Get behind Sydney FC

Despite two recent hiccups from difficult away fixtures, there remains plenty to be upbeat about. Let us not forget how direly this season started for Sydney FC. The resurgence since the appointment of head coach Frank Farina has been remarkable, displaying some real character. Full credit to Farina for getting the best out of his players and fashioning a season turn-around. That he managed to haul the club into the top six for a while is really quite miraculous. They currently sit just a single point away from a finals position, so everything’s still up in the air. Other recent positives for the Sky Blues include Joel Griffiths’ third goal in as many games, five home wins on the trot, as well as the debut of Lucas Neill against Melbourne Heart, who made it through 90 minutes in hot conditions. Oh, and Del Piero scored another absolute screamer on Saturday.

Also, contract news seems to be getting better with each passing week. First young gun Joel Chianese extended a year, then Farina was importantly tied down for a further two years, and most recently superstar and talisman Alessandro Del Piero has activated the second year of his contract, continuing the most successful marquee player stint in the history of the Hyundai A-League. I shudder to think where the Sky Blues would be without the legendary Italian’s 12 league goals.

So it is not all doom and gloom Sydney supporters! A place in the top six is ripe for the picking. And with the team continuing to grow from strength to strength under Farina’s tutelage, anything could happen in the finals (if/when we get there). Giving the schedule a glance it is clear the club has an exceptionally challenging run to the end of the regular season. Next up the Sky Blues have back-to-back home games at Allianz Stadium against Central Coast Mariners (9 March) and arch-rivals Melbourne Victory (16 March), who both occupy the higher echelons of the table (second place and third place respectively). So now more than ever it is vital to turn out in huge numbers, coloured sky blue, cheering and supporting!

Go on, get down to watch Del Piero’s first game at Allianz Stadium since renewing his contract and Socceroos captain Neill’s home debut for Sydney FC against the one of the very best A-League outfits the Central Coast Mariners on Saturday 9th March (kick off 5.30pm) when Sydney will strive to make it six wins in a row at home.

Farina’s men lie just a solitary point away from sixth place (occupied by Brisbane), equal with Melbourne Heart on 27 points, and have Perth breathing down their necks just two points behind. Sydney is well and truly embroiled in the top six dogfight. Every game from here on is absolutely crucial – so get behind them!

Lastly, if you didn’t see it, here’s Del Piero’s blistering goal from Saturday. Take a bow Alex: