Stags Can Outfox Sailors

Defender Fox believes Tampines are able to 'get the job done' in high-stakes SPL game

- David Lee

During his three seasons in the Indian Super League, he was known as the Fox in the box.

But instead of being a predatory striker, Dylan Fox is a defender who earned the moniker for his aerial prowess and crucial clearances in his own penalty area.

Come Feb 26, the new BG Tampines Rovers centre-back's defensive qualities will come in handy when the second-placed Stags attempt to rein in high-flying Singapore Premier League (SPL) leaders Lion City Sailors at the Bishan Stadium.

For someone who has played in blistering 40 deg C weather in India and below freezing point in Finland, Fox is confident he can stay cool and turn on the heat when required.

With a disarming smile, the 30-year-old told The Straits Times: "I'm strong in my duels, vocal and consistent and I'm a leader in my actions.

"It's like a switch and how some people get the 'white line fever' and become a different person on the pitch.

"I'm soft-spoken now, but if someone doesn't do something I want them to do in the game, I'll let them know. That's how a centre-back should be."

The 1.86m defender was born in Northern Ireland, but followed his Australian mother Down Under when he was six and grew up playing semi-professional football in the National Premier Leagues in New South Wales, evolving from a defensive midfielder into a central defender.