The chance to play in games like the Sydney Derby was one key factor in Ryan McGowan’s decision to join Hyundai A-League champions Sydney FC.
The fact younger brother Dylan is now a part of the Sky Blues’ crosstown rivals Western Sydney Wanderers will only add to the experience for the well-travelled defender.
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McGowan, one of the key off-season signings so far for Sydney FC, arrived at the club’s Macquarie University training base for the first time on Tuesday, meeting his teammates and getting acquainted with his new surrounds.
In his first interview with sydneyfc.com, the 29-year-old admits he’s already looking forward to his first taste of the Sydney Derby.
“With Dylan going to Western Sydney, it’s definitely a game that I have watched from a far and been jealous of the Sydney Derby,” McGowan said.
“To be up close and personal and with the family on the other side…it will be interesting to see which side the aunties and uncles will sit in.
“It’s good for us. We’ve both lived away for a long time,” the 20-cap Caltex Socceroo added.
“I’ve been overseas for 13 years so it’s good to come back home and have that familiar face that will be just down the road…but not too close.”
McGowan is expected to start training with the Sky Blues immediately as the club begin preparations for the glamour friendly against French champions PSG at the end of the month.
Steve Corica’s side will then have their first competitive match of the new campaign in the FFA Cup against Robbie Fowler’s Brisbane Roar on Wednesday, August 7.
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“I’m looking forward to those games and it’s such a huge appeal for me to come over and join Sydney as they have so many big games,” McGowan said.
“They arguably the biggest club in the A-League and the most successful club.
“It’s a great opportunity for me to come back home and really stamp my authority on the league and hopefully win a few things while I’m here.”
