Graham Dorrans is playing in front of fans – and the former Dundee and West Brom man says that pals are jealous of his unique circumstances.
The midfielder has enjoyed a great career in football, taking in spells with West Brom, Norwich City and Rangers among others. After his spell with Dundee came to an end earlier this term, he jetted out to Australia and the A-League.
Dorrans is out down under. (Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group via Getty Images)
Now with Western Sydney Wanderers and facing a derby with Sydney FC in front of as many as 20,000 fans, he says he’s loving fans in grounds (Sydney Morning Herald): “Back home, they’re really struggling at the minute, a little bit more than here.
“I know there has been a small outbreak [in Sydney] but I don’t think it’s anything compared to what it’s like back home. In Scotland everything closed down, all shopping centres, restaurants – families are stuck in the house, which is difficult.
“I’ve had messages and phone calls from my mates, they’re very jealous that we can get out and about and fans can get into the games – they all follow football and have been disappointed the whole season.
Enjoying life on the other side of the world. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)
“Fans make football and it’s not easy when they’re not at the games. I grew up going and watching the Old Firm as a fan. Playing in it was totally different. It’s incredible. I captained Rangers as well, which was a huge honour for me.
“When you’re walking out of the stadium you can literally not hear a thing that anyone’s saying to you. Your teammates are shouting instructions and there’s nothing you can hear. I switched my phone off for the week – you get mates and everyone calling you all week so I just switched it off and focused on football.”