Lolley’s signing follows that of 73-time Slovakian international Robert Mak, fresh from winning the Hungarian title with Ferencváros, former Western Sydney Wanderers star Jack Rodwell, who has crossed town and is likely to become a centre-back, and spanish left Diego Caballo is back.
All should give the Sky Blues hope of a swift return to title contention, having missed out on the A-League finals last season for the first time since 2015-16 after their worst campaign in a decade.
Joe Lolley joins an influx of new foreign faces at the Sky Blues this season. Credit: Getty
The five-time champions failed to meet their top transfer targets, with ex-Liverpool reject Lazar Markovic opting to move to Turkey rather than take up a lucrative Designated Player contract with Sydney, while the Socceroos’ fringe forwards Brandon Borrello (Wanderers) and Ben Halloran (Adelaide) rejected the club’s advances to sign for less money elsewhere, according to well-placed sources.
Milos Ninkovic’s defection to Western Sydney was another sticking point in the off-season, but coach Steve Corica, who defied growing fan discontent to sign a two-year contract extension at the start of this year, he’s happy with the way his squad has come together. and particularly pleased with the hiring of Lolley.
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“Joe has proven quality at a high level in England. He is the type of player we are targeting and we have had to be patient to secure him,” he said.
“He brings a goal threat with his ability to cut inside and can also pick out a pass. He has great energy, incredible ability to carry the ball and works hard for the team.
“The fans love him because he gives everything and I know he was very popular at Nottingham Forest so I’m sure he’ll be here.”