The Wanderers say goodbye to their inaugural captain Michael Beauchamp as he says a final farewell to the fans.
NRMA Insurance Western Sydney Wanderers today confirmed the departure of several of the Club-s foundation players.
Foundation captain Michael Beauchamp, Shinji Ono, Youssouf Hersi, Jerome Polenz, Adam D-Apuzzo, Jerrad Tyson, Aaron Mooy, Tahj Minniecon, Dean Heffernan and Josh Barresi have all parted company with the Wanderers following the conclusion of their contracts.
As the Club prepares its playing roster for a comprehensive 2014/15 schedule Western Sydney Wanderers Executive Chairman Lyall Gorman paid tribute to the departing players who have helped create a legacy at the Wanderers.
“What this group of players has achieved from day one is outstanding and credit goes to the character and manner in which they represented not only themselves, but also our Club and the wonderful region of Western Sydney,” said Gorman.
“Players like our foundation captain Michael Beauchamp, Jerrad Tyson and Shinji Ono have exemplified what it means to be a Western Sydney Wanderer and we thank them and every single player that has worn the Red and Black.
“We applaud this entire group of players from the bottom of our collective hearts and each of them know that they will always be considered pioneers of the Western Sydney Wanderers Football Club and more importantly, they will always be a part of the Wanderers family. Their contribution on and off the field and the difference they have made to the western Sydney region as a whole has been incredible and is a true testament to the wonderful people and players they are.”
NRMA Insurance Western Sydney Wanderers foundation Club Captain Michael Beauchamp paid tribute to the Club and the fans and spoke of his honour to represent the Wanderers.
“It has been an honour leading the boys out there every week and it-s been an honour coming to train here with the team week in week out,” said Beauchamp.
“We-ve shown in two years the level that we can take football to here in Australia, not only on the park but off the park with the community work, with the fans, with the RBB.
“For me it-s been an honour to represent this Club and I-d like to thank the fans and the supporters.”
An absolute champion of the Wanderers on-and-off the field, Jerrad Tyson will be fondly remembered by the Club and its fans for his tireless work ethic in the community, with the members and fans and on the pitch for the Club.
“I-m very disappointed to be moving on and not at the Club next year but I have absolutely loved my time at Western Sydney first and foremost,” said Tyson.
“The people of Western Sydney have shown me so much and have brought me into their lives and I could never thank them enough for that.
“I can-t find words to thank them (the fans and members) enough and I-ll remember this experience for a long, long time.”
For Adam D-Apuzzo playing for and being a part of the Wanderers family has been the highlight of his career.
“The Wanderers would definitely been the highlight of my career. The way this Club is in terms of the fans, the setup, the group of boys, the staff it just makes everything we did just seem better than anything I-ve ever done in my career,” said D-Apuzzo.
“The fans here are second to none, even growing up watching football overseas I guess you see their crowds, but I don-t think they have the connection that we have with our fans.
“Everything this Club seems to do is just super. I have no regrets.”
For more videos of the players final interviews with the Wanderers visit wswanderersfc.com.au
NRMA Insurance Western Sydney Wanderers Hyundai A-League squad for 2014/15 squad: 1. Ante Covic, 2. Shannon Cole, 4. Nikolai Topor-Stanley, 7. Labinot Haliti, 8. Mateo Poljak, 9. Tomi Juric, 11. Brendon Santalab, 13. Matthew Spiranovic, 14. Kwabena Appiah, 15. Yianni Perkatis, 18. Iacopo La Rocca, 19. Mark Bridge, 23. Jason Trifiro, 31. Alusine Fofanah, 32. Daniel Alessi, 33. Daniel Mullen, 34. Golgol Mebrahtu
