Both the Newcastle Jets and Perth Glory look like missing the A-League finals this season but more alarmingly, neither club appear to be setting themselves up for a successful campaign in season 10.
The Newcastle Jets were third on the A-League ladder after an inspiring win over Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park in Round 9. The Novocastrians however were only able to take maximum points in one of their next nine games, with coach Gary van Egmond being shown the door along the way.
This run of results saw the Jets plummet towards the foot of the table and they’re now in danger of missing the finals for the fourth season in a row.
The Glory have also had to deal with a midseason coach sacking, with the enigmatic Kenny Lowe brought in as a replacement for Alistair Edwards after he was seen to be favouring his two sons Ryan and Cameron.
Perth, currently on a nine-match winless run, have never really got going this season and have found themselves more often than not outside the finals places. With the late season resurgence of the Phoenix and the Melbourne Heart, the Glory are now in danger of securing the first wooden spoon in their existence.
The real concern however for both clubs is how they will fare next season, with the other A-League clubs bolstering their squads and creating stability for season 2014/15.
The Jets and Glory started this A-League season with new players who had been brought in to fit the style and formation their respective coaches wanted to play.
Now, with those two coaches gone and no certainty over their replacements’ long-term futures, both clubs will need to decide whether they overhaul their squads and attempt to rebuild again or stick with the current playing roster and make the best of it.
Meanwhile, Melbourne Heart, who also had John Aloisi sacked mid-season, have been acquired by Manchester City and have secured John van ‘t Schip as their head coach for the next three seasons. van ‘t Schip will have access to City’s many facilities and resources, so look for the Heart to make a serious push for the title next season.
Ernie Merrick has compiled a competitive and underrated squad with the Wellington Phoenix, however injuries and international duty have rather staggered their season.
At their best they can be one of the most entertaining teams in the league. With fewer internationals next season and another season with the same playing group, Wellington could be a smoky for next season. The proposal for a new smaller stadium will also be ideal for their small supporter base.
Another club who will be benefiting from an additional season together will be Adelaide United. Josep Gombau’s charges had an up-and-down start to the season, with many calling for the Spaniard’s head when he persisted with his playing style, insisting it was more important to play well than get results.
The squad have now gelled and look like they could have success over the next couple of seasons under Gombau.
Much-maligned Sydney FC coach Frank Farina has actually assembled a decent squad in his time with the Sky Blues. Tactically he doesn’t seem to know what to do with them, but there’s enough quality to be competitive.
If the team from the Harbour City can keep youngsters Corey Gameiro, Terry Antonis, Hagli Gligor and Rhyan Grant at the club, the future looks bright. And that’s without mentioning their Championship-winning Youth league squad, who they will be looking to inject into their first team squad in the years to come.
However, something Sydney have been criticized for in the past is losing young stars, such as Dimi Petratos and Anthony Golec, to other A-League clubs while holding on to ageing players.
The Mariners and Victory both lost their coaches this season but with both having been poached rather than sacked, it has been a more seamless transition. Both clubs also had to deal with losing key players throughout the season but they are now a good chance of progressing to the last 16 of the ACL and are peaking for the A-League finals.
Victory won’t want to be upstaged by little brother Heart next season, so expect them to add a few pieces to their squad for next season. Meanwhile, it’ll be steady as she goes for the Mariners, who are used to losing players and bringing in suitable replacements.
Western Sydney Wanderers have dispelled any thoughts of a second season hangover with Tony Popovic tinkering with his squad, enabling them to be competitive on two fronts in the A-League and the Asian Champions League.
The former Socceroo identified areas where his club could improve from last season and brought in Tomi Juric, Brendon Santalab and Matthew Spiranovic to bolster the squad. Next season he will have to replace Shinji Ono, Aaron Mooy and almost certainly Youssouf Hersi and there’s no doubt he’s already identifying players to fill those spots.
Brisbane Roar are gunning for their third Championship in four years this season. They should wrap up the Premiers Plate this weekend and they will be favourites in the finals series.
The loss of Besart Berisha will hurt them but the way they play, Mike Mulvey simply needs a finisher rather than a striker who will create a lot himself. Thomas Broich, Matt McKay and Liam Miller will provide enough opportunities for Berisha’s replacement to score double figures next season.
Some big decisions for billionaires Nathan Tinkler and Tony Sage to be made about their clubs. The other A-League clubs look to be pushing forward both on and off the field, while Newcastle and Perth are falling behind.
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