...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
.
Monday, August 18, 2008
The Second coming of the Messiah is apon us!
Behold our saviour has returned...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
.
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
The wonderful world according to Ernie Merrick
VICTORY coach Ernie Merrick has defended his decision to allow Kaz Patafta to join Newcastle Jets and claimed Melbourne still have young star quality.
Patafta arrived at Victory on a one-year loan from Portuguese giant Benfica in June last year and made 14 Hyundai A-League appearances for the club, scoring his first goal against Wellington Phoenix in Round 20.The 19-year-old played in four of Victory’s AFC Champions League 2008 matches and was mutually released from his Benfica contract last month.
But instead of staying with Victory where he was frequently sidelined and denied a starting role, Patafta has opted for a move to the Hunter Valley.
Victory Coach Ernie Merrick said the club didn’t want to stand in the way of Patafta’s ambitions and will look to add to both its senior and youth squads with further youngsters.
“Kaz is a promising young player and we don’t want to stand in his way of trying to secure a regular first-team position,” Merrick said.
“Kaz sees more opportunities with Newcastle and we wish him all the best for the future.
“We currently have five quality players aged 20 or younger – Leigh Broxham, Sebastian Ryall, Mitchell Langerak, Evan Berger and Nathan Elasi – and we’ll continue to sign more exciting youngsters to strengthen our first-team and our new National Youth League side.”
Now Patafta is looking forward to his new club and the chance to be a first team regular at last.
“It’s been a great season in Melbourne and I’ve really enjoyed my time here,” Patafta said.
“I’ve learnt a lot both on and off the field from everyone at Victory and I’ve been happy living in this great city for the past 12 months.
“At this point in time it’s important for me to aim to be playing regularly, which I believe is the only way to improve at senior level.
“I’m really looking forward to a new challenge and trying to prove and cement myself as a regular first-team player.”
Wow he is so right, why do we need Kaz when we have quality youngsters like Broxham, Ryall, Berger and Elasi... and to think i was going to write to my friend Cole again asking for his resignation.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Belated GSE News
So there hasnt been much posting for the last month. Fuck I've been pretty busy and very fucking lazy. So here we go as I try to cram in as much news as I can:
1. Former Liverpool winger Harry Kewell has revealed his desire to finish his career in the United States, with New York his preferred destination.
The 29 year old told the press in Australia where he is on international duty: "Playing there (in the USA) is certainly something I'd consider. Not now, but further down the line. You never know. I do love the place."
Kewell who was married in Las Vegas and takes frequent holidays in America made it plain that he would be more than happy to finish his career in the MLS.
He said: "I love it, I love the place."
The Australian captain, who joined Liverpool from Leeds United in 2003, has made only eight league starts this season as injury, poor form and a host of new arrivals at Anfield curtailed his first team chances.
2. West Ham defender Christian Dailly could be set for a permanent move to Rangers.
The Scottish defender fell down the pecking order at Upton Park last season under boss Alan Curbishley and spent most of the campaign at Ibrox.
3. A Freddie Sears brace gave England's under 19s the perfect start in their European Championship Elite Round qaulifiers.
Sears scored both of England's goals as Brian Eastick's side beat Poland 2-0 in Minsk this morning - the first of three qualifying games they will play this week. Sears - partnered in the team by fellow Hammer James Tomkins - opened the scoring on the half hour mark before securing all three points five minutes from time from the penalty spot.
4. Things are moving fast for Orlando Engelaar these days. After another impressive season with Twente, he’s now building a reputation for himself with the Netherlands as well and looks set to seal a dream move to a major club.
The likes of Ajax, PSV Eindhoven, Olympique de Marseille and West Ham United are all interested in signing the 1.98-metre tall midfielder, but he says he favours a transfer to Fred Rutten’s Schalke.
5. A planning application to bulldoze Green Street's famous Queens pub has been submitted by developers St.Modwen.
St.Modwen - who describe themselves on their website as 'a prestigious city-oriented UK based company which specialises in the regeneration of brownfield and urban environments' - plan to pull down the famous pub and nearby market, a regular haunt of Hammers fans on matchday.
In its place will go a new market hall plus 350 luxury apartments - although there are no plans to replace the pub, which recently underwent a revamp courtesy of brewers Scottish & Newcastle.
An artists impression of the new Queens Market developmentSt.Modwens are no strangers to controversy having been previously involved with the Brighton West Pier fiasco in which their Heritage Lottery funding was suddenly withdrawn. The Heritage Lottery Fund withdrew their offer to cover the costs after it was revealed that St.Modwen's claim for £19 million was some £6 million higher than alternative plans.Visit Friends of Queens Market for more details on the campaign to save the existing market.
www.friendsofqueensmarket.org.uk
1. Former Liverpool winger Harry Kewell has revealed his desire to finish his career in the United States, with New York his preferred destination.
The 29 year old told the press in Australia where he is on international duty: "Playing there (in the USA) is certainly something I'd consider. Not now, but further down the line. You never know. I do love the place."
Kewell who was married in Las Vegas and takes frequent holidays in America made it plain that he would be more than happy to finish his career in the MLS.
He said: "I love it, I love the place."
The Australian captain, who joined Liverpool from Leeds United in 2003, has made only eight league starts this season as injury, poor form and a host of new arrivals at Anfield curtailed his first team chances.
2. West Ham defender Christian Dailly could be set for a permanent move to Rangers.
The Scottish defender fell down the pecking order at Upton Park last season under boss Alan Curbishley and spent most of the campaign at Ibrox.
3. A Freddie Sears brace gave England's under 19s the perfect start in their European Championship Elite Round qaulifiers.
Sears scored both of England's goals as Brian Eastick's side beat Poland 2-0 in Minsk this morning - the first of three qualifying games they will play this week. Sears - partnered in the team by fellow Hammer James Tomkins - opened the scoring on the half hour mark before securing all three points five minutes from time from the penalty spot.
4. Things are moving fast for Orlando Engelaar these days. After another impressive season with Twente, he’s now building a reputation for himself with the Netherlands as well and looks set to seal a dream move to a major club.
The likes of Ajax, PSV Eindhoven, Olympique de Marseille and West Ham United are all interested in signing the 1.98-metre tall midfielder, but he says he favours a transfer to Fred Rutten’s Schalke.
5. A planning application to bulldoze Green Street's famous Queens pub has been submitted by developers St.Modwen.
St.Modwen - who describe themselves on their website as 'a prestigious city-oriented UK based company which specialises in the regeneration of brownfield and urban environments' - plan to pull down the famous pub and nearby market, a regular haunt of Hammers fans on matchday.
In its place will go a new market hall plus 350 luxury apartments - although there are no plans to replace the pub, which recently underwent a revamp courtesy of brewers Scottish & Newcastle.
An artists impression of the new Queens Market developmentSt.Modwens are no strangers to controversy having been previously involved with the Brighton West Pier fiasco in which their Heritage Lottery funding was suddenly withdrawn. The Heritage Lottery Fund withdrew their offer to cover the costs after it was revealed that St.Modwen's claim for £19 million was some £6 million higher than alternative plans.Visit Friends of Queens Market for more details on the campaign to save the existing market.
www.friendsofqueensmarket.org.uk
Friday, May 9, 2008
Diva Vote
Thursday, May 8, 2008
West Ham to Buy Out Players Contracts
West Ham United have offered midfielder Freddie Ljungberg a £3 million pay-out to leave Upton Park.
The Times says Ljungberg has three years remaining on the four-year contract he signed when he joined the club from Arsenal last summer. The compensation package is less than his salary of about £3.9million a year - £75,000 a week.
West Ham could make similar compensation offers to Lucas Neill and Luís Boa Morte, the forward, who are among the higher-earning players. The club have been looking for a new right back to replace Neill, the Australia player who earns about £65,000 a week and has a year left on his contract.
The Times says Ljungberg has three years remaining on the four-year contract he signed when he joined the club from Arsenal last summer. The compensation package is less than his salary of about £3.9million a year - £75,000 a week.
West Ham could make similar compensation offers to Lucas Neill and Luís Boa Morte, the forward, who are among the higher-earning players. The club have been looking for a new right back to replace Neill, the Australia player who earns about £65,000 a week and has a year left on his contract.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
A League Rumors
Watched the first half of the Melbourne Victory game last night. Fucking rancid. Switched over to the Adelaide game which was much more enjoyable. Nathan Burns is a star.
1. Source have indicated that Scott Chipperfield may make his way to Melbourne Victory before the new season to strengthen their backline.Additionally, Bangkok news reports have stated that impressive Brazilian striker Ney Farbiano (who scored the first goal against Victory in their 3-1 Champions League defeat in Bangkok) will leave Chonburi FC after their next CL tie against Gamba Osaka and come to Australia. Melbourne Victory are the most likely candidate for this move, as they have had first-hand experience with Ney Farbiano.
2. Adelaide United have been monitoring the position of Troisi for sometime and have contacted his agent about becoming Adelaide's U23 Marquee with the imminent departure of Burns and Djite.
3. PERTH Glory have added two new names to the roster for next season with the signings of attacking midfielders Adriano Pellegrino and Argentinean Adrian Trinidad.Trinidad will link-up with Ivory Coast striker Eugene Dadi, Englishman James Robinson and local stars Jamie Harnwell and Nikita Rukavytsya in a revamped Glory attack that Coach Dave Mitchell is confident will register plenty of goals on a consistent basis.
4. Also check out the GSE giving some stick to those mofo's at SBS. http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/blogs/halftimeorange/cruyff-when-football-comes-second-110115/#article2
1. Source have indicated that Scott Chipperfield may make his way to Melbourne Victory before the new season to strengthen their backline.Additionally, Bangkok news reports have stated that impressive Brazilian striker Ney Farbiano (who scored the first goal against Victory in their 3-1 Champions League defeat in Bangkok) will leave Chonburi FC after their next CL tie against Gamba Osaka and come to Australia. Melbourne Victory are the most likely candidate for this move, as they have had first-hand experience with Ney Farbiano.
2. Adelaide United have been monitoring the position of Troisi for sometime and have contacted his agent about becoming Adelaide's U23 Marquee with the imminent departure of Burns and Djite.
3. PERTH Glory have added two new names to the roster for next season with the signings of attacking midfielders Adriano Pellegrino and Argentinean Adrian Trinidad.Trinidad will link-up with Ivory Coast striker Eugene Dadi, Englishman James Robinson and local stars Jamie Harnwell and Nikita Rukavytsya in a revamped Glory attack that Coach Dave Mitchell is confident will register plenty of goals on a consistent basis.
4. Also check out the GSE giving some stick to those mofo's at SBS. http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/blogs/halftimeorange/cruyff-when-football-comes-second-110115/#article2
West Ham Rumors
1. Sunderland boss Roy Keane is moving for West Ham striker Carlton Cole.
The Mirror says Keane has made a £2million inquiry for the former England Under-21 striker.
But Celtic boss Gordon Strachan and Middlesbrough's Gareth Southgate have also been in contact with the Hammers, who are ready to sell Cole as part of a big clear-out this summer.
2. Tottenham are making a bid for West Ham United defender Anton Ferdinand.
The Sun says the Hammers snubbed a £4million offer for the central defender when Martin Jol was Spurs boss.
But new Tottenham manager Juande Ramos is ready to up the fee to £6m to land the former England Under-21 star.
Hammers boss Alan Curbishley has been told he must trim his huge squad before he can go on a summer spree.
West Ham have six centre-backs on the books and with James Tomkins, 19, pushing for a first-team spot, Curbs may let Ferdinand go.
(I reckon that this rumor is bullocks. We might be willing to let Anton go but why would Spuds want him. They've already got Dawson, King (when he's fit), Woodgate and Kaboul (shit). Would be surprised if they went to sign another high profile defender when their midfield is full of crap 6/10 players)
3. A host of clubs are queuing to speak with off contract Newcastle United fullback Stephen Carr.
Everton, West Ham, Celtic, Wolves and Queens Park Rangers all are chasing the veteran
(Are you fucking serious?)
4. West Ham United are moving for Wolves winger Michael Kightly.
The Mirror says the Hammers are lining up a £3.5million summer raid on Wolves for Kightly.
Former Southend trainee Kightly, 22, has been a revelation at Molineux since arriving in November 2006 from non-League Grays for a nominal fee. Wanderers badly missed the England Under-21 star when he injured an ankle last November and spent most of five months sidelined.
(Not sure what to think about this one. Have heard huge wraps on this guy, but whether we sign him or not is going to depend on whether or not we can clear out our bloated midfield)
The Mirror says Keane has made a £2million inquiry for the former England Under-21 striker.
But Celtic boss Gordon Strachan and Middlesbrough's Gareth Southgate have also been in contact with the Hammers, who are ready to sell Cole as part of a big clear-out this summer.
2. Tottenham are making a bid for West Ham United defender Anton Ferdinand.
The Sun says the Hammers snubbed a £4million offer for the central defender when Martin Jol was Spurs boss.
But new Tottenham manager Juande Ramos is ready to up the fee to £6m to land the former England Under-21 star.
Hammers boss Alan Curbishley has been told he must trim his huge squad before he can go on a summer spree.
West Ham have six centre-backs on the books and with James Tomkins, 19, pushing for a first-team spot, Curbs may let Ferdinand go.
(I reckon that this rumor is bullocks. We might be willing to let Anton go but why would Spuds want him. They've already got Dawson, King (when he's fit), Woodgate and Kaboul (shit). Would be surprised if they went to sign another high profile defender when their midfield is full of crap 6/10 players)
3. A host of clubs are queuing to speak with off contract Newcastle United fullback Stephen Carr.
Everton, West Ham, Celtic, Wolves and Queens Park Rangers all are chasing the veteran
(Are you fucking serious?)
4. West Ham United are moving for Wolves winger Michael Kightly.
The Mirror says the Hammers are lining up a £3.5million summer raid on Wolves for Kightly.
Former Southend trainee Kightly, 22, has been a revelation at Molineux since arriving in November 2006 from non-League Grays for a nominal fee. Wanderers badly missed the England Under-21 star when he injured an ankle last November and spent most of five months sidelined.
(Not sure what to think about this one. Have heard huge wraps on this guy, but whether we sign him or not is going to depend on whether or not we can clear out our bloated midfield)
5. West Ham United striker Bobby Zamora could be on his way in the summer.
The Mirror says Blackburn and Middlesbrough are tracking Zamora.
