Hyundai A-League 2010 Champions Sydney FC is pleased to announce the re-signing of 19-year-old midfielder and Young Socceroo Rhyan Grant to a new two-year contract.
Hyundai A-League 2010 Champions Sydney FC is pleased to announce the re-signing of 19-year-old midfielder and Young Socceroo Rhyan Grant to a new two-year contract.
The talented youngster, with 12 A-League appearances including five starts to his name, has progressed through the club-s National Youth League system to become an integral part of the Sky Blues A-League line-up.
The retention of Grant secures another vital component of Sydney FC-s future following the recent re-signings of Alex Brosque (26), Mark Bridge (24) and Sebastian Ryall (21) and the signing of Nicky Carle (28), Liam Reddy (29) and Terry Antonis (16) – all too multi-year contracts.
Grant-s new two-year deal commences at the end of the 2010/11 A-League season.
“The decision to re-sign wasn-t a hard one in the end,” Grant said. “I love being here at the club and was thrilled when they made me an offer.”
“I-ve been here for a couple of seasons now and have really settled into the lifestyle.
“We have a great set-up here. The coaching and support staff are fantastic and the club is very clear on its direction.”
The Bathurst junior spent a year at the AIS in 2008 before joining Sydney FC for the inaugural National Youth League season in 2008/09 and it would be a memorable start to his Sky Blues career as the Junior Sky Blues steamrolled their way to the title.
After nine A-League games in 2009/10, Grant-s season prematurely cut short when he sustained a serious ankle injury in late February. After months of hard work and recuperation he has played in all three of Sydney FC-s matches to date this season, including two starts.
And the youngster will play a pivotal role in Sydney FC-s clash with the Central Coast Mariners at the Sydney Football Stadium this Saturday night, especially in the absence of skipper and midfielder Terry McFlynn.
“Losing Terry through injury is a massive loss for the team as he is both a worker and leader on the field,” Grant said.
“I would be excited if Vitja gave me the nod to play, especially in the midfield which allows me greater freedom to play my pressure-style of game.
“The Central Coast are a good team who work hard and it shows from their unity on the field. We will have to start well and begin putting them under the pump from the get go.
“Our heads haven-t been down in training as we-ve discussed what has happened in recent weeks as a team.
“Everyone has since knuckled down and worked hard for each other and that-s what I think is the key – helping each other on the field.”
Sydney FC Vice-Chairman Scott Barlow said the club had a made a clear statement about its direction with the addition of such talented and young players.
“Rhyan is an extremely talented young professional and is a key part of the club-s future,” Barlow said.
“We are extremely pleased to have signed him to a new deal. Securing Rhyan with so much time still to run on his current contract shows just how highly regarded he is by the club.”
Name: Rhyan Grant
DOB: 26 February 1991
Height: 174cm
Position: Defender/Midfielder
Career:
AIS: 2007 – 08
Sydney FC National Youth League: 2008 – 09
Sydney FC: 2009 – current (12 appearances)
