mmg.com.au

Shepparton United has raided cross-town rival Shepparton South as preparations for the new Regional Premier League season hit full swing.

Former Southerners playing coach Connor Campbell is the most high profile player to defect to Central Park, after announcing his departure from McEwen Reserve last month.

The destination of the one-time league best-and-fairest player had been one of the talking points of the off-season and United coach Nick Kalafatis was delighted he chose to join the Blues.

‘‘Connor has a lot of experience in the league and if anyone knows what this league needs it’s him,’’ Kalafatis said.

‘‘I hope he helps us and we can help him get back to his best form.

‘‘I want to get him fitter and I’m hoping he’ll find himself again here.’’

Campbell will be joined at United by former Southerners premiership teammate Nick Murphy, who spent last season at Albury Wodonga Football Association club Myrtleford, and pacy wide man Samet Yollu, also from Shepparton South.

A creative type, Campbell could pair well with the more defensively oriented Murphy and serve well as the yin and yang of the Blues’ midfield.

Kalafatis said the signings fit with the club’s transfer policy.

‘‘We want to have the best young players available in the league as well as some experience and we now have 10 local boys in the squad,’’ Kalafatis said.

‘‘I’m very happy with how the committee is responding and it looks like we will be very strong again this season.’’

Kalafatis also said he had every intention of maximising the club’s quota of six international players prior to the start of the season, suggesting there would be more signings in the coming weeks.