6. West Ham United are being linked with a £1m move for Turkish teenage sensation Muhammed Demir.
17-year-old Demir, who currently plays for Bursaspor is one of Europe's most promising youngsters and has also been linked with a number of presitgious clubs such as Barcelona and Seville.But reports in the Turkish press today suggest that West Ham have beaten off all competition to land the. Demir played and scored for Turkey in the 3-0 friendly win against Holland yesterday.
And also don't forget to vote in KUMB's annual awards http://www.kumb.com/awards_vote.php
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Noooooo! I Thought I had a Chance with her
Scarlett Johansson is now officially off the market.
(Van Wilder can kiss my ass)
The voluptuous 23-year-old is engaged to her 31-year-old actor boyfriend Ryan Reynolds, confirms her rep.
The two lovebirds have been dating for a year now, and are "thrilled" at their engagement.
(Van Wilder can kiss my ass)
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Arsene's on the drug that killed River Phoenix
Arsenal are in talks with Australia U23 captain Mark Milligan.
FoxSports Australia says Milligan, a free agent after three years at Sydney FC, has spent recent weeks training at several Premiership clubs, including Arsenal, Manchester City and Fulham.
Milligan's management has confirmed they're in talks with the Gunners about a move to Emirates stadium for the defensive utility.
Milligan, who played a season under Terry Butcher at Sydney, enjoys a big reputation in Europe after his superb campaign at right-back in the 2005 U20 World Championships in Holland.
This is apparently pretty legitimate, not the usual trash that tribalfootball puts out. He has missed a training camp in Townsville because he is thrashing out the details to his contract.
FoxSports Australia says Milligan, a free agent after three years at Sydney FC, has spent recent weeks training at several Premiership clubs, including Arsenal, Manchester City and Fulham.
Milligan's management has confirmed they're in talks with the Gunners about a move to Emirates stadium for the defensive utility.
Milligan, who played a season under Terry Butcher at Sydney, enjoys a big reputation in Europe after his superb campaign at right-back in the 2005 U20 World Championships in Holland.
This is apparently pretty legitimate, not the usual trash that tribalfootball puts out. He has missed a training camp in Townsville because he is thrashing out the details to his contract.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Ronaldo helps relieve the stress on Man Utd's pressure to retain Title
(The upcoming clash against West Ham must really be doing their head in)
In the Nick of Time for Ward
The exotic Asian stamps in Nick Ward's passport are an indication of how quickly the Melbourne Victory midfielder's life has changed.
Since returning to the A-League from the English Championship in December, Ward's career has been looking far brighter.
After helping spark a late season surge by Melbourne in the Hyundai A-League, Ward has found himself travelling all over Asia with the Victory in their inaugural AFC Champions League campaign.
And now the 23-year-old is excitedly looking forward to August's Beijing Olympics where he's likely to be a key member of the Olyroos.
'Things seem to be going a lot better for me,' Ward told ESPNsoccernet. 'I recovered from a hernia operation and I haven't missed any games.'
It's a far cry from his frustrating 16 month spell with QPR, visiting the likes of Burnley, Preston and Colchester, and getting loaned out to Brighton & Hove Albion.
Australian officials, including former Socceroo coach Graham Arnold, were less than enthusiastic about Ward's move to Loftus Road, believing the ex-Perth Glory star should either have stayed at home or aimed higher.
He was often played out of position by former manager John Gregory and then largely ignored by successors Mick Harford and Luigi Di Canio.
Ward made just 23 appearances for QPR and eight on-loan to Brighton, scoring two goals.
'Sometimes you don't always get along with the new manager, which happened to me,' he said. 'Everything happens for a reason.'
Ward's drab stay at QPR was brightened up by a budding friendship with former Manchester United and Socceroo goalkeeper, Mark Bosnich, who spent a few months training with the club in a return to football after drug and personal problems.
Ward intends to try his luck again in Europe, but is happy for the moment to be a bigger fish in the smaller sea in Australia, having extended his deal with Melbourne to include the 2008-2009 domestic season.
The A-League has been a showcase for Ward ever since his penetrative attacking skills with Perth Glory made such a big impression in the fledgling championship's debut season.
He became the first man to win the A-League's Rising Star Award, and, at the age of just 20, was voted the Perth Supporters' Player of the Year.
Facing up to Serbia, the Ivory Coast and defending champions Argentina in August's Olympic Games will provide the biggest challenge in Ward's career to date and be a possible springboard towards the 2010 World Cup with the Socceroos.
Although Ward has excelled for Australia's under-20 and under-23 sides - he came on as a substitute in the Olyroos' final qualifiers against Iraq and in North Korea last November - he's still yet to make his first senior appearance, having been an unused sub during for an Asian Cup qualifying match against Bahrain in 2006.
'I've been waiting for my first cap,' he admits. 'I thought it might have come a bit earlier.'
The likes of Tim Cahill, Harry Kewell and Mark Bresciano are ahead of him in the midfield pecking order, but Ward knows that upcoming matches with the Olyroos - and facing the bigger sides in the AFC Champions League with Melbourne Victory - will give him plenty of opportunities to catch the eye.
Q: Would it be fair to say that 2008 is turning out to be a much better year than 2007 was for you?
A: Yes, I would say that. Last year we did qualify for the Olympics so that was a high in 2007. But I definitely had some lows last year. Since coming back to Australia with Melbourne Victory I recovered from a hernia operation and things seem to be going a lot better. I haven't missed any games with Melbourne Victory and it's really good for me to look forward to the Olympics in August.
Q: How have you found playing in the AFC Champions League so far? What is it like facing Japanese opposition and have you noticed a style of play that's different to what you're used to?
A: I've enjoyed playing in the AFC. It's a lot higher standard than the A-League especially when you come up against a Japanese team like Gamba Osaka. They've got lots of international players. You can tell the quality, especially in their front third. If you give them opportunities, they tend to take them. I think that's what's cost us in the two games we played them.
Q: How do you look back on your time in England, at Queens Park Rangers and Brighton? What could you have done to have been more successful?
A: I have a few regrets in different ways. I was young. You learn from different things. I went to a club where it wasn't very stable. The first eight games were good: I thought I was playing reasonably well. Then managers change. Sometimes you don't always get along with the new manager which happened to me. I would have liked for it to have gone differently but you can only go with what happens. Everything happens for a reason. I'm happy where I am at the moment. Obviously I'd like to go back overseas but my main focus is to get over the groin injury which is still not completely gone.
Q: When you left for QPR, the FFA were against your move as they thought you should be aiming higher. With hindsight, can you see where they were coming from?
A: Not necessarily. The Championship is a big league and all you need to do is have a couple of good games and you could be picked up by a Premier League team. The main reason I went to a Championship team is that I was going to play every game. You see some of the other Aussie boys - around my age - who are in the Premier League but they're not playing. Q: After your excellent first season in the A-League with Perth Glory, what was it like coming back to the competition with Melbourne Victory?
A: It had changed a lot. The hype behind it, the interest from the public... it had changed. It's a lot bigger now. I definitely enjoyed coming back, even though I was carrying a pretty bad injury and was struggling through the last five matches and taking different painkillers. I've enjoyed it with Melbourne. They're a great team with some really good established players like Archie Thompson and Danny Allsopp and you've got good young players coming through like Leigh Broxham. I haven't got a bad word to say about it.
Q: How do you feel about the prospect of playing at the Olympics with the Socceroos given such a tough draw? How good is the next generation of players coming through?
A: When we qualified, it was sort of surreal. It took a little while to sink in. You get only one chance to play in the Olympics. It's a great honour to represent your country. The draw is a very tough one. Serbia are always good at youth and national level. Ivory Coast will be tough. Drogba's shown interest that he wants to play in the Olympics. And the Argentinians speak for themselves. I'm sure that we can do well. We've got a great team. We've been together for a few years now. We have a good understanding of each other and we have a good system. Graham Arnold's worked with us. I think they've done it right this time. We've played a lot of games together. I'm optimistic we can make it into the finals.
Q: You've sat on the bench for the Socceroos in an Asian Cup qualifier. How do you think you might fit into a full strength Socceroo side and is this something that you expect to happen soon?
A: I've been waiting for my first cap. I thought it might have come a bit earlier. I hadn't been playing so that hampered my chances. I got the injury as well. I might have got the chance earlier this year but with Pim (Verbeek) coming in, it wasn't to be. I think I could fit it. I've had a lot of experience with the younger teams& I've always been a starter with them. Obviously there are players ahead of me and I've got a lot to learn to come up to their standard. You've got Timmy Cahill, Mark Bresciano and those sorts of players ahead of you but all you've got to do is be given a chance and you never know.
Ronaldo accuses transvestite of extortion
Soccer stars just want to have fun and Ronaldo is no different. The soccer super spud decided to have him some fun Sunday night at a Rio de Janeiro motel, hiring some prostitutes for a little wink-wink which is completely legal in Brazil. Problem was that the hos were bros.
* Police are probing claims by AC Milan striker Ronaldo that a transvestite sought to extort money from him following an altercation at a motel.Police inspector Carlos Augusto Nogueira said that Ronaldo, who is recuperating from a knee injury in his homeland, contracted the services of three transvestites - believing them to be women - and took them to a Rio de Janeiro motel.
However, Ronaldo is then said to have tried to get out of the situation after one of the men went in search of drugs.
Two of them accepted pay-offs of 1,000 reais (£304), but Ronaldo has claimed that the third, named as Andreia Albertini, demanded 50,000 reais (US 30,000) and threatened to post a video on the internet if he was not paid.
The police also said that the transvestites have claimed that Ronaldo threatened to hurt them.
Nogueira said that Ronaldo had not committed any crimes by contracting the men, but he is looking into other claims.
"He just wanted to have fun and meet some other people outside his usual environment," Nogueira said.
"There is no crime at all."
He added: "He (Ronaldo) is quite shocked. He said he just wanted to have some fun and for the press not to be informed about this.
"Ronaldo told me he is suffering some psychological problems as a result of his injury"
(A clearly disappointed Ronaldo looks on as he realises the model has no male anatomy present)
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
The Boys at KUMB go through who stays and who goes at the end of this season.
Think they've hit the nail on the head with this one
West Ham United have confirmed that a number of first-team squad members face the chop this summer as Alan Curbishley is forced to reduce his playing staff.
Scott Duxbury revealed last week that Curbishley had been asked to reduce his squad to 24/25 players - or two decent options for each position.So join KUMB as we take a look through the squad to see whose positions are most at risk - and to see a list of the 12 players who we feel have most to fear ...
1. Robert Green - One of the most consistent players at the club this year, Curbishley will do all he can to hang on to the England keeper this summer although bids from other interested parties (possibly Arsenal) may be forthcoming.Stay/go: stay
2. Lucas Neill - Criticised at times this season for some below par performances but still a lynchpin in Curbishley's defence. Will only go if the club are made an offer they can't refuse.Stay/go: stay
3. George McCartney - As the only recognised left back at the club it would be folly to part with the popular Irishman who will feature highly in this year's end of season player polls.Stay/go: stay
4. Danny Gabbidon - The Welsh defender has been out of action since Christmas with a groin injury and has now slipped down the defensive pecking order. Rumours of a fall-out with Curbishley and interest from former club Cardiff could see our 2006 Player of the Year on his way out.Stay/go: go
5. Anton Ferdinand - Just over a year to go on his contract and no new offers from the club have left Ferdinand feeling jittery. However Curbishley is thought to be a fan and unlikely to let him leave without a struggle.Stay/go: stay
6. Matthew Upson - The club's most consistent defender this season, Upson is just about the safest player at the club. However his recent England call-up may have turned one or two heads.Stay/go: stay
7. Freddie Ljungberg - Despite having improved greatly in recent weeks the Swede is still a possibility for the axe due to his higher earnings and the number of players who can play in his position. The problem will be finding someone willing to pay his vast wages.Stay/go: stay
8. Scott Parker - Another to suffer massive injury problems this season, Parker will be a West Ham player next season having arrived for £7m less than a year ago.Stay/go: stay
9. Dean Ashton - The likes of Newcastle and Aston Villa are likely to be keeping an eye on developments in East London with Ashton still to find the form that earned him an England call-up two years ago. Should a high-enough bid come in Curbishley may be tempted to cash in although the likely fallout from the fans may be enough to dissuade such a move.Stay/go: stay
10. Craig Bellamy - Linked with a move to Championship outfit QPR but still has plenty to offer the top flight. Despite massive injury problems Bellamy is set to remain at the club next season.Stay/go: stay
11. Matthew Etherington - Recently signed a new four-year deal so a swift exit is highly unlikely.Stay/go: stay
12. Carlton Cole - Six goals this term may not be enough to save the big striker; the fact that his sheer size offers Curbishley a different option may be. However the right offer - perhaps from a newly promoted club - could tempt Curbs' to sell.Stay/go: go
14. John Paintsil - A cult figure but in all honesty, a pretty average defender. Paintsil - who was signed by Alan Pardew on the back of a good World Cup in 2006 - is one of the hot favourites to go.Stay/go: go
15. Nobby Solano - His current deal comes to an end this summer and it could well be a toss-up between him and Ljungberg to see who goes. The sheer amount of money invested in the Swede could mean the end for Nobby, who has been a big hit with the fans this season.Stay/go: go
16. Mark Noble - A no-brainer if Curbishley values his genitals.Stay/go: stay
17. Hayden Mullins - Several times he has been rumoured to be leaving the club but four years after moving from Crystal Palace the central midfielder remains a solid member of Curbishley's squad. Recent comments by the manager suggesting that Mullins is a bit of an unsung hero point to him remaining at United for a fifth year.Stay/go: stay
18. Jonathan Spector - A jack of all trades but master of none, Spector is going to struggle to hang on to his place in the first team squad when all are fit. However his sheer versatility might just be the very thing that saves him.Stay/go: stay
19. James Collins - Curbishley has a lot of time for the Ginger Pele, whose cruiate injury means he will be going nowhere as he will be benched until Christmas at the earliest.Stay/go: stay
20. Julien Faubert - With so little playing time this season Faubert is another who has it all to do next year. Despite the injuries - and comments made to Equipe earlier in the season regarding the club's trianing methods - the flying Frenchman stays.Stay/go: stay
21. Richard Wright - Already in an extended loan spell with Championship side Southampton, Wright will almost certainly go having complained earlier in the season about a lack of first team football. Stay/go: go
22. Tony Stokes - Another who is like to be moved on having failed to break through to the first team squad.Stay/go: go
23. Jimmy Walker - A hugely popular figure around the club despite barely featuring this season, Walker's lower-end-of-the-pay-scale wages could save him - especially if number two Wright does move on.Stay/go: stay
24. Christian Dailly - On loan with Rangers since the turn of the year, Dailly will offically leave the club this summer when his current deal expires.Stay/go: go
25. Bobby Zamora - Having barely featured this season Zamora is another under threat. However one of either him or Cole are almost certain to be retained; we think the Z-man, on past value, just has the edge.Stay/go: stay
26. Nigel Quashie - Will be moved on this summer if a buyer can be found (and assuming someone can find him first).Stay/go: go
27. Calum Davenport - Had he not broken his neck playing on loan at Watford in January he would have been one of the first out of the door having failed to impress. Like Collins, his injury means he will be going nowhere (until next January, at least).Stay/go: stay
28. Kyel Reid - Another who has failed to impress Curbishley, the young winger could be tempted by a move to Crystal Palace where he spent a successful spell on loan recently.Stay/go: go
29. Lee Bowyer - Started the season superbly but like many others spent the end of it on the treatment table. His numerous injuries are a concern and the right offer could tempt Curbishley to let one of his former proteges go. Stay/go: go
30. James Tomkins - Having finally broken through to the first team Tomkins is finally beginning to realise years of promise. Going nowhere.Stay/go: stay
32. Kieron Dyer - After missing virtually the entire season through injury Dyer is looking forward to returning to action next year. A huge investment, Curbishley will want to see some of his potential realised next season.Stay/go: stay
33. Henri Camara - Why he's still here is a mystery - as is why he was ever signed in the first place. Thankfully he's only on loan.Stay/go: go
34. Luis Boa Morte - Possibly the most under-threat of the big-money Curbishley signings. The fans just haven't taken to him and once that happens your days are usually numbered. The problem will be finding a buyer willing to pay a decent amount for a 31-year-old who cost £5 million just 18 months earlier.Stay/go: go
40. Fred Sears - Likely to be considered a fully-fledged member of the first team squad next season although a loan move may be on the cards should Curbishley sign another striker this summer to complement his existing options.Stay/go: stay
West Ham United have confirmed that a number of first-team squad members face the chop this summer as Alan Curbishley is forced to reduce his playing staff.
