By Con Stamocostas -
July 8th 2009 @ 1:43am
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Loading ...A-League season preview [part one]
Most of the A-League squads have been finalised, and with less than a month before the season proper begins, it’s time to rate the chances of the teams and have a look at some of their new recruits.
The first part takes a look at the two new clubs – North Queensland Fury and Gold Coast United – and last season’s biggest rivalry and most successful teams, Melbourne Victory and Adelaide United
North Queensland Fury (10th) (Season Predictions)
The main question about the Fury and its chances for its debut A-League season rests with a rhetorical one: How about that heat? The match commentators of the Fury home games will start talking about how hot it is, why Robbie Fowler isn’t playing, and also tell us not to be too harsh on the new boys as it’s their first season and that running a football club from scratch can be hard.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Fred Aguis (creativity and free kicks), Brendan Santalab (long range shots) and Robbie Fowler (Cause he is God). Ex-Adelaide United players Osama Malik and Jason Spanguolo should also get a mention as ones to watch out for as well.
If Fowler plays it will be great, if he scores even better.
But in the brief history of great Marquee players to have graced the bumpy pitches of the A-League, he fits the over-aged, over-paid and under-performing tag before he has even played a game.
PREDICTION
Dead last or sneaking into the finals.
Gks Defenders: Justin Pasfield (GK),Robbie Middleby(SFC), Beau Busch(SFC), John Tambouras,-Scott Wilson(ENG), Paul Kohler ,Jacob Timpano(SYD),Chris Tadrose.
Midfielders: Rostyn Griffiths(ENG) Osama Malik(ADL)Ufuk Talay(JAPAN), Martin Vass, Jason Spagnuolo (ADL), Frederick Agius(SA), Chris Grossman(Bris)
Strikers: Brendan Santalab(Syd), Jeremy Brockie(NZL), James Robinson(Perth), Daniel McBreen (ENG),,Robbie Fowler(Blackburn, England
FAN CULTURE
F-Troop the official active supporters group of NQ Fury FC
Gold Coast United (3rd)
What are the odds on the Gold Coast losing their first game of the season against Brisbane Roar, making the prediction of Professor Palmer and his friends that they will go the whole season undefeated null and void?
The A-League needed a case of Gold Coast Hubris to spice things up. Sydney had lost its Bling. Opposing fans don’t hate you as much when you have already fallen off the perch.
I predict Miron Bleiberg to be sacked after four games because of the poor form shown by the side in only scoring two goals per game not three. I expect to see Professor Palmer in pure Roman Abramovich-style, giving half time speeches while a bemused Paul Okon looks on.
PLAYERS TO WATCH (all of them)
Jason Culina (Gold Coast United).Joel Porter (Gold Coast United),Milson, Shane Smeltz, Tahj Minniecon and youngsters James Brown Andrew Barisić.
PREDICTION: Top six, as high as third.
GKs, Defenders:Jess Vanstrattan (Juventes), Scott Higgins. Steve Pantelidis(MELB), Michael Thwaite(MELB), Daniel Piorkowski (NEW), Bas Van den Brink(Omniworld, NED), Kristian Rees (WELL), Adam Griffiths(NEW), Adama Traore (Youth).
Midfielders: Zenon Caravella(Ominiworld, NED) Jefferson (Atlético Roraima), Jason Culina (PSV Ned), Matthew Osman (C COAST) James Brown (AIS), Richard Greer (Youth), Steve Fitzsimmons (Beenleigh FC, Brisbane).
Strikers: Joel Porter (Hartlepool United), Shane Smeltz (WELL), Milson (Tombense FC, Brazil), Andrew Barisić (Melb Knights) Tahj Minniecon, (BRIS)
FAN CULTURE
Nick named the Gold Coast Chavs by the Fury.
Melbourne Victory (1st)
Leads the League in everything: crowds, facilities, stability, player roster, recruitment. They became the first club to pay a transfer fee for a player, with Carlos Hernandez who is bound for the World Cup in South Africa with Costa Rica, expected to shine again.
NEW PLAYERS TO WATCH
Exciting Thai international Surat Sukha is the first Thai player to join the Hyundai A-League, arriving from Thai club Chonburi FC.
