The Roar
The Roar

Advertisement

Arnie's Sydney FC revolution

23rd July, 2014
Advertisement
Graham Arnold has his side purring. (AAP)
Roar Guru
23rd July, 2014
36
1163 Reads

Halfway through last season, fans of Sydney FC fans staged a very public protest against then-manager Frank Farina and the board’s handling of the club.

Results were not going the way of the Sky Blues, marquee players weren’t delivering, and frustration was growing that ‘quick fix’ options were brought in over promoting from the club’s all-conquering youth side.

FC looked more suited for the battle to avoid the wooden spoon than a team that use to be known as ‘Bling FC’ and was the envy of the league.

Only a late season revival, and poor form of rival clubs, saw Sydney FC make the finals. Despite a five-nil win over rivals Melbourne Victory, and a 3-1 derby win over the Wanderers, Sydney FC fell well below expectations.

Fast forward to the pre-season of the 2014/15 campaign and fans are once again confident their club can return to their glamour days.

The sacking of former Socceroo manager Frank Farina was met with great excitement by the vocal majority of fans, as was the appointment of another former Roos coach, Graham Arnold.

Since his appointment as manager, Arnold has been vital in the club signing excitement machine Bernie Ibini, club legend Alex Brosque, young left back Alex Gersbach, and goal machine Shane Smeltz.

It’s no coincidence that Arnold moved quickly to re-shape Sydney FC’s faltering attack after marquee Alessandro Del Piero’s departure.

Advertisement

Also returning to the attacking third will be former marquee Nick Carle, who incredibly spent last season playing in a midfield anchoring role, a decision which quelled his natural attacking instincts.

Terry Antonis has also regained full fitness after his injury plagued 2013/14 season.

The late season signing of Sasa Ognenovski seemed to add a defensive steel that had not been there previously, and with a full pre-season under his belt, FC fans can expect another robust season from their experienced defender.

Despite a 4-nil hammering at the hands of English Premier League outfit Newcastle, expectations are high at Moore Park.

Arnold took an under-resourced Central Coast side to a grand final win over the more fancied Wanderers. His time at the Mariners not only stabilised the club, but turned them into a genuine force both in the local league, and in Asia.

Arnold has also overseen a clean-out of sorts. The underperforming Richard Garcia, Marc Warren, Blake Powell, Mitch Malia, Joel Chianese and Ranko Despotovic have all found new clubs, while foundation member and captain Terry McFlynn retired. Brett Emerton also left the club last season.

With a younger, faster and more exciting squad at his disposal, Arnold has said and done all the right things to revitalise the club.

Advertisement

Fans are now firmly back on board after seeing the changes they demanded from the club.

The Sky Blues still have a marquee position available and have been linked to some big names. Whether or not they sign one of the rumoured stars, under Arnold they are far better situated to being an A-League force than this time last season.

close