Brisbane Roar has boosted its defensive stocks with the signing of former North Queensland Fury defender Jack Hingert on a two-year contract.
A proven Hyundai A-League performer, the 20-year-old spent two seasons at the Fury, playing 27 games for the team from Townsville.
Ange Postecoglou signed the English-born youngster from Victorian Premier League side Dandenong Thunder, despite Hingert recently trialling with Wellington Phoenix.
Postecoglou said Hingert-s proven record at Hyundai A-League level and his versatility were both important factors in his signing.
“We needed another defensive player and Jack can play in two or three positions across the backline,” Postecoglou said.
“We really needed that versatility for the way our squad will be structured for this season.
“In his time at North Queensland he did well in difficult circumstances and we hope in our environment he can take his game to another level.”
Hingert joins fellow youngsters Matt Jurman and Kofi Danning in joining the Brisbane ranks for the upcoming season as the club looks to become the first side in the Hyundai A-League to win back-to-back Championships.
He will be heartened by the development of young players the like of Kosta Barbarouses under the guidance of Postecoglou as the Brisbane club continues to build its reputation for identifying and developing young talent.
Hingert said he was looking forward to the challenge of establishing himself within a championship-winning team.
“Brisbane is a great club and Ange is a great coach with a reputation for developing young players,” Hingert said.
“Brisbane won the Championship last year with a great team and great bunch of players.
“It-s going to be hard for me to get into the squad and I-m going to have to work really hard and push to get that spot in the squad.”
Brisbane Roar CEO Eugenie Buckley welcomed Hingert to the club, highlighting his arrival as a further strengthening of club philosophy of identifying and developing young Australian talent.
“As a club we are focused on player development rather than seeking to bring in established players for short term gains,” Buckley said.
“The culture we have created has a strong emphasis on providing an opportunity to the best young talent available.
“Last season-s success showed that with the right environment these players have a great season to develop and perform at a consistently high level.”
Hingert will join his new team mates at training when they return from a week-s break on July 11 in preparation for the pre-season match against an Ipswich Invitational XI at North Ipswich Reserve on July 17.
Kick-off for the match is 3pm with player signings from 1pm-1.55pm. Large crowds are expected, so please ensure you arrive early for the signing session.
JACK HINGERT PROFILE
Date of birth: 26 September 1990 (age 20)
Nationality: Australian/English
Place of birth: London, England
Height: 1.76 m
Playing position: Right Back
Junior clubs: Sutton United, Crystal Palace (2002-05), Knox City (2005-06).
Senior club: Knox City (VPL) (2007-08 – 51 appearances + 4 goals), Peterborough United (UK)(2008-09 – 0 + 0), Dandenong Thunder (VPL)(2009 – 25 + 3), North Queensland Fury (2009-11 – 27 + 0), Dandenong Thunder (2011 – 7 + 1)
