Jimmy Downey thanks Aussie fans after clinching Sparta Rotterdam move

Jimmy Downey has thanked A-League fans for their support as he clinches a dream move to Sparta Rotterdam.

The former Australia U20 winger has signed a one-year deal with Sparta with the option of another 12 months after three successful years in the A-League with Perth Glory and North Queensland Fury.

Downey told tribalfootball.com he hasn't left Australia for good and intends to use his time at Sparta - and beyond - to improve and return to the A-League a better player.

"Many thanks to everyone for your support," said Downing of his Glory and Fury fans . "I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Perth and also NQ Fury.

"Hopefully I can learn a lot over here in Holland so that when I do come back to Australia I am a more complete player."

Downey's player manager Richard Rudzki says the winger came to the attention of Sparta through a local connection with strong Dutch contacts.

Rudzki told tribalfootball.com: "Jimmy was introduced to Sparta Rotterdam by Australian based player agent Paul Dickinson, who has extensive contacts in The Netherlands."

Downey is aready impressing in friendly action for Sparta and Rudzki says coach Jan Everse is willing to give the Aussie a chance to adapt.

He said: "We haven't discussed anything long term with him. I think he wants to see how well Jimmy can adapt to the Dutch style.

"If he does adapt, there is no doubt that Jimmy will be given the chance to play. Jimmy states that he has already learnt a lot in the short amount of time he’s been there.

"He played for 45 minutes yesterday in a friendly and pulled up well."