From Ono to 'Oh no' - Popa's poor recruitment punishing the Wanderers

Tony Popovic had done a wonderful job in turning the Western Sydney Wanderers into a formidable opponent in such a short space of time.

But this season it has all come undone thanks to some pretty poor calls on his part in terms of player retention and acquisitions.

When it was announced that the Wanderers would take the place of Gold Coast United in the A-League there was a real sense of excitement around the country.

Popovic decided to return from England where he was an assistant manager at Crystal Palace to try and create some history with the newly formed club.

Not much was really expected of the Wanderers in their first season, but they ended up being one of the surprise packets, storming home to claim the minor premiership. Such an achievement should not go unnoticed, so hats off to Poppa.

They unfortunately crashed out to the eventual champions, Brisbane Roar, in the semi-final clash, despite the best efforts of Japanese star recruit Shinji Ono, who scored an absolute worldie – a left footed chip over Michael Theo.

Next season the Wanderers came back even stronger, even though they had Asian Champions League commitments to deal with. This time around Brisbane and Western Sydney met one week later in the grand final and after an excellent game, the Roar once again came out on top despite the Wanderers’ resilience.

The Wanderers would not be deterred though and focused on the Asian Champions League post A-League season. This is when the wheels started to fall off Popa’s Wanderers wagon – despite their incredible run where they won the Champions League.

Shinji Ono was allowed to return back to Japan after two wonderful seasons of service – a blow but one Poppa knew he’d have to overcome eventually.

Youssef Hersi was allowed to join Perth Glory. It was this move that showed just how important Hersi was to the Wanderers. He was a key player providing the width down the right of the Wanderers midfield and always looking to beat his man and provide a wonderful end product.

Hersi’s combination with another Wanderer who was allowed to walk, Jerome Polenz, was super. His move to the Brisbane Roar, via Europe, who desperately needed a new right back for the recently departed Socceroo Ivan Franjic, showed again another poor decision from Popa.

Aaron Mooy, the man Popa gave an escape route from a stalling career in Scotland, joined Melbourne City. This was another telling blow to the Wanderers who are still looking for a midfield general to take his spot.

Mooy was the man who kept the Wanderers ticking over from his position in the middle of the park. He popped up with some important goals during his time at Parramatta Stadium. His set pieces were also vital in the Wanderers’ game plan and it is something they have struggled to replicate since his departure.

Of these four key players who have left, it is difficult to decide who has been the biggest loss. They all brought a lot to this team that made it an instant success.

Vitor Saba was brought in to replace Ono as the number ten in this side. While he was frustrating, it could be argued he was never given the service from the deeper midfielders that Ono did and therefore was not a success.

Saba was also at loggerheads with Popa throughout his time in Western Sydney, which never helped his case. Popa though, has a couple of shining lights in this recent run of poor recruitment.

Nikita Rukavytsya – a fringe Socceroo – came in and has added a spark to an otherwise dull Wanderers attack. Kerem Bulut has added even more potency to the Wanderers attack since he joined in January. He capped his debut in the derby against Sydney FC with a brace.

Japanese duo Yusuke Tanaka and Yojiro Takahagi both look like quality signings, but only time will tell if they are what’s required to lift the Wanderers out of the mire.

This looks to be an important lesson in Tony Popovic’s fledgling managerial career and hopefully it is one he can overcome swiftly as he looks to return the Wanderers to the winning ways of days gone by.