South Australian duo Ryan Kitto and Marc Marino have signed for reigning champions Adelaide United.
It continues the current philosophy transpiring at Adelaide which places an emphasis on ensuring the majority of the team is filled with local talent.
The club announced the news on Monday and are the first acquisitions made by the Reds since winning an historic A-League double three weeks’ ago.
Kitto, who previously played for the Reds’ Youth Team and amassed two senior A-League appearances during the 2013-14 season, has signed on a one-year deal with the option of extending his contract for a further year.
The 21-year-old was acquired by the Newcastle Jets last campaign as an injury replacement and played 18 games, netting two goals and laying on four assists.
Kitto said enhancing his development and the familiarity with Adelaide’s system were the main reasons for putting pen-to-paper with United.
“I’ve signed for Adelaide United because it’s a successful team and it’s my hometown club – the team I’ve been supporting in the A-League since it started,” Kitto said.
“I feel there’s no better place for me to develop as a player and I’m excited for what lies ahead.
“The experience and game time I gained last season helped my confidence grow and I feel I played my best football towards the end of the year.
“I know Adelaide’s playing style from when I was with the club, so the transition should be quite smooth.
“Hopefully I can carry that on through the new season, but I’ll need to work hard because I know there’s a lot for me to improve upon and I’ll need to take my opportunities when they come.”
Marino, meanwhile, has also agreed to join the Reds for the 2016-17 season and will be hopeful of putting his recent injury issues behind him.
Since moving to Melbourne City before the 2014-15 campaign, the 20-year-old only featured nine times, but netted an impressive two goals.
Marino admitted the lure of Adelaide providing opportunities to young, local players contributed in his decision to sign for his hometown club.
“I had a bit of a tough couple of years at Melbourne City with my injuries, but coming back home and coming back to United to get back to playing good football is why I’m so happy to have signed.”
“Adelaide have been a good side for many years and it’s a club that is good for young, local players.
“Young players get their chance here and I think it’s a good step for me and my football.
“I’m hoping for another successful year with the team and on a personal level I’d love to keep improving and see where I can take my game playing for Adelaide.
“It was amazing to see the Club bring the city together and to see them become so successful and hopefully we can do that again next season and do well in the Asian Champions League as well.”
In more promising news for the Reds, The Advertiser is reporting centre-back Dylan McGowan will likely re-sign with the Reds, despite speculation suggested he was heavily monitored by Sydney FC.
The defender astonishingly played every minute of Adelaide’s title winning campaign and formed a formidable partnership with Iacopo La Rocca.
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