MARGAO
FC Goa have completed the signing of defender Dylan Fox from NorthEast United FC. The Australian put pen to paper on a one-year contract with the club after completing the formalities on Tuesday.
Fox replaces compatriot James Donachie as a like-to-like replacement and is expected to form a strong defensive pairing at the back with Ivan Gonzalez. The Highlanders were keen to extend Fox’s contract, but the player chose to join the Gaurs.
Speaking to fcgoa.in after sealing his switch to Goa, Fox said: “I am thrilled at having completed the signing. FC Goa was in touch ever since the season was over and it was a move both of us wanted. Last season, I grew to appreciate the kind of football they play and I really wanted to be part of the team. And that was a feeling that was reciprocated. I can’t wait to get started.”
FC Goa’s Director of Football, Ravi Puskur also sounded excited at having completed the swoop. He said, “We’re pleased to bring Dylan on board. He was a very instrumental player in NorthEast United’s campaign last year and we will he fit be a good fit in our system as well. His knowledge, experience of the league is an added benefit and we expect him to settle into the team in no time.”
The 27-year-old moves to FC Goa having made 21 appearances for the Highlanders last season. He played a crucial role in their campaign, helping Khalid Jamil’s side finish third on the league table before bowing out to ATK Mohun Bagan in the semifinals. The centre-back earlier spent four seasons in the A-League playing for Wellington Phoenix (3 seasons) and the Central Coast Mariners.
The Gaurs were also offered players from Iran, Tajikistan, Australia, and an ASEAN country, with a defender from Iran being their second and one from Tajikistan their third choice respectively, but they opted for an ISL-experienced player in Fox. Donachie had earlier returned to the A-League after his loan spell with FC Goa concluded and an Asian player had to be signed to fill the mandatory Asian spot in the squad, which will now be filled by Fox.
