One of Australia's most reliable and entertaining shot stoppers, Clint Bolton has been a standout figure for the red and white in our opening six matches.
A brilliant shot stopper, Bolton has kept us alive on a number of occasions by producing remarkable saves which have prevented certain goals.
At a club which boasts the names Aloisi, Sibon and Colosimo, it is often the man in-between the sticks whose efforts are overshadowed.
His calming influence brings a modelled professionalism to the side, surely indicative of his domestic experience which has seen him represent the sky blues on 110 occasions (winning two Championships and one Premiership) and amassing 300 NSL appearances (winning the Championship twice).
Bolton brings further experience to the squad through international club honours such as playing in the 2007 Asian Champions League, 2005 FIFA Club World Championship and winning the 2005 OFC Club Championship in Tahiti. Whilst some may regard these tournaments as trivial, they surely have exposed him to a wide variety of football standards and have added to the wealth of experience that is Clint Bolton.
The fact that Sydney have slumped to last and conceded the most goals is perhaps an indication that they are missing the man who had provided the experience, reliability and composure that empowered them to complete last year's double.
Despite his impeccable domestic record, Bolton has only been capped 4 times by the Socceroos (keeping a clean sheet on every occasion). Trying to force yourself into a national side and oust players like Mark Schwarzer, Mark Bosnich and Ċ½eljko Kalac was never going to be easily achieved, especially when your opposition have plied their trade at some of Europe's biggest clubs.
At 35 years of age, the international future of Bolton remains uncertain with Schwarzer being the undisputed first choice, but if he can recreate the form which saw him win the inaugural Sydney FC Player of the Year he could be called upon once more.
If we're to contest the finals in our inaugural season, it will undoubtedly be because of this man and his efforts throughout the season.