PREDICTION
Top two finish, Danny Allsop to score and miss a bundle, they will play Adelaide United five times and beat them in the grand finale with Adelaide getting a player sent off again. Muscat to get away with stray elbows fake whistles and other misdemeanours.
FAN CULTURE
Nick-named the “Tards” by Sydney FC. Have more Union members than the Labour Party. Their fan groups love to strike by being silent, turning their backs, not turning up and not singing. With all this striking action, the team are still the Champions. Imagine if they were the Newcastle Jets: would the fans strike by burning down the stadium?
Adelaide United (2nd)
Aurelio Vidmar was right when he said “with a pissant town, this club will never win anything” when referring to the Reds of Adelaide United because last season they didn’t. They lost the Asian Champions League Final and the Grand Final. Unfinished business is a great motivator and they have managed to keep all their best players. Another tilt at Asian Football after the season is over and Adelaide are good things for this season.
NEW PLAYERS TO WATCH
There are two new international players joining the Reds: former Ghanaian international Striker 32 year old Lloyd Owusu comes to Adelaide from Brighton & Hove Albion. The other is A 20 year old Korean, an attacking midfielder Shin In Sup from Kunkuk University.
Local South Australian products defender Michael Marrone, 17 year old midfielder Joseph Costa and 18 year old striker Francesco Monterosso who was the youth league top scorer with 13 goals from 19 appearances have been added to the club’s senior list.
The Adelaide United youth side were runners up to Sydney FC in the inaugural National Youth League.
PREDICTION
A top two finish is not out of the question but nothing will come close to the “pissant town” comment. Expect them to have player sent off in the grand final again.
FAN CULTURE
Known by opposing fans as the “Barrellers”, or the Reds.
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GeneralAshnak said | July 8th 2009 @ 10:09am | Report comment
Almost agree with all your predictions here, other than GCU placing 3rd – am expecting them to be 5th as the more settled teams will dominate them early on and though they will push everyone at the end it will be like PG and WP last season, too little too late.
AUFC can’t seem to help having a player sent of in the HAL final can they? Must say that Cristiano’s send off was a joke however, only topped by Alsopp’s at the arse end of the game.
Looking forward to what you think about the Tarnish (can’t be the Bling anymore with GCU around!)…
Pippinu said | July 8th 2009 @ 10:34am | Report comment
Con
Terrific Part I.
I note that four does not go into ten – let me guess – you’re leaving the best till last?
Let me guess who else will figure in your top two finish.
This was gold:
But in the brief history of great Marquee players to have graced the bumpy pitches of the A-League, he fits the over-aged, over-paid and under-performing tag before he has even played a game.
PREDICTION
Dead last or sneaking into the finals.
The first one because it’s so true, the 2nd one because it’s about as close as you can get to saying somewhere between 10th and 3rd without saying it.
Con Stamocostas said | July 8th 2009 @ 10:55am | Report comment
Cheers for the kind words guys. It is perhaps to early for a preview but I just couldn’t wait.
Bring on season 5!
Kazama said | July 8th 2009 @ 11:06am | Report comment
It’s never too early Con. I can’t wait for the season to kick off! Less than a month to go!
By the way, would anyone be interested in having a league for Roarers in the Fox Sports A-League Fantasy comp?
Pippinu said | July 8th 2009 @ 11:15am | Report comment
Kaz
I’ve been in this comp (with The Flog) the last two seasons, but I have to admit, I’m not a huge wrap for it (especially if you’ve played the official EPL Fantasy League).
But I’m willing to teach everyone a lesson if called upon.
Kazama said | July 8th 2009 @ 11:43am | Report comment
Well, if people are keen I will set one up once the comp opens, if not no dramas. I was hoping to have the chance to lock horns with some of the football brains on this site, but if no one’s up for it I guess I’ll just have to be content with handing out hidings to all of my mates for the fourth straight season. Last year I was in the top 200 overall, hoping to improve on that this season.
Rellum said | July 8th 2009 @ 11:43am | Report comment
Nice start to your predictions Con,
I recon the top three is between the Victory, Sydney and GCU. Gold Coast just have to much talent to not push for a high league position. After that, the Roar, Jets, Glory and Reds to battle for the last of the finals places. Central Coast, Fury and Wellington to struggle for the spoon.
