He might be small in stature, but new Melbourne City signing and ex-roofer Craig Noone has all the tools at his disposal to scale the heights in the Hyundai A-League.
The 31-year-old Noone will bring more than 300 games of experience with him to Australia after penning a two-year deal with City on Monday.
And the tricky winger – who during his days as a semi-professional non-league player tiled the house of Liverpool great Steven Gerrard – insists he is coming to Australia to win silverware, and is more than ready for the challenge presented by his first professional venture outside of the UK.
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Noone won the League One title with Brighton & Hove Albion in 2011, and the Championship crown with Cardiff City in 2013, during his journey up the English football pyramid.
He also played 14 times in the Premier League in the 2013/14 season for Cardiff, scoring one goal against Manchester City.
“I had a couple of offers but Melbourne was the outstanding one,” Noone told Melbourne City's official website.
“The biggest thing that attracted me was the challenge. Winning trophies [in Australia] is the main reason I’m going.
“It’s a big life-change, but it’s something that I’m looking forward to.
“I like a challenge. The previous clubs I’ve been at it’s always been a challenge, whether it’s going for promotion or staying in the league.”
Noone has spent the last two seasons on the books of Bolton Wanderers, where he turned out alongside current Sydney FC striker Adam Le Fondre and Central Coast Mariners midfielder Jem Karacan.
And after the club were relegated from the Championship and placed in administration last season, he knew he was ready for his next challenge – and quickly sought the advice of his former Bolton teammates.
“As soon as Melbourne were interested, Le Fondre was one of the first, along with Jem Karacan, who I picked up the phone to," Noone said.
“They both speak highly of the place and the league and they tell me that it’s on the up and getting bigger.
“Alfie’s [Le Fondre] had a good season, but we won’t be friends any more when we’re on the pitch.”
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