How Socceroos Maty Ryan and Aaron Mooy are helping to increase Brighton's fanbase Down Under

Former Albion midfielder and Australian international Paul Reid believes Maty Ryan and Aaron Mooy are helping to boost Albion's profile Down Under.
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Ryan has made 100 appearances for Albion since joining in 2017. The 28-year-old goalkeeper has been a consistent performer for Brighton and also has 59 caps for Australia, having made his senior debut in 2012.

Mooy, 29, joined the Seagulls from Huddersfield at the start of the campaign. The midfielder was initially on loan but his impressive displays prompted the club to make the deal permanent.

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Mooy is also a key member of the Australian team and the midfielder has represented his country 43 times and scored six times.

The duo, who are both from Sydney and attended the same school of Westfield Sports High, are two of the most well-known footballers in their country and Reid believes they are helping Brighton create a new fan-base on the opposite side of the globe.

There is also an increasing following on social media for Brighton in Australia thanks in a large part to Seagulls Downunder. Their profile states: "Supporting the Albion from the other side of the planet. Over 500 members covering over 3000 miles." Their picture also has Albion's club badge projected on to the Sydney Opera House.

So are Albion popular Down Under? "Definitely, because they (Ryan and Mooy) are regulars and two of the most influential players in the Socceroos’ squad," said Reid who made 94 appearances for Brighton having joined from Bradford in 2004.

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"I would not say that people have been converted just yet to support the Albion instead of the likes of Man United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham, but I would not be surprised if they are becoming their second team.

Brighton's Australian internationals Maty Ryan and Aaron MooyBrighton's Australian internationals Maty Ryan and Aaron Mooy
Brighton's Australian internationals Maty Ryan and Aaron Mooy

"I have always been a Liverpool supporter since a young age but I now watch more Premier League games that the Albion play on TV here than Liverpool.

"It is always great to see Aussies doing well and being major contributors overseas, especially in the top leagues in Europe.

"We don’t have enough Socceroos in the best leagues, which happened ten to 15 years ago when we got out of the group stages at the World Cup.

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"To compete at the highest level in international tournaments you need your best players playing at the highest possible level."

Paul Reid in action for Brighton in 2005Paul Reid in action for Brighton in 2005
Paul Reid in action for Brighton in 2005

Reid was just 28 when he left Albion in 2008. He went on to play for Adelaide United, Melbourne Heart and Insee Police United (Thai Premier League) before signing for A-League Sydney FC for 2012/13.

Reid, 40, stopped playing professionally after that season and was offered the manager-community programmes role at Sydney FC, while playing amateur football for Rockdale City Suns until 2019.

He is also assistant coach at Sydney FC, which involves recruitment of players and also keeping an eye out for talented youngsters who could potentially make a career in the European leagues.

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Reid was said to be key in negotiations as Brighton are on cusp of boosting their Aussie contingent by signing one of Australia's most talented youngsters Cameron Peupion.

The 17-year-old Sydney FC midfielder is close to agreeing a three-year contract with Albion.

"Now that I am at Sydney FC, I am hoping to be able to recommend some Aussies to clubs like the Albion," Reid added.

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