Scott Duxbury revealed last week that Curbishley had been asked to reduce his squad to 24/25 players - or two decent options for each position.So join KUMB as we take a look through the squad to see whose positions are most at risk - and to see a list of the 12 players who we feel have most to fear ...
1. Robert Green - One of the most consistent players at the club this year, Curbishley will do all he can to hang on to the England keeper this summer although bids from other interested parties (possibly Arsenal) may be forthcoming.Stay/go: stay
2. Lucas Neill - Criticised at times this season for some below par performances but still a lynchpin in Curbishley's defence. Will only go if the club are made an offer they can't refuse.Stay/go: stay
3. George McCartney - As the only recognised left back at the club it would be folly to part with the popular Irishman who will feature highly in this year's end of season player polls.Stay/go: stay
4. Danny Gabbidon - The Welsh defender has been out of action since Christmas with a groin injury and has now slipped down the defensive pecking order. Rumours of a fall-out with Curbishley and interest from former club Cardiff could see our 2006 Player of the Year on his way out.Stay/go: go
5. Anton Ferdinand - Just over a year to go on his contract and no new offers from the club have left Ferdinand feeling jittery. However Curbishley is thought to be a fan and unlikely to let him leave without a struggle.Stay/go: stay
6. Matthew Upson - The club's most consistent defender this season, Upson is just about the safest player at the club. However his recent England call-up may have turned one or two heads.Stay/go: stay
7. Freddie Ljungberg - Despite having improved greatly in recent weeks the Swede is still a possibility for the axe due to his higher earnings and the number of players who can play in his position. The problem will be finding someone willing to pay his vast wages.Stay/go: stay
8. Scott Parker - Another to suffer massive injury problems this season, Parker will be a West Ham player next season having arrived for £7m less than a year ago.Stay/go: stay
9. Dean Ashton - The likes of Newcastle and Aston Villa are likely to be keeping an eye on developments in East London with Ashton still to find the form that earned him an England call-up two years ago. Should a high-enough bid come in Curbishley may be tempted to cash in although the likely fallout from the fans may be enough to dissuade such a move.Stay/go: stay
10. Craig Bellamy - Linked with a move to Championship outfit QPR but still has plenty to offer the top flight. Despite massive injury problems Bellamy is set to remain at the club next season.Stay/go: stay
11. Matthew Etherington - Recently signed a new four-year deal so a swift exit is highly unlikely.Stay/go: stay
12. Carlton Cole - Six goals this term may not be enough to save the big striker; the fact that his sheer size offers Curbishley a different option may be. However the right offer - perhaps from a newly promoted club - could tempt Curbs' to sell.Stay/go: go
14. John Paintsil - A cult figure but in all honesty, a pretty average defender. Paintsil - who was signed by Alan Pardew on the back of a good World Cup in 2006 - is one of the hot favourites to go.Stay/go: go
15. Nobby Solano - His current deal comes to an end this summer and it could well be a toss-up between him and Ljungberg to see who goes. The sheer amount of money invested in the Swede could mean the end for Nobby, who has been a big hit with the fans this season.Stay/go: go
16. Mark Noble - A no-brainer if Curbishley values his genitals.Stay/go: stay
17. Hayden Mullins - Several times he has been rumoured to be leaving the club but four years after moving from Crystal Palace the central midfielder remains a solid member of Curbishley's squad. Recent comments by the manager suggesting that Mullins is a bit of an unsung hero point to him remaining at United for a fifth year.Stay/go: stay
18. Jonathan Spector - A jack of all trades but master of none, Spector is going to struggle to hang on to his place in the first team squad when all are fit. However his sheer versatility might just be the very thing that saves him.Stay/go: stay
19. James Collins - Curbishley has a lot of time for the Ginger Pele, whose cruiate injury means he will be going nowhere as he will be benched until Christmas at the earliest.Stay/go: stay
20. Julien Faubert - With so little playing time this season Faubert is another who has it all to do next year. Despite the injuries - and comments made to Equipe earlier in the season regarding the club's trianing methods - the flying Frenchman stays.Stay/go: stay
21. Richard Wright - Already in an extended loan spell with Championship side Southampton, Wright will almost certainly go having complained earlier in the season about a lack of first team football. Stay/go: go
22. Tony Stokes - Another who is like to be moved on having failed to break through to the first team squad.Stay/go: go
23. Jimmy Walker - A hugely popular figure around the club despite barely featuring this season, Walker's lower-end-of-the-pay-scale wages could save him - especially if number two Wright does move on.Stay/go: stay
24. Christian Dailly - On loan with Rangers since the turn of the year, Dailly will offically leave the club this summer when his current deal expires.Stay/go: go
25. Bobby Zamora - Having barely featured this season Zamora is another under threat. However one of either him or Cole are almost certain to be retained; we think the Z-man, on past value, just has the edge.Stay/go: stay
26. Nigel Quashie - Will be moved on this summer if a buyer can be found (and assuming someone can find him first).Stay/go: go
27. Calum Davenport - Had he not broken his neck playing on loan at Watford in January he would have been one of the first out of the door having failed to impress. Like Collins, his injury means he will be going nowhere (until next January, at least).Stay/go: stay
28. Kyel Reid - Another who has failed to impress Curbishley, the young winger could be tempted by a move to Crystal Palace where he spent a successful spell on loan recently.Stay/go: go
29. Lee Bowyer - Started the season superbly but like many others spent the end of it on the treatment table. His numerous injuries are a concern and the right offer could tempt Curbishley to let one of his former proteges go. Stay/go: go
30. James Tomkins - Having finally broken through to the first team Tomkins is finally beginning to realise years of promise. Going nowhere.Stay/go: stay
32. Kieron Dyer - After missing virtually the entire season through injury Dyer is looking forward to returning to action next year. A huge investment, Curbishley will want to see some of his potential realised next season.Stay/go: stay
33. Henri Camara - Why he's still here is a mystery - as is why he was ever signed in the first place. Thankfully he's only on loan.Stay/go: go
34. Luis Boa Morte - Possibly the most under-threat of the big-money Curbishley signings. The fans just haven't taken to him and once that happens your days are usually numbered. The problem will be finding a buyer willing to pay a decent amount for a 31-year-old who cost £5 million just 18 months earlier.Stay/go: go
40. Fred Sears - Likely to be considered a fully-fledged member of the first team squad next season although a loan move may be on the cards should Curbishley sign another striker this summer to complement his existing options.Stay/go: stay
WHU Rumors.
Editorial Summary on the following transfers: Stephen Carr, fuck. The list of has been shit-eaters continues to grow on our books. If we have to lose Green it better be for more than 8 million quid. Andy Johnson, overrated hack who will probably cost a fortune. I seem to remember him turning down a 100k per week salary when we went for him last summer. Is Dawson really that much better than any of the other CB's that we have? And finally, would only sell Deano if we could bring in someone of comparable stature/profile. I want Diego Milito and with Zaragoza bombing this season I don't see why we can't grab him.
1. Newcastle's Stephen Carr is once again being linked with a return to London.
Former Tottenham full-back Carr is out of favour on Tyneside and is once again being linked with a return South by the Daily Mirror.With his current contract set to expire in the summer and with no news of a new deal emerging from Newcastle the 31-year-old Irish defender is set to leave on a free transfer and, according to the Miror, is seen by Alan Curbishley as a good back-up option.Carr has spent the last four years in the North East since joining the Magpies in a £2m switch from Tottenham.
2. West Ham United goalkeeper Robert Green is being linked with a move to Tottenham.
A number of the weekend's tabloids claimed that the former Norwich man is Juande Ramos' main summer target, with the Spaniard said to be willing to pay as much as £8m in order to land his man.The 28-year-old goalkeeper has been in sparkling form this season and recently earned his first England call-up for three years.
3. Andy Johnson has told reporters that he has no intention of leaving Everton.
The striker has been linked with a move to West Ham since last summer but appears determined to remain at Goodison Park and fight for his place."I have seen the stories in the newspaper and they are absolute rubbish," he told the Daily Post."I have recently signed a new deal at Everton, which I was delighted to do. Of course there is competition for striking places here but I wouldn't have it any other way - and neither would the manager."
4. West Ham are being linked with a move for Tottenham's Michael Dawson.
The 24-year-old centre-half is rumoured to be surplus to requirements at White Hart Lane since Juande Ramos was installed as manager and could be set to leave three years after joining the North Londoners.With Alan Curbishley set to make changes in defence during the summer the former England under 21 is said to be one of the players on his radar.Dawson has been one of Tottenham's most regular performers this season. His only league goal this season came in the 1-1 against West Ham at the Boleyn Ground last November.
5. Today's Sun reports that Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan is weighing up a bid for West Ham United's Dean Ashton.
Steve Brenner reports that Keegan is lining up a double swoop for Ashton - who scored against the Magpies at the weekend - and Everton's Leighton Baines.Ashton - who moved from Norwich to East London in the 2006 January transfer window - has made 33 appearances for the Hammers this season, scoring nine goals.The Swindon-born striker began his career with Dario Grady's Crewe before joining Norwich in a £3 million switch in January 2005.
1. Newcastle's Stephen Carr is once again being linked with a return to London.
Former Tottenham full-back Carr is out of favour on Tyneside and is once again being linked with a return South by the Daily Mirror.With his current contract set to expire in the summer and with no news of a new deal emerging from Newcastle the 31-year-old Irish defender is set to leave on a free transfer and, according to the Miror, is seen by Alan Curbishley as a good back-up option.Carr has spent the last four years in the North East since joining the Magpies in a £2m switch from Tottenham.
2. West Ham United goalkeeper Robert Green is being linked with a move to Tottenham.
A number of the weekend's tabloids claimed that the former Norwich man is Juande Ramos' main summer target, with the Spaniard said to be willing to pay as much as £8m in order to land his man.The 28-year-old goalkeeper has been in sparkling form this season and recently earned his first England call-up for three years.
3. Andy Johnson has told reporters that he has no intention of leaving Everton.
The striker has been linked with a move to West Ham since last summer but appears determined to remain at Goodison Park and fight for his place."I have seen the stories in the newspaper and they are absolute rubbish," he told the Daily Post."I have recently signed a new deal at Everton, which I was delighted to do. Of course there is competition for striking places here but I wouldn't have it any other way - and neither would the manager."
4. West Ham are being linked with a move for Tottenham's Michael Dawson.
The 24-year-old centre-half is rumoured to be surplus to requirements at White Hart Lane since Juande Ramos was installed as manager and could be set to leave three years after joining the North Londoners.With Alan Curbishley set to make changes in defence during the summer the former England under 21 is said to be one of the players on his radar.Dawson has been one of Tottenham's most regular performers this season. His only league goal this season came in the 1-1 against West Ham at the Boleyn Ground last November.
5. Today's Sun reports that Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan is weighing up a bid for West Ham United's Dean Ashton.
Steve Brenner reports that Keegan is lining up a double swoop for Ashton - who scored against the Magpies at the weekend - and Everton's Leighton Baines.Ashton - who moved from Norwich to East London in the 2006 January transfer window - has made 33 appearances for the Hammers this season, scoring nine goals.The Swindon-born striker began his career with Dario Grady's Crewe before joining Norwich in a £3 million switch in January 2005.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Croatian Manager Living in 1999
(Extract from F365)
Party Like It's 1999
Like most right-thinking people, the Mediawatch is a massive fan of Slaven Bilic.
How could you not love a manager who chain smokes (it's cool and you know it) and plays in a Croatian rock band named 'Rawbau'?
And today we love him even more, thanks to his thoughts on where Jesper Olsen lookalike Luka Modric would be best served playing his football next season.
Here are those quotes in full: "I would be very happy if Luka finds a new club before Euro 2008. I would want this for all of my players who are looking for new clubs and are at the end of their contracts.
"As for Luka, Newcastle United are no doubt a big club - just behind the top five: Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham and Everton. "NUFC are in the range of Chelsea, Leeds United and Aston Villa but can invest a lot more money in new signings than let's say Tottenham. "Also it's more likely that Newcastle will be English champions than Tottenham. Luka wouldn't be making a mistake if he signs for The Magpies."
Brilliant stuff. Those quotes were brought to you directly by the year 1999.
Party Like It's 1999
Like most right-thinking people, the Mediawatch is a massive fan of Slaven Bilic.
How could you not love a manager who chain smokes (it's cool and you know it) and plays in a Croatian rock band named 'Rawbau'?
And today we love him even more, thanks to his thoughts on where Jesper Olsen lookalike Luka Modric would be best served playing his football next season.
