Versatile defender Matthew Kemp has become the latest player to agree to a new contract with the Melbourne Victory – signing with the Hyundai A-League club for a further two years.
Versatile defender Matthew Kemp has become the latest player to agree to a new contract with the Melbourne Victory – signing with the Hyundai A-League club for a further two years.
The 28-year-old former Adelaide United defender has missed just one game since joining the Victory last season and says that despite the imminent introduction of two new clubs to the competition he never considered leaving a club he regards as the biggest in the A-League.
Kemp’s re-signing follows on from that recently of experienced defender Roddy Vargas, back-up keeper Mitch Langerak and promising wing-back Evan Berger and again highlights Melbourne’s off-field stability.
“It was an easy decision, I never wanted to leave,” Kemp told www.melbournevictory.com.au on Tuesday.
“There was a bit of interest (from other clubs) and that is something work having a look at but at the end of the day I am really happy that I am staying.”
“My intention was to always stay here.”
“I really love this club, I think it’s the best club in the league so now we have come to an agreement I am really happy with that.”
Kemp said Melbourne Victory’s professionalism was the main reason why he had knocked back more lucrative offers from elsewhere to stay in Victoria.
“As a player you are so well looked after here,” he said.
“They give you everything you need and they don’t leave you with any excuses (not to play well).”
“And the support the club has – the fans are great and the big crowds and playing at a home ground like Telstra Dome – it’s just a big thrill whenever you are out there and there is nowhere else in the A-League I would rather be than here.”
Melbourne Victory football operations manager Gary Cole said he was delighted Kemp had agreed to stay with the club for a further two seasons after this year.
“He is a versatile defender who can play anywhere across the back and he can get forward and he has got good pace as well as he is a valuable player for us,” Cole said of Kemp.
Victory memberships for the Hyundai A-League 2008/09 season are currently available from the Victory Shop, 236 Swan Street, Richmond, by calling 1300 GO MVFC or online by clicking here.
