May 27 2010

Nick Carle

NICK CARLE has signed for Sydney FC, after being released from his contract at Crystal Palace.

The 28-year-old midfielder was selected for Australia's inital World Cup squad but was recently told he wouldn't be making the final 23 who travel to South Africa in June.

Since then he has remained in Oz to tie up a three year deal with Sydney FC, who were last season's A-League champions.

CARLE still had two years left on his contract at Selhurst Park, but Administrator Brendan Guilfoyle has been keen to reduce the wage bill to keep the club afloat.

Speaking at a press conference to announce his arrival he said: "I couldn't be happier to sign on with Sydney FC. I am returning to my hometown and joining a club that is leading the way in Australian football," CARLE said. "My focus is now purely on giving everything I have for Sydney FC. I am good shape and will work as hard as I ever have."

"I have the utmost respect for Vitezslav Lavicka (Sydney FC manager) and we already have a great relationship so I am looking forward to working hard under him and to keep the success going.

"The culture I saw at the club after just a few weeks of Vitezslav being coach was impressive and after all the recent success it is a club and an environment that has a special feeling about it.

"I want to be part of the club's continued success. I feel that I will be a big contributor. The challenge of defending the A-League title and playing in the Asian Champions League is something I am ready for and I feel Sydney FC is ready for."

CARLE started his career at the Newcastle Jets, before moving onto Gençlerbirliği S.K. in the Turkish league. Bristol City then snapped him up in January 2008 but Palace bought him for £1 million six months later.

CARLE played 68 games for Palace over a two year period, but in recent times was unable to hold down a consistant starting place in either Neil Warnock or Paul Hart's reign as Eagles manager.