Western Sydney Wanderers continued their recruitment drive with an 11th signing of the off-season, former Australia youth international Tom Beadling.
Beadling joins the Wanderers for the upcoming Isuzu UTE A-League season, having spent the past two years with hometown club Barrow in England’s League Two.
The 26-year-old – who joined Sunderland’s academy at the age of eight – was born in the United Kingdom but he has been involved with Australia’s youth teams in the past.
Beadling didn’t make a senior appearance for Sunderland between 2014 and 2018 but he did enjoy some loan spells before joining Scottish outfit Dunfermline Athletic on a permanent deal in 2018.
“Returning to Australia was always an intention of mine. I feel like now is the perfect time for me to do so, I’m at a good age and after speaking to this club my mind was made up,” said Beadling.
“I’m looking forward to experiencing a new competition and excited to see what the A-Leagues is all about. I’m expecting a good standard of football and a very competitive league so I can’t wait to get going.
“Personally, I have my own goals and targets but ultimately I’m coming to the club to play games and have a successful first season.
“The facilities, infrastructure and fan base at the club is fantastic and it is matched with great ambition.
“The club has a drive for success and I want to be part of that.”
Beadling is the latest addition at Wanderland as head coach Mark Rudan rebuilds after Western Sydney missed the A-League Men finals for a fifth consecutive season.
Lawrence Thomas, Zac Sapsford, Kusini Yengi, Romain Amalfitano, Calem Nieuwenhof, Aidan Simmons, Nathaneal Blair, Oliver Bozanic, Gabriel Cleur and Yeni N’gbakoto have already arrived.
“We are very excited to have a player like Tom at the club and welcome him back to Australia for his football,” said Rudan.
“Tom has spent the last two decades honing his craft in some really tough leagues, so we welcome his experience and wish him safe travels to Western Sydney.”
