After recent stints over in Hong Kong and Perth, Jerrad Tyson has described his return to the Western Sydney Wanderers as a ‘homecoming’.
The 26-year-old goalkeeper, who was a member of the Wanderers squad from 2012 to 2014, has returned to his old stomping ground after signing a one-year deal for the upcoming A-League season.
Tyson made three appearances for the Wanderers in his first two years at the club, keeping three clean sheets in his two AFC Champions League matches and his sole A-League start.
Speaking with the Weekender, the Tasmanian-born product said he was excited to be back in familiar territory.
“I said to a few of the boys that I felt like I drove to training on the first day with my eyes closed. It just felt natural, like I never left,” Tyson said.
“I’m looking forward to being a part of the new structure and set-up at the Wanderers as well as working with some of the new coaching staff.
“I think this is going to be a really big year for me and hopefully I reach my potential.”
Following his original stint at Western Sydney, Tyson departed the club for an 11 game run with Sun Pegasus before re-joining the A-League via Perth Glory.
Whilst at Perth Tyson was again met by Ante Covic, the former Wanderers keeper who forced Tyson to warm the bench for all but one A-League game.
While Tyson admits he learnt a lot under the more experienced Covic during their time at the Wanderers, he is pleased both have finally gone their separate ways.
“It’s been a bit of an unwelcome love affair really,” he said.
“Ante and I have always got on really well and when the time comes that I do get an extended run on this team, I’ll certainly utilise some of the things I learnt under him. I’m sure that’ll put me in good stead to perform well.”
When the A-League returns this October, Tyson is again expected to be the number two goalkeeper at the Wanderers – this time behind Andrew Redmayne who enjoyed a stellar first year with the club last season.
While it’s too early to tell what Tyson’s role will be next season, he is ready to put pressure on Redmayne to perform.
“I go into every season with expectation and the intention that I want to play,” Tyson said.
“Obviously I want to make a contribution to the team on the field, and although it’s something I haven’t had the opportunity to do in the last couple of seasons, it’s certainly something that I’m coming to the club this season to do.
“This is a really good opportunity to start striving for that number one spot.”
Nathan Taylor
Nathan Taylor is the Weekender's Deputy Editor and Senior Sports Writer. He also compiles the weekly Chatter on the Box TV column. Nathan is an award-winning journalist, who has worked at the Weekender for a decade.