January sees the clubs of the world scouring the globe looking for the extra-edge in their quest for championship glory.
In the A-League, the salary cap forces clubs to channel Donald Trump’s Art of The Deal to find a cost-effective solution to the problems that face their campaign.
Here’s what your side needs and why!
Central Coast Mariners – Experience
The Mariners have had a torrid time all across the park this season. With Tony Walmsley insisting on playing uber-attacking football with promising young players, it’s time to bring in some experience.
The obvious place would be defence, a solid centre-half to replace the now departed Eddy Bosnar would be ideal, but anywhere will do.
Perth Glory – Andy Keogh
Though fortunes have begun to change in the wild, wild west, a clinical finisher is clearly lacking in the squad. What’s promising is that it seems the Glory are on the precipice of signing their leading goal scorer in Keogh, after losing him through the salary cap debacle of last season.
The only issue is, do Perth have the funds to do so (the possible departure of Guyon Fernandez may facilitate that). As we wait with bated breath we can only hope to see Keogh lining up for a side that have had a luckless season.
Newcastle Jets – A no. 10
While there is merit in suggesting another striker to help Newcastle add a cutting edge to the frontline, a no. 10 might just do the trick. When Ben Kantarovski has featured in the attacking midfield role he’s failed to produce enough killer through-balls and that is what Newcastle seem to lack.
Alternatively with Li Ki Jee heading back to Korea it may be worth trying to bring in a left back, but a no. 10 would be more exciting!
Adelaide United – A first-team centre back
The loss of Nigel Boogard has hit the Reds hard, with various players struggling to fill the void. Yes Elsey and McGowan are showing some promising signs, but depth is exactly what the Reds are after.
Despite the catchcry from the media being to sign a forward, Adelaide have plenty of goals in them, it’s just a matter of time. In addition to that, Eli Babalj is finally fit again and to not give him a chance to prove himself would be silly.
One would hope that Babalj’s return might spark Bruce Djite into producing some goal scoring form.
Wellington Phoenix – Someone to get bums on seats
Wellington have shown throughout they have immense quality throughout the side, their defence has experience with some promising youngsters on the peripheries too.
A midfield with Roly Bonevacia, Michael McGlinchey and an unsung hero in Albert Riera ought to be in good stead. Throw in the mix the pace of Roy Krishna up front and the squad looks alright and definitely capable of making the finals.
Though they have only won a single match out of their last six, the signs for success are noticeable. What the team doesn’t have though is a genuine household name.
In a year where the future of the club is under fire they need to show strong crowd figures. The obstacle is the lack of money the club is willing to spend. Bringing someone like Michael Essien or Tomáš Rosický to draw more five-figure crowds at home is just what the doctor ordered.
Check in on tomorrow for all the other clubs as we dissect all the issues January throws up.
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