FC Bendigo has today announced several key signings on the eve of its inaugural National Premier Leagues (NPL) season.

Heading up the list of recruits is VISA player Matthew Breeze, who comes to FC Bendigo after spending a year with Peninsula Power in the Queensland State League.

Before moving to Australia, Breeze had professional football experience in the UK, playing with Peterboro and Worcester City.

FC Bendigo Operations Manager, Brock Rogers, said he was thrilled to have Breeze on board for the 2014 season.

“Matt has already made an impact within the squad both on and off the field. He brings a lot of intensity and professionalism to the group,” Rogers said.

Breeze has also made an immediate impact on the pitch with a solid performance last Sunday against Goulburn Valley Suns in the club’s last hitout before the season opener this weekend, and he was happy to play out the full 90 minutes.

“I have been lucky enough to settle in really quickly in Bendigo, and I have already fallen in love with the town. I just hope that I can perform on the field to repay those that have given me this great opportunity to be part of this exciting new club” Breeze said.

Another player who had a strong match at the weekend was former Bendigo player Trent Waterson, who scored a brace in the match.

Waterson, who had previously trialled with Brisbane Roar, has made the move to FC Bendigo after spending the last two years at Sunshine George Cross.

Before Sunshine George Cross, Waterson played at the highest level in Victoria for close to a decade with Green Gully, Oakleigh Cannons and South Melbourne, and will add some much needed experience to the squad.

“It is great to have Trent back playing in Bendigo where his career started and where much of his family still lives,” Rogers said.

“Trent is a quality player, who can play through the middle or out wide, and is very creative with the ball at his feet.”

FC Bendigo has also announced that George Slefendorfas will be joining the club in 2014.

Originally from Cairns in Far North Queensland, Slefendorfas was the Golden Boot winner in the top flight New Zealand Championship, and will add some much needed fire power.

Slefendorfas has also had professional experience in Sweden with Dulkurd FF.

Sebastian Mattei completes the list of four key signings for FC Bendigo’s inaugural squad.

Mattei has been back-up goalkeeper at A-League clubs Melbourne Victory and Melbourne Heart over the past four to five years, and is keen to be the main man at FC Bendigo.

“Seb is relishing the opportunity and the extra responsibility that comes with being the number one keeper,” Rogers said.

“With Seb in goals, and an experienced back four in front of him that will include playing coach Steve Martin, we are going to be tough to score against, which will hopefully mean competitive results in our inaugural year.”

Current and former Bendigo Amateur Soccer League players to join the squad are Finn Huzzey, who played with Richmond in the VPL in 2013, along with Jono Ryan, Zac Kinsman and Josh Naunton, who are all hoping to make the final squad.

The final squad will be announced after training tonight, ahead of the club’s inaugural game on Sunday away to Avondale Heights.

Pictured: New FC Bendigo signings Corey Scoble (left) and Matt Breeze at the club's key sponsor Brewhouse Coffee (image credit: FC Bendigo)