Rockdale Ramsay’s next stop on fascinating football journey

Ex-A-League Men’s player and Philippines international Iain Ramsay becomes the newest star in National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s as he looks to create history with Rockdale Ilinden. 

It’s been more than a decade since Ramsay stepped onto a pitch in the NPL NSW Men’s competition, but he does so with his eyes firmly set on silverware.

Since his stint with Sydney Olympic FC in 2010, the skilful winger has played for various teams in Australia and Asia. On his Asian journey, Ramsay has featured in Iran, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Thailand, witnessing the exponential growth of football in that region.

The 35-year-old said he had so many great memories of his time abroad but the one that comes to the fore is his achievements with the Filipino national team. He etched himself into Filipino football folklore playing his part in securing the Philippines their first-ever AFC Asian Cup finals birth.

However, this wasn’t always what Ramsay dreamed of.

Following his youth career in Scotland then his time at Olympic, the Australian-born talent moved into the ALM with Adelaide United and Melbourne City. Despite his eagerness to break into the Socceroos set-up, his move to Iran in 2015 opened that door to making history with the Philippines.

“It’s something that I look back on and that I’m proud of what I have achieved with the Philippines national team,” Ramsay said.

“I still remember especially playing our home games in the national stadium and it was practically a sell-out to get behind the team to ensure that we qualified for the Asian Cup.

“The atmosphere was electric. In terms of the support and the atmosphere that they create, it’s second to none.”

Closing his latest chapter in Asia, Ramsay said he’s returned to Australia following the birth of his third child. Family is of paramount importance for Ramsay. He explained that this was the right moment to spend more time with his wife who has supported him during a unique but demanding nine-year career in Asia.

He’s showing no signs of slowing down his football though, signalling his intention to still kick it around for a while yet. For now, the winger has been thrust into a fierce three-way title battle in the NPL NSW Men’s.

His new team Ilinden need to make up points on APIA Leichhardt who are currently three ahead with a game in hand at the top, while also needing to leapfrog Marconi Stallions.

Ramsay stated that he doesn’t feel there is much between the teams at the top so he remains confident Rockdale can overturn the deficit and snatch the trophy.

“I’ve been blessed to play in Asia for as long as I have but it was becoming difficult in terms of travelling back and forth,” Ramsay explained.

“So far, working with Rockdale in training seeing the quality that they have in the team in terms of the mixture of youngsters and experienced boys, I think why not?

“With hard work and consistency, hopefully we get some momentum.”

Rockdale will seek to rectify their shock 4-0 defeat to Wollongong Wolves in round 21, against Western Sydney Wanderers on Saturday night.

Feature by Timothy Gibson, on Twitter @Timg123_