Sydney FC’s newest fan favourite Aaron Gurd ready to step up after shock at A-League debut

In-between training and match preparations for only his second A-League match today, young gun Aaron Gurd has pinched himself more than a few times after making an unexpected debut.

Sydney FC player Aaron Gurd. Pic: Supplied

He describes himself as “just an ordinary bloke’’ from Sydney’s northern beaches who likes to do normal things like gaming and hanging out with mates.

A youngster who has loved football from the moment he stared playing as a seven-year-old.

A young gun who graduated from the Sydney FC Academy to make his A-League debut last week at just 20 and who is on track to start in his second game on Sunday.

It’s no surprise new fan favourite Aaron Gurd is still reeling from the last week of his life.

“It’s all a bit surreal actually’’ said the young gun, bought in to fill a gap left by injured Sydney FC captain Alex Wilkinson and part of Sydney FC’s 3-1 win against champions Western United 3-1 at AAMI Park in round two of the A-League.

Sydney FC player Aaron Gurd. Pic: Supplied

“I’m just an ordinary bloke from Frenchs Forest who went to an ordinary school.

“I didn’t expect it all to happen so quickly. Now I’ve made my debut it’s important for me to perform.’’

Gurd is delighted football fans have got behind his elevation to the senior side with “Gurd is the word’’ spreading across social media when his debut was made public.

“I think they like to see young players come out of the Academy,” said Gurd, who enrolled with a modelling agency to earn money before getting his contract. “It’s really nice.”

Sydney FC player Aaron Gurd at training. Pic: Supplied

Gurd, who sprang to attention when he scored in his club debut in the recent Australia Cup match, has always been a Sydney FC fan.

The former Forest high student started his football journey at Wakehurst football at seven, moved to Manly United FC and played there for a number of years before being scouted by Sydney FC Academy coaching staff.

Gurd is expected to take the pitch in Sydney FC’s round three home game against Adelaide United on Sunday at Allianz Stadium.

MATCH DETAILS

A-League Rd 3

Sydney FC v Adelaide United

Sunday, October 23

Allianz Stadium, Sydney

Kick Off: 3:00pm AEDT

Gates Open: 2:00pm AEDT

Originally published as Sydney FC’s newest fan favourite Aaron Gurd ready to step up after shock at A-League debut