Kazama said | July 8th 2009 @ 11:48am | Report comment
My prediction…
1. Gold Coast
2. Melbourne
3. Perth
4. Adelaide
5. Brisbane
6. Sydney
7. Newcastle
8. Central Coast
9. Nth Queensland
10. Wellington
Ryan Steele said | July 8th 2009 @ 11:56am | Report comment
Can’t really say I enjoyed reading this. A few errors in the statements, and quite a bit of bias in those words. Melbourne and Adelaide’s predictions seem to just be based on what happened last year, as well. The “Fan Culture” sections seem a little unfinished, if anything.
I’ll wait until part two, to properly criticise, though. Always good to read someone’s opinions, regardless.
Midfielder said | July 8th 2009 @ 12:14pm | Report comment
In our Hearts
& on our Chest
We all wear the famous Crest
& Lauries men
will make us proud
Becauce we follow a Yelloe Football Team
Now all together Now boys to the tune we all know .. Yellow Submarine
We all follow
A Yellow Football Team
A Yellow Football Team
Everyone hates us and we don’t care … yooff the ball up the park to Dylan & Matty & and new signing and Nil will get better..
New signing to watch … Huke defensive mid very good, Nicky Travis attacking mid will be the surprise packet of the league excellent signing, … don’t laugh his name is Doig new central defender look the goods, Elrich back fit,
Still trialing some of guys two from Asia … plus two youth signings..
My predicition … it will be a very close year coming down to the wire… I think the Choppers will take out both the Grand Final & the Championship… they are looking a very strong side with a decent coach…
First coach sacked will be Branko… first sent off Danny No BrainO … goldern boot Matty Simon…
Football will be the winner
Con excellent article as usual … see you at Bluetounge if you are game to show you face up there and see your boys get their backsides wipped.
Rellum said | July 8th 2009 @ 12:16pm | Report comment
Excuse my ignorance, who are the choppers?
David V. said | July 8th 2009 @ 12:19pm | Report comment
My rough predictions:
Finalists: Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Perth
Not finalists: Central Coast, Newcastle, Wellington, North Queensland
The Bear said | July 8th 2009 @ 12:24pm | Report comment
Choppers = Sydney
Don’t know why, tbh
MVDave said | July 8th 2009 @ 12:25pm | Report comment
Socceroo Chris Coyne about to be announced as next Perth Glory signing. l would put PG into the top 3-4 at this stage. Well done to Dave Mitchell and the club for their work to recruit some very decent players during the off season.
Wont stop the MVs charge to the championship but at least will provide some competition.
Pippinu said | July 8th 2009 @ 12:25pm | Report comment
Ryan
it probably helps to understand that Con is, what we might call, a one-eyed SFC supporter – so in that context – he’s made a reasonable fist of it!!
Which reminds me – would MV fans have burned down the Dome if we had experienced the Jets season back in 2007-08?
Probably.
Some things in life are definitely worth getting agitated over.
MVDave said | July 8th 2009 @ 12:29pm | Report comment
Pip
“Which reminds me – would MV fans have burned down the Dome if we had experienced the Jets season back in 2007-08?”
No, but you may have burned your membership card!
BTW Our seasons 1 & 3 were very ordinary and its fair to say there were some unhappy campers on the terraces.
Rellum said | July 8th 2009 @ 12:31pm | Report comment
Cheers Bear.
Gibbo said | July 8th 2009 @ 12:38pm | Report comment
i’ve got it the same as David V, although possibly different orders… Reckon Perth will have a very good year, brissie and gc will do well and adelaide and sydney will stumble in. But Melbourne will be Victory in name and nature, back to back.
Slippery Jim said | July 8th 2009 @ 12:41pm | Report comment
Great read Con, never too early for a preview! I may supply my predictions later…
Pippu, since you only need a 6th finish to enter the finals series, its not that wide ranging a comment! By the way, have you seen Man Utd’s plagiarizing of the Vics big V in their new strip????
