Adelaide United is delighted to officially announce the signings of South Australian youngsters Ryan Kitto and Marc Marino.
Kitto, who has signed for Adelaide United for the 2016/17 season with the option of extending his contract for a further season, featured for the Newcastle Jets 18 times in season 2015/16, scoring two goals and providing four assists.
Kitto was previously part of the Reds’ Youth Team and in the 2013/14 season, he appeared twice for United as a second-half substitute – both appearances coming against the Central Coast Mariners, first in Round 3, then in Round 10.
Speaking on returning to United, Kitto said: “I’ve signed for Adelaide United because it’s a successful team and it’s my hometown club – the team I’ve been supporting in the A-League since it started.
“I feel there’s no better place for me to develop as a player and I’m excited for what lies ahead.
“The experience and game time I gained last season helped my confidence grow and I feel I played my best football towards the end of the year.
“I know Adelaide’s playing style from when I was with the Club, so the transition should be quite smooth.
“Hopefully I can carry that on through the new season, but I’ll need to work hard because I know there’s a lot for me to improve upon and I’ll need to take my opportunities when they come.”
Marino, who has also signed for the Club for the 2016/17 season, featured for Melbourne City nine times since the 2014/15 season, scoring two goals.
Speaking on signing for his hometown club, Marino said: “This is the Club I’ve grown up loving and the Club I’ve supported.
“I had a bit of a tough couple of years at Melbourne City with my injuries, but coming back home and coming back to United to get back to playing good football is why I’m so happy to have signed.
“Adelaide have been a good side for many years and it’s a Club that is good for young, local players.
“Young players get their chance here and I think it’s a good step for me and my football.
“I’m hoping for another successful year with the team and on a personal level I’d love to keep improving and see where I can take my game playing for Adelaide.
“It was amazing to see the Club bring the city together and to see them become so successful and hopefully we can do that again next season and do well in the Asian Champions League as well.”
Adelaide United’s General Manager of Football Operations, Ante Kovacevic, said the Club was delighted to have secured two of the Hyundai A-League’s up-and-coming stars.
“We are very happy that we’ve been able to sign Ryan and Marc to the Club and believe they will continue to develop their football in our environment,” Kovacevic said.
“Both players showed their quality at their respective clubs last season and we’re adamant they’ll make significant additions to our squad.
“Being local South Australian’s, Ryan and Marc will definitely settle well at the Club and add to our already strong home-grown contingent.”
