Jan 16th, 2018

Jan 16th, 2018

Josep Gombau's Western Sydney Wanderers revolution has continued with captain Robert Cornthwaite released to join Malaysian side Perak TBG.

Cornthwaite was not in the Wanderers squad for their 1-1 draw against Wellington Phoenix at the weekend and was given permission to leave the country to finalise his move, after Gombau determined the central defender was not part of his plans.

The A-League club confirmed his departure on Tuesday.

"I would love to thank everyone involved at Western Sydney for making my time at the club so enjoyable," Cornthwaite said.

"Although if was for only a short while, it has had a lasting impression on my professional career.

"Captaining the club is a career highlight and something I am very proud of.

"I would like to wish all the staff and especially all the players good luck for the remainder of the season and beyond."

Cornthwaite, 32, had spent a season and a half with another Malaysian team, Selangor, before he joined the Wanderers in June 2016, playing 35 times across all competitions.

He will join two other Australians at Perak - coach Mehmet Durakovic, who was briefly in charge of Melbourne Victory in 2011/12, and former Sydney FC midfielder Brendan Gan, who is of Malaysian heritage and has played eight times for their national team.

It is Western Sydney's second piece of business in the January transfer window after signing Marcelo Carrusca following his release from Melbourne City last week.

Cornthwaite's exit leaves Michael Thwaite, Jonathan Aspropotamitis and Brendon Hamill as the club's only centre-backs, although utility Chris Herd is also capable of slotting in if needed.

©AAP2018