Hyundai A-League Transfer news: Wanderers strike double swoop on Bandiera and Sim

The Western Sydney Wanderers FC have struck a double signing as the transfer window comes to a close, bringing in left-side upgrades Jack Bandiera and Matt Sim.

The Wanderers have signed Bandiera for the next two years and Sim for the rest of the ongoing season, bolstering their left-side attack with the one-stone move.

Bandiera, a Western Sydney local who helped Australia’s U-17 to a Round of 16 appearance at the recent FIFA U-17 World Cup, said he was thrilled to join the Wanderers and play under head coach Tony Popovic.

“Being here will boost my development, especially being under Tony Popovic,” Bandiera said, reports the A-league’s official website. “This is the best club for my development and I want to have a future here.”

Meanwhile, Sim, a former Mariners who holds the record for most goals in a cup match, admitted that it was a big privilege to be playing for the 2014 AFC Champions League winner. “Within the first few years of set-up the Wanderers have been incredibly successful, they’re a club that’s here to win things and that’s an incredible thing to be a part of,” Sim added.

The Wanderers extended their A-League lead at the top of the league standings after holding off Melbourne City 4-3 on Friday at Parramatta Stadium. The victory was an extracted revenge for the Wanderers, who suffered a heartbreaking loss to City last month.

Mitch Nichols, who broke the deadlock in the first half, turned to his playmaking skills in the second period to reward Mark Bridge two goals, creating a 3-0 advantage against the visitors. City’s deadly duo of Bruno Fornaroli and Harry Novillo cut down the deficit to one point within a minute, making it a close game for Melbourne. But it was too late of a comeback for City, with Brendon Santalab finding the net in extra time to put the game away.

Meanwhile, the Wellington Phoenix have also gotten themselves a backup after signing Birmingham City striker Alex Jones on an international loan until May 3, reports the Birmingham Mail. Jones, who has yet to make a senior appearance for The Mullahs, is the second player from the English club to play in the A-League after Shane Lowry moved permanently to Perth Glory last month.