Adobe Flash Player Required.
Download the latest version here.

Heart signs Beauchamp

17 May 2010-AAP

Return ... Beauchamp becomes the latest Socceroos player to bolter the A-league stocks (Getty)

A-League newcomer Melbourne Heart further bolstered its squad with the surprise signing of Australia's preliminary World Cup squad member Michael Beauchamp.

Beauchamp, 29, is part of the extended Socceroos squad hoping to be selected for the World Cup in South Africa and has spent the past four years playing in Europe, Scandinavia and the Middle East.

The former Central Coast Mariners centre-back has just fought his way back into the international reckoning, and joins Heart from United Arab Emirates-based club Al-Jazira.

"Coming to Melbourne is a great opportunity for me to get playing regularly again, and I know a lot of the boys and the coaching staff and have only heard good things about the structure of the club," Beauchamp said.

"I didn't really look into remaining overseas. I felt this was the right move for me."

Beauchamp is certain to slot into the Heart's first-team defence alongside ex-Sydney FC star Simon Colosimo.

Heart coach John van’t Schip said Beauchamp's signing - the club's 16th - will help ensure a solid defensive core, providing the necessary rearguard stability to implement the club's attacking philosophy.

"Michael has accumulated experience in some of the top competitions in Europe and Asia, and is one of the few Australians to have ever taken part in the UEFA Champions League," Van’t Schip said.

"He is an excellent athlete, has great distribution skills and is a natural leader.

”I am confident Michael will be able to provide stability and play an important role as part of the back four."

Spending stints at FC Nurnberg in the Bundesliga and Aalborg BK in Denmark's SAS League, Beauchamp has carved a distinguished career overseas, featuring in the 2008/09 UEFA Champions League, while helping his German side to the 2007 DFB Pokal Cup.

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

    ADVERTISEMENT
    Les Murray: The World Game (Book)

    Les Murray: The World Game (Book)

    The story of football - from the distinctive and passionate champion of Australian football.

    The SBS Complete Book of Football (Book)

    The SBS Complete Book of Football (Book)

    All the excitement & passion of world football - completely revised & updated for 2011.

    Craig Foster: Fozz on Football (Book)

    Craig Foster: Fozz on Football (Book)

    A fascinating book from respected football commentator, broadcaster and ex-Socceroo Craig Foster.

    • '09 #1 Sports Soccer Website, Hitwise
    • '09 #1 Television Program, Hitwise
    • '08 #1 Sports Soccer Website, Hitwise