Western United is delighted to confirm vice-captain Josh Risdon has signed a two-year contract extension and will remain part of the Green and Black until the end of the 2023/24 season.
The right-back has started the Isuzu Ute A-League Men’s season in fine form, playing every available competitive minute across the first four matches of the campaign.
The 29-year-old said he is delighted to commit more of his career to the Club and continue to lead the group into the coming years.
“I’m very happy to be hanging around here at the Club. It means a lot to be at this Club, we have a good bunch of boys and the Club’s heading in an exciting direction, so I want to be a part of that,” he said.
“It was a huge decision. Being one of the first to sign at the Club, and now being more of a leader around the group it was a big decision for me to stay, and that was obviously a big factor.
“I feel like I can help the players around me and help the Club do well in that leadership role. I’m very happy to be staying here, I’m very settled in Melbourne with my family, so I’m delighted.”
“Not many clubs would offer an extension off the back of someone not playing for 12 months. I’m grateful for that, they supported me a lot last year when I was injured. I have to show that faith back by having a good season and staying fit and healthy.”
Risdon added that he is excited about the future of the Club, starting with ambitious plans for this season.
“As a team, we want to do as best we can. We want to be making finals every year, that’s a standard where we want to be. I think we have the squad for that this season,” he said.
“We’re still a young Club, people forget that, but I think we have the ambition, the facilities and everything at the Club to be successful.”
Risdon was appointed Alessandro Diamanti’s deputy in the leadership group ahead of this season, owing to his influence among the playing group.
Western United Head Coach John Aloisi said Risdon’s re-signing is massive for the Club and shows the positive direction in which the Club is going.
“I am very happy for both Josh and the Club that he’s put pen to paper and agreed to stay on with us,” Aloisi said.
“Not only is he a terrific footballer, but he is also an outstanding person and that has been evident every day since I arrived at the Club.
“Josh embodies the values of Western United every day both on and off the pitch. It was important for us that a leader like Josh remains at the Club to set the tone and I know he will continue to be a huge influence around the place.”
Risdon became United’s first Australian signing ahead of its inaugural season in 2019, enjoying a stellar campaign before injury interrupted his 2020/21 season.
He has played 14 times for the Socceroos, including three appearances at the 2018 FIFA World Cup where he played every minute of Australia’s three group stage matches.
