Victory sign ex-Perth goalkeeper Vukovic
Melbourne Victory have bolstered their goalkeeping stocks, signing newly-released Perth goalkeeper Danny Vukovic on a three-year deal.
Vukovic is set to replace Victory's former No.1 gloveman Nathan Coe as coach Kevin Muscat's first choice between the posts, after Coe didn't receive an offer of a new contract with the A-League champions.
Lawrence Thomas will likely remain back-up despite his strong performance in the finals while Coe was sidelined with a back injury.
Speculation about Vukovic's future has been rife since he parted ways with the Glory last week following the club's salary cap woes.
He insisted his departure was unrelated, citing the impending birth of he and wife Kirsty's first child as the motivation for making the move east.
Western Sydney Wanderers were reportedly after Vukovic's services after the struggling Sydney club sacked veteran Ante Covic as part of a mass exodus.
But the 30-year-old said he's keen to join Australia's biggest club and build on last season's success.
"I have always admired Melbourne Victory from afar and I can't wait to play in front of packed stadiums week in, week out," he said.
Vukovic has made 227 A-League appearances during stints at Central Coast Mariners, Wellington Phoenix and Perth Glory and is just one short of games record holder John Hutchinson.
In some nice symmetry he made his debut against Victory nearly 10 years ago.
Muscat hailed his new recruit as the most experience keeper in the domestic competition's history.
"He has proven himself as a quality goalkeeper time and time again over the past 10 years," he said.
"Having played and coached against him, I have always been impressed with him as a person and by his attitude and desire to succeed."