Here are those quotes in full: "I would be very happy if Luka finds a new club before Euro 2008. I would want this for all of my players who are looking for new clubs and are at the end of their contracts.
"As for Luka, Newcastle United are no doubt a big club - just behind the top five: Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham and Everton. "NUFC are in the range of Chelsea, Leeds United and Aston Villa but can invest a lot more money in new signings than let's say Tottenham. "Also it's more likely that Newcastle will be English champions than Tottenham. Luka wouldn't be making a mistake if he signs for The Magpies."
Brilliant stuff. Those quotes were brought to you directly by the year 1999.
Stuart Downing: Wins biggest wanker competition/News that THO would appreciate
1. West Ham United are set to snap up Icelandic prospect Holmar Orn Eyjolfsson.
The 17 year-old defender is contracted to HK Kopavogur and West Ham are close to agreeing terms for the youngster.
2. Middlesbrough's England star Stewart Downing has revealed he's an amateur DJ!
In fact, he's more than an amateur, having already performed at some major night spots.
Obviously, in the season you can't do too much because you don't want to be out late or be drinking. In football, there are pressures but when you're DJ-ing there is more pressure. In football, you have your team-mates to help you out and you can put it right, but not up there. If you make a mistake it is just you in front of a few hundred people dancing," Downing told the Sunday Times.
"It's a lot more nerve-racking DJ-ing than playing football. I played the Purple Onion in 'Boro and I have done it in Ibiza at Eden and places like that. At Eden you can get a thousand people in there in different rooms. You've got to mix the tracks right. You don't want any clashing. It's a different challenge, a mental one. I play Funky House and I would love to do it more."
3. West Ham United midfielder Freddie Ljungberg may miss this summer's Euro2008 after suffering a cracked rib in his side's 2-2 draw with Newcastle.
The Sweden international was stretchered off at Upton Park in a first-half clash with Steven Taylor and manager Alan Curbishley revealed the player had been injured.
The former Arsenal man therefore becomes the latest player to join West Ham's lengthy absentee list.
Curbishley said: "I think Taylor has tried to leapfrog him and landed on him. He has been raked all down the side and front of his face and cracked a rib.
"That's another one out for us but we are hoping he will be okay for the Euros."
4. Tottenham have won the race to sign highly-rated Croatia midfielder Luka Modric from Dinamo Zagreb for a fee believed to be £15.8million.
The Premier League club have agreed personal terms with the 22-year-old, who was reportedly courted by many of Europe's top sides, and he will leave Zagreb for White Hart Lane this summer subject to his passing a medical.
Modric must also obtain a work permit but that will be a formality given his status as one of the continent's most coveted talents.
The 17 year-old defender is contracted to HK Kopavogur and West Ham are close to agreeing terms for the youngster.
2. Middlesbrough's England star Stewart Downing has revealed he's an amateur DJ!
In fact, he's more than an amateur, having already performed at some major night spots.
Obviously, in the season you can't do too much because you don't want to be out late or be drinking. In football, there are pressures but when you're DJ-ing there is more pressure. In football, you have your team-mates to help you out and you can put it right, but not up there. If you make a mistake it is just you in front of a few hundred people dancing," Downing told the Sunday Times.
"It's a lot more nerve-racking DJ-ing than playing football. I played the Purple Onion in 'Boro and I have done it in Ibiza at Eden and places like that. At Eden you can get a thousand people in there in different rooms. You've got to mix the tracks right. You don't want any clashing. It's a different challenge, a mental one. I play Funky House and I would love to do it more."
3. West Ham United midfielder Freddie Ljungberg may miss this summer's Euro2008 after suffering a cracked rib in his side's 2-2 draw with Newcastle.
The Sweden international was stretchered off at Upton Park in a first-half clash with Steven Taylor and manager Alan Curbishley revealed the player had been injured.
The former Arsenal man therefore becomes the latest player to join West Ham's lengthy absentee list.
Curbishley said: "I think Taylor has tried to leapfrog him and landed on him. He has been raked all down the side and front of his face and cracked a rib.
"That's another one out for us but we are hoping he will be okay for the Euros."
4. Tottenham have won the race to sign highly-rated Croatia midfielder Luka Modric from Dinamo Zagreb for a fee believed to be £15.8million.
The Premier League club have agreed personal terms with the 22-year-old, who was reportedly courted by many of Europe's top sides, and he will leave Zagreb for White Hart Lane this summer subject to his passing a medical.
Modric must also obtain a work permit but that will be a formality given his status as one of the continent's most coveted talents.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Big Danny V Sheffield Swap
The Mariners are poised to swap Danny Vukovic for Sheffield United's Paddy Kenny following the news on Vukovic's ban. The Mariners and The Blades formed an alliance earlier this year, and this will be the first test of it's usefulness. With Vukovic unable to play for the Mariners until October, Vukovic will be loaned to the Blades and Kenny will be loaned to the Mariners until that time. Once Vukovic's ban is ended, the Mariners and the Blades will then decide whether the loan should continue or not.
The loan is designed to keep Vukovic match fit and he will leave for the UK on his return from holidaying on Hayman Island.Lyall Gorman was instrumental in getting the alliance in place and was also instrumental in pushing for a fair hearing on Vukovic's sentence to keep his Olyroos dream alive. This loan deal. to be announced over the weekend, will demonstrate Gorman's business acumen.
The loan is designed to keep Vukovic match fit and he will leave for the UK on his return from holidaying on Hayman Island.Lyall Gorman was instrumental in getting the alliance in place and was also instrumental in pushing for a fair hearing on Vukovic's sentence to keep his Olyroos dream alive. This loan deal. to be announced over the weekend, will demonstrate Gorman's business acumen.
A League Ins and Outs
WHILE most A-League players were on holiday during April, there has been plenty of movement among the clubs as they all look to revamp their squads for next season.
Adelaide United and Melbourne Victory have had to delay their off-season break due to their participation in the AFC Champions League, but that has not stopped them adjusting their player rosters accordingly. Adelaide United have re-signed Nathan Burns (2 years), Lucas Pantelis (2 years), Michael Valkanis (1 year), Angelo Costanzo (1 year) and Daniel Beltrame (1 year) as well as adding Sasa Ognenovski from Queensland Roar (2 years) and Daniel Mullen from the AIS (1 year), with Bobby Petta, Dez Giraldi, Shaun Ontong, Robert Bajic and Milan Susak released by the club.
Melbourne Victory bolstered their squad for the AFC Champions League with the resigning of Daniel Vasilevski (2 years), Steven Pace (2 years) and Nick Ward (1 year) as well as adding Billy Celeski (Perth Glory – 1 year) and Tom Pondeljak (Central Coast Mariners – 2 years), with youngster Nathan Elasi and goalkeeper Steve Mautone on board as a short-term signings to provide cover during Asia’s premier club competition. The Victory released Adrian Caceres and Ljubo Milicevic.
Hyundai A-League 2008 Grand Finalists, the Central Coast Mariners, have had to rebuild following the departure of John Aloisi (end of contract), Tom Pondeljak (Melbourne Victory), Alvin Ceccoli (released) and the retirement of Tony Vidmar. Coach Lawrie McKinna has rewarded loyalty and performance by offering revised contracts to Nigel Boogaard (2 years), John Hutchinson (2 years), Mile Jedinak (2 years), Brad Porter (2 years), Matt Simon (2 years) and has also added Adrian Caceres from Melbourne Victory (2 years), Ahmad Elrich (Wellington Phoenix – 2 years) and former Australian Youth international Dylan Macallister from Norwegian club FC Lyn Norway (2 years).
Hyundai A-League 2008 Champions, the Newcastle Jets, will see a very different squad at pre-season training compared with the one that held the Championship trophy aloft at the Sydney Football Stadium in February. Gary Van Egmond has shown faith in his younger players and re-signed Tarek Elrich (2 years), Adam D'Apuzzo (2 years) and goalkeeper Ben Kennedy (2 years), whilst recently adding former Adelaide United Shaun Ontong (2 years) and young AIS striker Jason Naidovski (2 years). Leaving EnergyAustralia Stadium are Andrew Durante (Wellington Phoenix), Mark Bridge (Sydney FC), Denni (released), Jorge Drovandi (released), Steve Eagleton (retired), Troy Hearfield (Wellington Phoenix), Mario Jardel (released), Paul Kohler (released), Stuart Musialik (Sydney FC), Scott Tunbridge (released). With plenty of room left in the roster, Van Egmond is about to embark on a European scouting trip to eye potential signings. On his return to Australia, he will detour via Japan to assess the form of his star striker Joel Griffiths who is currently on loan at Avispa Fukuoka in the J-League Division 2.
David Mitchell begins his first full season as the Head Coach of Perth Glory and has the opportunity to construct a squad of his own. Jamie Harnwell (2 years), Jamie Coyne (2 years), James Robinson (1 year), David Tarka (1 year), Jimmy Downey (2 years)and Naum Sekulovski (1 year) have been re-signed and local Western Australian Josip Magdic and Ivorian Eugene Dadi have also been added to the club. The departure of Simon Colosimo (Sydney FC), Leo Bertos (Wellington Phoenix), Billy Celeski (Melbourne Victory) and Stan Lazaridis (released) will still leave Mitchell with a number of positions to full before the season starts.
Queensland Roar coach Frank Farina has travelled to Brazil during the off-season to visit Atletico Mineiro on a fact finding mission and will also be looking to add some new names to his team sheet after losing Sasa Ognenovski (Adelaide United), Reinaldo (Busan I'Park, Korea Republic), Simon Lynch (released) and Marcinho (released). Local favourites Josh McLoughan and Griffin McMaster have both been rewarded with 2 year contracts each. Young Queenslanders Tim Smits (Rochedale Rovers - QLD, 2 years) and David Dodd (Palm Beach - QLD, 2 years) along with AIS pair of Luke Devere and Isaka Cernak the have also recently joined the club for pre-season training.
Sydney FC has signed Qantas Socceroo John Aloisi (2 years) as the club’s new marquee player along with Simon Colosimo (Perth Glory – 2 years), Stuart Musialik (Newcastle Jets – 2 years) and Mark Bridge (Newcastle Jets – 3 years). Leaving Sydney are former club captain Mark Rudan (Avispa Fukuoka, Japan), Ufuk Talay (Avispa Fukuoka, Japan), David Zdrilic (released), Ruben Zadkovich (Derby County, England), Patrick (released) and Ben Vidaic (released), whilst Adam Biddle (to Blacktown City, NSW), Ivan Necevski (to Blacktown City, NSW), Nick Tsattlios (to Penrith Nepean, NSW) are all keeping sharp with a stint in the NSW Premier League.Although any deal to bring Juninho back to Sydney under the salary cap is understood to have fallen through, the club has yet to formally notify the FFA that he has been released ahead of next season.
After their inaugural season in the Hyundai A-League competition, the Wellington Phoenix has resigned Vince Lia (2 years) and added New Zealand International and Wellington local Leo Bertos from Perth Glory (2 years) and fellow Kiwi Ben Sigmund (Auckland City, NZ - 1 year) . Australians’ Andrew Durante (2 years - Newcastle Jets), Troy Hearfield (2 years - Newcastle Jets) and Jon McKain (2 years - from Politechnica Timisoara, Romania*) as well as Chinese import Lei lei Gao (MyPa, Finland) have also taken up new contracts in the New Zealand capital. Leaving the Phoenix are the foundation captain Ross Aloisi (retired), Steven O’Dor (released), Cleberson (released), George Paladini (released), Ahmad Elrich (Central Coast Mariners), Felipe (released), Kristian Rees (short-term player, released), Jacob Spoonley (released) and Steven Old (Macarthur Rams, NSW Premier League).
With still around three and half months to the kick-off of the Hyundai A-League 2008-09 season, Football Federation Australia will provide further updates at the end of May and June and again at the start of the season in August.
Adelaide United and Melbourne Victory have had to delay their off-season break due to their participation in the AFC Champions League, but that has not stopped them adjusting their player rosters accordingly. Adelaide United have re-signed Nathan Burns (2 years), Lucas Pantelis (2 years), Michael Valkanis (1 year), Angelo Costanzo (1 year) and Daniel Beltrame (1 year) as well as adding Sasa Ognenovski from Queensland Roar (2 years) and Daniel Mullen from the AIS (1 year), with Bobby Petta, Dez Giraldi, Shaun Ontong, Robert Bajic and Milan Susak released by the club.
Melbourne Victory bolstered their squad for the AFC Champions League with the resigning of Daniel Vasilevski (2 years), Steven Pace (2 years) and Nick Ward (1 year) as well as adding Billy Celeski (Perth Glory – 1 year) and Tom Pondeljak (Central Coast Mariners – 2 years), with youngster Nathan Elasi and goalkeeper Steve Mautone on board as a short-term signings to provide cover during Asia’s premier club competition. The Victory released Adrian Caceres and Ljubo Milicevic.
Hyundai A-League 2008 Grand Finalists, the Central Coast Mariners, have had to rebuild following the departure of John Aloisi (end of contract), Tom Pondeljak (Melbourne Victory), Alvin Ceccoli (released) and the retirement of Tony Vidmar. Coach Lawrie McKinna has rewarded loyalty and performance by offering revised contracts to Nigel Boogaard (2 years), John Hutchinson (2 years), Mile Jedinak (2 years), Brad Porter (2 years), Matt Simon (2 years) and has also added Adrian Caceres from Melbourne Victory (2 years), Ahmad Elrich (Wellington Phoenix – 2 years) and former Australian Youth international Dylan Macallister from Norwegian club FC Lyn Norway (2 years).
Hyundai A-League 2008 Champions, the Newcastle Jets, will see a very different squad at pre-season training compared with the one that held the Championship trophy aloft at the Sydney Football Stadium in February. Gary Van Egmond has shown faith in his younger players and re-signed Tarek Elrich (2 years), Adam D'Apuzzo (2 years) and goalkeeper Ben Kennedy (2 years), whilst recently adding former Adelaide United Shaun Ontong (2 years) and young AIS striker Jason Naidovski (2 years). Leaving EnergyAustralia Stadium are Andrew Durante (Wellington Phoenix), Mark Bridge (Sydney FC), Denni (released), Jorge Drovandi (released), Steve Eagleton (retired), Troy Hearfield (Wellington Phoenix), Mario Jardel (released), Paul Kohler (released), Stuart Musialik (Sydney FC), Scott Tunbridge (released). With plenty of room left in the roster, Van Egmond is about to embark on a European scouting trip to eye potential signings. On his return to Australia, he will detour via Japan to assess the form of his star striker Joel Griffiths who is currently on loan at Avispa Fukuoka in the J-League Division 2.
