Albury United adds firepower with quality strikers signing

The Greens have signed classy Frenchman Thomas Romero from Wangaratta and former striker Aidan Rees, who's back from a season at Murray United, in a bid to increase their scoring ability.

United, who finished third on the ladder and bowed out in the opening week of finals, was sixth in the league for scoring last season with 69 goals, but had the second best defence with just 23 against.

Romero scored almost half of the Greens' total with 33 in 2019, one behind eventual Star Player and former teammate Adam Burchell for the golden boot, and was crucial in helping Wangaratta claim the league-cup double.

After breaking his toe in the Devils' cup final victory against Myrtleford, Romero had to weigh up playing a second season in Australia, but having another Frenchman at the Greens was a key factor to his decision.

"I will play with my friend 'Gucci' (Gauthier Robin) too, so it should be fun," Romero said.

"Hopefully he can give me some ball. We can speak French on the field as well.

"We see soccer the same way I guess. It's more physical in Australia, in France it's more technical, so it should be good to mix it with him."

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The 24-year-old returned to his club in France in January for training and pre-season matches and was confident after spending a month getting back to full fitness he could commit to another campaign on the Border.

"Since I arrived (at United) they've made me feel really welcome and I'm really happy here," he said.

"I scored plenty of goals last year, but I'm sure I can score more goals with United. Let's see."

After stepping up to NPL level for the first time in his career last season, Rees is hoping to put a frustrating year on the injury front behind him.

Rees hurt his MCL (medial collateral ligament) at the start of 2019, but worked his way into the Murray line-up, before breaking his foot in an under-20s clash less than two months in, sidelining him for 11 weeks.

He had been tracking well up until the Andronicos Cup last Sunday where he tweaked the MCL again.

Rees is hopeful he'll be fit to take on the defending champions in round one at Wangaratta and feels he can play a important role back at AWFA level.

"I could drop back into the midfield and add a bit of flair (laughs), but hopefully Thomas and I can add a few goals," he said.

"I don't really mind who scores them, as long as we get a few."

Rees said he took plenty from former coach Elliot Jones during his time at Murray and has enjoyed working with Steve McLennan for the first time at the Greens.

"We're fortunate enough to have really good facilities here and I'm looking forward to the season ahead under Steve," he said.

United takes on reigning champions Wangaratta at South Wangaratta Reserve in the opening round on Sunday week.