Sydney FC’s newest signing, Ali Abbas, feels he can bring the much-needed excitement factor back to the A-League club.
The former Newcastle Jets forward has penned a two-year contract with the Sky Blues, after spending the past three seasons with the Jets.
Sydney’s new head coach Ian Crook swooped on the Iraqi international after he was axed by the Jets last week.
“I think I will bring excitement,” said Abbas, who was a member of Iraq’s 2007 Asian Cup-winning team.
“Don’t get me wrong – they have quality players here and I’m very excited to work with them and hopefully I can add more to them.
“Sydney FC is a big club in Australia and, if you want to play for a big club, you have to be positive and work hard all the time.”
Abbas, 25, is the first player to join the Sky Blues since Crook was handed the reins earlier this month and the Englishman has no doubt he will be a crowd pleaser.
“Once I knew I’d got the job, he was someone that I knew would be a great fit for the way I want to play,” Crook said on Tuesday.
“He’s somebody I believe will get bums off their seats and standing up and applauding the things he does … so hopefully he’ll be a big hit.”
Abbas’ signing is the first blow in what promises to be an ongoing tussle to snare players with the new western Sydney side coached by Tony Popovic.
“It’s great to have rivalry now,” Crook said.
“We’re happy we’ve got him. If western Sydney were interested and we’ve got him instead of them – brilliant!
“But I’m sure there’ll be some they get that we’ll miss out on.
“This will be an ongoing thing, but I’m not going to fight Popa over it – he’s bigger than me.”
Various names have been thrown up as possible marquee men for the Sky Blues but Crook admits snaring either of the latest suggestions – England international Michael Owen or Brazilian star Ronaldinho – might be a stretch.
“Two individuals like that would excite any team but we have to be realistic,” Crook said.
“We’ve got restraints to work with and a budget. If they were prepared to fit into our budget, which is doubtful, then that would be great.”
the flattery
Guest
i'll think you'll find the official name of the game is australian football. afl is indeed short for australian football league. but this is a football forum so, you best be running along now chief.
the flattery
Guest
how come their are so many afl balls on a football blog?
ItsCalled AussieRules
Roar Rookie
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/soccer/ex-reds-coach-coolen-takes-fight-to-ffa/story-e6frectc-1226227999808 "Coolen is expected to lodge the documents through his lawyer before the FFA appoint an independent legal team" That's legal action - so stop your silly arguing Totti.
tristina
Guest
you still don't understand that mediation isn't 'legal action'. its what one does to avoid legal action. stick to afl.
ItsCalled AussieRules
Roar Rookie
What happened to Totti
ItsCalled AussieRules
Roar Rookie
You are free to use whatever moniker you like - no law against that. The game is called Aussie Rules - Denetriou tries to call it Australian Football as a merketing ploy to get more people in, but we all know what Australian Football is.
ItsCalled AussieRules
Roar Rookie
Rini Coolen took legal action against the FFA and got nothing. This latest court case is a personal one against AU, not FFA and is more to do with the fact that his work visa has expired and he will be deported, so he is trying to get his job back. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-05-22/coolen-reds-go-to-mediation/4026330 You and all your fake moniker's are a disgrace to the game!
The Bear
Guest
Whole heartedly agree. Even Nicky can't muster anything remotely interesting in those colours.
The Bear
Guest
Agreed. Some folks on here need to re-read the Crawford Report.
tristina
Guest
not to mention blatantly making stuff up to support your argument.
The Cattery
Roar Guru
You actually do a good job of discrediting yourself with a name like ItsCalled AussieRules.
ItsCalled AussieRules
Roar Rookie
I've worked out who you are now - trying to discredit me like one of those AFL supporters.
Qantas supports Australian Football
Guest
Before GCU I was totally SFC and Chelsea, then I added GCU to my stable as that's where I live.. I was born in Sydney in the Canterbury district where I learnt to play all my junior football and also in the St George district. Now there's no more GCU, I'm back with my original teams.
tristina
Guest
did you notice the article on rini coolen CURRENTLY taking legal action against adelaide? its just that i remember you said on another post that he sued them and got nothing.
striker
Guest
Qantas i support sydney FC i thought you were a gold coast boy????????
Qantas supports Australian Football
Guest
A Qantas pilot... I use to tell that to all the gorgeous young ladies at the City Tatts Pitt St. on a Friday night, the smorgasbord cabaret (worked well then) not so much now... :D
Johnno
Guest
But Qantas it is though it will make you even sicker. Do you work for Qantas cos it is a very interesting name.
Qantas supports Australian Football
Guest
Sick of people from West Sydney saying that SFC is the old Hakoah football club that is all... I once played for Sydney Croatia's lower grades so I have no real gripe against the old club just targeting those people who continually choose to disrespect SFC like you perhaps as well as Chips...
Midfielder
Guest
I think the idea of SFC playing exciting football ... now that is funny...
ItsCalled AussieRules
Roar Rookie
Looks like some old habits like racism and narrow mindedness die hard.