A frustrating season could have a memorable ending for Sydney FC striker Patrick Wood, who has a new lease of life at the Sky Blues following the departure of Ufuk Talay.
Wood, 23, came off the bench at AAMI Park on Saturday night to score the only goal in Sydney’s 1-0 A-League elimination final win over Melbourne Victory.
“It’s been a long season, so I was stoked to do something for the team in a positive manner,” Wood said ahead of his team’s two-legged semi-final battle with premiership winners Newcastle.
“I fell out of favour under ‘Uffy’ (Talay), then a new coach came in and new opportunities arose.”
Wood has appeared in the five games Talay’s replacement Patrick Kisnorbo has overseen.
“‘PK’ said when he first got here that it was going to be a clean slate for all players, so that was refreshing for the boys who were on the outer,” Wood said.
“He’s been the best thing for the group with his refreshing energy. He’s a good guy. He’s so positive with us all.”
However, despite Kisnorbo having enjoyed an unbeaten five-match run, the title-winning mentor isn’t guaranteed the Sydney job next season, which has left the off-contract Wood feeling unsure about his future.
“It’s an awkward one because you want to know what’s going on with your future, but you don’t know because of the uncertainty with who is going to be coaching,” the former Australian under-23 international said.
“The focus is getting through this finals series and lifting the trophy, and then we’ll reassess what happens.
“I’ve just got to put my best foot forward for the team, and the rest will take care of itself.”
Wood felt the pressure was on Newcastle – who apart from winning the Premier’s Plate also lifted the Australia Cup – ahead of Saturday night’s first-leg at Allianz Stadium.
“We’ve got nothing to lose,” he said.
“They’ve won everything this season, but we’ve got a coach who has won the A-League and players in our squad who have lifted championships.
“That experience in these next couple of games will definitely come into play, and it will benefit us.”
