The only way is up for APIA Leichhardt

After a forgettable 2020 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s campaign, 2019 Champions APIA Leichhardt have shown its intentions via its 2021 player signings that they mean business as they prepare for their round 1 clash against Blacktown City on Saturday 27th of February at Lambert Park.

The 2020 rebooted season saw John Calleja’s men finish at the foot of the ladder collecting seven points from eleven matches which saw the club unearth a few youngsters – but early 2021 signs are there that the former NSL side will be hunting for some silverware.

The return of former National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s Golden Boot award winner and APIA striker Blake Powell has certainly raised the club’s attacking stocks agreeing to terms as Chris Payne has since moved back to his former club Sydney United 58.

The former Sydney FC attacker was a cult hero at Lambert Park in 2015 especially where he notched up an incredible 21 goals which led to the 29-year-old to clinching the Golden Boot award.

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Powell will be joined by fellow new additions, busy former Wollongong Wolves midfielder Harry Callahan, ex-Blacktown City young gun William Mutch and hot-shot striker Hassan Jalloh.

Also returning to Lambert Park after spending some time playing in the U.S. is diminutive midfielder Sam McIIhatton.

The club have resigned a number of its long serving stalwarts, keeper Ivan Necevski ,who took the season off in 2020, Paul Galimi, Sean and Josh Symons, Corey Biczo, Themba Muata-Marlow, Adrian Ucchino, Michael Kouta, Luke Turnbull, David D’Apuzzo and the maestro Franco Parisi.

Tynan Diaz who came to the club late in 2020 will once again feature as will the exciting Mitchell Gibbs while the club has given senior deals to youngsters Nick Azzone, Gian Fiorese, Christian Cirino, Vincenzo Melissari and Vincent Fedele.

Long serving National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s stalwart Nick Stavroulakis will once again assist Calleja as the proud club sets its sights on reclaiming Premiership and Championship honours.

Feature image courtesy of Football NSW

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