Former Sky Blues star Alex Brosque made an emotional return to the Sydney Football Stadium this weekend to pay tribute to one of the club’s first fans.
Former Sky Blues star Alex Brosque made an emotional return to the Sydney Football Stadium this weekend to pay tribute to one of the club-s first fans.
William Duran, better known as “Doggadog”, was a leading light among Sydney FC supporters and was one of the original members of the club-s famous Cove.
He recently lost his battle with cancer and as a mark of respect Brosque – his favourite player – stood in his seat during a Minute-s Silence before Sunday-s game, while the players formed a line in front of The Cove’s bank of supporters.
“It was an honour to stand in William-s seat during the Minute-s Silence,” said Brosque.
“I met him a few times while I was playing at Sydney FC and he was a very passionate man. It-s guys like William that make the atmosphere in The Cove and it was a nice way to remember him.”
William-s daughter Stefanie, who sits in the seat in front, was overwhelmed by the experience.
“It was insane, I didn-t know it was happening and I was crying,” she said. “I can-t describe how it made us feel. I just gave him the biggest cuddle.
“It was an honour to have him there. It made us realise that football isn-t just a place to go, it-s not just 90 minutes and then forgotten. It-s a family and it-s so special.
“It-s nice to know he does care and it-s not just a job for him,” she added.
Brosque is home after completing his first season playing for Shimizu S-Pulse in Japan-s J-League.
“It was good to catch up with my friends at Sydney FC and get along to a game while I am back in Sydney on holidays,” he said.
“It-s a shame about the result but there are a lot of good people at Sydney FC and they will turn things around.”
Watch the video of Alex Brosque’s arrival in the Cove before Sunday’s game here.
Fans can purchase 3-Game Packs for games in the New Year starting from only $50 for adults. Details for the Big Night Out Pack (including Melbourne Victory game) and the Football Funday Packs can be found here on our website.
For more information on the club’s January holiday clinics check out our Community Programs and see Youth Team Head coach Ian Crook-s interview.
