Berisha is keen for warm-up
WESTERN United fans will get their first look at star signing Besart Berisha in Saturday’s pre-season match against Western Sydney Wanderers at GMHBA Stadium.
The Geelong Advertiser understands the A-League’s record goalscorer, who signed for United last week, is likely to play some part in the match, but whether he starts or comes off the bench remains up in the air.
The Albanian and Kosovan international is one of the biggest names in Western United’s squad and will be keen to get a feel for his new team ahead of next week’s A-League season opener.
United will travel to Wellington for the first game in its history, then will return home to host Perth Glory in Geelong on October 19.
Western United, headed by Socceroos champion and Geelong identity Steve Horvat, is bursting with international talent including Italian Alessandro Diamanti, Croatian Dario Jertec and Greek Panagiotis Kone.
Prolific Australian Scott McDonald will also lead the attack with Berisha.
Kick-off for friendly is 1pm.
It comes as the Western Melbourne Group appointed Chris Pehlivanis as its new chief executive officer.
Pehlivanis, who was chief financial officer and part of the executive at Essendon, has switched codes to join the club.
Former United boss Maurice Bisetto will now focus on delivering the club’s stadium and precinct development in Tarneit.
Pehlivanis said he was excited by the opportunity to help build a strong club for fans in Melbourne’s west.
“I am honoured to be part of the next stage of the organisation’s growth,” he said.
Pehlivanis will start in the role tomorrow. Saturday’s