Sydney FC are set to face off against Sky Blue legend Terry McFlynn when they take on his new club NSW National Premier League club Bonnyrigg White Eagles at Leichhardt Oval on August 6 (kick off 7.30pm).
The Sky Blues fourth match of pre-season will take place ahead of their first Westfield FFA Cup game to be played six days later in Ballarat against Melbourne City.
McFlynn, a former Sydney FC captain and now General Manager of Player Welfare at the club said he was looking forward to the challenge of playing against the Sky Blues.
“I always said I could never line up for another A-League club against Sydney FC but this will be different,” he said.
“It will be a good experience and probably a one-off for me, if I’m selected by the Bonnyrigg coach Brian Brown that is.
“I’m not sure how the body will cope with two games a week these days,” he joked.
“But seriously this will certainly be another important step forward in pre-season for Sydney FC ahead of another exciting Hyundai A-League season.
“We’ve got a strong squad at Bonnyrigg and I’m sure all of the players are looking forward to playing the big name Hyundai A-League club.”
This will be the first ever meeting between the two sides and will be the Sky Blues first hit out against a team competing in the IGA NSW NPL Men’s 1 division since 2011.
Sydney FC Head Coach Graham Arnold said he was looking forward to the game and believes facing off against third placed Bonnyrigg will prove a tough test for his Sky Blues outfit.
“Bonnyrigg will certainly be looking to prove a point against an A-League side but for us this will be another chance to work on our structures and team play,” said Arnold.
“The players have been first class since I arrived at Sydney FC and I’m happy with the progress we’re making but there is still a long way to go.
“We have a talented squad and the effort and commitment shown so far has been good.
“I can already see the boys have the desire to win silverware at the end of the season and it all starts here.”
Bonnyrigg White Eagles Team Manager, George Mandic, was thrilled to be playing the most successful club in the country and believes that it’s going be a fantastic occasion.
“For Bonnyrigg it’s going to be great to play Sydney FC,” he said.
“It’s always good to play A-League sides and it’s good for our boys to get a hit out against a side of Sydney FC’s strength to see what level they’re at.
With plenty of young players harbouring aspirations of competing in the Hyundai A-League, Mandic also feels it’s a good opportunity for his young squad to prove themselves and potentially forge a career at a professional level.
“There’s a few kids that can maybe get noticed in a year or two and get the chance to play A-League in a couple of years,” he said.
“There are also a few former players from the A-League here that will get the chance to prove themselves again.”
Gates at Leichhardt Oval open at 6:30pm on Wednesday, August 6 and tickets can be pre-purchased online, priced at $5 for Members, $10 for adults and $7.50 for concessions and children 12-16 (plus booking fee). Children under 12 are free. Alternatively tickets can also be purchased on the night for $15 for adults and $10 for concessions.
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