Con Stamocostas said | July 8th 2009 @ 12:41pm | Report comment
Pippinu,
Thanks for the clarification regarding Ryan’s comments. I try to be as biased as possible and that is making fun of every team and their supporters. If you have read my Sydney FC articles I give it to them the most.
Midfielder,
I don’t think you will like part two of this article………… The Central Coast-Sydney FC games are always crackers. See you up in Gosford in Season 5.
Maybe supporters of other A-League clubs should tell us more about their unique fan cultures like Midfielder did?
Cheers
Stama
Realfootball said | July 8th 2009 @ 12:49pm | Report comment
With Coyne, Perth will be formidable. They now have quality fringe socceroos in all 3 key areas of the park. I really do wonder about the viability of Wellington Phoenix. Their first year their average crowd was 12,000, I think. Last year, when they did much better and had a real finals chance, their average fell to just over 7,000. On paper, they certainly look like wooden spooners this year. What will their crowds fall too? At what attendance level is an A-League club simply unsustainable? As for Gold Coast, the match against Fulham tonight should be an indicator of how they will fair. I will be there hoping not to get too wet – the forecast is terrible. More rain.
Slippery Jim said | July 8th 2009 @ 1:00pm | Report comment
Slippery Jim’s A-League predictions 2009-2010 (regular season):
1. Sydney
2. Central Coast
3. Adelaide
4. Melbourne
5. Gold Coast
6. Brisbane
——————————————-
7. Newcastle
8. North Queensland
9. Perth
10. Wellington
Midfielder said | July 8th 2009 @ 2:03pm | Report comment
Rellum & Bear
The Choppers were formerly know as the Flying Circus..
Why the Choppers … Hal 3, at Bluetounge … Choppers V Mighty Mariners …
Choppers needing a win for Killer Kossie … MM sitting top of the table (nothing unusual their BTW) .
15 minutes in MM are up 2 nil… then it starts … Matthew Breeze had the worst performance of any official in any game ever played anywhere at any time..
Mariners had five players carried off the field two with season long injuries.. One tackle on Heff resulting in a fractured leg from maybe the worst tackle I have ever seen (two years he took to recover)… when Hutch complained .. Hutch got a yellow card and the Choppers a free kick on the edge of the penalty box…
In summary the MM finished the game with five players carried off, two players sent off, two more covered in blood and wrapped in bandages, five more players with yellow cards… the Choppers won 5-4 BTW … but Kossies gang kicked the shit out of us all night and got away with it … still hurts not the loss but the most appalling bit of referring I ever saw .. and that a professional team would set out to in essence smash their way to victory like a RL or AFL team …
So ever since I have called them the choppers …. because that is all they did that night chop chop chop all night…
Pippinu said | July 8th 2009 @ 2:29pm | Report comment
My independent and objective view of the fortcoming season:
1. Melbourne
2. Daylight
3. don’t care
4. don’t care
5. don’t care
6. don’t care
——————————————-
7. Gold Coast
8. North Queensland
9. Adelaide
10. Sydney
Rellum said | July 8th 2009 @ 2:31pm | Report comment
I remember watching that game on a plane to Brissy. Can’t say I remember the kickings, though it would not surprise me for a team coached by Kossie. I do remember Heffernan getting a broken leg and some great goals.
Breeze is getting a reputation now of letting players get hacked, or has that always been the case.
There are reports now that Fowler wants to leave the Fury. It is probably a beat up, but that would be a disaster for the club.
Art Sapphire said | July 8th 2009 @ 2:36pm | Report comment
SJ – It looks like your A-League 1 to 10 was drawn out of a hat.
Mariners to come second.
They have not won a game this calendar year and you expect them with to all finish above Melbourne.??
Sorry Midfielder, but were you plying SJ with alcohol when you got him to make his predictions.
Anyway here is my prediction.
Melbourne
Perth
Sydney
GCU
Brisbane
Adelaide
Newcastle
Central Coast
Wellington
Fury
MVDave said | July 8th 2009 @ 2:41pm | Report comment
Pip
Watched 2nd string MV beat VPL 3-0 in Shepp on Saturday…The Jackal looked very fit and sharp. Hit the cross bar from 30 metres and almost lifted the portable goal off its supports, the whole frame seemed to rise off the ground (Elasi scored the rebound). Certainly had the Victory fans waxing lyrical…if he can stay injury free??
