No Fulham, no cry - Cyrus stuck out his neck for Swans

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." A tale of two cities certainly rings true for the season just completed by Republic of Ireland international Cyrus Christie.

London town and Fulham Football Club is where the versatile defender began his journey ahead of the 2021-22 season, but for one reason or another it soon began a solo run, isolated from his team-mates, left to train alone, and deemed surplus to requirements before a ball had even been kicked.

Manager Marco Silva spelt it out quite clearly to the player that he was not in his plans, claiming that he had five right backs in his squad and the Ireland defender was essentially sent to Coventry.

Not a return to the midlands club where Christie spent four seasons from 2010 to 2014, but rather the activity of ostracization, with the player not even allowed into the training ground when anyone else was there.

"It was tough, the first six months," said Christie, reflecting on what were essentially his final days at the Craven Cottage club.

"At times I wasn't allowed at the training ground when anyone was in there. I’d go to train on my own a lot of the time.

"I was playing out of position, in midfield as a central defensive midfielder under him (Marco Silva). It was very different. He had a lot of players to choose from.

"The manager made a decision. That’s football. I didn’t cry about it. I just got on with it. I came in every day with a smile on my face, and waited for my opportunity."

Despite interest from the continent, opportunity finally knocked in the form of a loan deal with fellow Championship club, Swansea, as Christie moved west to Wales in January to see out the rest of the season under the guidance of former Scotland international Russell Martin.

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