Macarthur Bulls have bolstered their squad for the upcoming Isuzu UTE A-League season with the signing of experienced winger Connor Pain.
Pain arrives at the Bulls with more than 200 A-League appearances to his name, bringing top-flight experience after spells with Melbourne Victory, Central Coast Mariners and Western United.
The experienced midfielder was part of Western United’s historic Isuzu UTE A-League Championship-winning side in 2021-22 and has spent the past three seasons in Saudi Arabia.
The 32-year-old now heads back to Australia having played 33 games and nearly 3000 minutes worth of football last season for Saudi First Division side Al-Bukiryah.
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“It feels great to be linking up with the Bulls,” said Pain, after signing his contract for the upcoming Isuzu UTE A-League campaign.
“There are some players that I have played with previously and I know they will help me settle in and feel comfortable.
“I wanted to first and foremost come back to Australia after being in Saudi Arabia for the last three seasons.
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Connor Pain in action for Western United
“After some discussions with Macarthur and the boys there I got the impression that it is a really great dressing room and I’m just excited to come and join and contribute in any way that I can.
When asked what Bulls fans can expect from him, Pain said:
“They can expect someone who works really hard and who is definitely team-first mentality.
He continued: “I think I have some versatility and some good A-League experience that I’m hoping can in some small way help the young boys (of which there are many) on their journeys.”
“Whatever position I’m in I can promise that I’ll give my all for my teammates and the club.”
An Australian international having made his Socceroos debut in 2013, Pain is Head Coach Mile Sterjovski’s seventh signing of the off-season.
Nathan Paull heads to Campbelltown after leaving Central Coast Mariners whilst fellow central defender Jonathan Aspropotamitis has also returned to the A-Leagues after a stint in the K League.
Meanwhile Ben Gibson and Jing Reec will add depth to the Bulls forward line whilst Premiership winning captain Kosta Grozos has joined from Newcastle Jets and will help fill the void left by departing Socceroos Luke Brattan and Anthony Caceres.
