Ben Halloran admits the team camaraderie and Adelaide lifestyle were key factors in convincing him to extend his stay with Adelaide United.
The 27-year-old inked a new two-year deal which will see the winger remain in the city of churches until the end of the Hyundai A-League 2021/22 season.
“Ever since I’ve arrived the Club welcomed me with open arms,” Halloran told reporters at a press conference at Coopers Stadium on Wednesday.
“We have a great bunch of boys, we’ve had a lot of success in the last couple of years, but I think the most important thing is I felt comfortable and at home here.
“And I kind of just want to build on that, that’s probably the main reason why I extended.”
Halloran has been in scintillating form this season, scoring 10 goals in 21 matches, seven of which have arrived in the league.
Re-sign Halloran! ✅🔒https://t.co/R8ZNl1cvWF
— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) March 4, 2020
The speedster revealed he was excited with the younger players making the step up rather seamlessly into the first team and felt the there is a good balance of experience and youth in the squad.
“I think we have a really good mix of experience and young talent coming through,” he said.
“And the camaraderie amongst the boys is kind of what we have prided ourselves on, especially since I’ve arrived that’s what I’ve noticed the most.
“But I think we have got a really good mix and the players that are sticking around for next season are good quality players.”
The Reds host Western United at Coopers Stadium on Saturday afternoon and need to win to strengthen their status in the top six after successive defeats.
Halloran said his side could push for a top three finish if they rectify their defensive deficiencies.
“It’s a bit strange, we are yet to draw a game,” he said.
“I think that’s reflective of the season a bit. I think we have got about seven games to go. We still have the quality to finish top two or top three, there’s no reason why we can’t.
“We just have to choose when perhaps we are away, when do we need to shut up shop and get a point or at home when we are two or three goals up how to again just shut up shop.
“I think being a bit tighter at the back, we are always going to create chances.
“We spoke amongst the boys this week and we made it clear that we want to be tighter and the back and not concede.”
Adelaide United host Western United in Round 22 of the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 season on Saturday, 7 March at Coopers Stadium. Kick-off is at 4.30pm ACDT. Gates open at 1.00pm. Live and Exclusive on Fox Sports, ABC, Kayo Sports and the MyFootball Live App.
