New recruit feeling right at home at Wanderers

He grew up in western Sydney so his first week of pre-season training with the Wanderers has been somewhat of a homecoming for new recruit Nick Fitzgerald.

While “Fitzy” has made his name in the Hyundai A-League at clubs like Brisbane Roar, Central Coast Mariners and Melbourne City, it’s in Sydney’s west where he first developed his game.

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Fitzgerald played his junior football for local clubs such as Castle Hill, Blacktown City and the Australian Institute of Sport and it’s here where he met some of his new Wanderers teammates. 

“I know a lot of players (at the Wanderers), few from Melbourne City and a few I grew up playing with who are still at the Wanderers,” Fitzgerald said after getting down to work at his new club. 

“It’s a really great environment here at the club, all the boys are close. Getting together before training, after training, by getting together it’s a good environment.

“Brendan Hamill, I’ve played all my junior football with and Kearyn Baccus as well. 

“So to be back playing with those guys and seeing them develop through their career, as well as representing Western Sydney is great for the game and great for the region.”

Fitzy

With the entire squad returning last Monday to start pre-season, Fitzgerald believes this is an important time for the team to get to know each other and understand what new boss Markus Babbel and his coaching staff want to achieve. 

“Pre-season is very important, especially with the new players coming in,” he said.

“It’s about getting to know each other and getting to know the way that we work together. 

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“Markus Babbel has come in from a very high standard of coaching and playing, which is important, so we need to learn what he wants and needs from us. Also, JP has come in and adds another great pedigree to the team. 

“The boys look really sharp and we’re working on a lot of different things, I think we will be great this season.”