Former Sydney FC fan favourite Dwight Yorke will pull on the Sky Blue one last time when he takes to the ANZ Stadium pitch as a guest player in Sydney FC’s preseason clash against the Everton on Saturday 10 July.
Former Sydney FC fan favourite Dwight Yorke will pull on the Sky Blue one last time when he takes to the ANZ Stadium pitch as a guest player in the Sky Blues preseason clash against the Everton Football Club on Saturday 10 July.
Sydney football fans will be able to fulfill a long-awaited wish next month with confirmation today that the former Manchester United star will re-unite with the club he steered to the inaugural Hyundai A-League title in 2005.
Yorke, who was the Sky Blues highest profile recruit in the first season, was an unparalleled favourite of Sydney FC fans and was instrumental in helping to attract new fans to the game.
“It-s been four years since I had to leave Sydney FC and, although I enjoyed my time at Sunderland afterwards, I always thought there was unfinished business with Sydney,” Yorke said from Port of Spain, Trinidad today.
“I had a fantastic time with the club and the other lads in the team and, of course, Sydney is a fantastic city. It-s a great thrill to play for Sydney again and to have a chance to say farewell to all of Sydney-s fantastic fans and supporters.
“It will be a terrific game against Everton.
“I-ve seen their squad list for the tour down under. In addition to Aussie favourite Timmy Cahill, it includes my good friend Phil Neville and others such as Louis Saha, Phil Jagielka and Leighton Baines who only just missed England selection for this year-s World Cup.
“I also know Sydney FC won the double last season under new coach Vitezslav Lavicka and I-m really looking forward to playing with them. I hope as many fans as possible can come out and support the match, and let me say a fond farewell to a city and club I love.”
Sky Blues coach Vitezslav Lavicka said the return of Yorke was fantastic news for the club and its fans and that the showdown is crucial in preparing his side for upcoming games against international opponents.
“It is exciting for the Sydney FC fans. He was a favourite to them. They can say thank you to him for the success they had in the first season,” Lavicka said.
“This is game is very important for us. It will help us prepare for the games we have against teams from overseas in the Asian Champions League later this season. It is a vital step in our preparation for the A-League season.
“Everton are a great club and will be a tough opponent. It will be good for our team. Dwight will train with us during the week before the match. We are very excited to have him here.
“It is a great opportunity for all Sydney FC supporters to see him and our boys play together.”
In his final game for Sydney FC, he captained the team to the A-League-s inaugural championship with a 1-0 win over Central Coast Mariners and received the Joe Marston Medal for player of the match.
Yorke remains one of the highest profile players ever recruited to the A-League, having enjoyed a stellar career in the English Premier League with sides including Aston Villa and Manchester prior to arriving in Australia. He won three EPL championships, one FA Cup, the UEFA Champions League and the Intercontinental Cup with United.
Sydney FC will meet Everton on Saturday 10 July at ANZ Stadium. Tickets are available from Ticketek on 132 849.
