Long serving Sydney FC players Sebastian Ryall and Rhyan Grant have penned new deals to stay at the A-League club until the end of the 2016/17 season.
The two-year contract extension means Grant, who has only every played for the Sky Blues since joining them as a youth player in 2008, will remain with the club for a ninth season.
The 23-year-old has played in virtually every position during his 86 appearances.
But coach Graham Arnold said after his side’s 4-2 win over the Central Coast on Saturday, in which Grant scored a long-range missile, he sees the utility becoming the permanent right-back for the side.
“Rhyan is a fantastic player to have at my disposal,” Arnold said on Tuesday.
“His willingness to support the team and be able to cover various positions makes him a great utility but we do see him now cementing a role in one place.
“Seb is very much part of the future of the club and I can see him going on to be a long term fixture here.”
Both Grant and Ryall were part of the triumphant Sydney who side who claimed the championship and premiers’ plate in 2009/10.
Grant said he could see the club reaching similar heights under Arnold.
“I’ve been at Sydney FC since I was a seventeen year old, I couldn’t fathom playing for any other A-League club,” he said.
“I’ve enjoyed winning silverware at Sydney FC and under head coach Graham Arnold I believe we can claim further trophies, so to be extending my stay under Arnie is really exciting.”
Ryall, who joined Sydney in 2009 from Melbourne Victory, is one of only five Sky Blues players to have made over 100 appearances for the club and is second on the club’s all-time A-League appearances chart (121) behind Terry McFlynn (178).
“The club has big ambitions to win many more A-League titles and compete at the highest level in Asia and I’m delighted that I have the chance to be a part of it,” the 25-year-old defender said.
Both players will be available for Saturday’s heated derby against the Western Sydney Wanderers at Pirtek Stadium.
The Bear
Guest
I wonder if they included an early release clause for Ryall. Physical comedy act Lano & Woodley are looking to freshen up and reunite.
The Bear
Guest
Zing
Waz
Guest
I'll take a 6 :)
Josh
Guest
This thread just isn't the same without a trademark Seb Ryall comment from Kasey.
Batou
Guest
I believe there are three judges in diving, maybe the other two will give you higher scores.
britesparke
Roar Rookie
Awww..jeez! Only 1 out of ten! Hard marker you are. I am having a hard time trying to replicate the effort of Ryall in the pool -just cannot get my appeal right. ;-)
Batou
Guest
Britespark, for that effort I give you 1 out of 10. Please try harder next time... Waz, you got a 6.
britesparke
Roar Rookie
Actually Ryall turned down a last minute offer for inclusion in the men's diving team at the next Olympics - obviously he took the next best gig! ;-)
Kane Cassidy
Roar Guru
I'm very excited for Rhyan Grant, that is an excellent sign of faith in a player who has had some horrid injury issues, but as we saw on the weekend there is plenty for him to give. That makes 10 players off-contract at the end of the season, I'm keen to see who passes the Arnie test.
SVB
Guest
Very good. I thought he was going to sign on with the Roosters so he could improve his rugby tackling.
Waz
Guest
I heard Ryall tripped over the back of his chair on the way in to signing ..... just sayin'