Photo: Mark Avellino
TCF understands that departed former Bentleigh Greens talisman Wayne Wallace has taken up a deal with Hume City for the 2017 NPL Victoria season.
Wallace announced his departure to the playing group in the aftermath of the Greens’ 2-0 FFA Cup Quarter-Final exit to Melbourne Victory, which served as his final bow at Kingston Heath after a memorable six season spell.
The Englishman began his senior career in his native Hull with then Conference sides Hall Road FC and Bridlington Town AFC before making the move Down Under in 2008 to join Sunshine George Cross under Andy O’Dell.
He spent two seasons with the Georgies, helping them win promotion from State League One in his first year with the club, with his four goals from his 20 appearances helping his side to a respectable eighth place finish in the 2009 VPL season.
After a years sabbatical, Wallace returned to Australia in 2011 at the request of his former coach O’Dell, where he fast established himself as one of the best midfielders in the league, possessing great physicality, strong understanding of the game and also a keen eye for goal, which saw him net 22 goals in his 127 league appearances for the club.
He takes with him a plethora of personal awards and team honours, winning Bill Fleming Media Player of the Year award in 2014, skippering his side to the Championship in 2015, before winning the Minor Premiership in 2016, in a season that saw him net nine goals.
Wallace enjoyed considerable success on the national stage with the Greens in their inaugural 2014 FFA Cup run, where he netted an 88th minute header to draw level in their Quarter Final win over Adelaide City, drawing plaudits for his strong performances despite then bowing out in a 3-0 loss to Perth Glory.
He becomes the second player to join Hume City ahead of the 2017 NPL campaign – with Atilla Ofli signing with the club earlier this week – and adds more depth in the engine room following the departure of defensive midfielder Joey Franjic.
The Broadmeadows-based outfit had to fight off other NPL Victoria clubs for his signature, including reportedly strong interest coming from Nunawading City.