After eight seasons away and eight clubs in-between, the journeyman is likely to make his return against Adelaide United tonight.
But, 32 year-old Carney has always been reluctant to call a club ‘home’ having played for 14 different clubs across England, Spain, Australia, America, Scotland and even Uzbekistan. Is the Sky Blues’ playing field the perfect platform for the Australian or has coach Graham Arnold got his head in the clouds?
Critics have questioned the wisdom of Carney’s signature with the striker accused of disturbing and disrupting clubs before his association with them turns sour.
Ask Sydney defender Matt Jurman, however, and Carney is the sweetest deal on the menu.
"He's (Carney) had a good career and he's been probably the most dangerous player for Newcastle this year, so to get him on our side is a positive thing,” Jurman said.
“He'll be good for us, particularly with the busy schedule coming up once the ACL starts.”
Carney was released by the Jets and let off the final four months of his contract in order to make a return to Sydney, with coach Scott Miller insisting that Newcastle's relationship with the striker never faltered.
"I don't know what happened there with him and Newcastle, so I can't really comment, but players switching clubs mid-season happens in football all the time and I'm sure it won't be the last time it happens,” Jurman said.
The key to Jurman’s confidence in their new signing stems from Arnold’s own assessment of the new front-man. Trust is a clear focal point when it comes to the player-manager relationship at Sydney.
"It's got nothing to do with me and the rest of the players, it's what 'Arnie' wants, and if he thinks someone can come in and help the team move forward then that's fine with us," Jurman said.
"Sometimes coaches like to speak to the player to find out what his motivations are and how he'll integrate with the rest of the boys in the change-room. It's part of their job and there's nothing unusual about that."
Carney is included in the squad for Sydney's huge A-League game against Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium tonight, live on SBS2 from 7:25pm.
Whether he starts the game or comes off the bench remains to be seen. What is known, is that after successive losses to Melbourne Victory and Brisbane Roar, Sydney need a positive result if they want to remain in the title race.
"It's a big game and we've trained well this week and we're confident going in," Jurman said.
"Hopefully we can play well, create the chances, score goals and take the three points home to make it a big weekend for us.”