Millster said | July 8th 2009 @ 2:45pm | Report comment
I’m with Dave V’s top 6 (and therefore think SJ is on drugs if he thinks the Marinators will be in rather than Perth).
Nix and Fury will battle it out for the wooden spoon.
And we may just get a dream Sydney V Melbourne GF.
Kazama said | July 8th 2009 @ 2:53pm | Report comment
Sydney v Melbourne “dream” GF, Millster? More like “nightmare.”
Ah, Matt Breeze. Look up Referee of the Year 2008/9 and you’ll find him. I have no idea why.
See also: “Cheat, You F**king” and “Bat, Blind as a”
colin said | July 8th 2009 @ 3:01pm | Report comment
haha no chance in hell adelaide united second. as much as i love mvfc i also dont think we’ll come first, its way harder to defend a crown then claim one. seriously dont underestimate perth and sydney
Slippery Jim said | July 8th 2009 @ 3:04pm | Report comment
Art Sapphire, by the time my posts appear on the Roar they are largely out of date, as the editors seem to enjoy my posts so much they choose to pre-edit each and every one so that they are the very first to read them – at least I assume that is why, as they haven’t deigned to explain why they are doing this…I am only greatful my predictions list made it past their scrutineers before the new season has started.
If you must know, I originally had Central Coast and Melbourne listed in reverse positions, but decided to swap them around just to irritate Pippu. After his list I must say my job here is done! The Vics are overrated anyway. I am at least reasonably comfortable I have the bottom four sorted…
The moral of my predictions are: Expect the unexpected!
Pippinu said | July 8th 2009 @ 3:06pm | Report comment
MVDave
Rattling the portable goals in Shepp!!
Good to see nothing has changed down on the farm since I was last there.
Rob said | July 8th 2009 @ 3:22pm | Report comment
Hmm, interesting predictions here. Pip, no surprises from you! This season is shaping up to be a good one, bar the Fury’s entry, which looks like being an embarrassing failure. I’m sad to have to say that, and I would be happy to be proved wrong on that one…
So, predictions. I hate to even countenance Melbourne winning again, but they probably will. Sigh. I think Roar will finally crack it and make a grand final, thereby qualifying for Asia. They have a stable group, play good, stylish football, and finally have a striker or two, or so the second half of last year proved. so, on to the league table:
Melbourne
Brisbane Roar
Sydney FC
Perth Glory
Adelaide
Gold Coast (By the skin of their arrogant teeth)
Newcastle
Central Coast
Wellington
Fury
Midfielder said | July 8th 2009 @ 3:29pm | Report comment
MAJOR MAJOR MAJOR Breaking news …
Major leap forward … Huge leap forward
http://www.smh.com.au/news/sport/foo…732332187.html
Academies to close as A-League clubs take on development
Michael Cockerill
July 8, 2009
THE pillars of Australia’s development pathway – the state-based academies – are to be dismantled and replaced by programs run by A-League clubs, with help from the taxpayer.
The change in emphasis towards club-based training in the key age group from 15 to 18 is part of the new national curriculum released earlier this year by national technical director Han Berger. The Dutchman is keen to follow many of the development models used in Europe, where clubs provide the finishing schools for talented youngsters until the decision is made whether they will go on to play professionally.
By contrast, Australia’s development pathway has historically been organised by state academies, underpinning the pinnacle of the system, the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra. The AIS will remain under the new system – and will be included in the national youth league from this season – but starting next year the A-League clubs will take over the roles previously undertaken by the state academies. The first to be disbanded will be the state academies in Victoria, Queensland and South Australia, with the other states eventually falling into line.
Melbourne Victory, Adelaide United, Gold Coast United, Brisbane Roar, North Queensland Fury and the new second A-League team in Melbourne are all hoping to establish their own academies by the end of next year.
The financial burden for the clubs will be alleviated with Football Federation Australia believed to have secured a deal from the various state governments to simply redirect funding from the existing programs.
