Photo: Matt Johnson
Melbourne Victory have confirmed the signing of former Central Coast Mariners and Bentleigh Greens goalkeeper Alastair Bray, on a one-year contract.
Bray has been training with the Victory throughout pre-season after his release from the Mariners at the end of the 2015-16 A-League season.
The 23-year-old made one league appearance under the stewardship of Tony Walmsley, which came in a 3-1 loss to Adelaide United in their wooden spoon winning season.
He signed with the club in January after ousting former Hume City goalkeeper Chris Oldfield for a spot on Central Coast’s roster after the pair trialled together for the position.
It marks a return home for Bray, whose best form came in the 2014 and 2015 NPL Victoria season with the Greens, as he helped his former side to an FFA Cup Semi-Finals and put his own name into the national spotlight.
Bray had earlier crafted his trade at Bulleen Lions, where the then teenager featured as the first choice goalkeeper for the State League One side.
He was also formerly of the youth set-ups of both Melbourne clubs, spending two years playing National Youth League with the Victory, the the Heart.
“It’s a big step up for me and I’m really looking forward to the opportunity,” Bray said.
“I really enjoy working with Lawrence [Thomas]. He’s at a really high level. I’ve just got to keep working hard and pushing him.
“Dean (Anastasiadis) is a good coach and he’s really getting the best out of me at the moment. “For me it’s just to continue improving, and to be ready whenever the opportunity comes.”
Head coach Kevin Muscat was excited to officially welcome the goalkeeper to the club after a lengthy period with the club throughout preseason.
“Alastair has been impressive in training with us and we’re excited to officially welcome him to the club,” said Muscat via press release.
“We have already seen improvement in Alastair’s game in his short time at Victory, and we are confident he will perform his role when his opportunity presents.”
Bray joins James Donachie, Mitch Austin, Alan Baro, James Troisi and Marco Rojas as new additions to Muscat’s squad, and will provide competition to Lawrence Thomas after the departure of Danny Vuckovic to Sydney FC.