The NRMA Insurance Western Sydney Wanderers have bolstered their left side with a double swoop, signing Joeys representative Jackson Bandiera and attacker Matt Sim.
Bandiera comes fresh off a World Cup Round of 16 appearance where he played every minute for the Australian U17 national team.
A Western Sydney local, Bandieria is an exciting future prospect who can play anywhere on the left-hand side and fits in well with the Wanderers style.
The Glenorie resident said he was thrilled to sign with the Red & Black for the next two seasons.
“After meetings with Trevor Morgan and Tony Popovic I knew I wanted to come to Western Sydney Wanderers,” said Bandieria.
“Being here will boost my development, especially being under Tony Popovic. He was a great defender himself and I will learn a lot from him.
“This is the best club for my development and I want to have a future here. It’s my hometown club, I only live a short drive away from training and I can’t wait to get started.”
Matt Sim too will boost the Wanderers’ left-sided attack as the former Mariner joins the Red & Black.
Bursting onto the scene with Central Coast in 2014, Sim has established himself as a reliable and often dangerous presence in the Hyundai A-League and Westfield FFA Cup.
The 27-year-old Rouse Hill resident holds the record for most goals in a cup match and joins the Wanderers for the rest of the 2015/16 season.
Sim said that joining the Wanderers was something he couldn’t turn down.
“I’ve been training here since I left the Mariners and when Popa gave me the news that I would sign I was so pleased to be part of this club that is doing great things on and off the field,” said Sim.
“It’s a big privilege to be here and I can’t wait to get started. Within the first few years of set-up the Wanderers have been incredibly successful, they’re a club that’s here to win things and that’s an incredible thing to be a part of.
“I went to the game on Friday night and sat in the crowd for the first time: the atmosphere was incredible. The RBB live and breathe off everything the boys do, they don’t stop singing the whole match and that kind of support helps players even more. They’re a big part of this club and I can’t wait to play in front of them.”
