David Barlow answers the call, re-signs with United

Written by Melbourne United Media

Melbourne United legend David Barlow is set to rejoin the playing group, signing as United’s final rostered player.

The decision comes after a long evaluation process by Dean Vickerman and his coaching staff, which determined Barlow to be the best player available to help the team contend for a championship.

Speaking to MU Media, Vickerman said his strength, skill and familiarity with the team’s systems made him the perfect player to fill the team’s final roster spot.

“We wanted someone to help solidify our interior presence and the more we looked at it, the more we came back to Barlow,” he said.

“He’s been practising and playing with the team all offseason and remains one of the strongest, smartest players in our league, while being able to stretch the floor at an elite level.

“We as a coaching staff had a feeling that despite the retirement he would end up playing some games for us this season, so we kind of just sped up the process, because he still has so much to give this team on the court.”

Barlow, who always said the door would be open for a potential return should the team needed it, said he is confident he can continue to provide elite play for the team he has called home for the past eight years.

“I’m really thankful for all the people that reached out and touched base with me after the initial announcement,” he said.

“Considering my career and all the people who have helped me, especially my family and the journey that we’ve been on, it was definitely an emotional time.

“Situations change, and it just so happens that there was hole that I could fill as a player, rather than a coach.

“Like I had always said, I was always going to do whatever I could to help the club compete for a championship. I’m thankful for the opportunity to get to do that as a player for another season with United.”

Fans will get their chance to see DB take the floor for United once again when the team kicks off their NBL23 campaign against the NZ Breakers on Sunday 2 October.

Full season, five and three game memberships are available now, and are the best way to support your team across the season.

Tickets for all 14 of United’s home games are on sale now, and with can’t miss events like the Open Air Game, The Multicultural Game, a pair of Throwdowns and much more on their way, the time is now to make sure you don’t miss a moment of Melbourne’s NBL23 campaign.