After further bolstering Sydney FC’s defence with the addition of Socceroo Adam Griffiths, new coach Ian Crook is now putting a priority on strengthening his strike force.
Griffiths 32, who has been signed primarily as a central defender, but can also play in midfield, hasn’t played for a club in his home city of Sydney for over a decade.
“He’s played a lot of his career as a midfield player, so he’s comfortable in possession, which is what we want our central defenders to be,” Crook said.
“But he is a physical presence and he brings some experience back there for us.”
Griffiths, who has won two Socceroo caps and an A-League title at Newcastle, worked under Crook at Northern Spirit and Newcastle and has spent the last two seasons at Chinese Super League club Hangzhou.
“I’m looking forward to some normality in my life, and excited about being home,” Griffiths said.
“Living in Asia, it’s a different culture, different people.”
Adam’s twin Joel is still in China with Shanghai Shenhua, while another sibling, Ryan, is already back in the A-League at Newcastle.
Signed up for one year, Griffiths is the third newcomer to arrive at Sydney since Crook took over three weeks ago.
Crook’s previous signings were left-sided players in Brazilian defender Fabio and attacking midfielder Ali Abbas.
With forwards Juho Mahela, Bruno Cazarine and Mark Bridge all released over the past two months, Crook is looking to supplement a frontline featuring exciting youngsters Joel Chianese and Mitch Mallia.
“I think that’s a really important area for us,” Crook said.
“We’ve strengthened in certain areas now on the left, and certainly at the back, and it’s important now that we bring the right one in up front and not just jump in to something.
“The way I want to play I don’t know if I really want a target man.
“I want somebody that has got some pace in there and maybe a little bit technically that is smart.
“I don’t want to particularly play long, into people, so we’re going to be trying to play in and around into feet.
“We’re looking with somebody with a little bit of quality.”
Crook said the rivalry between Sydney and the new Western Sydney franchise should be embraced and he was delighted by the presence of coaches Tony Popovic and Ante Milicic at the fledgling club.
“It will be a friendly rivalry, should we say, between coaches but I think it will be great for the league,” Crook said.
Jack
Guest
Liam Boland a young player with Floreat in the WA state comp is a Viduka type only 20 but kicking lots of goals.
bart
Guest
Ahh Viduka.....really miss watching him play.
Qantas supports Australian Football
Guest
SFC are not Brisbane and they have different personnel; besides Berisha was Roar's front runner or target man if you wish. Carle is quick enough off the mark over 30 metres---has excellent close ball control with a lot of creativity. Why would you need another clone of Carle. What Carle needs is a Viduka type of player in front of him with Mallia and Chianese showing great pace and potential they need to be given their chance to show their worth next season playing as wide players perhaps..
nice
Guest
carle is a lot of things but he isn't quick. the youngsters might be but they are not even assured a place in the team. bris didn't need a target man to win the last two seasons.
Qantas supports Australian Football
Guest
No one is overruling Crook we are all entitled to an opinion especially when you have someone like Carle who can play that role up front (No.10)why do you need another one when you should be looking for a Viduka type player some one who can hold up the ball.. Seems to me that would be a better option to complement the fast young strikers we already have..
nice
Guest
crook clearly stated he is not after a traget man. but qsaf, matt f and super g seem to think they can overrule him.
Qantas supports Australian Football
Guest
I'm very excited about Chianese I reckon Crook will bring the best out of him next season
Matt F
Roar Guru
Mallia and Chianese should provide enough pace so we probably need a bigger striker to replace Cazarine. I know Crook has said that he might not want a target man as it won't suit his style but it's nice to have an option. I think you're right that we need to look overseas for one. Luckily we still have two(?) import spots left.
super G
Guest
SFC better get crackin'. No experienced strikers in the squad at all at the moment. We need at least 3 strikers signed in case one turns out to be a flop. Mallia and Chianese will get their chances but we need at least a couple of big,physical strikers or it's going to be the same old story. I hope they do their research well before signing anyone up.
Qantas supports Australian Football
Guest
This has to be a top signing and I suspect we will have to go off shore to get our man. Not sure what kind of striker we need here? Do we need one with speed or a player who can hold up the ball like a Viduka. I would like to get into the head of Crook and find out what he is thinking. Personally I think a player who can hold up the ball will suit SFC more than a grey hound with our younger guns to run off him.. Add to that Carle and Emerton it all should work superbly..
rob
Guest
.and Flores!
rob
Guest
Go for Richard Porta?