Perkatis pumped for Spartans season

It’s not often a PlayStation 4 National Premier League side boasts an AFC Asian Champions League and Hyundai A-League Premiership winner in its ranks.

It’s less often such a player is poached from a cross town rival.

However, that’s exactly what Blacktown Spartans have done with the signing of midfielder Yianni Perkatis from Blacktown City.

The former Western Sydney Wanderers first team player has plenty to play for after a difficult 12 months.

The defensive midfielder was released by Tony Popovic’s Wanderers side after the 2014/15 A-league season before an unsuccessful three month stint with Blacktown City.

However, the 22 year-old is determined to find his way back to the A-League or abroad and knows only a successful season at Blacktown Football Park will put him on the path for a return to professional football.

“The most important factor for me when signing with the Spartans was how I fit into coach Ben De Haan’s plans and my opportunities for game time,” Perkatis said.

“I came in mid-way through the season last year at Blacktown City and struggled to break into an established side in top form.

“ I’m feeling really good about my football at the moment and I want to help the Spartans be contenders for the title.”

Perkatis said signing for his former team’s biggest rival didn’t put him off from putting pen to paper on his Spartans deal.

“You have to move clubs in football. It is just the nature of the beast and all players know this,” he said.

“There has been a bit of banter sent my way from some of my former team mates but at the end of the day it is just a bit of fun and we are still all mates.

“I’m excited about the derby games but my primary focus is performing my best each match.”