- Harrison Devenish-Meares is Sydney FC’s no.1 goalkeeper
- Previous stint in Romania was unforgettable for many reasons
Sydney FC goalkeeper Harrison Devenish-Meares has opened up about the ruthless mentality of professional football in Romania – and how much his game has improved in the A-League under Sky Blues coach Ufuk Talay.
In a wide-ranging interview with the Daily Mail, the articulate shot-stopper reflected on his senior football journey to date ahead of Saturday’s Big Blue against Melbourne Victory – and it has been colourful to say the least.
After first entering a professional environment via the US College system in 2017 with the South Florida Bulls where he was a standout, Devenish-Meares ended up in Romania.
Stints with powerhouse club Rapid Bucharest, SSU Politehnica Timisoara plus CS Tunari followed – and when results didn’t go according to plan at times, some fans wanted blood.
‘It was certainly a different pace to America, it was super competitive and a real learning curve,’ the gloveman said.
‘I went from living in a College dorm to playing alongside seasoned pros who demanded excellence every day.
Sydney FC goalkeeper Harrison Devenish-Meares has opened up about the ruthless mentality of professional football in Romania
Devenish-Meares won silverware in Romania – but when results didn’t follow at times, angry supporters launched coins and lighters at him during matches
‘When we won, it was like a wedding… but when we lost, it was like a funeral.
‘I had coins thrown at me, lighters….even car tyres were slashed at certain games.
‘On occasion, riot police got involved.’
In 2023, Devenish-Meares returned to Australia and signed with Sydney-based semi-professional club Rockdale.
A number of eye-catching performances between the sticks caught the eye of Sydney FC, and after only training with the first grade squad initially, a contract eventually followed.
The 29-year-old displaced Andrew Redmayne as the first-choice goalkeeper, and is now one of the first names on Talay’s team sheet each week.
‘He (Talay) just sees the game differently, tactically he is phenomenal,’ Devenish-Meares said.
‘You only have to look at his career…. it speaks for itself and he clearly picked up on many things when playing at top clubs in Europe.
In 2023, Devenish-Meares returned to Australia – and it didn’t take long to become Sydney FC’s first-choice goalkeeper
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In terms of his future, Devenish-Meares is relishing his time in the A-League – but the door remains ajar to a return overseas (pictured, in action against Newcastle Jets)
‘His passion and knowledge is incredible, all the boys feed off his energy.’
Speaking ahead of this weekend’s Big Blue against Melbourne Victory at Leichhardt Oval, Devenish-Meares would love to play in front of a sell-out crowd.
‘It will be a great spectacle, we are playing well,’ he said.
‘Apart from the (round one) Adelaide game, everything is starting to gel.
‘You always want to play in big games, and the Big Blue is a fixture we all look forward to….a sea of Sky Blue will make for a great atmosphere.’
In terms of his future, Devenish-Meares is relishing his time in the A-League – but the door remains ajar for a return overseas.
‘I am an adventurous and ambitious person, so I would consider it,’ he said.
‘Be it the US, Europe or South America….you want to keep testing yourself.
‘(For now) I’m enjoying my time with Sydney (FC), I have satisfaction in my craft, it will be interesting to see what happens next.’
