Sydney FC seek new marquee player

Sydney FC has re-affirmed its determination to remain at the forefront of the Hyundai A-League by seeking a new marquee player following news that Dwight Yorke has confirmed a move to English Championship club Sunderland tonight.

Yorke will spend the next two seasons playing under former team mate Roy Keane after Sydney FC and Sunderland agreed to a transfer for an undisclosed fee.

Sydney FC Chairman Walter Bugno, while sad to see Yorke leave, wished the 34-year-old good luck as he continues his football career in the north of England.

“Dwight Yorke has made an unbelievable contribution to Sydney FC and Australian football and we wish him nothing but luck in his new endeavours with Sunderland,” Bugno said.

“Sydney FC has always maintained that marquee players have an important role to play in the early stages of the Hyundai A-League. Before the A-League started we believed in the principal of a marquee player and now we have seen the advantages, on and off the field, we will set out to find another player who can contribute as much to the game as Dwight has since he arrived last year.

“Our coaching staff will start drawing up a list of targets straight away and I am in Europe for the next two weeks so I am available to meet with any prospective marquee players.”

Sydney FC Coach Terry Butcher, who is in Melbourne preparing for Saturday night’s clash with the Melbourne Victory, was disappointed to see Yorke leave but echoed the thoughts of Bugno.

“It’s sad to see Dwight leave,” Butcher said. “He is a great player and a tremendous personality to have in the team and he has worked very hard since I came to Sydney to be in shape to play. He has great respect amongst the players and coaching staff and he will be missed.

Yorke played 21 games for Sydney FC in its debut season, scoring seven goals and lifting the A-League trophy when Sydney FC defeated the Central Coast Mariners 1-0 in the inaugural Grand Final.