Premier League prodigy turned A-League star Jack Rodwell reveals why Aussie soccer’s newest attraction would be a big no-go in England
- A-League will launch the first ‘Unite Round’ in Sydney this weekend
- Double headers at multiple locations Friday through Sunday
- Sydney FC defender Jack Rodwell believes the concept will be a hit with fans
One-time Premier League wonder Jack Rodwell is a fan of the A-League’s first ‘Unite Round’, which is being held this weekend, but the Sydney FC star has revealed why he thinks the concept wouldn’t work in England.
Speaking to Ny Breaking Australia after the launch of the initiative in Sydney on Thursday, the Sky Blues defender highlighted the problem of fanaticism spilling over into fan violence in England.
This weekend’s A-League matches will make sporting history as football becomes the first code in Australia to ever host a full men’s and women’s round in one city.
“I really like the concept and I’m sure the supporters this weekend will too,” said Rodwell.
“They get to see games back to back at the same venue and in Premier League terms it would be exciting, but it’s hard to see it happening.”
Premier League wonder Jack Rodwell is a fan of the A-League’s first ‘Unite Round’ but doubts the concept would work in England
The Sky Blues defender pointed out the fanaticism at matches in Great Britain – which often results in fan violence
Rodwell’s Sydney FC teammates take on Adelaide United in the second match at Allianz Stadium on Saturday – and many eyes will be on electric Reds winger Nestory Irankunda.
“He is an exciting prospect and at 17 he has everything going for him, especially after signing for Bayern Munich,” he said.
“Adelaide are a good team and we have won three in a row, so it should be a good game for our fans.
‘Unfortunately I’m not going to play. I felt my calf go last week (against Brisbane Roar), so it’s a day-to-day approach, I just have to manage.
‘People always ask me how I react when I get into trouble and have to miss matches… it’s tough, you have to be mentally resilient.
“But I love the game, that’s why I’ll keep doing everything I can to get back.”
Rodwell made his Premier League debut aged just 16 (pictured, as a teenager in 2010) – and has since endured an injury-interrupted career
A subsequent scan showed Rodwell had suffered a calf tear and he is expected to be sidelined for eight weeks.
The man who was once touted as England’s next great player at the end of the season after making his debut for Everton at the age of 16 is open to offers.
“My preference is to stay at Sydney FC, they are a great bunch of guys and the manager (coach Ufuk Talay) likes to play with high intensity, which I like,” the 32-year-old said.
‘That’s why I’m careful when I come back. I wanted to be top fit so I can play at the level I know I can.
“Hopefully I can stay within the club’s plans, my family love living in Sydney.”