Ryan Fraser made an instant impression in his Western Sydney Wanderers debut, delivering the stoppage-time winner that handed Head Coach Gary van Egmond his first victory at the helm.
The Scot’s arrival injected energy, confidence, and an immediate spark into the Red & Black, providing the perfect start to his new chapter in the Isuzu UTE A-League.
Fraser, who arrived in Western Sydney just days before the clash against Perth Glory, admitted the week had been hectic but was full of opportunity.
“So it’s been hectic, but, yeah, we just needed to get a win. This league is so tight. So I think if we can get a win next week against Sydney. It just shoots us right up there,” he said.
“So yeah, it means a lot.”
The match itself tested the Wanderers’ composure, with Glory pressing early and Lawrence Thomas producing a string of outstanding saves.
Fraser’s introduction shortly after the hour mark changed the dynamics, allowing Western Sydney to seize the initiative and eventually find the breakthrough from a corner deep into stoppage time.
“Yeah, I think the game was a little bit open. They obviously play a lot in transition as well. So yeah, I just thought there’s spaces there to be won,” said Fraser.
“I was unlucky not to score that one before the keeper made a very good save.
“It was written in the stars and hopefully we can just kind of build momentum now.”
Despite his pedigree and extensive career in England’s Premier League and Championship, Fraser is clear that success in Western Sydney is a team effort.
He praised his teammates’ defensive solidity and collective work rate, highlighting the confidence and atmosphere at the club as key to sustaining momentum.
“I mean, it’s not just one player, is it? I think the lads were quite brilliant today. Defended so well and we just needed that little bit of luck. We’ve got such a good team and hopefully that confidence now shoots us up the table. The fans, the stadium, the training ground… We’ve got everything, so it’s up to us now.”
Fraser also reflected on the personal challenge of leaving England and taking on a new chapter in the A-League.
“I spent 15 years in England playing Premier League and Championship and I just thought, you know what, I wanted to change. I wanted people to see, this is a big moment, living away from home, a climate change, players-wise.
“We’ve got some really, really good players in this league and it’s a challenge. So it’s a new challenge for me. This league is progressing slowly, but it’s getting there, and hopefully there’s a lot we can do.”
With the Wanderers now off the bottom of the ladder, Fraser’s debut-winning impact provides not only a statement of intent but a platform of belief for the team heading into next weekend’s Sydney Derby. Confidence is high, the squad is energised, and the Red & Black are ready to carry this momentum forward.
