The squad to lead Adelaide United FC’s charge towards the Hyundai A-League 2011/12 championship has been finalised with confirmation that former Reds defender Milan Susak is on his way back to Adelaide after committing to the club on a two year deal.
The squad to lead Adelaide United FC-s charge towards the Hyundai A-League 2011/12 championship has been finalised with confirmation that former Reds defender Milan Susak is on his way back to Adelaide after committing to the club on a two-year deal.
Susak-s acquisition is a significant coup for Head Coach Rini Coolen and the Reds less than a fortnight out from the start of season seven.
The robust, uncompromising defender was part of Brisbane Roar-s record breaking championship winning team last season. Susak played 102 minutes in the club-s extraordinary grand final victory and started in 25 of his 29 appearances for the champions as he contributed to helping the Roar to being the team with the best defensive record in 2010/11.
Having experienced what it takes to win a Hyundai A-League title, Susak-s addition is certain to bolster the Reds and give Coolen another more than capable option across the back to complement an already strong list of defenders.
“Over the last weeks we were looking at getting another defender…there wasn-t one directly available until we found out that Milan Susak was available, and knowing him from last season at Brisbane Roar, he won the league and played almost all of the games for them and also played in various positions,” Coolen said.
“Plus knowing that he had also worked with this club before, people know what he is like as a person and a player and all of the feedback I got was very good, so we took the opportunity to sign him and now we have to find out when he comes in how fit he is.”
“I-m really happy to have him, he-s an extra central defender which we needed because Boogaard is still not available. He knows a few of the players, he knows Adelaide, he knows the league and he can play in a number of positions across the back, so that is a benefit and made the choice an easy one.”
“I think this is a good example why sometimes it is good to wait before you make the last decisions on who to sign and that last one is now there.”
The 27 year old was a herculean figure alongside Sasa Ognenovski in the Reds- crucial final group match as against all the odds, United held on for a nil-all draw in the Chinese province of Changchun.
But with his contract with the Reds coming to a close, Susak left straight from China for Germany where he signed with SpVgg Unterhaching in the 3.Liga (German 3rd Division).
Two seasons later he scored a one year contract with the Roar before he was enticed by a lucrative offer to Indonesia. But complications arose, leaving Susak, who is currently in Indonesia, looking for alternatives.
Susak is scheduled to arrive in Adelaide on Wednesday.
Milan SUSAK
DOB 29 January 1984 (Fairfield, NSW)
Age 27
Position Defender
Height 183cm
Club History
2011 Minangkabau FC (Indonesia)
2010/11 Brisbane Roar (Hyundai A-League) 29 apps
2008-2010 SpVgg Unterhaching (Germany) 48 apps, 1 goal
2007/08 Adelaide United FC (Hyundai A-League) 14 apps in all competitions
2006/07 CSK Pivara – on loan (Serbia)
2003/04 Veternik – on loan (Serbia)
2002-2007 Vojvodina (Serbia)
2002 Sydney Olympic
Additional Information
2010/11 Hyundai A-League Champions (Brisbane Roar)
2010/11 Hyundai A-League Premiers (Brisbane Roar)
2008 Member of Adelaide United-s AFC Champions League Group Stage squad that qualified for the Knockout Stage
2007 Pre-Season Cup Champions (Adelaide United FC)
2007 Member of Vojvodina-s UEFA Cup qualifiers
