's great that he's going to be here."