Sydney football fans will be able to fulfill a long-awaited wish next month with confirmation today that former Sydney FC favourite, Dwight Yorke, will wear the sky blue shirt once again as a guest player in the pre-season match against Everton Football Club.
Yorke, who was Sydney’s and the A-League’s highest profile recruit in the inaugural season in 2005, 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.
“I had a fantastic time with the club and the other lads in the team and, of course, Sydney is a fantastic city,” said Yorke from Port of Spain, Trinidad today.
Yorke was sold to Sunderland just as the second season of the A-League got underway in August 2006, after having been a major contributor to Sydney FC on and off the field,as well as appearing in the 2006 FIFA World Cup for Trinidad and Tobago.
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. He also 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 Aston Villa and Manchester United (amongst others) prior to arriving in Australia.
He won three championships, one FA Cup, the European Championship and the Intercontinental Cup with United and was a close friend and team mate of former Socceroo great, Mark Bosnich, at both Villa and United.
“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,” said Yorke.
“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.”
Sydney FC will meet Everton on Saturday 10 July at ANZ Stadium. Tickets are available from Ticketek on 132 849.