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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.