Winger Strives to Revitalize Struggling Wanderers

Morgan Winslow

Published: January 25, 2026 4:42 AM ET

Winger Strives to Revitalize Struggling Wanderers

Ryan Fraser is set to make his debut for the Western Sydney Wanderers, as the team seeks to revitalize its season. This match against Perth Glory will mark the first game under new head coach Gary van Egmond, following the departure of Alen Stajcic.

Fraser Cleared for Debut

The official announcement of Fraser’s signing came on Friday. His international clearance was finalized just in time for the match at CommBank Stadium. The 31-year-old winger previously played in the English Premier League for clubs like Southampton, Newcastle United, Bournemouth, and Aberdeen.

Fraser’s Commitment

“My aim is to help the club in any way I can as we start climbing the league,” Fraser stated. He expressed enthusiasm about joining the Wanderers, highlighting his desire to aid the team in its quest for improvement. “There’s still a lot to play for this season,” he added.

Coaching Changes Amid Struggles

The Wanderers find themselves at the bottom of the A-League table, having collected just 12 points from 13 matches this season. This disappointing performance led to Stajcic’s departure earlier in the week. Van Egmond has been appointed as the new coach until the season’s end.

Van Egmond’s Insights

Van Egmond acknowledged the current standings: “The ladder doesn’t lie.”
He emphasized the commitment of the players as they approach the second half of the season.
Van Egmond believes in the potential for improvement with the remaining games.

Perth Glory’s Perspective

Perth Glory’s coach Adam Griffiths is aware of the threats posed by a struggling Wanderers team. He noted that the Wanderers have been “a little bit unlucky” in their past performances. Griffiths also acknowledged that new coaching strategies could impact the game dynamics.

Looking Ahead

The match promises to be a compelling showdown, as both teams look to assert their presence in the A-League. With Fraser’s introduction and van Egmond’s leadership, the Wanderers aim to turnaround their fortunes and shift away from the bottom of the table.