The NSW Institute of Sport program is likely to be the last one to fall, having recently formalised a new deal with the state government that secures its existence until 2013. That will give extra time for Sydney FC, a new western Sydney team, and the Newcastle Jets to form their own academies. The other NSW team in the A-League, Central Coast Mariners, already have their own academy.
MVDave said | July 8th 2009 @ 3:38pm | Report comment
Midfielder
That makes sense…the best juniors will be picked up by the HAL clubs and devloped at an earlier age than currently (currently the clubs can pick players 17 plus to go into their youth team. It is crazy to have the various sports institutes competing with the HAL club from that region for the best young talent. Lets hope this streamlining of the process provides greater opportunities and a clearer pathway.
Rob said | July 8th 2009 @ 3:50pm | Report comment
Yeah, I read this earlier today. I think it’s an interesting one, and my question is how young the players will be when they are drafted in – will they be 15 max or younger? In line with a discussion we had on here about Arsene Wenger’s views on player development recently, I wonder how they will manage these developmental issues. Will they also start developing a youth base like the Brazilian clubs do – I’m thinking of Grêmio here – (they even call their 6yo-17yo players “categorias da base”), where kids start learning technique at a super early age in the football school and slowly get streamed into categories based on technical ability. The Football school runs from March-December,
By 12 there is an core of players identified that have the ability to make it as pros, and they are given more specialist training, taken overseas to tournaments, playing in state-based and national competitions, and the intensity is ramped up as the kids get older…
I think making the clubs develop academies is an excellent idea, and could be a fantastic place to find and develop talent going forward. The QAS, AIS, VIS, etc, is only interested in the cream of the crop at an age where they are already mostly developed technically, but an academy system such as the one set out above can lead to a better level of player reaching the age that a QAS etc. would have picked them up.
Time will tell I suppose. And I suspect that your post, Midfielder, will probably need its own thread at some point…
Art Sapphire said | July 8th 2009 @ 4:04pm | Report comment
SJ – that means you initialy had the Mariners to come 4th.
Thats pretty brave, but then again I have got Perth to finish 2nd and you have got them to finish 9th.
Now thats what you call a massive divergence of opinion.
Rellum said | July 8th 2009 @ 4:07pm | Report comment
I am with Rob, that this will need it’s own thread.
I think its a great step forward as long as the AIS continues what it is currently doing. Each club will have different philosophy’s on what makes a professional player, so the system has to make sure that the most talent technicians have a pathway. Mix the AIS and the AL academies together and the standard of the A-League will come on in leaps and bounds in the near future.
the all rounder said | July 8th 2009 @ 4:37pm | Report comment
at this stage, i think the final standings will be
1. Victory
2. Roar [the team everyone's forgotten about]
3. Gold Coast
4. Perth
5. Sydney
6. Jets
7. Adelaide
8. Fury
9. Central Coast
10. Phoenix
I think that Adelaide will struggle to reproduce the form of seasons past. Also, Central Coast will continue to struggle without THAT creative midfield player unless Adrian Caceres comes on in leaps and bounds.
Slippery Jim said | July 8th 2009 @ 4:38pm | Report comment
Art, saying they will finish second is definately brave, but fourth is pretty conservative, considering that they finished fourth last year.
The season before the CCM finished first, the average of the last two seasons is therefore around second place (2.5nd place for the pedants), making my second spot prediction more feasible.
I think I’ve talked myself around to agreeing with myself! Splendid…
Vicentin said | July 8th 2009 @ 4:57pm | Report comment
Rellum – I guess there will be some divergence of opinion from the clubs on what makes a professional player but the Curriculum and associated positions will largely be guiding this – skilful I suspect will be the main criteria. With the FFA trying to get people to play down the importance of winning over development in the junior ages I suspect there will be less emphasis on the biggest and strongest.
I can see the AIS having less importance in 5-10 years when all the clubs have got their acts together and the FFA can monitor the talent across the clubs more effectively. With a greater pool of quality players in general it will be harder for the AIS to claim they have the best. It won’t be a bad thing mind you, it will just show that we are becoming even more of a football nation. Clubs will realise that money is to be made from developing high quality juniors and hopefully all will become self funding/perpetuating.
