Adelaide United is pleased to confirm defender Jordan Elsey has re-signed with the Club on a one-year deal.
Elsey’s new contract means he will be with the Reds for the Hyundai A-League 2017/18 season.
Elsey was given the opportunity to demonstrate his abilities under new Head Coach, Marco Kurz, during the off-season and subsequently impressed the German tactician as well as Assistant Filip Tapalovic.
The South Australian local’s versatility will provide Kurz adequate cover in defence, capable of playing as a centre-back or at full-back.
Head Coach, Kurz, said the medical staff have given Elsey the all-clear to return to playing football after suffering a second serious knee injury last year.
“We asked the medical staff and they gave us the okay to re-sign him and his knee was good,” he said.
“We were looking for one more centre-back for the squad and he was an option for this position.
“He has trained with the team in pre-season and did well and we wanted to make the decision before the Cup game.”
Kurz also stated Elsey will be an important player in the squad.
“I think in this moment Jordan knows the Club, the supporters and the team.”
“And now he’s an important player for Adelaide United and we’re happy to have him in the team.”
Speaking on re-signing with the Club after a long injury lay-off Elsey said: “It’s a good feeling knowing I’ve done everything right on and off the park with my rehab to show the new coach what type of player I am.”
“Obviously I’ve done (injured) the knee before and I knew what to expect mentally and physically.
“So it was a little bit easier this time, it’s nearly eleven months (since the injury) so I’ve never felt better and the knee has never felt better.”
Elsey believes his performances in the two pre-season friendlies against White City and Adelaide Comets helped convince Kurz in the decision to award him a new contract.
“He (Kurz) wanted to see me in a game environment and not just at training.”
“I felt I fit in well with the new style that he likes to play, playing out from the back and keeping the ball and I feel comfortable under his coaching.”
Elsey also said he was hoping to repay the faith shown in him by the Reds following his long-term injury.
“I want to obviously show Adelaide United what I can do and thank them for keeping the faith with me throughout the injury.”
“I have unfinished business to show the fans and the Club what type of player I am and that’s what I’m really looking forward to this season.”
The 23-year-old has amassed 30 appearances across all competitions and has scored one goal since making his debut for Adelaide in January 2014.
