ATK Mohun Bagan have announced the signing of Australian defender Brendan Hamill from A-League team Melbourne Victory. The centre back has signed a two year deal with the Indian Super League outfit and reportedly is a replacement for Spanish defender Tiri who suffered a long term injury in their AFC Cup campaign. Hamill is a very experienced defender and has featured in these continental tournaments many times to have an idea of how the team should progress from here. The Australian will surely boost ATK Mohun Bagan’s chances of going forward in the second half of the AFC Cup.
Hamill after joining the club shared how the rich history of the club has compelled him to join ATK Mohun Bagan despite having many offers. He said, “The information which I have received about Indian football states ATK Mohun Bagan to be a historic club. The legacy of the Green & Maroon jersey has enriched the sport in the country. Although I had offers from other clubs, this was what compelled me to join the club.”
The Australian made his intentions clear as he highlighted how he wants to win trophies for ATK Mohun Bagan and make the large fan base happy. “My aim is to win trophies for ATK Mohun Bagan and make them successful. I have heard about the popularity and craze of football in Kolkata. This club has millions of supporters. My ambition will be to make the Mariners happy,” Hamill added.
Last season Hamill featured for Melbourne Victory and helped his team finish in the runners up position in the A-League. He spent most of his career till now in Australia barring a couple of stints in South Korea. He featured for Korean clubs like Gangwon FC and Seongnam FC. He has featured in the AFC Champions League multiple times and have even played a game in the Club World Cup.He even won the AFC Champions League with the Western Sydney Warriors in the 2013-14 season.
After securing the signing head coach Juan Ferrando lauded Hamill and was glad that he decided to join ATK Mohun Bagan. He said, “The reason behind selecting Hamill was that he is not only a dependable character in the defensive third, but also someone who can build up play from the back. Hamill will be helpful during the tough times the defence has to face.”
The tactician added, “I have seen him play in the A-League. His experience will enrich the side.”
