He helped lead Nottingham Forest back to the Premier League. Now, Joe Lolley is out to help bring the A-League Men Championship back to the Sky Blues after joining Sydney FC.
Lolley was an integral part of last season’s Forest team that returned to England’s top tier for the first time since 1999, but the Englishman has opted for the Sydney revolution in the Isuzu UTE A-League on a two-year deal.
The 29-year-old attacker teams up with new signings Jack Rodwell, Robert Mak, Alex Parsons and Diego Caballo at Allianz Stadium, where Sydney are looking to return to the A-League Men finals after missing out for the first time in six years last term.
“I’m extremely excited to be joining Sydney FC and to be coming to play in this amazing new stadium in the heart of Sydney,” Lolley said.
“I know there’s a lot of expectation to win every season which is a great challenge, and they’ve got a fantastic plan in place to do that – which really attracted me to make the move.
“I really appreciate the intent shown by the club in bringing me to Sydney.
“The club expects to win and I’m looking forward to getting on the pitch with the lads this season.”
Lolley played alongside Newcastle Jets recruit Carl Jenkinson and Adelaide United’s Zach Clough at Forest, while the Birmingham City academy product was team-mates with Celtic’s former A-Leagues star Aaron Mooy at Huddersfield Town.
Lolley joined Huddersfield in 2014, a day after scoring the goal for Kidderminster Harried that knocked Peterborough United out of the 2013-14 FA Cup.
He made six Premier League appearances for Huddersfield in 2017-18 before eventually joining Forest the following campaign.
In his first season, Lolley was named Forest’s Player of the Season, while he also claimed the club’s Goal of the Season award.
In Forest’s promotion-clinching campaign in 2021-22, he made 29 appearances as the club won their Championship play-off at Wembley.
During his time at Forest, Lolley scored 26 goals across 169 matches in all competitions.
“Joe’s got proven quality at a high level in England. He is the type of player we were targeting and we had to be patient to secure him,” said Sydney head coach Steve Corica.
“He brings a goal threat with his ability to cut inside and can also pick a pass.
“He’s got great energy, an amazing ability to carry the ball and works hard for the team.
“Fans love him because he gives his all. I know he was hugely popular at Nottingham Forest so I’m sure he will be here.”
