Sydney FC have secured the services of towering striker Matt Simon on a one-year deal for the upcoming Hyundai A-League season.
Simon, who is a free agent, penned a contract with the Sky Blues on Monday afternoon following a two week trial with the club, during which he scored and assisted in their pre-season victory against Macarthur Rams.
The 29 year old has made over 150 appearances in the Hyundai A-League and is the Central Coast Mariners’ record goal scorer with 45 goals.
“I’m excited to have signed for Sydney FC and I’m hugely thankful to have been given the opportunity by the club,” Simon said.
“Last season was a tough year, I missed all of pre-season due to personal reasons and had a couple of injuries towards the end of the year, so was disappointed to be released.
“I see this as a fresh start and with a full pre-season under my belt, I’m confident I can produce my best form playing for one of Australia’s premier clubs.
“Competing for three trophies, including the Asian Champions League was a huge lure in joining Sydney FC and I can’t wait to play in front of their fantastic Members and fans at Allianz Stadium.”
Coach Graham Arnold praised the signing and said he was pleased to have Simon within the Sky Blues ranks.
“Matt is quality player and has exceptional personal attributes as well. He gives us something completely different to what we already have up front and he has done extremely well for us in the last two weeks," Arnold said.
“He is aggressive and strong, his attitude is first class and I’m sure he’ll be a success at Sydney FC this season.
“Competing across three competitions this year we need depth across all parts of the field and I’m confident he will complement our squad.”
Simon will go straight into the Sky Blues squad to face Sorrento FC in the Westfield FFA Cup on Wednesday night (kick off 8.30pm AEDT), alongside youngster Max Burgess who returns as part of the Cup squad and the Foxtel National Youth League competition following a brief spell at the Newcastle Jets at the end of season 2014/15.