David Mitchell begins his first full season as the Head Coach of Perth Glory and has the opportunity to construct a squad of his own. Jamie Harnwell (2 years), Jamie Coyne (2 years), James Robinson (1 year), David Tarka (1 year), Jimmy Downey (2 years)and Naum Sekulovski (1 year) have been re-signed and local Western Australian Josip Magdic and Ivorian Eugene Dadi have also been added to the club. The departure of Simon Colosimo (Sydney FC), Leo Bertos (Wellington Phoenix), Billy Celeski (Melbourne Victory) and Stan Lazaridis (released) will still leave Mitchell with a number of positions to full before the season starts.
Queensland Roar coach Frank Farina has travelled to Brazil during the off-season to visit Atletico Mineiro on a fact finding mission and will also be looking to add some new names to his team sheet after losing Sasa Ognenovski (Adelaide United), Reinaldo (Busan I'Park, Korea Republic), Simon Lynch (released) and Marcinho (released). Local favourites Josh McLoughan and Griffin McMaster have both been rewarded with 2 year contracts each. Young Queenslanders Tim Smits (Rochedale Rovers - QLD, 2 years) and David Dodd (Palm Beach - QLD, 2 years) along with AIS pair of Luke Devere and Isaka Cernak the have also recently joined the club for pre-season training.
Sydney FC has signed Qantas Socceroo John Aloisi (2 years) as the club’s new marquee player along with Simon Colosimo (Perth Glory – 2 years), Stuart Musialik (Newcastle Jets – 2 years) and Mark Bridge (Newcastle Jets – 3 years). Leaving Sydney are former club captain Mark Rudan (Avispa Fukuoka, Japan), Ufuk Talay (Avispa Fukuoka, Japan), David Zdrilic (released), Ruben Zadkovich (Derby County, England), Patrick (released) and Ben Vidaic (released), whilst Adam Biddle (to Blacktown City, NSW), Ivan Necevski (to Blacktown City, NSW), Nick Tsattlios (to Penrith Nepean, NSW) are all keeping sharp with a stint in the NSW Premier League.Although any deal to bring Juninho back to Sydney under the salary cap is understood to have fallen through, the club has yet to formally notify the FFA that he has been released ahead of next season.
After their inaugural season in the Hyundai A-League competition, the Wellington Phoenix has resigned Vince Lia (2 years) and added New Zealand International and Wellington local Leo Bertos from Perth Glory (2 years) and fellow Kiwi Ben Sigmund (Auckland City, NZ - 1 year) . Australians’ Andrew Durante (2 years - Newcastle Jets), Troy Hearfield (2 years - Newcastle Jets) and Jon McKain (2 years - from Politechnica Timisoara, Romania*) as well as Chinese import Lei lei Gao (MyPa, Finland) have also taken up new contracts in the New Zealand capital. Leaving the Phoenix are the foundation captain Ross Aloisi (retired), Steven O’Dor (released), Cleberson (released), George Paladini (released), Ahmad Elrich (Central Coast Mariners), Felipe (released), Kristian Rees (short-term player, released), Jacob Spoonley (released) and Steven Old (Macarthur Rams, NSW Premier League).
With still around three and half months to the kick-off of the Hyundai A-League 2008-09 season, Football Federation Australia will provide further updates at the end of May and June and again at the start of the season in August.
Marek Hamsik
West Ham have become the latest club to enter the frame for Napoli shooting star Marek Hamsik.
Despite the Neapolitan side's best efforts to nip the transfer speculation in the bud by offering the highly talented 20-year-old midfielder a new contract despite the fact that he only just joined them last summer.
West Ham are hoping that their new technical chief Gianluca Nani will give them the edge, however, as he was the one who first signed Hamsik for Brescia in 2004.
Hamsik's agent has refused to be drawn out on any of the rumours, and when confronted about Chelsea's interest he simply said: "I cannot confirm nor refute this information."
"It has been published by Italian media, nothing about it has been in the English media," Juraj Venglos added.
"I don't want to make any further comments on this matter. Chelsea currently have different problems as they need to beat Manchester United to support their championship hopes."
Venglos did, however, confirm that they are currently engaged in talks over a new deal with Napoli.
"Of course, Napoli want to have Marek under the new contract," he added.
"The whole issue is not finished yet but it should be done in near future.
"The new contract will be preferable to Marek's current one. Most lately we have been discussing the length of the contract."
Despite the Neapolitan side's best efforts to nip the transfer speculation in the bud by offering the highly talented 20-year-old midfielder a new contract despite the fact that he only just joined them last summer.
West Ham are hoping that their new technical chief Gianluca Nani will give them the edge, however, as he was the one who first signed Hamsik for Brescia in 2004.
Hamsik's agent has refused to be drawn out on any of the rumours, and when confronted about Chelsea's interest he simply said: "I cannot confirm nor refute this information."
"It has been published by Italian media, nothing about it has been in the English media," Juraj Venglos added.
"I don't want to make any further comments on this matter. Chelsea currently have different problems as they need to beat Manchester United to support their championship hopes."
Venglos did, however, confirm that they are currently engaged in talks over a new deal with Napoli.
"Of course, Napoli want to have Marek under the new contract," he added.
"The whole issue is not finished yet but it should be done in near future.
"The new contract will be preferable to Marek's current one. Most lately we have been discussing the length of the contract."
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Random news which I haven't been keeping up with cause I'm getting reamed at work
1. Juventus consider Middlesbrough's Bosman prospect Schwarzer
2008 Juventus are eyeing Middlesbrough goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer for next season.
The Australia international is off contract in June and will be allowed to leave Boro at the end of the season.
Tuttosport says Schwarzer is being discussed at Juve as a potential understudy for No1 Gigi Buffon. The Bianconeri already boast one Australian keeper, Jess Vanstratten, on their books.
2008 Juventus are eyeing Middlesbrough goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer for next season.
The Australia international is off contract in June and will be allowed to leave Boro at the end of the season.
Tuttosport says Schwarzer is being discussed at Juve as a potential understudy for No1 Gigi Buffon. The Bianconeri already boast one Australian keeper, Jess Vanstratten, on their books.
2. West Ham chief Scott Duxbury admits there will be player sales this summer.
"Our squad is too big," said Duxbury in the Echo. "But we only plan to sell players that are not close to getting into the team.
"We have a very young, talented team and experienced star players - like Freddie Ljungberg, Craig Bellamy and Lucas Neill - are very important in helping those talents develop. They are role models."
3. Toulouse midfielder Achilles Emana continues to attract Premiership interest.
Newcastle United and West Ham are the latest English clubs to make recent inquiries about the Cameroon international.
Toulouse are seeking around £5.5 million for Emana.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
WHUFC/AUS Rumors (Zarate rumor is pick of the bunch)
1. West Ham United are ready to trump Birmingham City for striker Mauro Zarate.
The Sun says Hammers boss Alan Curbishley is planning an £18million raid for Argie striker Zarate.
Zarate, 21, is on loan at Birmingham from Al-Sadd in Qatar.
2. West Ham boss Alan Curbishley admits he and his players could miss out on some decent bonuses if they fail to finish in the top half of the Premier League.
The Hammers are 10th in the table after suffering their fifth loss in seven games against Portsmouth at Upton Park on Tuesday night.
It has been suggested that the team are coasting towards the end of the season but Curbishley insists that is not the case.
Curbishley said: "Everything this year, especially bonuses, is geared to finishing in the top 10 - and there is nothing for not being in the top 10.
"So for people to believe we have switched off is wrong. We need to be in that top 10 to take anything from the season.
"That's me as well, it's everybody, we are all in it. And that's why it is so disappointing to come up with flat performances like the one against Portsmouth.
"We thought it was a winnable fixture with them just having reached the FA Cup final, but it was a flat night all round which just got flatter.
"We didn't lift the crowd and they didn't lift us. Now in the last five games we've got to win two or three or we won't stay in the top half and the season will just fizzle out."
3. West Ham United boss Alan Curbishley has been told he needs to cut his squad numbers for next season.
The Daily Mail says Curbishley has been told by owner and chairman Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson to trim the players' wage costs at the end of the season but a catalogue of long-term injuries means that it is impossible for the Hammers boss to make any long-term plans with his squad.
Billionaire Gudmundsson, who bought out Eggert Magnusson's five per cent stake in the club earlier this season, is also chairman and major owner of Icelandic bank, Landsbanki which, like most major financial institutions, has been hit by the credit crunch in recent months.
4. Ricki Herbert has organised a 2 week trial for Oly-Whites Keeper Jacob Spoonley at Cardiff. Spoonley was recently released in the hope of finding more game time and it is believed Cardiff are quite keen on him.
5. Auckland City Centre Back Ben Sigmund is the latest to join the Phoenix collection of Centre Backs. The current All White and former Kingz player will link up with the Phoenix as soon as Auckland City's NZFC campaign finishes.
6. Following several disputes with Con Constantine over club management which has ultimately led to an exodus of players from the Newcastle club, GVE has decided that he may well follow the same fate. There aren't too many coaching jobs opening up in this off season, but GVE has reportadly decided to "quit while he is ahead" and wait for a new job to come along
7. Ball playing Soccerro defender/midfielder and Melbourne reject Ljubo Milicevic is about to join Ruben Zadkovich in signing for Newcastle Jets.
8. A reliable inside source from the Central Coast Mariners has told me that in a unpredicted move Andrew Clark will join Adelaide United for a one year deal. It is unknown if the contract has a 2nd year option, but it is worth slightly less than the mariners were paying him.
9. Perth glory are trying to use their connections with Man City by tieing up a deal for striker Paul Dickov
10. After a dissappoining season in the Dutch 2nd division Ivan will join the Phoenix as Ross Aloisi's replacement. He can also play as a centre back. Ivan's wife has been spot looking at Real Estate in Wellington.
The Sun says Hammers boss Alan Curbishley is planning an £18million raid for Argie striker Zarate.
Zarate, 21, is on loan at Birmingham from Al-Sadd in Qatar.
2. West Ham boss Alan Curbishley admits he and his players could miss out on some decent bonuses if they fail to finish in the top half of the Premier League.
The Hammers are 10th in the table after suffering their fifth loss in seven games against Portsmouth at Upton Park on Tuesday night.
It has been suggested that the team are coasting towards the end of the season but Curbishley insists that is not the case.
Curbishley said: "Everything this year, especially bonuses, is geared to finishing in the top 10 - and there is nothing for not being in the top 10.
"So for people to believe we have switched off is wrong. We need to be in that top 10 to take anything from the season.
"That's me as well, it's everybody, we are all in it. And that's why it is so disappointing to come up with flat performances like the one against Portsmouth.
"We thought it was a winnable fixture with them just having reached the FA Cup final, but it was a flat night all round which just got flatter.
"We didn't lift the crowd and they didn't lift us. Now in the last five games we've got to win two or three or we won't stay in the top half and the season will just fizzle out."
3. West Ham United boss Alan Curbishley has been told he needs to cut his squad numbers for next season.
The Daily Mail says Curbishley has been told by owner and chairman Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson to trim the players' wage costs at the end of the season but a catalogue of long-term injuries means that it is impossible for the Hammers boss to make any long-term plans with his squad.
Billionaire Gudmundsson, who bought out Eggert Magnusson's five per cent stake in the club earlier this season, is also chairman and major owner of Icelandic bank, Landsbanki which, like most major financial institutions, has been hit by the credit crunch in recent months.
4. Ricki Herbert has organised a 2 week trial for Oly-Whites Keeper Jacob Spoonley at Cardiff. Spoonley was recently released in the hope of finding more game time and it is believed Cardiff are quite keen on him.
5. Auckland City Centre Back Ben Sigmund is the latest to join the Phoenix collection of Centre Backs. The current All White and former Kingz player will link up with the Phoenix as soon as Auckland City's NZFC campaign finishes.
6. Following several disputes with Con Constantine over club management which has ultimately led to an exodus of players from the Newcastle club, GVE has decided that he may well follow the same fate. There aren't too many coaching jobs opening up in this off season, but GVE has reportadly decided to "quit while he is ahead" and wait for a new job to come along
7. Ball playing Soccerro defender/midfielder and Melbourne reject Ljubo Milicevic is about to join Ruben Zadkovich in signing for Newcastle Jets.
8. A reliable inside source from the Central Coast Mariners has told me that in a unpredicted move Andrew Clark will join Adelaide United for a one year deal. It is unknown if the contract has a 2nd year option, but it is worth slightly less than the mariners were paying him.
9. Perth glory are trying to use their connections with Man City by tieing up a deal for striker Paul Dickov
10. After a dissappoining season in the Dutch 2nd division Ivan will join the Phoenix as Ross Aloisi's replacement. He can also play as a centre back. Ivan's wife has been spot looking at Real Estate in Wellington.
Monday, April 7, 2008
South Melbourne Hellas for A-League
South Melbourne's A-League Bid
One-time NSL giant South Melbourne believe they can be reinvented as an A-League club in three years and will meet with the FFA shortly to discuss their vision.The plan includes recommending to South's existing members the VPL club be privatised and seeking new investment in such an A-League operation.
The centrepiece of this plan is that the A-League operation will piggyback on top of the club's existing structures including their “football factory” of youth development, infrastructure, stadium, brand name and fan support. The club favours keeping South Melbourne as a name but au.fourfourtwo.com understands alternative names have been registered and could be used for the A-League bid.
South Melbourne also say their club's A-League derbies with Melbourne Victory could potentially pull “85,000” to the MCG thus making it the biggest Aussie derby of all. They also would like to play their regular home games at the newly built Olympic Park stadium and will enter into negotiations to play there if and when they get the green light to join Australia's booming A-League. However, South would like to use their current home at Bob Jane Stadium as their “home”, where they'll maintain their current administrative base, social club as well as using it as a training base for their A-League side and home ground for a youth team.
Speaking exclusively with gse-fleshlight.blogspot.com, the club's powerbrokers discussed their vision for their “foundation” club to be the second A-League outfit in the Victorian capital by 2011. “We've done a lot of background work in terms of what the FFA is thinking about,” said club president Leo Athanasakis. "Obviously we're a traditionally based team, we've come from the NSL and their current model is to exclude clubs like South Melbourne. “So we've looked at how clubs like us can evolve as an organisation and try to meet the parameters. We're happy to do that."
