Sydney FC foundation player Terry McFlynn will finish his Hyundai A-League career as a one club man when he retires at the end of this season.
Sydney FC foundation player Terry McFlynn will finish his Hyundai A-League career as a one club man when he completes his playing days with the club at the end of this season.
The Sky Blues midfielder will end his time on the field after nine seasons with Sydney FC, having played a vital role as a dual championship winner in 2006 and 2010, as well as helping to lead the club to the double premiership and championship in 2010.
“It has been a privilege and an honour to represent Sydney FC for nine seasons and I have felt immense pride every time I have pulled on the Sky Blue shirt,” said McFlynn.
“I have had some fantastic times and been part of some incredible moments in Sydney FC-s history which I will never forget, and I would like to thank everyone at the club for giving me the opportunity to experience them.
“The support of the Members and fans, particularly The Cove, to me and my family over the last nine years has been fantastic and we would like to thank everyone who has supported us during that time.
“Sydney FC will always have a special place in my heart and I-ve made lots of lifelong friends both on and off the field through this great club. I-ll always be thankful to the club for that opportunity.”
Sydney FC plan to honour the contribution McFlynn has made to the club by retiring the number 15 shirt for the whole of next season and will dedicate the Sky Blues home game against Perth Glory this Sunday (kick off 5pm) to Terry and his family.
Chairman Scott Barlow believes McFlynn-s personality and contribution to Sydney FC will live long in the memory of everyone involved with the club, and paid tribute to his record breaking allegiance to the Sky Blues.
“Terry is a true gentleman of the game and he is a natural leader. He will always be remembered for his loyalty and selfless dedication to Sydney FC,” he said.
“Terry has been with us since our first game in season one. He is the only A-League player to have served just the one club since the inaugural 2005-06 season, which is a huge testament to his loyalty and commitment to Sydney FC.”
The Sky Blues Chairman also revealed talks were underway to keep McFlynn at the club once his playing career had ended.
“We want Terry to stay at Sydney FC and start the next chapter of his career here. In the right role we believe Terry can continue to make a very positive contribution to the club. We hope to announce more on this in the comings weeks.
The central midfielder and his family will be presented to the crowd with a guard of honour prior to kick off against Perth on Sunday after which they will perform a lap of honour. A flag bearing his image and name will also be unveiled in the Sydney FC Walk Of Fame, while Members and fans will be able to leave their tributes to the Sky Blues- longest serving player in the Allianz Stadium precinct or via social media using #ThanksTerry15.
Sydney FC Head Coach Frank Farina praised McFlynn-s extraordinary attitude and work ethic.
“Terry has always put this club first before himself and commands the utmost respect of everyone he has worked and played with.
“He is the ultimate professional and will always have a special place in the history of this club.”
Fellow foundation player and double Sydney FC championship winner Steve Corica said: “Terry has been a pleasure to play with and to coach. He is a fantastic guy off the park and a great leader on the field.
“He has been here from the very start, has won two championships and a premiership with the club and has seen the good times and the bad.
“Throughout it all he has always shown an impeccable character and has been, and will continue to be a fantastic ambassador for the club.”
Gates open at 4pm for Sunday-s game with kick off at 5pm. Click here to purchase tickets.
Leave your congratulatory messages and follow the match using the hash-tag #ThanksTerry15
TERRY MCFLYNN – SYDNEY FC CAREER RECORD
Name: Terry McFlynn
Age: 33
Born: 27/03/1981
Town: Magherafelt, Northern Ireland
Shirt Number: 15
Sydney FC
Hyundai A-League – 178 apps (7 goals)
AFC Champions League – 7 (0)
FIFA Club World Championship – 5 (0) (including qualifying)
Oceania Club World Championship – 4 (0)
Pan Pacific Championship – 2 (0)
Pre-Season Cup – 18 (0)
Total Games – 214 (7)