On the predictions I think the top four will have Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and either Gold Coast or Perth in final position. Interesting to watch the friendly between Sydney and CCM on Monday night at Leichhardt Oval. Sydney played all over them but couldn’t find the net …. seemed to overcook it a bit once in the box. If Aloisi comes good (big if), then goalscoring shouldn’t be a problem for the team, Payne may get some too. Brosque looks awesome at the moment and I hope it can continue into the season proper – looks stronger and harder to get off the ball, but a shame he is sooooo left footed. Central Coast have absolutely nothing in terms of creativity but were ultimately difficult to break down, with some thanks to Vucovic.
They got some big units the CCM – particularly Nic Mrjda. The guys is size of refridgerator. Have to say I was also struck by his physical appearance to this fictional character (from Ren & Stimpy)
http://www.sobras.com/nelsondaniel/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/colpowderedtoastman_big001.jpg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YoBq_2e5xUc
Midfielder said | July 8th 2009 @ 5:28pm | Report comment
Vicentin & Others except Jimbol (buy you a beer at Bluetounge Jimbo)
Nic Mrjda if he can stay fit is a very creative player arguably the most creative Striker in the league just needs to stay fit… Nick Travis only played for 10 minutes is a very talented player IMO will be the surprise packet of Hal 5, young very quick attacking mid who can play great balls through … he is a player well matched to our strikers … Elrich is back & fit again… and we have 5 players on trial two from Asia .. but it’s OK to write us off .. there has never been a season when we have been expected to finish in the finals …
Huke, Travis, Elrich .. IMO a very god nay very strong core for our midfield …
”’ Nobody Rates Us But We Don’t Care”"” ……………. just keep saying we give the ball a big Yoooffffff up field all day … makes us laugh … Also Doig coming out of defense …. Also expect at least 2 maybe 3 players still to be added…
Pippinu said | July 8th 2009 @ 5:30pm | Report comment
Rob
“Gold Coast (By the skin of their arrogant teeth)”
here’s hoping!!
(hate ‘em already, as Con hints, losing that first game to your mob would be one of the sweetest sporting moments of the year – well, since we won the toilet plate!!)
MVDave said | July 8th 2009 @ 5:37pm | Report comment
Speaking of Gold Coast, anyone know if there game vs Fulham tonight is being broadcast on the net?
thinker said | July 8th 2009 @ 5:39pm | Report comment
Victory has booked 7th place the season
Midfielder said | July 8th 2009 @ 10:59pm | Report comment
The beach worms won 2-1 … well I be blowed ..
GeneralAshnak said | July 9th 2009 @ 10:08am | Report comment
Kazama: more than happy to be in a fantasy comp – the Barclays EPL compe is the best by far though!
Rob said | July 9th 2009 @ 1:25pm | Report comment
Pip,
Me too. Hate the Goldie team almost as much as I hate the place itself! Yeah, and the Bne Roar smashing them at a sold out suncorp stadium would be a super sweet sporting moment…
Pippinu said | July 9th 2009 @ 1:39pm | Report comment
Did you see a picture of a pastey Michael Thwaite sporting the banana yellow shirt??
Made me sick in the guts.
Honestly, no team in the history of sport has deserved to lose its very first game as much as this mob.
Kazama said | July 9th 2009 @ 2:09pm | Report comment
If people are keen:
The Roar Fantasy EPL 09/10 League – Code: 41532-13109
http://fantasy.premierleague.com/
Pippinu said | July 9th 2009 @ 2:22pm | Report comment
Thanks Kaz – I’ll check it out if I can rip myself away from my FM game!!
I started a 3rd game – I got sick of juggling two seperate games, and wanted to control my three teams in the one game, so I started again from scratch.
I started managaing NEC Nijmegen in the Eredivisie (who I knew had plenty of upside from my other game), the Victory and the Nix (who I enjoy managing because they only have the one team).
I wanted this game to be perfect, so used all my knowledge to revamp the lists and staff and training before the season even began – it took me a whole weekend just to get to my first practice game!
Interestingly, I did such a good job with the Nix (finished 3rd and then defeated the Victory in the grand final!!), that Heerenveen offered me a job – so now I’ve got two teams in the Eredivisie.
It was a bit sad because just before I left the Nix I had stumbled on three gun 18 year olds and had to leave them behind.