He added: “The first thing we want to do is put to the members that we want to privatise the club's football operations, spinning off our football operations with a whole new management and a whole new group of funds as the 'new' South Melbourne.“One of the key criteria of the FFA is that the franchise is privatised and not members-based, we're clear on that. So we'll sit down with our members to explain this to them, which will mean that the current organisation may have a small stake in such a franchise.
“We've met with prospective investors. That's probably the least of our concern. As an organisation we'd be very keen to come in as South Melbourne, as we believe the brand is very strong. However, if the FFA gave us a good business-case model to change our name....”
South Melbourne cites examples of AFL clubs which have come into the league as new franchises teamed with older, more traditional clubs as a model for Melbourne. Adelaide Crows and Port Power in South Australia and West Coast Eagles and Fremantle Dockers in Western Australia are two examples of this, say the club.
“We believe a new, off the shelf team in Melbourne will struggle because Victory has taken the cream. And we believe a foundation team – which won't be drawing on Melbourne Victory support – would probably be in Victory's interest.”
The FFA has stated that the A-League will expand by up to four clubs in the next few years. Gold Coast, Townsville, Illawarra and Western Sydney are all at various stages of development. “We've looked at the Queensland Roar model,” said Athanasakis. “They have the Hollandia club in Brisbane which owns a percentage of the franchise and that's how we'll sell it to our members. “South Melbourne is simply a suburb of Melbourne and synonymous with success.
Unfortunately, it's been tainted with the brush of the old NSL. “A Melbourne Victory versus South Melbourne will pull 85,000 at the MCG. No doubt. The FFA have kicked that many good goals with their marketing, now, all it needs is not to go with a Kellogs box team which all it's going to do is rip the guts out of Victory.”
Victory and South Melbourne played a friendly at Bob Jane stadium last season. Despite minimal pre-publicity, the midweek game pulled around 9,000 fans (GSE was there). The club say, as a second team, they can make Victorian football an even stronger proposition in the national competition. “The advantage we have over a number of other A-League clubs,” added South's managing director John Patitsas, “is that we have a football factory of 1000 juniors and an existing infrastructure around that. “We'll soon have a middle level with a V-League team, and moving forward, a national youth league and an A-League team. This football factory approach will underpin our A-League team.
“We're very happy to see football and the way it's moved here in Australia. But the next part is very important. We're entering difficult economic times in the next few years and a lot of models for future A-League franchises are built on some sort of economic assumptions,” said Patitsas. “Something we have that is so advantageous is that we already have an infrastructure. We have a core group of supporters who are broad-based. We have the juniors too who we can grow and through them get in touch with the local communities,” added Patitsas. “The history of this club is to develop Socceroos and downstream we can give the kids a vision. “If you don't capture that junior and youth, then all you are is a franchise.”
South Melbourne celebrate their 50th year in 2009.
http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/73354,south-melbournes-aleague-bid.aspx
Sunday, April 6, 2008
West Ham. Getting linked to every Italian Player
1. West Ham United midfielder Nobby Solano could be putting himself in the shop window for July's MLS Allstars clash.
Solano has attracted interest from Toronto FC already this year and told whufc.com: "We know how big the Premier League is around the world. Everyone will be looking forward to it - especially where it is, everyone loves North America, and it will be fantastic. It will be a good pre-season experience for us. It is always exciting to play in international games."
2. West Ham United are eyeing Udinese attacker Antonio di Natale.
The Italy international's agent admitted yesterday that "English interest" had moved ahead of contact from Serie A clubs, including Fiorentina.
West Ham have been following Di Natale this season and new technical chief Gianluca Nani rates the versatile striker highly.
3. Matthew Upson looks set to miss the rest of West Ham's season after failing to recover from a calf injury.
The England defender, one of 15 first-team players now sidelined, sustained the injury during last month's 4-0 defeat against Liverpool.
Upson was expected to be missing for just a week, but scans have revealed a recurrence of the problem, reports The Mirror.
Solano has attracted interest from Toronto FC already this year and told whufc.com: "We know how big the Premier League is around the world. Everyone will be looking forward to it - especially where it is, everyone loves North America, and it will be fantastic. It will be a good pre-season experience for us. It is always exciting to play in international games."
2. West Ham United are eyeing Udinese attacker Antonio di Natale.
The Italy international's agent admitted yesterday that "English interest" had moved ahead of contact from Serie A clubs, including Fiorentina.
West Ham have been following Di Natale this season and new technical chief Gianluca Nani rates the versatile striker highly.
3. Matthew Upson looks set to miss the rest of West Ham's season after failing to recover from a calf injury.
The England defender, one of 15 first-team players now sidelined, sustained the injury during last month's 4-0 defeat against Liverpool.
Upson was expected to be missing for just a week, but scans have revealed a recurrence of the problem, reports The Mirror.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Aus Rumors
News about everyone's favourite Vieri
1. Former socceroo and younger brother of christian vieri, Max Vieri has signed a 2 year deal with a former combatant of Sydney FC, Persik kediri. Persik are believed to have beated at least two a-league clubs for his signature to boost their misfiring front line
2. Several A-League clubs are courting Nigerian international defender Celestine Babayaro. Without a club after recently falling out with LA Galaxy management, it is believed Wellington, Brisbane and Perth are all looking to sign the 29 year old left sided ex-Chelsea star.
3. Jade North is set to trial with Roda JC. His coach Gary Van Egmond played briefly with the Dutch outfit in the early 90's and has used contacts there to line up a trial for his captain in the near future.
4. Young Costa Rican international Windell Gabriel is set to follow his international teammate Carlos Hernandez to the Melbourne Victory for a trail where he will get the opportunity to play in the game against Adelaide United.Gary Cole yesterday announced that a 'mystery Costa Rican' would trial with the A-league outfit and reports out of Costa Rica suggest that Windell is the man. The tall, powerful striker has also been known to play as an attacking midfielder plays for Hernandez's old club LD Alajuenese.
5. The Newcastle United Jets will next week unveil the signings of two new strikers.These are Rapid Bucuresti's Ryan Griffiths, a former Newcastle player and brother of Jets Winger/Striker Joel and Defender Adam.The other signing is Kilmarnock's Danny Invincible. He has played for the Australian Under 20s on numerous occasions and is looking forward to returning to Australia.These strikers will fill the holes left by Brazillian Mario Jardel and Mark Bridge who both departed EnergyAustralia Stadium at the end of last season.
1. Former socceroo and younger brother of christian vieri, Max Vieri has signed a 2 year deal with a former combatant of Sydney FC, Persik kediri. Persik are believed to have beated at least two a-league clubs for his signature to boost their misfiring front line
2. Several A-League clubs are courting Nigerian international defender Celestine Babayaro. Without a club after recently falling out with LA Galaxy management, it is believed Wellington, Brisbane and Perth are all looking to sign the 29 year old left sided ex-Chelsea star.
3. Jade North is set to trial with Roda JC. His coach Gary Van Egmond played briefly with the Dutch outfit in the early 90's and has used contacts there to line up a trial for his captain in the near future.
4. Young Costa Rican international Windell Gabriel is set to follow his international teammate Carlos Hernandez to the Melbourne Victory for a trail where he will get the opportunity to play in the game against Adelaide United.Gary Cole yesterday announced that a 'mystery Costa Rican' would trial with the A-league outfit and reports out of Costa Rica suggest that Windell is the man. The tall, powerful striker has also been known to play as an attacking midfielder plays for Hernandez's old club LD Alajuenese.
5. The Newcastle United Jets will next week unveil the signings of two new strikers.These are Rapid Bucuresti's Ryan Griffiths, a former Newcastle player and brother of Jets Winger/Striker Joel and Defender Adam.The other signing is Kilmarnock's Danny Invincible. He has played for the Australian Under 20s on numerous occasions and is looking forward to returning to Australia.These strikers will fill the holes left by Brazillian Mario Jardel and Mark Bridge who both departed EnergyAustralia Stadium at the end of last season.
Valon Behrami to West Ham
West Ham News: Finally a transfer rumor that I like!
1. (This is a great rumor: young player, huge potential, experienced as both a defender and midfielder in one of the toughest leagues in Europe. No doubt this is one of Nani’s recommendations, because Curbs was actually thinking of spending the same amount of dosh on Seth Johnson) Lazio face a battle to hang onto star midfielder Valon Behrami.
1. (This is a great rumor: young player, huge potential, experienced as both a defender and midfielder in one of the toughest leagues in Europe. No doubt this is one of Nani’s recommendations, because Curbs was actually thinking of spending the same amount of dosh on Seth Johnson) Lazio face a battle to hang onto star midfielder Valon Behrami.
Corriere dello Sport says Lazio president Claudio Lotito is anxious to secure the Switzerland international to a new contract with Liverpool, West Ham United and Tottenham all circling. (Now the only challenge is to beat the Scousers and the Spuds to him)
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Surprise, Curbs Blames Injurries Yet Again/Kewell to Juve
1. Fiorentina are moving for Middlesbrough goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer.
The Sun says the Serie A side are set to send a scout to watch him play against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge tomorrow.
The Australian international is out of contract with Boro this summer and is free to leave the Riverside.
Fiorentina expect to lose their No 1 - Frenchman Sebastien Frey - to AC Milan and see Schwarzer, 35, as the ideal experienced replacement.
2. West Ham United boss Alan Curbishley bemoaned their injury-list after defeat to Sunderland.
He said: "It may well sum up the season, what has happened to us today.
"We came here with 17 players - the injury list is chronic, and as the game wore on, it got worse.
"We were pulling people all over the place and filling in and to be fair, I thought we had done enough to get a point.
"There was nothing wrong with the ref putting five minutes up - there were plenty of stoppages, but the goal went in in the 96th minute, someone has just told me. It did seem a long time.
"The nature of the goal, in the last minute with 30 seconds to go after giving it our lot, we allowed Reid to get in between two people when it was clearable.
"We are very disappointed. I looked around the dressing room and there is ice everywhere and disappointed bodies, but we will just have to get on with it.
"It has been the story of the season."
The Hammers' injury list grew significantly during the game with George McCartney failing to reappear after the break because of a hamstring problem, Carlton Cole damaging a foot, McCartney's replacement John Pantsil suffering concussion and Ljungberg being carried off with a hamstring problem.
3. West Ham United defender John Pantsil is set to quit the club this summer.
The Ghana international, 26, said: "I just want to play. I'll take any chance I get."
4. EXCLUSIVE: Jade North jetted back into Sydney this morning and promptly announced his desire to swiftly jet out again and turn his overseas dream into reality.
To see Pim and the Aussieroos arrive home in Sydney this morning...The Newcastle Jets captain arrived back with coach Pim Verbeek and several of his Socceroo teammates after a tremendous performance in the goalless draw with China. North’s contribution earned him tremendous plaudits from both colleagues and supporters and now he is keen to build on his success. Speaking to au.fourfourtwo.com in the arrivals hall, North said: “Oh mate, it was just tremendous. I was pretty nervous in the build up to the China match and yeah there were a few butterflies in there.
“You know that it’s a massive game, an important World Cup qualifier but it was a dream come true to be involved in a match like that and an occasion like that. Once the whistle went I was fully focused and ready to go.”North went into the China game after the goalless draw against Singapore, a match that saw him briefly handed the captain’s armband after Harry Kewell was substituted by Verbeek.The 25-year-old said: “Look it’s been an unbelievable year for me. It started with the birth of my child, then I’m handed the captaincy of my A-League club, we then go and win the grand final. That in itself is fantastic but then you suddenly get a call up for the Socceroos and the captaincy. “Having the performance I did (against China) just topped it off really. The coach congratulated the boys on the result and performance but he doesn’t really pick people out. I think he’s a great coach and I’ve already learned so much from him.”North has also paid tribute to the part played by Jets coach Gary van Egmond in putting him on the road to his ‘unbelievable’ year.
He said: “I’ve got every reason to thank Gazza. To have led the boys out this year has been massive. I think I’ve earned the respect as captain and it’s helped me a lot.”Not that his gratitude will translate into a desire to remain at EnergyAustralia Stadium. North’s appetite has been further whetted to embrace a new challenge beyond Aussie shores.He said: “A game like that (China) can open up doors you know. I think it’s time for me to go and I just feel I’m ready to go. My next step, my next challenge is to go overseas. I don’t think Con (Jets owner Con Constantine) will stand in my way.”
Van Egmond has said North’s next challenge is to cement a permanent spot in the Socceroo set up and the defender agrees. He said: “That’s what I want to happen and to bring that about I have to keep playing well and maintain a level of consistency. You set standards and you have to maintain them. "We’ve a month off now so I have to keep myself fit. I just want to keep growing in stature.”
5. Undoubtedly, the biggest signing of the 2008 IPL Season, took place one hour before the cutoff, when the papers were lodged with the IFA Office by Dandaloo with the signing of Alvin Ceccoli. This is a major coup not only for Dandaloo but for the IFA in general as Ceccoli played for Central Coast in a losing A-League Grand Final less than 30 days ago.
Ceccoli who is no stranger to the IPL after previously playing with Dapto a couple of seasons ago, has chosen to play in the Illawarra for family reasons, instead of taking up an offer to play with Adelaide United in the Asian Champion Leagues.
6. Paul Reid currently of Brighton in England is set to sign a two year deal with adelaide united, He can play in midfield and right side of defence. He was a great player in the Wollongong Wolves glory days. Adelaide are also after italian based Aussie Adrian Madaschi.
7. Nick Rizzo is set to be announced as John Kosmina's next signing in his revolution of the former champions, the Perth Glory midfielder is said to be disgruntled and wanting game time.
8. Juventus would be interested in buying Harry Kewell if he fails to reach an agreement with Liverpool. Kewell stubbornly remains desperate to stay at Anfield and is pinning hopes on closing a new deal with Liverpool's survival in the UEFA Champions League.In Kewell's favour is that, out of contract in June, he is available for no transfer fee — an attractive selling point for the player and any club interested in his services. Juventus is understood to be one of the clubs interested in moving for Kewell when his contract expires on June 30 if an agreement with Liverpool fails to materialise.
The Sun says the Serie A side are set to send a scout to watch him play against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge tomorrow.
The Australian international is out of contract with Boro this summer and is free to leave the Riverside.
Fiorentina expect to lose their No 1 - Frenchman Sebastien Frey - to AC Milan and see Schwarzer, 35, as the ideal experienced replacement.
2. West Ham United boss Alan Curbishley bemoaned their injury-list after defeat to Sunderland.
He said: "It may well sum up the season, what has happened to us today.
"We came here with 17 players - the injury list is chronic, and as the game wore on, it got worse.
