EX-PREMIER LEAGUE PLAYER LEAVES MELBOURNE VICTORY

English defender Ryan Shotton has left Australian A-league outfit Melbourne Victory after a handful of games for the club. His exit from Melbourne Victory was confirmed earlier this week and the player has since returned to England with his family.

Ex-Stoke City player Shotton is the first player to leave Melbourne Victory amidst the disappointing campaign by the club this term. Melbourne Victory have had a forgettable season in the Australian A-league till date.

Injured centre back Shotton departs Melbourne Victory after playing just eight games for the Australian A-league outfit. The Englishman signed for the Australian top flight club in the last month of last year.

Apart from Stoke City,Shotton also played for Derby County, Middlesbrough and Birmingham City in the English Championship before he signed for Melbourne Victory in December 2020. Shotton was a part of the Stoke City squad that suffered relegation from the Premier League three years ago.

Shotton spent the majority of his time in Australia on the treatment table. He suffered from groin and knee injuries thus restricting him to feature in eight of the 23 games played during his time at the club.

On his premature exit from Victory, Shotton wished that he was able to contribute more on the pitch as he thanked the club for giving him the opportunity to play in the Australian A-league.

Victory have been a big disappointment in the top flight this season with the club in 11th place on the log with three games left to play. A new chapter will begin at the club as from July with new manager Tony Popovich to take charge of the team.The club has not been able to get the best out of their international stars like Rudy Gestede, Jacob Butterfield, Ryan Shotton and Callum McManaman.