Then managing the Victory, I had to play the Nix, under new manager Rufer, and they beat us at home – and these kids starred!!! (grrr, I hate that!)
There’s unrest in the Victory rooms because I dropped Milligan as captain in favour of Theoklitis.
Koala Bear said | July 9th 2009 @ 2:29pm | Report comment
Midfielder,
A historic day on the Gold Coast and the Gold Coast Bulletin covered the event on the front middle and back pages … Football has arrived on the Gold Coast… 10k for a friendly at the Skilled Stadium … Unfortunately I was not able to attend I was busy with other commitments… However, what great effort it was from the boys from the Gold Coast… Oh happy days… Oh happy days… GCU FC 2 v Fulham 1 … Oh happy days…. sing along with me… Oh happy days… Oh happy days…
http://tools.goldcoast.com.au//photo-gallery/index.php?group_id=125
~~~~~~~
KB
Kazama said | July 9th 2009 @ 3:47pm | Report comment
Pippinu
After getting ko’ed in the group stage of the world cup I quit the UAE, and then waited for all the sackings at the end of the tournament to find a new job. I’ve ended up with Chile, currently 19th in the world.
Still at San Jose however I think I’ll move on at the end of the year. Not because I am losing matches – in fact, I’m 3/4s through the season and I’ve already won the North American Champions League (Club World Cup here we come!) and the SuperLiga. I’m on top of the MLS with only one loss.
Problem is a lot of my players are getting big headed and want ridiculous salaries or are trying to bugger off to Europe. I might be joining them. The club is in massive debt and there’s a takeover looming in the next month. I should survive though – the current board has me listed as “untouchable.” I just want to play in the CWC, see how I do against the big boys, then I’ll resign and see where I can end up.
Pippinu said | July 9th 2009 @ 3:51pm | Report comment
With the salaries thing, I noticed that as soon as the Board upped my budget from around $200k per week to $300k per week, any time I went to renew someone’s contract, they asked for absolutely ridiculous sums of money – it’s bloody annoying!!
GeneralAshnak said | July 9th 2009 @ 5:24pm | Report comment
I am so glad I have no idea what you two are talking about.
Kaz: what about both a head to head and a classic league? I am in one for 2 other football sites (thinking of joining the WGF one as well…)
Kazama said | July 9th 2009 @ 5:33pm | Report comment
We’ll need some more players first – so far it’s just you and me, General!
Pippinu said | July 9th 2009 @ 5:37pm | Report comment
General
don’t tell me you’ve never fallen under the spell of Football Manager???!!! (I’m a recent convert)
GeneralAshnak said | July 10th 2009 @ 9:52am | Report comment
Pips, I have no time for computer games (I am only playing Fallout 3 at the moment, and thats because I have been a fan of the franchise forever!) with my new house, 3 month old and to much on at work.
Kaz, what only us two?!? I am in a few other comps already so will get some of my EPL fantasy fix out of them, but how is it possible that the various EPL fans aren’t taking the opportunity to get involved? Maybe we should ask the Fink?
Kazama said | July 10th 2009 @ 12:23pm | Report comment
General – As we get closer to the season more people will get interested. We just need to keep mentioning it I guess.
The Roar Fantasy EPL 09/10 League – Code: 41532-13109
http://fantasy.premierleague.com/
I’ve finished Fallout 3, but I’ll probably start again when I get bored and play as a bad guy, see what sort of mischief I can get up to. Awesome, awesome game.
GeneralAshnak said | July 10th 2009 @ 5:13pm | Report comment
Agree Kaz, sweet game! Yeah I am going to go through it the second time as a bad guy, looking forward to basing myself in Twopenny tower and killing off brotherhood of steel dudes instead of those other blokes.
Pippinu said | July 10th 2009 @ 5:50pm | Report comment
General
the solution to all your problems is at hand – you offer to get up for bub in the middle of the night, ordering your wife to get some shut eye, you then nurse bub on your shoulder while you play whatever game you want (or catch up with the latest EPL scores on Fox)
It’s called win, win!!
GeneralAshnak said | July 13th 2009 @ 11:27am | Report comment
Sounds like the last world cup Pips!