As Wanderers FC prepare for their debut, over the coming days we will look back at some of the finest talent to come out of Sydney’s western suburbs. Today, Mark Bosnich.
As Western Sydney Wanderers prepare for their Hyundai A-League debut, over the coming days we will look at some of the finest footballing talent to come out of Sydney-s western suburbs.
Think we-ve got the list wrong? Is there a player you think shouldn-t be mentioned or is there someone we-ve missed? Have you say below…
Mark Bosnich
The cocky keeper from Fairfield who went on to play for the biggest club in the world and make international headlines.
Even as a youth player with Sydney Croatia, Bosnich-s ability was obvious enough to earn a transfer to the biggest club in the world – Manchester United – when he was just 16.
Work permit issues brought him back to his first club – then Sydney United – but it wasn-t long before “Bozza” finally secured his dream move to the English Premier League.
Signing with Aston Villa, he became a fan favourite during his seven years at Villa Park, famed for his athletic ability in goal and, perhaps surprising to some, a renowned and dedicated trainer.
Hailed as one of the best keepers in the league, Bosnich eventually proved himself good enough once again to play at Old Trafford, signing for Alex Ferguson in 1999 and going on to win the Premier League title, only the second Australian to do so. But despite success, his time at the club was short-lived.
It was reasonably easy to succeed one of Ferguson-s worst buys in Massimo Taibi, but Bosnich would also prove to be inconsistent and was replaced by flamboyant Frenchman Fabien Barthez, who ultimately saw more success than the Australian.
After losing his No.1 shirt at United, Bosnich moved to London and signed for Chelsea – but his off-field issues and “rock star” lifestyle were catching up with him and he was sacked after failing a drug test after just seven appearances at Stamford Bridge.
An irrepressible character, Bosnich courted controversy throughout his career, often finding himself in the tabloids for all the wrong reasons – but no one can question his love for the game and sheer ability as a goalkeeper.
After hitting his lowest ebb and taking some time out of the game, he returned to Australia for a guest stint with Central Coast Mariners and after a long a difficult journey, one of western Sydney-s finest products finally returned to the Australian football community.
Where does Bozza rank in western Sydney’s history? Have you say below…
