Melbourne City youngsters Jack Clisby, Paulo Retre and Jacob Melling say there was nowhere else they wanted to be after re-signing with the club.
That trio have all penned new two-year deals as well as centre-back Connor Chapman who has signed on for three years.
All three players have been heavily involved in City’s strong form this season, with each playing a key role in the Melbourne club’s defensive shape.
Melling, 20, says Melbourne City continues to be a terrific platform for young talent to nurture their progress.
“I’m developing here as a player and I wanted to stay here as long as I can,” Melling said.
“The system they have here and the setup is unreal, so I can’t complain with anything.
The former Red spent time away from his natural defensive-midfield position earlier in the campaign when City experienced something of an injury crisis. He says he gained plenty from his short spell in the role.
“It was a good eye-opener and I did learn a lot, so if I do play there again I can know what to expect and obviously keep growing as a footballer.”
Ex-Perth Glory defender Jack Clisby, also a picture of versatility across the back, echoed his team mate in his praise for the club.
“I didn’t want to go anywhere else, this is the best club in the A-League for me,” Clisby said.
“I feel like I’ve developed as a player since joining from Perth … it’s been a good transition and I’m excited to continue that here.”
“I was really happy to sign with City again and I want to keep building, not just resting on the laurels. It’s good to sign but you have to keep going,” Retre said.
The 22-year-old utility is becoming a regular fixture in City’s matchday squad since making the jump across town from Victory to City in 2012. He says his progress was borne in large part from the competition for places in the squad.
“Everyone’s just looking to play games and play as much as they can.
“Obviously we have a really good squad so that (starting games) is not easy at times but I’ve ben playing lately so hopefully I can keep doing that.”
The trio all agreed that club captain Paddy Kisnorbo has played a big part in their progression. They say the skipper has shown them the way since they joined and is always the one to pull them aside to tell them “this is crap”.
“He (Paddy) is the general,” Melling said.
If we, moreso if we do something wrong, he pulls you aside and tells you ‘this is crap, you’ve got to be better at it’. He also pulls you aside and says ‘that’s good’.
“It’s what you want from a leader and a captain. He’s been the biggest role model for me since I’ve been here.”
“He’s the first one in the changeroom, I sat next to him straight up,” 23-year-old Clisby said.
“He made me fell very welcome. I also feel as soon as Aaron Hughes has come into the squad, he’s been very informative and very helpful for me.
“With his experience it’s only going to get better.”
“Paddy’s just a natural leader,” Retre agreed.
“He’s always there. If you’re doing something wrong he’d clip you over the back of the head … but if you’re doing things right he’ll congratulate you.”
City play host to top of the table Western Sydney Wanderers on Saturday night with the chance there to shrink the points gap to just three.
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