We are delighted to announce the signing of New Zealand international Max Mata on a three-year deal!
With seven senior international appearances to his name, Max completed a move to the Croud Meadow earlier today.
Having joined from Sligo Rovers in the League of Ireland, Max has scored 11 goals in 23 appearances so far this season, with the 23-year-old also grabbing one assist.
A well-travelled player, Max played for Wellington Pheonix, Eastern Suburbs AFC and Onehunga Sports in his native New Zealand before moving on to play in Switzerland, Estonia, the United States of America and Ireland.
Max has amassed 141 senior club appearances despite his young age, with 50 goals and 21 assists to his name.
He will be available to play subject to home office clearance and the arrival of his visa.
Head Coach Matt Taylor said:
"Max was a player we've spoken about for the past three weeks and I went over to Ireland to watch him. We'd like to thank the chairman for facilitating that and Max's transfer over from Ireland.
"I was very impressed with what I saw. He has exceptional footballing intelligence, scores a variation of goals, is hungry to fulfill his potential and we fought off a host of other clubs to get him.
"I'm excited for the fans to see him in a Shrewsbury Town shirt. He is of course very talented but more importantly, he's the right type of person to fit within the group."
Max Mata said:
"I'm very happy to be here.
"The fact they came and showed a lot of interest, and they made me feel comfortable through the process made me really excited and I've looking forward to coming to the club.
“I like scoring goals and I think that’s probably it. My physical attributes, I’m not the fastest player in the world but I’m quick, strong, sharp and I like the box!”
On his experience of international football:
“It’s amazing to play for your country, of course. It’s probably the pinnacle of your career so I’m very happy to have represented them and I want to continue representing them for a very long time. But, yeah, you play in some pretty cool stadiums and some weird countries as well so it’s a pretty cool feeling.”
