Wanderers midfielder Nick Fitzgerald recaps his first week of pre-season at the club and looks back on the links he has with the current Wanderers squad.
Growing up in the Western Sydney region, Fitzy played his junior football for local clubs such as Castle Hill, Blacktown City and the Australian Institute of Sport.
It was here where Fitzy met some Wanderers along the way, before embarking on his Hyundai A-League journey which has seen him play for Central Coast Mariners, Brisbane Roar, and Melbourne City.
“I know a lot of players (at the Wanderers), few from Melbourne City and a few I grew up playing with who are still at the Wanderers,” said Fitzy.
“It’s a really great environment here at the club, all the boys are close. Getting together before training, after training, by getting together it’s a good environment.
“Brendan Hamill, I’ve played all my junior football with and Kearyn Baccus as well.
“So to be back playing with those guys and seeing them develop through their career, as well as representing Western Sydney is great for the game and great for the region.”
With the entire squad returning last Monday to start pre-season, Fitzy believes this is an important time for the team to get to know each other and understand what the coaching staff want to achieve.
“Pre-season is very important, especially with the new players coming in,” said Fitzy.
“It’s about getting to know each other and getting to know the way that we work together.
“Markus Babbel has come in from a very high standard of coaching and playing, which is important, so we need to learn what he wants and needs from us. Also, JP has come in and adds another great pedigree to the team.
“The boys look really sharp and we’re working on a lot of different things, I think we will be great this season.”
