New Sydney FC goalkeeper Liam Reddy says he cannot wait to get started with his new teammates.
New Sydney FC goalkeeper Liam Reddy says he cannot wait to get started with his new teammates as the Hyundai A-League 2010 Champions resume full pre-season training this Monday.
Reddy, who joins his hometown-club after stints at the Newcastle Jets, Brisbane Roar and Wellington Pheonix, is one of three new signings at the Sky Blues following the clubs recent acquisitions of Qantas Socceroos Scott Jamieson and Nicky Carle.
After training in his own time during the off-season, Reddy says he is eager to start with former Wigan Athletic custodian John Filan – Sydney-s goalkeeping coach.
“I-ve heard a lot of great things from keepers who have worked with him,” Reddy said. “Everyone I-ve spoken to said that he-s a great goalkeeping coach.”
“You only have to look at his playing resume to see that he-s been there and done that and it-ll be great for him to pass on that knowledge to me.”
However, that was not the only reason the 29-year-old signed on at the harbour city. Reddy also says that the quality of the club-s set-up made the choice to sign an easy one.
“They-ve definitely got, from what I see, a great structure with the coaching staff and the support staff around, which is what you need.” Reddy said.
“It-s proven as they got the double last year because off the park they do everything right.”
Reddy admits that despite his desire for the No.1 jersey, he will need to stay at the top of his game to achieve his goal this season.
“Competition is healthy so I-m looking forward to working with Ivan [Necevski],” he said. “I-ve worked with Ivan before and I-m sure he-ll be hungry to impress and play a part this year.
“My main goal is to play the first game of the season and then to play every game after that.”
Despite gaining a wealth of Hyundai A-League experience over the first five seasons, Reddy insists it has been his desire to play for the Sky Blues from day one.
“Five years ago, this is a club, with me being a Sydney boy that I wanted to play for,” Reddy said.
“Obviously I was a lot younger then and Clint [Bolton] was the best keeper going around but this is a great opportunity for me to come in. I-ve definitely come here to be the number one keeper.
The move has come at an exciting time for Reddy, with Sydney FC-s landmark clash against Everton coming up on July 10 at ANZ Stadium and he is optimistic about the blockbuster match.
“Hopefully we-ll have a full team to pick from as I think we-ll be four or five weeks into pre-season. We-ll be definitely up for a good game and hopefully I can play a part in the match,” he said.
Off the pitch, Reddy is glad to be back in Sydney with family and friends now close by.
“I-ve settled in and the kids have settled in, being close to family,” Reddy said. “My wife is happy to be in Sydney so all around it-s been good.
As for this campaign, Reddy believes the current squad is determined to follow up on last season-s historic success.
“We-ve got a great group of boys here, the team-s still very hungry and they want to achieve something this year so it-s going to be good to be a part of that,” he said.
Sydney FC-s first pre-season match kicks-off on June 16 against Manly United at Cromer Park.
