Shannon Cole has re-signed with the Wanderers. Picture: Stephen Cooper Source: The Daily Telegraph
WESTERN Sydney defender Adam D'Apuzzo says he would have been stupid not to re-sign with the Wanderers for next season and hopes Japanese star Shinji Ono does the same.
D'Apuzzo and midfielder Shannon Cole on Thursday both extended their contracts with the A-League newcomers until the end of the 2013-14 season to add to a number of recent re-signings at the Wanderers.
Skipper Michael Beauchamp, goalkeeper Ante Covic and Croatian midfielder Mateo Poljak have all put pen to paper as the third-placed Wanderers continue to impress in their inaugural season.
The Wanderers are yet to secure the signature of marquee star Ono, however, and both Cole and D'Apuzzo are hoping he commits.
"We're hoping just as much as everyone else watching is," former Sydney FC player Cole said.
"He's obviously a very exciting player to have in the league and he's a great guy to have as a teammate."
Ono set Parramatta Stadium alight with his sensational double in the Wanderers' 2-1 win over Melbourne Victory on Tuesday.
Cole says on top of his world-class skill, the 33-year-old midfielder and veteran of three World Cups also brings composure to the side.
When asked how important Ono was to the team, Cole said: "Did you watch the game on Tuesday?
"He's also such a relaxed guy on the pitch. Every game it's like a training run to him and that relaxes the players around him."
D'Apuzzo, 26, who is recovering from a calf injury, played 102 games over five years with the Newcastle Jets from 2006.
Before joining the Wanderers he was playing in the state league and considered giving professional football away for a career in accounting.
"I was lucky to get a call from (coach) Tony (Popovic)... and when I saw what they were all about, the boys they had here and the culture they were trying to produce I really wanted to be part of it," he said.
"It's a unique thing that's happening here and I just want to continue to be a part of it.
"I'd be stupid not to."
He also hopes Ono sticks around.
"I'm hoping a great deal he signs for next season," D'Apuzzo said.
"... We saw his class on Tuesday. I'd love to see that for another year and for as long as we can."
Like D'Apuzzo, Cole said his decision to stay on was simple.
"It's the best set-up I've been involved in, without doubt," the 28-year-old said.
"Both the football and the professionalism and the whole culture within the club. It's a special environment."
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