VIDEO: Wanderer Ryan Telfer discusses goal scoring streak, returning to the CPL and what's surprised him about Halifax

It was not the most auspicious of starts.

His signing, to put it bluntly, was met with an uncharacteristic Maritime coolness, a collective thumbing of the nose usually reserved for politicians but in this case, pointed towards a player who had infamously shushed The Kitchen and forever earned the ire of a fanbase. And then he signed for them. Some questioned his resolve, while others pointed out that he had just turned 30-years old, which is to suggest he was too old or too slow or both.

But three months into the season, the Wanderers faithful have changed their tune when it comes to Ryan Telfer. The Trinidad and Tobago international has worked his way into the good graces of Halifax's footballing crowd, showcasing a mixture of offensive prowess and versatility at a time when the Wanderers desperately needed both. He's arguably been one of their most consistent performers to date.

In an exclusive one-on-one interview with The Wanderers Notebook, Telfer said he feels the club has found its form and he's happy to be doing his part. All of the off-pitch stuff, he noted, isn't something that concerns him.

"I didn't take that into the least consideration," Telfer explained. "Wherever I go, it's first and foremost to play football and represent the club. I just came here to help these guys out."

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The start of the season was a disaster for the Wanderers, making pundits and fans question if this was really the same side that had shredded every club record in 2023. Part of their slow start can certainly be attributed to an injury-plagued pre-season; Telfer himself picked up an injury which caused him to miss most of the scheduled exhibition matches. The injury also cost him a chance to represent his country for an important match against Canada.

"I was kind of disappointed to miss out on most of pre-season," he said. "I'm just happy to be back and somewhat healthy now."

Amidst the turmoil, Telfer was able to get fit enough to start the season versus Pacific, his versatility put to the test over the next few matches as head coach Patrice Gheisar used him as a left wing-back, attacking midfielder, left wing and then striker. Like any player, Telfer has a position or two he favours, spaces he likes to find, but said he welcomed the chance to contribute with so many of his teammates injured.

"I do what I can for the team, obviously," he said.

And Gheisar is fully aware of Telfer's positional fluidity, citing it as one of the attacker's strengths.

"What it comes down to is his adaptability, to play in the system we want and to be the player we ask him to be," he explained.

"He's kind of like a back to goal No. 9 but can drop into pockets and is extremely athletic and strong to stretch the game. That's literally what we needed and credit to Ryan. He's done an exceptional job meeting everything I've asked him to do."

Lately, the Wanderers are back to their winning ways, unbeaten in five and on a two match winning streak. It's no coincidence that this good run of form lines up perfectly with Telfer's move to the centre-forward role as he's scored in heaps, playing the much needed finisher to Halifax's creative attack. He's only made 11 appearances for the Wanderers but is somehow sixth all-time on the club's goal scoring list. And if he continues at this rate, he could be easily move up a few more places. He has five goals to his name this campaign.

"One of the great parts about the way I play is my ability to dribble and go at guys and be positive in that position," Telfer said of playing as an attacker and looking at options. "It doesn't matter if it's right or left, it's about whatever space the defender gives me."

Count Gheisar in as one of the people hoping Telfer continues to perform as the Wanderers look to try and make up ground in their hunt for the playoffs.

"The momentum that we have, we have to keep this going," he said.

Cover Photo Credit: Trevor MacMillan / Halifax Wanderers FC