Canberra United have turned to a "top-class" homegrown product to spark a rebuild as the club targets marquee signings to re-emerge as an A-League contender. Subscribe now for unlimited access . Login or signup to continue reading $ 0 / $ NaN /year All articles from our website & app The digital version of Today's Paper Breaking news alerts direct to your inbox Interactive Crosswords, Sudoku and Trivia All articles from the other regional websites in your area Continue Sally James is set to return to Canberra as the first signing made during coach Antoni Jagarinec's reign as intrigue surrounds the future of spearhead Michelle Heyman.
The 20-year-old - who featured in Australia's squad at the 2022 FIFA under 20 World Cup in Costa Rica - started her career in Canberra before stints with Melbourne City and Perth Glory. Now she is the first domino to fall for Canberra as Jagarinec aims to build a roster capable of ending the club's finals exile. Jagarinec has been confident Heyman, who starred for the Matildas at the Paris Olympic Games, would sign a new deal and hopes James can be a crucial part of a new era after Nikki Flannery , Emma Ilijoski, Sasha Grove and Chloe Lincoln joined rival clubs.
"Sally is a bright young goalkeeper who has all the attributes you want in a top-class custodian, and we are excited to be able to bring her home for the new A-League season," Jagarinec said. "Canberra has been blessed with some great goalkeepers down the years and we are pleased that Sally is back in her hometown and ready to knuckle down and help us be successful during the forthcoming campaign." Sally James is back in Canberra.
Picture by Sitthixay Ditthavong James is a Majura FC junior with the 21-year-old notching up 19 A-League appearances to date. "As my hometown team, they hold a special place in my heart and, after experiencing football away from home, I am delighted to be back," James said. "I can't wait to pull on the United jersey once more and take to the field in front of the best fans in the league.
It will be an emotional moment, and I am eager to go." The ALW season is set to begin during the opening week of November. Share Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Email Copy Caden Helmers Sports Writer Caden Helmers is a sports writer for The Canberra Times.
Caden Helmers is a sports writer for The Canberra Times. More from Canberra United lure 'top-class' product home to spark Canberra's A-League rebuild 17m ago No comment s 'What a comeback': Kyrgios stuns in return after career-threatening injury 37m ago No comment s How many Canberrans risk driving without rego? Far more than you think 49m ago No comment s Glow from within: The best beauty edibles on the market right now 1hr ago CFMEU ACT to rally for 'democracy' after administration decision 1hr ago No comment s Police seek public's help to find missing 31-year-old man 1hr ago No comment s Newsletters & Alerts View all DAILY DURING PARALYMPICS The Paralympic Breakfast Get the best news and analysis from the Paris Paralympic Games in a daily update. Loading.
.. DAILY Your morning news Today's top stories curated by our news team.
Also includes evening update. Loading..
. DAILY Sport The latest news, results & expert analysis. Loading.
.. WEEKLY Note from the Editor Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters.
Loading...
WEEKLY FootyHQ Love footy? We've got all the action covered. Loading..
. DAILY Early Look At David Pope Your exclusive preview of David Pope's latest cartoon. Loading.
.. AS IT HAPPENS Public Service News Don't miss updates on news about the Public Service.
Loading...
WEEKLY Explore Travel Every Sunday explore destinations, deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around Australia and the globe. Loading..
. WEEKLY Property Get the latest property and development news here. Loading.
.. WEEKLY What's On Going out or staying in? Find out what's on.
Loading...
WEEKLY Weekend Reads We've selected the best reading for your weekend. Loading..
. WEEKLY Times Reader's Panel Join our weekly poll for Canberra Times readers. Loading.
.. WEEKDAYS The Echidna Sharp.
Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more.
Loading...
TWICE WEEKLY The Informer Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. Loading..
. WEEKLY Motoring Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. Loading.
.. TWICE WEEKLY Voice of Real Australia Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over.
Loading...
AS IT HAPPENS Breaking news alert Be the first to know when news breaks. Loading..
. DAILY Today's Paper Alert Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! Loading.
.. DAILY Your favourite puzzles Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia.
Fresh daily! Loading...
.
