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He isn’t Graham Arnold or Tony Popovic, but Ian Crook is the right man at the right time for Sydney FC. The club installed Crook as its new head coach yesterday, with the wide-reaching search ending close to home.
Crook has been working in Sydney’s youth set-up and that experience has him uniquely placed at this time.
The Sky Blues first team squad is littered with young-guns waiting to get their chance. Crook is not only aware of their talent, but also knows what makes them tick.
Striker Joel Chianese cemented his starting spot towards the end of the season and Dimitri Petratos and Mitch Mallia are desperate to follow his lead.
Seventeen-year-old midfielder Hagi Gligor is another with a huge future. He could also have Terry Antonis at his disposal, depending on what happens following a trial with Bundesliga outfit Borussia Moenchengladbach.
Daniel Petkovski and Nathan Sherlock are also expected to push hard to join Rhyan Grant in the back line over the next two years.
An overseas coach probably would’ve been tempted to shun youth and instead place his faith in some more established stars.
But Crook has the opportunity to blood several highly rated locals.
Allianz Stadium has seen its fair share of superstars since the birth of the A-League.
It’s not bad when Dwight Yorke and Juninho take up two spots on the list of former players. But The Cove tends to lift for something a little simpler.
Some of the biggest ovations have been reserved for occasions when a player, who has come through the youth ranks, gets on the ball.
Anticipation fills the air and that special football atmosphere trickles around the arena.
They have enough experienced players to mentor the younger brigade as well.
Brett Emerton, Nicky Carle, Terry McFlynn and Pascal Bosschaart all have a role to play in that department.
Of course you can’t throw them all into the fire at once.
Football Director Gary Cole has quite rightly been on the hunt for new signings since the end of the season.
In time, the youngsters will get their chance and it’s heartening to know the man at the helm knows all about their abilities.
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