Sydney has received a boost ahead of its blockbuster clash against Gold Coast on Saturday night with foundation player Terry McFlynn signing a new three-year deal.
The contract extension will keep the midfielder at the Sky Blues until the end of the 2012/13 Hyundai A-League season.
The 28-year-old, who has represented Northern Ireland at every level except full international, has played 79 Hyundai A-League games for Sydney including the Grand Final in the inaugural season.
“I don’t want to play football for any other clubs, either in Australia or anywhere else,” he said.
“I’ve been at Sydney FC for five years and I couldn’t be happier to be signing on for another three years. I have grown to love the club, my family is here and I see Sydney as my home.”
After missing the finals last season, the Sky Blues have turned things around to lead the competition halfway through the current season, and it was the club’s change in direction and culture that played a big part in McFlynn deciding to extend his stay.
“I honestly believe we are putting together something special here at Sydney FC, both short term and long term, and I’m happy to be a part of what we are doing,” McFlynn said.
“Everything we are doing is extremely professional and we are looked after very well here. We have a strong group of players and this is where I want to play my football.”
Sydney coach Vitezslav Lavicka was delighted to have such an important player commit to the club.
“Terry is a very important player for us. He is the type of player we want to help (lift) the professional standards,” he said.
“Terry has decided to stay for three more years and this is a good thing for Sydney FC. He is very professional in the training and in the games.”