Done deal - Roar sign ex-Premier League striker

Brisbane Roar has made three major announcements today, including the capture of former Premier League striker Charlie Austin on a multi-year deal.

Roar, based at Moreton Daily Stadium in Kippa-Ring for the last two years, will also play some matches next season at Suncorp Stadium and has a new Principal Partner.

Austin joins the club from Queens Park Rangers where he made 59 appearances across two seasons in his second stint with the London side.

The 32-year-old made his Premier League breakthrough with the Rs scoring 18 times in 2014/15 and a further 16 goals and two in Europe while at Southampton.

Sold on Roar

“I'm delighted to be joining Brisbane Roar,” said Austin, who is due to arrive in Australia later this week.

“To play abroad is something I've always wanted to do and when the opportunity came up to join this club I was looking to explore it.

“I met the gaffer Warren (Moon) in London and he sold me the project of the football club and it was one I was excited about!

“I want to help the club get back into the top six and on a personal note score as many goals as possible.”

England call

Austin, who earned an England national team call-up in 2015, began his professional career with Swindon Town and has also played for Burnley and West Bromwich Albion.

“Charlie has scored goals wherever he's been. From my discussion with him, he comes to us with great ambition to try to hit the 200 mark for his career,” head coach Warren Moon said.

“That says to me we have a player who is coming here to be successful for Brisbane Roar and who has the hunger to continue doing what he loves best and that's scoring goals.

“A big thing for him was coming to a place where he knew his family would be happy and what better place to come than Brisbane.”

In a nod to the number he first wore in professional football with Swindon, Austin will take on the umber 32 shirt in Brisbane.

New deals

BuyYourCar will be on the Roar's orange kit when Warren Moon's side run out at Suncorp Stadium for the first time since March 2020.

Brisbane Roar Chairman Chris Fong said: “We are delighted to have BuyYourCar on board as our new Principal Partner for our return to Suncorp Stadium next season and beyond.

“The club has listened to the fans and I assure them these three games are just the beginning as we move beyond the challenges of COVID-19 and into a growth period for the club.

"I would also like to recognise Moreton Bay Regional Council at this time for their ongoing support, particularly as work continues on the fantastic new Women's Centre of Excellence and Youth Academy facility in Brendale."