Ex-Hatter McManaman heads to Melbourne Victory

New club for former Town winger after Kenilworth Road exit
Callum McManaman has joined Australian side Melbourne VictoryCallum McManaman has joined Australian side Melbourne Victory
Callum McManaman has joined Australian side Melbourne Victory

Former Luton attacker Callum McManaman has joined Australian A-League side Melbourne Victory on a two-year deal.

The 29-year-old had been signed by Luton under previous boss Graeme Jones in the summer of 2019, going on to play 26 times, scoring four goals, three of them crucial late equalisers to earn Town precious points in their ultimately successful bid to stay up.

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He also won two penalties against Preston and Stoke City, but was released by new manager Nathan Jones after the campaign ended and will now ply his trade in Australia, for a Victory side who finished second bottom in the table last term.

On the move, McManaman told the club's official website: "Melbourne Victory is such a big club in Australia with a proud history, and after speaking with Grant (Brebner, head coach) I knew this was a great opportunity for my career.

“I’m really looking forward to getting to Melbourne, I can't wait to meet my new team-mates and putting in the hard work over the pre-season.

“As I said, this is a proud club with a huge supporter base and we all want to help get Victory back up the table.

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"It’s going to take plenty of hard work, but I can’t wait to get started under Grant.”

Brebner, who played for Reading and Hibernian during his career, was thrilled to sign a player of McManaman’s calibre, with the winger featuring in the top flight and having been named man of the match when Wigan Athletic shocked Manchester City to win the 2013 FA Cup.

He added: "We are extremely pleased to announce Callum will be joining Melbourne Victory for the 2020/21 season.

“Callum is a very experienced player who has performed on the biggest stage in the world’s toughest club competition, the English Premier League.

“He’s a wonderful addition to our playing group.

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"Callum works hard both ways, is a proven goal scorer and at only 29 years of age, has plenty of good football ahead of him.

“There’s no question Callum is a very talented player but what he also brings is leadership and a hunger for success.

"He will play an important role in driving the standards of our playing group on and off the pitch.”

McManaman has secured his visa and travel exemption and is expected to arrive in Melbourne in the coming weeks.

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