Dylan Fox made his debut on the Indian soils as Northeast United FC got the better of Mumbai City FC in their season opener. The 26 years old defender was a pretty sought after name, considering his exploits donning the Wellington Phoenix jersey. After bagging several accolades in the A league, Dylan was pretty stoked to be joining the Indian Super League.
As he was asked about his journey in the A league with Wellington Phoenix and Central Coast Mariners Dylan answered,
“My stints at both the Wellington Phoenix and Central Coast Mariners were very positive. My stint at the Wellington Phoenix made me grow and mature as a player, I took the experience from my time there playing next to Centre Backs with lots of games under their belts. Signing at the Central Coast Mariners and becoming a first-team player week in week out helped me even more and I feel now that I’m coming into my prime years as a Centre Back and can’t wait to showcase that on the pitch this season in the ISL.”
As the star defender is set to reunite with his former teammate Roy Krishna in the ISL, but this time in a contrasting position as they would be playing against each other, Dylan added, “Roy and I have a great relationship on and off the field, getting to train and mark him every day in training at the Phoenix could only have been a positive for me! He’s a great player and I can’t wait for the battles we will have on the field together! I’m sure he would say the same.”
ISL has picked up its ever increasing pace and we have witnessed an exodus of A league players migrating into the league, to comment on the same, the Northeast defender said,
“I think we’re finding ourselves in a situation where the A-league has stagnated for a few seasons, whilst the ISL has grown exponentially in all aspects. I believe the Australian players that have made the move into India have always had the thought of testing themselves in another country and it will be a positive to see many familiar faces here most weeks!
“The ISL is becoming a good league by Asian standards, but the exciting part is that it is still growing, improving, and on an upward curve in all aspects. The ISL is an excellent place to play football and I want to continue improving as a player here at NorthEast United. What attracted me most was the welcoming and family-like feeling I got since the first time talking to the head coach and management. The supporters are also incredibly passionate and fanatical, which I love,” he added.
The experienced Centre back is also looking forward to have a constructive influence on the Northeast side brimming with youngsters. “The squad is young and hungry for success this season. I will bring my experience and leadership skills from years in the A-league and rub shoulders with the younger boys on and off the field in a positive way so that we reach our goal as a team.”
Dylan is currently plying his trade under Gerard Nus -the youngest manager in the league- who has worked wonders for Northeast United FC as they eye on to keep up with their defeat-less momentum. Dylan spoke about the head coach with high regard as he was quoted, “My thoughts are very high. He’s someone who is young and has had so much experience all over the world, I can’t wait to play under him and return his faith in singing me. Yes, we have communicated and the whole team is clear with our vision and goals for this season in the ISL.”
The players will be adapting to the unfamiliar surroundings with all the Covid protocols in place, Dylan felt quite relieved to be playing in India as he said,
“I have prepared myself in the best way possible as I’m sure every player has. Yes, there’s obstacles that every team has to face but I feel safe playing here this season in Goa as I know it’s sheltered and I’m in a good environment with my team mates.”
The Highlanders stand on the cusp of their 6 year long trophyless drought, Dylan affirms about breaking the jinx, “I think this season is a unique one, with the squad we have there’s no reason why we can’t make it a special one and bringing much-awaited joy to the passionate fans of NorthEast.” And the one thing he’s looking forward to is, in his words, “Winning games with my teammates and bringing success to NorthEast.”
On an ending note Dylan praised the passionate Northeast fans as he expressed his gratitude by saying, “Thank you for your ongoing support the whole squad needs you behind us this season!”
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