South Melbourne have been busy in the transfer market this week, signing four new players ahead of the 2015 season as they look to defend their inaugural NPL title.
Former Bentleigh Greens striker David Stirton, Oakleigh Cannons full-back Bonel Obradovic, young Kiwi defender Luke Adams and forward Andy Brennan have all been confirmed as additions to Chris Taylor’s already impressive outfit.
Stirton joins the club after a successful 2014 campaign, scoring 11 league goals and the winner in Bentleigh’s 2-1 FFA Cup round of 32 triumph over Blacktown City.
The 23-year-old former Melbourne Victory youth player came close to signing a senior contract in Ernie Merrick’s last season at the club.
Utility Bonel Obradovic signed on after spending the 2014 NPL season with rivals Oakleigh Cannons.
Obradovic will link up with former Northcote City teammates Milos Lujic and Michael Eager, with the former describing his friend as “the most underrated player in the NPL”.
Melbourne-born defender Luke Adams joins from Waitakere United in New Zealand after spending the 2013-14 season on Wellington Phoenix’s books, making three A-League appearances.
He had earlier spent a year in England at Derby County.
The 20-year-old has captained New Zealand and Under-17 and Under-20 levels, and was earlier this year called up to the All Whites squad along with current South defender James Musa.
Little-known forward Andy Brennan joins Chris Taylor’s men after a blistering 2014 season with South Hobart in Tasmania’s NPL, netting 25 goals in the club’s Championship success.
Brennan is no stranger to Victorian shores, spending the 2013 VPL season with Bentleigh where injuries restricted his game time and forced a move back to his home state.
Either Stirton or Brennan will be expected to replace the departed Jamie Reed as NPL Gold Medallist and Golden Boot winner Lujic’s strike partner.
The club had weeks earlier announced Reed’s departure, with the Welshman returning to the UK with Welsh Premier League outfit The New Saints FC.
Reed scored 13 goals in 31 appearances for South in all competitions over the course of the 2014 campaign, including the winner in their NPL Finals clash against Brennan’s South Hobart.
Hellas have also confirmed the appointment of recently retired defender Dimi Tsiaras as new Senior Assistant Coach, where he will work with former mentor Chris Taylor to bring even more silverware to Lakeside in 2015.