"We were pulling people all over the place and filling in and to be fair, I thought we had done enough to get a point.
"There was nothing wrong with the ref putting five minutes up - there were plenty of stoppages, but the goal went in in the 96th minute, someone has just told me. It did seem a long time.
"The nature of the goal, in the last minute with 30 seconds to go after giving it our lot, we allowed Reid to get in between two people when it was clearable.
"We are very disappointed. I looked around the dressing room and there is ice everywhere and disappointed bodies, but we will just have to get on with it.
"It has been the story of the season."
The Hammers' injury list grew significantly during the game with George McCartney failing to reappear after the break because of a hamstring problem, Carlton Cole damaging a foot, McCartney's replacement John Pantsil suffering concussion and Ljungberg being carried off with a hamstring problem.
3. West Ham United defender John Pantsil is set to quit the club this summer.
The Ghana international, 26, said: "I just want to play. I'll take any chance I get."
4. EXCLUSIVE: Jade North jetted back into Sydney this morning and promptly announced his desire to swiftly jet out again and turn his overseas dream into reality.
To see Pim and the Aussieroos arrive home in Sydney this morning...The Newcastle Jets captain arrived back with coach Pim Verbeek and several of his Socceroo teammates after a tremendous performance in the goalless draw with China. North’s contribution earned him tremendous plaudits from both colleagues and supporters and now he is keen to build on his success. Speaking to au.fourfourtwo.com in the arrivals hall, North said: “Oh mate, it was just tremendous. I was pretty nervous in the build up to the China match and yeah there were a few butterflies in there.
“You know that it’s a massive game, an important World Cup qualifier but it was a dream come true to be involved in a match like that and an occasion like that. Once the whistle went I was fully focused and ready to go.”North went into the China game after the goalless draw against Singapore, a match that saw him briefly handed the captain’s armband after Harry Kewell was substituted by Verbeek.The 25-year-old said: “Look it’s been an unbelievable year for me. It started with the birth of my child, then I’m handed the captaincy of my A-League club, we then go and win the grand final. That in itself is fantastic but then you suddenly get a call up for the Socceroos and the captaincy. “Having the performance I did (against China) just topped it off really. The coach congratulated the boys on the result and performance but he doesn’t really pick people out. I think he’s a great coach and I’ve already learned so much from him.”North has also paid tribute to the part played by Jets coach Gary van Egmond in putting him on the road to his ‘unbelievable’ year.
He said: “I’ve got every reason to thank Gazza. To have led the boys out this year has been massive. I think I’ve earned the respect as captain and it’s helped me a lot.”Not that his gratitude will translate into a desire to remain at EnergyAustralia Stadium. North’s appetite has been further whetted to embrace a new challenge beyond Aussie shores.He said: “A game like that (China) can open up doors you know. I think it’s time for me to go and I just feel I’m ready to go. My next step, my next challenge is to go overseas. I don’t think Con (Jets owner Con Constantine) will stand in my way.”
Van Egmond has said North’s next challenge is to cement a permanent spot in the Socceroo set up and the defender agrees. He said: “That’s what I want to happen and to bring that about I have to keep playing well and maintain a level of consistency. You set standards and you have to maintain them. "We’ve a month off now so I have to keep myself fit. I just want to keep growing in stature.”
5. Undoubtedly, the biggest signing of the 2008 IPL Season, took place one hour before the cutoff, when the papers were lodged with the IFA Office by Dandaloo with the signing of Alvin Ceccoli. This is a major coup not only for Dandaloo but for the IFA in general as Ceccoli played for Central Coast in a losing A-League Grand Final less than 30 days ago.
Ceccoli who is no stranger to the IPL after previously playing with Dapto a couple of seasons ago, has chosen to play in the Illawarra for family reasons, instead of taking up an offer to play with Adelaide United in the Asian Champion Leagues.
6. Paul Reid currently of Brighton in England is set to sign a two year deal with adelaide united, He can play in midfield and right side of defence. He was a great player in the Wollongong Wolves glory days. Adelaide are also after italian based Aussie Adrian Madaschi.
7. Nick Rizzo is set to be announced as John Kosmina's next signing in his revolution of the former champions, the Perth Glory midfielder is said to be disgruntled and wanting game time.
8. Juventus would be interested in buying Harry Kewell if he fails to reach an agreement with Liverpool. Kewell stubbornly remains desperate to stay at Anfield and is pinning hopes on closing a new deal with Liverpool's survival in the UEFA Champions League.In Kewell's favour is that, out of contract in June, he is available for no transfer fee — an attractive selling point for the player and any club interested in his services. Juventus is understood to be one of the clubs interested in moving for Kewell when his contract expires on June 30 if an agreement with Liverpool fails to materialise.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
News and shit
1. West Ham are desperate to offload veteran midfielder Freddie Ljungberg as the Hammers revert to giving youth a chance.
The Daily Mail understands that Upton Park boss Alan Curbishley has been offering the 30-year-old to other clubs in a bid to ease his bulging wage bill.
The former Arsenal star is believed to be among the top earners at West Ham, raking in about £80,000-a-week - full back Lucas Neill is in the same salary bracket - and recent matches have seen Curbishley put increased faith in his rising stars.
West Ham paid Arsenal £300,000 for Ljungberg in July last year to end the Swede's nine-year spell with the Gunners.
2. West Ham United are chasing Colchester goalkeeper Dean Gerken.
The Sun says Gerken is being lined up for a £500,000 move to West Ham from Colchester.
3. Highly rated Brazilian right wing-back Eduardo Ratinho is expected to sign a one year deal with Melbourne Victory. The young Corinthians player is said to be looking at a move to England in the future and wants to play in Australia to build his English skills and adapt to the style of play while his agent works out issues with his working visa.
4. Young Queensland Roar winger Robbie Kruse looks headed for a move to the Dutch League. Numerous people have commented on his myspace page asking him about the move. Not particularly reliable however his form last A-League season surely hints at an overseas move
And finally Pim Verbeek’s illness before the China game has been rumored to be caused by Graham Arnold. It has been alleged by a certain silver haired analyst (aren’t they all silver haired?) on The World Game that he saw Arnold serving Pim a bowl of lasagna. The lasagna had apparently been prepared by the same London chef who used to cook for Spurs two seasons ago. The same SBS analyst claimed that Graham Arnold had caused the air to be much thinner in China as well.
The Daily Mail understands that Upton Park boss Alan Curbishley has been offering the 30-year-old to other clubs in a bid to ease his bulging wage bill.
The former Arsenal star is believed to be among the top earners at West Ham, raking in about £80,000-a-week - full back Lucas Neill is in the same salary bracket - and recent matches have seen Curbishley put increased faith in his rising stars.
West Ham paid Arsenal £300,000 for Ljungberg in July last year to end the Swede's nine-year spell with the Gunners.
2. West Ham United are chasing Colchester goalkeeper Dean Gerken.
The Sun says Gerken is being lined up for a £500,000 move to West Ham from Colchester.
3. Highly rated Brazilian right wing-back Eduardo Ratinho is expected to sign a one year deal with Melbourne Victory. The young Corinthians player is said to be looking at a move to England in the future and wants to play in Australia to build his English skills and adapt to the style of play while his agent works out issues with his working visa.
4. Young Queensland Roar winger Robbie Kruse looks headed for a move to the Dutch League. Numerous people have commented on his myspace page asking him about the move. Not particularly reliable however his form last A-League season surely hints at an overseas move
And finally Pim Verbeek’s illness before the China game has been rumored to be caused by Graham Arnold. It has been alleged by a certain silver haired analyst (aren’t they all silver haired?) on The World Game that he saw Arnold serving Pim a bowl of lasagna. The lasagna had apparently been prepared by the same London chef who used to cook for Spurs two seasons ago. The same SBS analyst claimed that Graham Arnold had caused the air to be much thinner in China as well.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
SBS: Handjobs on the House
Jesse Fink SBS’s resident hatchet man likes doing two things: telling Craig Foster how good he’s hair looks and bagging anyone involved with the national team who is not a foreigner. This article is perhaps one of the best he’s ever written. Who would have ever predicted that it was Graham Arnold secretly hiding behind the scenes like an Emperor Palpatine figure, wearing a monocle and yelling “You’ll pay for this Murray, if it’s the last thing I ever do…………”
If you're like Half-Time Orange, there are some moments in life you just want to go back and relive. Getting married. Riding an elephant through an Indian forest. Drinking that bottle of Grange your dad bought for your 21st birthday. Then there are those moments you are glad to see the back of and will pay good money to your friends never to be reminded of again. That stripper at your buck's night. Eating "Rocky Mountain oysters". Watching the Socceroos in Singapore on Saturday night.
I'll concede it was the proverbial "gluepot" of a pitch, but really that would do a disservice to the Singaporeans, who managed to create some genuinely tense moments for the Diet Socceroos.
When a 38-year-old Bosnian canoeist called Aleksandar Duric is running rings around Michael Beauchamp, supposedly the future of our national-team defence, you know not everything is going to plan ahead of the World Cup qualifier in Kunming.
With Australia's three main strikers now absent from the WCQ against China, can someone explain to me why James Troisi, who was lively in Singapore and looked the most likely to score for the Australians all night, is not going to Yunnan yet Archie Thompson, who is more a danger to defenders with his moustache than his right foot, unaccountably is? (Yeah, two words fuck off. Archie proven goal scorer for Australia and Victory. A League top goal scorer. Fucking bullshit Sydney bias from SBS yet again)
My TWG colleague Les Murray wrote in his blog on Monday: "Slowly but surely the penny is dropping. Australia's golden generation, that which powered into the World Cup finals of 2006, and then into its knockout phase, is coming to an end. And, worse, the replenishing tier is not up to it… there is no depth."
With respect to Les, I'm not sure that's entirely the case. The main problem with the development of the national team seems to be that blokes like Thompson just won't move along (what the fuck is this? Why is Archie Thompson enemy number one? This was the guy who Guus believed was good enough to play for PSV (although granted he only played 15 minutes) and now he should retire. What did he do to deserve this? Probably bagged that stupid pointer they use for their highlights show). It's not Thompson's fault, of course. Someone picks him. The same someone who picks guys like Jacob Burns and Ryan Griffiths when they're never going to be World Cup material.
Why does it happen? Why are bolters for South Africa ignored (guys like Troisi, David Williams, Nicky Carle) and middle-of-the-road plodders put on such a pedestal (Brett Holman, Luke Wilkshire, Michael Beauchamp)? (Here’s a hint fuck stick, all three of the bolters are attacking players, specifically strikers or attacking midfielders while two of the plodders are defensive players. What formation were you planning on playing Jesse? 2-5-3?)
Les is right (there’s a phrase you have to get used to when working at SBS) to apportion blame at the FFA for failing to rebuild the Socceroos properly after the departure of Guus Hiddink in June 2006, but Graham Arnold (dan dern dern, insert evil music) is equally culpable for that vacuum by having turned his appointment to Hiddink's vacated job into a Mexican soap opera.
Should he stay on after the Asian Cup? Is he good enough? When will the FFA give Aussies a go? How can he be a bad choice if so many players support him? (No need for the rhetorical questions jizz mopper we already knew that SBS had made up their mind on Arnold before he even started)
Blahdy blahdy blah.
Arnold embedded himself so deeply into the furniture at the FFA that when it got down to a choice between Verbeek and Philippe Troussier, Verbeek was the only viable choice because he was the only one of the two who was prepared to accept the condition that he work with Arnold.
Verbeek did so, he told me, because he had been assured by Hiddink that "Arnie" was a good man and a good operator.
Which he undoubtedly is.
The problem remains, however, and we saw it during the telecast of the Singapore game, that it is Arnold and not Verbeek that is still barking orders from the sideline. (Which is hardly surprising: he knows these players much more than Verbeek and is a valuable, trusted intermediary between his boss and the playing group.) (So even Verbeek is in charge it’s still Arnold’s fault. When will SBS’s fucking blame game end. John Howard lost the federal election because of Graham Arnold? Global Warming caused by Graham Arnold? Premature greying of Craig Foster’s hair caused by Graham Arnold?)
Certainly no-one could deny the role played by Arnold in such decisions as the continued faith put in Holman and Kisnorbo (just to name two beneficiaries of his patronage) but the freezing out of Carle, arguably the finest creative talent we have. (Have you watched a Bristol game this season? He aint that good. So calm yourself down from that hard on that you’re getting)
It is harnessing the right creative resources, not gathering cattle, that will be Verbeek's great challenge as he tries to get Australia to the 2010 World Cup.
What's Australia got for show-and-tell in Kunming?
In truth, not a lot.
Viduka: out. McDonald: out. Kennedy: out. Emerton: out. Sterjovski: out. Cahill: out. No Troisi. No Carle.
So where is the attacking impetus going to come?
Kewell, Bresciano, Holman and Carney.
Yet "K" is hardly 100 per cent, Bresh tires too quickly (even at sea level), and Holman blows hot and cold. Only Carney has been consistently threatening for the Socceroos of late.
Holman, to my mind, is the key. But what Holman we get to see is anyone's guess.
Given his man-of-the-match effort the last time Australian played China, he will most likely start. The guy had a blinder in Guangzhou. But that was a year ago. He's been largely ineffective since. Can he rediscover his mojo?
Obviating against a runaway win to the Aussies, too, is that fact that China coach Vladimir Petrovic will have closely analysed tapes of that encounter, which finished 2-0 to Australia, and surmised that the Socceroos are comfortable in attack but at sixes and sevens in defence. (wait but I thought the point of this article is that we don’t have enough attacking players. Maybe we can get Nicky Carle to play at centre back? You haven’t proposed even one defensive alternative)
When I wrote about that game last year for Fox Sports what struck me then was it very much a tale of two halves.
China made the mistake in that first half of allowing the Aussies to come to them, save for the occasional long ball, but then changed tack in the second 45 and assiduously maintained possession, working out from the back.
Arnold kept the same formation for the full 90 and China proceeded to cut shreds off Shane Steffanuto and Jade North down the right flank.
From recent history and choice of venue, expect Petrovic's strategy to be looking to hold the Aussies scoreless for the first half then stepping up the pressure in the second half when they've succumbed to the effects of altitude.
By the same token, though, the wily Verbeek (yet incredibly weak willed) will have watched the same tapes and be determined not to show his opposite number the same hand twice.
It's shaping up as one hell of a poker game (dickhead, your not even talking about the right sport now).
And that's what World Cup football is all about. Let's just pray our guy's holding all his cards (but we know he isn’t because Graham Arnold is holding them all for him).
