The NRMA Insurance Western Sydney Wanderers are pleased to announce the signing of Chris Herd for the next two Hyundai A-League seasons.

The 28-year-old arrives in Western Sydney from English League One side Gillingham, having made 14 appearances for the club last season.

Herd will return home to play his club football in Australia for the first time in his professional career after spending the last 12 years in England, most notably with Aston Villa where he made 36 English Premier League appearances.

A gifted utility player who is able to operate in both midfield and defence, Herd has represented the Socceroos on three occasions since making his debut in a friendly against Belgium in 2014.

Herd will also now be available for selection for the club’s first international marquee match against English giants Arsenal FC on Saturday night at ANZ Stadium.

Herd said he can’t wait to get started with the Red & Black.

"I’m delighted to get it over the line and get signed in time for Saturday and I’m looking forward to the season ahead,” he said.

“I’ve had great memories in England, I’ve spent the biggest part of my career there so far but this is my next chapter and I’m fully focussed on doing well for the Wanderers."

Herd said he’s been thoroughly impressed with what he’s seen so far at the club.

“Just the whole set-up, the staff, the players, the stadium, fans, the whole package. It’s just a really exciting time to be a part of this club.”

NRMA Insurance Western Sydney Wanderers Hyundai A-League 2017/18 squad:

Goalkeepers: John Hall (Injury Replacement Player), Vedran Janjetovic, Jerrad Tyson

Defenders: Jonathan Aspropotamitis, Keanu Baccus, Aritz Borda, Jack Clisby, Robert Cornthwaite, Brendan Hamill, Josh Risdon, Michael Thwaite

Midfielders: Kearyn Baccus, Roly Bonevacia, Chris Herd, Steven Lustica, Jacob Melling, Marc Tokich

Attackers: Jumpei Kusukami, Oriol Riera, Brendon Santalab, Lachlan Scott, Jaushua Sotirio

Scholarship Players: Abraham Majok (Attacker), Nicholas Suman (Goalkeeper)