Montgomery signs for the Wollongong Wolves
Nick Montgomery, Central Coast Mariners captain and ex-Sheffield United FC stalwart has agreed to play with the Wollongong Wolves for the remainder of the PlayStation4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s Competition.
Having played 400 games with Sheffield United in England and more than 100 games for the Mariners in the Hyundai A-League, Montgomery brings a wealth of passion and experience to the Wolves.
Wolves coach Jacob Timpano played a major role in getting Montgomery to commit.
“It’s a real plus for us to welcome Nick to our club. He is the thorough professional. Not only is he a great player he is also a fantastic person.
“Nick will give us an additional level of leadership that will prove invaluable to our first grade squad and also filter all the way down right through to our juniors.”
Still one of the best midfielders in the Hyundai A-League, Montgomery was pursued by many suitors. Heavy interest was shown for his services from Asia and other clubs across Australia.
The decision for Nick ended up being relatively simple.
“Football has been my life and I’ve never played simply because of the money.
“It’s always been about the challenge and about the team. I like what is brewing down in Wollongong with the club’s vision and I think I can add quite a lot to the team and quickly gel with my new teammates.
“I’ve come down here to win.”
Montgomery makes his debut for the Wollongong Wolves on Sunday 14th May at WIN Stadium – The Wolf Den where the Wolves take on competition front runners Rockdale City Suns.
A strong, loud and passionate crowd is expected for this Mother’s Day clash.
“It’s exciting being able to play straight away. I’ve continued training hard with the Mariners and lining up now with Yuzo Tashiro – a Japanese international, Patrick Antelmi – one of the most exciting forwards in the league, and a host of the young, local boys coming through we’ve got a great squad and are going to make a lot of people really sit up and take notice.”
While only a short-term agreement, the Wolves intend to utilise Montgomery across a range of club initiatives and programs.
His status in the game is unquestioned and he has proved to be a loyal, committed and very valuable asset in every team he has played with and every organisation he has been a part of.
“Nick is the kind of player every team dreams of having.
“He’s hard, uncompromising and provides incredible self-belief in his team mates. There is no short cuts with Nick and he will raise the standards and professionalism of every single person in our club. Nick is going to give us insights and examples of exactly what it takes to make it.
He is going to be great.” added Timpano.
Now officially an Australian citizen, Montgomery signs as the Wolves marquee player for 2017 and his signing will see the Wolves seriously challenge for the remaining half of the season.
He will also be mentoring the young players coming through the Wolves system, guiding them with the knowledge he has gained through his long and successful career, playing alongside some of the biggest names in the sport and under some of the best managers.
“It’s been a bit of an up and down season for the Wolves but we haven’t hit the halfway mark yet so there is still plenty of time to go. We can make a very strong showing in this competition and intend to do whatever it takes to ensure the people of Wollongong and the Illawarra have plenty to cheer about come finals time. We know we have what it takes and we’re going to show it.” concluded Montgomery.
-Wollongong Wolves Press Release