The worst thing about this article is all the comments made on the TWG boards about it telling Jesse how right he is. Well Jesse, you’re a fucking bitter, bitter cunt and keep flying that Sydney SBS editorial line and telling yourself how much better you are than everyone else.
If you're like Half-Time Orange, there are some moments in life you just want to go back and relive. Getting married. Riding an elephant through an Indian forest. Drinking that bottle of Grange your dad bought for your 21st birthday. Then there are those moments you are glad to see the back of and will pay good money to your friends never to be reminded of again. That stripper at your buck's night. Eating "Rocky Mountain oysters". Watching the Socceroos in Singapore on Saturday night.
I'll concede it was the proverbial "gluepot" of a pitch, but really that would do a disservice to the Singaporeans, who managed to create some genuinely tense moments for the Diet Socceroos.
When a 38-year-old Bosnian canoeist called Aleksandar Duric is running rings around Michael Beauchamp, supposedly the future of our national-team defence, you know not everything is going to plan ahead of the World Cup qualifier in Kunming.
With Australia's three main strikers now absent from the WCQ against China, can someone explain to me why James Troisi, who was lively in Singapore and looked the most likely to score for the Australians all night, is not going to Yunnan yet Archie Thompson, who is more a danger to defenders with his moustache than his right foot, unaccountably is? (Yeah, two words fuck off. Archie proven goal scorer for Australia and Victory. A League top goal scorer. Fucking bullshit Sydney bias from SBS yet again)
My TWG colleague Les Murray wrote in his blog on Monday: "Slowly but surely the penny is dropping. Australia's golden generation, that which powered into the World Cup finals of 2006, and then into its knockout phase, is coming to an end. And, worse, the replenishing tier is not up to it… there is no depth."
With respect to Les, I'm not sure that's entirely the case. The main problem with the development of the national team seems to be that blokes like Thompson just won't move along (what the fuck is this? Why is Archie Thompson enemy number one? This was the guy who Guus believed was good enough to play for PSV (although granted he only played 15 minutes) and now he should retire. What did he do to deserve this? Probably bagged that stupid pointer they use for their highlights show). It's not Thompson's fault, of course. Someone picks him. The same someone who picks guys like Jacob Burns and Ryan Griffiths when they're never going to be World Cup material.
Why does it happen? Why are bolters for South Africa ignored (guys like Troisi, David Williams, Nicky Carle) and middle-of-the-road plodders put on such a pedestal (Brett Holman, Luke Wilkshire, Michael Beauchamp)? (Here’s a hint fuck stick, all three of the bolters are attacking players, specifically strikers or attacking midfielders while two of the plodders are defensive players. What formation were you planning on playing Jesse? 2-5-3?)
Les is right (there’s a phrase you have to get used to when working at SBS) to apportion blame at the FFA for failing to rebuild the Socceroos properly after the departure of Guus Hiddink in June 2006, but Graham Arnold (dan dern dern, insert evil music) is equally culpable for that vacuum by having turned his appointment to Hiddink's vacated job into a Mexican soap opera.
Should he stay on after the Asian Cup? Is he good enough? When will the FFA give Aussies a go? How can he be a bad choice if so many players support him? (No need for the rhetorical questions jizz mopper we already knew that SBS had made up their mind on Arnold before he even started)
Blahdy blahdy blah.
Arnold embedded himself so deeply into the furniture at the FFA that when it got down to a choice between Verbeek and Philippe Troussier, Verbeek was the only viable choice because he was the only one of the two who was prepared to accept the condition that he work with Arnold.
Verbeek did so, he told me, because he had been assured by Hiddink that "Arnie" was a good man and a good operator.
Which he undoubtedly is.
The problem remains, however, and we saw it during the telecast of the Singapore game, that it is Arnold and not Verbeek that is still barking orders from the sideline. (Which is hardly surprising: he knows these players much more than Verbeek and is a valuable, trusted intermediary between his boss and the playing group.) (So even Verbeek is in charge it’s still Arnold’s fault. When will SBS’s fucking blame game end. John Howard lost the federal election because of Graham Arnold? Global Warming caused by Graham Arnold? Premature greying of Craig Foster’s hair caused by Graham Arnold?)
Certainly no-one could deny the role played by Arnold in such decisions as the continued faith put in Holman and Kisnorbo (just to name two beneficiaries of his patronage) but the freezing out of Carle, arguably the finest creative talent we have. (Have you watched a Bristol game this season? He aint that good. So calm yourself down from that hard on that you’re getting)
It is harnessing the right creative resources, not gathering cattle, that will be Verbeek's great challenge as he tries to get Australia to the 2010 World Cup.
What's Australia got for show-and-tell in Kunming?
In truth, not a lot.
Viduka: out. McDonald: out. Kennedy: out. Emerton: out. Sterjovski: out. Cahill: out. No Troisi. No Carle.
So where is the attacking impetus going to come?
Kewell, Bresciano, Holman and Carney.
Yet "K" is hardly 100 per cent, Bresh tires too quickly (even at sea level), and Holman blows hot and cold. Only Carney has been consistently threatening for the Socceroos of late.
Holman, to my mind, is the key. But what Holman we get to see is anyone's guess.
Given his man-of-the-match effort the last time Australian played China, he will most likely start. The guy had a blinder in Guangzhou. But that was a year ago. He's been largely ineffective since. Can he rediscover his mojo?
Obviating against a runaway win to the Aussies, too, is that fact that China coach Vladimir Petrovic will have closely analysed tapes of that encounter, which finished 2-0 to Australia, and surmised that the Socceroos are comfortable in attack but at sixes and sevens in defence. (wait but I thought the point of this article is that we don’t have enough attacking players. Maybe we can get Nicky Carle to play at centre back? You haven’t proposed even one defensive alternative)
When I wrote about that game last year for Fox Sports what struck me then was it very much a tale of two halves.
China made the mistake in that first half of allowing the Aussies to come to them, save for the occasional long ball, but then changed tack in the second 45 and assiduously maintained possession, working out from the back.
Arnold kept the same formation for the full 90 and China proceeded to cut shreds off Shane Steffanuto and Jade North down the right flank.
From recent history and choice of venue, expect Petrovic's strategy to be looking to hold the Aussies scoreless for the first half then stepping up the pressure in the second half when they've succumbed to the effects of altitude.
By the same token, though, the wily Verbeek (yet incredibly weak willed) will have watched the same tapes and be determined not to show his opposite number the same hand twice.
It's shaping up as one hell of a poker game (dickhead, your not even talking about the right sport now).
And that's what World Cup football is all about. Let's just pray our guy's holding all his cards (but we know he isn’t because Graham Arnold is holding them all for him).
The worst thing about this article is all the comments made on the TWG boards about it telling Jesse how right he is. Well Jesse, you’re a fucking bitter, bitter cunt and keep flying that Sydney SBS editorial line and telling yourself how much better you are than everyone else.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
In Defense of Muscat
Long before he was known as a gnarly, tough guy enforcer who could make silky strikers shake in their boots, Kevin Muscat was just a baby-faced kid from Melbourne who carried the hopes of a nation.
GettyImages
Young Socceroo Kevin Muscat, complete with Mullet, ahead of the match between Australia and Korea in 1993.
The year was 1993 and Muscat was captain of an Australian under-20 side that was over-performing on home soil at the world youth championships. For a very small window, football rode an unfamiliar wave of popularity as the young Socceroos defied predictions to reach the semi-finals with victories over Colombia, Russia and Uruguay. Muscat, along with future senior internationals like Craig Moore, Paul Agostino and Ante Milicic, stood tall. Not even a semi-final loss to Brazil and subsequent defeat to England in the third-place playoff could dim Australia's bright overall performance and excitement about the sport's future. The tournament turned out to be another of Australian soccer's false dawns - pre-World Cup 2006 - but it did signal Muscat's unquestioned captaincy qualities. Even at the age of 19, Muskie was a born leader. I covered the Brisbane games of the tournament for Australian broadcaster SBS-TV and distinctly remember fellow defenders Muscat and the much younger Moore sitting together at the front of the team bus. Even then, Muscat oozed confidence and spoke assuredly in front of our cameras. Fifteen years later, the pair are back from long careers in Europe and playing out their twilight days, captaining rival A-League teams as football across Australia enjoys a surge in interest that few people would have predicted 15 years ago. Muscat, who turns 35 in August, shows no signs of easing up as he leads Melbourne Victory in their inaugural AFC Champions League campaign during the second year of involvement by Australian clubs. The tournament promises to be a chance of instant redemption for the men from Melbourne after finishing an unsatisfying fifth in the A-League after sweeping all before them the season before. And Victory made a perfect start to their campaign with a 2-0 home win against Korea's Chunnam Dragons, with Muscat scoring a first half penalty. For some, the Melbourne captain is no more than an on-field bully boy, whose career, at club and international level, is littered with crude challenges, terrible tackles and a raft of red cards. Former French coach Roger Lemerre once described a tackle on Christophe Dugarry that left the striker with a serious knee injury in a 2001 friendly as 'an act of brutality'. From his playing days in England, he had high-profile run-ins with the likes of Ian Wright and Craig Bellamy. Former Birmingham manager Martin Grainger dubbed Muscat as 'the most hated man in football' and in 2004 he reached an out-of-court settlement reported to be £250,000 with ex-Charlton player Matty Holmes from an incident six years earlier. But to dismiss Muscat as a terrorising thug who resorts to brute force to make up for a lack of finesse is as inaccurate as it is unfair. His European club highlights include winning the treble with Rangers in the 2002-2003 season and captaining Championship side Millwall to the 2004 FA Cup final (although Muscat missed the 3-0 loss to Manchester United because of a knee injury.) Fellow Socceroo Tim Cahill was a teammate. While there is no doubt that he has overstepped the mark too many times, Muscat is also a clever, influential and versatile player who can seamlessly switch from the Melbourne defence to midfield when the need arises. The ultimate pro, he also has an enviable penalty-taking record in the A-League, having never missed a spot kick in 15 attempts over three years. Former Sydney FC coach Terry Butcher, who, like Muscat, was a defender in successful Rangers teams, is a big admirer. 'Every manager in the A-League would love to have Kevin, and I'm no exception,' Butcher, the ex-England defender, told the Sydney Morning Herald in 2006. 'He's the Roy Keane, the Graeme Souness. He rules by fear to a certain degree.' At international level, Muscat was capped 51 times, scoring 10 times, including the goal that gave Australia a 1-0 first-leg victory in Melbourne against Uruguay in a play-off for the 2002 World Cup. The South Americans ended up winning the play-off 3-1 on aggregate after a 3-0 romp in Montevideo a few days later. A year before Australia's successful run at the 2006 World Cup, Muscat was a regular member of the Socceroos side, one of the first picked by Frank Farina. But after Guus Hiddink's arrival, the defence was reshaped and Muscat was discarded.
GettyImages
Skipper Kevin Muscat receives his marching orders back in 2005 with Melbourne
He did earn a recall for an Asian Cup qualifier in August 2006, captaining the Socceroos to a 2-0 victory over Kuwait when many of Australia's European-based stars were unavailable. And, in February of this year, after being part of Pim Verbeek's expanded training squad for the opening World Cup qualifier, he seemed on the verge of a bench spot in a full strength Socceroos line-up, only to miss the final cut again. An understandably disappointed Muscat announced his international retirement immediately afterwards. His loyalty to his country, and countrymen, has been at the heart of Muscat's colourful career. He admits: 'Most of my best times in football have been shared with fellow Aussies.' The comment took me back to that bus in Brisbane 15 years ago where Muscat sat in the front seats with Moore, whose face was bruised and bloody after an off-the-ball incident involving a Uruguayan midfielder in the quarterfinals of the world youth championships. Earlier that day, as Moore - who was barely 17 and more than two years younger - stood dazed and bloodied on the Lang Park pitch, Muscat vowed to his teammate that he'd settle the score. But from a corner soon afterwards, the same Uruguayan punched Muscat in the face, dislocating his jaw. Even so, both Muscat and Moore helped Australia win the game, 2-1, after an Anthony Carbone golden goal in extra-time. And the opposing midfielder? He left the field injured after coming off second-best in a tackle with the young Socceroos' captain. Now Asia's best are getting a dose of Melbourne's 'Muscat love'.
Q: Kevin, you've played in various leagues and cups in Europe. What are your expectations of the AFC Champions League and how high should the Victory be aiming in this uncharted territory?
A: Uncharted territory it certainly is, but we're embracing the challenge. We ended the season quite well but missing out on the A-League finals left a bad taste in our mouths. This gives us a chance to show our fans - the best in the country - what we can do. But it's tough as we're competing against teams with a much broader base and foundations with no salary caps and no restrictions.
Q: You've reached veteran status yet you show no sign of slowing down. How have you matured and developed as a footballer and what are your thoughts on the growth of football in Australia since the A-League?
A: I don't think I've changed too much as a player but obviously my body doesn't allow me to do the same things as it used to. The first A-League season was bitterly disappointing but it was great to help Melbourne become the first club in the country to win the final and the league competition in the second season. As for the crowds and support, they've been a blessing. How many Aussies playing around the world can say they play regularly before 40-50,000 crowds as we did in the second season?
Q: Your career has stretched almost 20 years now. What would you consider to be your top 3 career highlights?
A: I haven't given it too much thought, but I would say scoring in that 2002 World Cup qualifier when we beat Uruguay in Melbourne, the FA Cup run with Millwall when we made the 2004 Final, a great achievement for a Championship side, and winning the treble with Rangers (in the 2002-2003 season). Craig Moore was part of that team too. Most of my best times in football have been shared with fellow Aussies.
GettyImages
Muscat celebrates with Shaun Murphy after the win against Uruguay in 2001.
Q: You've often had the job of being a kind of enforcer at your respective clubs. Do you have any regrets, looking back over your career?
A: Not really. I don't think you can look back like that. Maybe there are several things you may have changed if you could, but no regrets.
Q: How disappointing was it not to make the final Socceroos cut for the World Cup qualifier against Qatar? Would you consider making an international comeback if your country needed you?
A: That's water under the bridge now. I was bitterly disappointed at the time, but it was just one of those things. I had a lot of discussions with the manager and I was there (in the squad) right until the last day. Then he changed his mind. But I have the utmost respect for Pim Verbeek. He pulled me aside and showed a lot of respect. I'm not bitter and twisted about what happened. But at this point, I can't see myself changing my mind (about coming out of international retirement). My main priority at the moment is Melbourne Victory and helping them become the first Australian team to make the second round of the Asian Champions League.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)