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Glory, Mariners confirm ALM signings

3 minute read

Ryan Williams has signed for ALM club Perth, coming home after more than a decade in England, while Jason Cummings has extended his Central Coast stay.

Former Socceroo Ryan Williams is heading to his hometown club after Perth bought the 28-year-old from English League One's Oxford United.

The Glory announced they'd purchased Williams for an undisclosed fee in a rare occasion of an A-League Men's club paying a transfer fee, with the attacking midfielder still contracted to his former club.

It's a coup for Perth after a disastrous 2021-22 campaign where they finished last and managed just four wins in 26 games.

Williams brings considerable experience to his first professional stint in Australian soccer, having spent 12 years in England playing for a string of clubs including Portsmouth, Fulham, Rotherham United and Barnsley.

During that time, he was rewarded with one national team cap, having appeared for Australia in a friendly against South Korea in 2019.

Williams admitted after such a long stint abroad it was time to head back to his roots.

"I'm really looking forward to coming home after a long time away and it's exciting for me to be able to put on a shirt for a club from my hometown," he said.

"My family have never been able to come and watch me play every week, so that's another thing I'm excited about.

"It means a lot to me to be able to play for Perth as I grew up watching them and followed them throughout my career; it's going to be special."

Williams' older brother Rhys and twin brother Aryn have both previously represented the Glory.

Elsewhere, Central Coast have added an extra year to cult striker Jason Cummings' contract, meaning he'll remain at Gosford until 2024.

"I absolutely love playing my football here on the Central Coast," Cummings said.

"Since moving from Scotland in January, my life has completely changed, and I am very thankful for the Mariners to make that happen."

Cummings quickly took a liking to the ALM, contributing 10 goals and five assists in 20 games since arriving.

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