Whichever way you look at it, Tommy Oar’s move to Brisbane Roar for the rest of the season and beyond is only full of positives.
Following the Tim Cahill controversy, the A-League has been handed a massive vote of confidence from one of the Socceroos’ less-heralded stars – not that fans require such a show of support – and secures a quality player at the same time.
Oar’s introduction into an A-League season that has been high quality on the pitch and highly competitive on the ladder is an extra course for Australian fans to feast on.
Oar will strengthen John Aloisi’s quest for a premiership-championship double, which continues with a clutch clash against Western Sydney Wanderers on Friday, and his name should coax some stay-away fans into Suncorp Stadium.
While not exactly a household name a la Cahill, Oar’s quality is undoubted.
Still just 24, the winger-cum-central midfielder forged out a successful career in Holland over five years with FC Utrecht, making more than 100 appearances and often appearing at the top of the Eredivisie assists charts.
While some may lament one of our Socceroos returning to Australia so early in his career, it appears a necessary step to ensure Oar remains on track for both the national team and his personal wellbeing – it did wonders for Aaron Mooy’s development, albeit a bit earlier in his career.
Oar is still talented enough to compete in the upper tiers of Europe, yet the past year cannot have been easy for the Gold Coast product.
The backend of his stay with Utrecht took an unfortunate turn last season, after Oar openly rejected a new contract, intent on pushing himself up to a new level. He was largely frozen out of the club, spending large spells on the sidelines as Utrecht preferred to give game time to players sticking around.
It was less than ideal, but the hope was that Oar would secure a move to a more high-profile club and take the next step in his career.
Rumours of a transfer to Ajax fell through, as did a bizarre, but confirmed, possibility of turning out for Athletic Bilbao, thanks to an obscure bloodline linking Oar to the Basque region.
Oar unfortunately remained uncontracted until late August – therefore missing a pre-season, and training in isolation – when he signed a two-year deal with Championship side Ipswich Town. Yet his time in Suffolk never took off as he made just four starts.
Oar ended his stay with Ipswich by mutual consent last month, citing home sickness.
“It’s a great club and the manager, staff and players made me feel very welcome but while I have enjoyed playing for Ipswich, I have found it difficult to settle into life in England,” Oar said.
“I have been away from home for five or six years now. My family came over at Christmas and maybe I’ve got to a point where I want to be closer to home again.
“It’s just one of those things where moving over here as not worked out as I had hoped but I’d like to wish the club, the manager, the staff and the players the best of luck over the rest of the season and I hope to be watching Ipswich in the Premier League next year.”
Ipswich manager Mick McCarthy wanted him to stay, but credit to the club for allowing him to get back into a comfortable environment. And cynics who questioned his motives, suggesting he would chase dollars in the Middle East or Asia, have been proven wrong.
Some may question Oar’s lack of mental fortitude, yet these are likely people that have never taken a career plunge like he did at the age of 18 moving to a foreign country. It is more than understandable that feelings of homesickness would start to creep into a young man’s head after a turbulent year of uncertainty.
Regardless, Oar is in Australia, and it should be celebrated.
As mentioned he is still only 24, and this is likely a brief sojourn back home to recharge, see the family and friends he was obviously missing, and perhaps kick on back in Europe again after a few seasons. If he decides to see out his career in the A-League, good for him, living away from home for prolonged periods is not for everyone.
Aloisi and Brisbane, meanwhile, are the next big winners after Oar. They have picked up a very handy player who can help the Roar push for silverware. Oar is predominantly known as a winger in A-League and Socceroos circles, but much of his time at Utrecht was also spent in central midfield.
At a club level, his combination with Matt McKay and Thomas Broich will be intriguing for Roar supporters, and on a national level, his ability to strike up an understanding with Jamie Maclaren could prove dividends for the Socceroos leading into the 2018 World Cup.
Ange Postecoglou will certainly be relieved to see him playing consistent minutes again.
Oar’s move back Down Under can only bring positives to a league already brimming with exciting talent and a highly competitive field. Hopefully, he can find form, fitness and rebuild his still fledgling career at his old stomping ground.
And if he helps lead Brisbane Roar back to glory and secures game time with the Socceroos, it will be a vindicated career choice.
BtoPower3
Guest
All genuine BR fans know that Broich has been a free man sometimes. And under Frans Thijssen, Broich was once a midfielder. So, it is not difficult to adjust the formation. Actually, BR has been too predictable recently. There should be a change. No problem. Theo (or Young) Polenz; Donachie; North; Devere Bowles; Clut (or Lustica) Brady; Broich; Oar Maclaren Still, the defense is more important. The team cannot keep losing big number of goals.
Kaks
Roar Guru
I think I remember him plying his hand in that position around the WC period when there was no other options due to injury and form (Bresciano was the only recognized 10 we had available if my memory serves me well). But considering no one currently considers him to be a CAM, and the fact that it is currently our strongest position with depth, there is no way that he will get another chance there barring a massive shortage in the position due to injury again.
RBBAnonymous
Guest
I dont like the tone of this article especially when Janek is questioning the mental fortitude of a player like Tommy. Not too sure what he was supposed to do. Stick it out in Europe where no one genuinely wanted him. At Ipswich playing a brand of football totally beneath his talents and skills. They play it hoof it up field with McCarthy who would be one of the more uninspiring managers around. I don't understand why clubs freeze out players like this. They are professionals who will more often than not bust their guts for the club, and that includes Tommy. In effect they are questioning his integrity and character. Absolutely laughable. He had the world at his feet and then the football gods took over and said not today son. That's tragic in my eyes because we all know he is more than talented enough to be playing in Europe. Glad he is home. I for one am excited to see another quality Aussie plying his trade at a high level in the A-league.
Tom Cahill
Guest
Many and more Pat
Tom Cahill
Guest
Hasn't Bozanic played as CAM for the Socceroos though?
Patrick Effeney
Editor
There's an article in this.
Jorge Hernandez
Guest
Would have preferred him to stay over in Europe but good luck to him all the same.
Griffo
Roar Guru
I was glad Arnold didn't get the Socceroos gig again, considering how we played, the near player revolt at 2007 Asian Cup...we won't mention the Olyroos, either. Although we may have had a different technical director at FFA, but that's another story.
Lionheart
Guest
It's a short drive up the motorway from the coast to Logan, lots people commute daily. Tommy can live at home, it's what he wanted.
Kaks
Roar Guru
Bozanic isnt a CAM, Bozanic is a standard CM who needs a proper defensive midfielder next to him. Valeri's absence at Victory is one of the reasons why the MV midfield looks so poor, Broxham is no Valeri.
Paul
Guest
Most players are too creative for Graham Arnold. Sydney FC would have been better off if Arnie had gotten the Socceroo job. Arnie professes to be a development coach, no evidence this year. Development came out of Academy where players from Western Sydney got their chance. No longer.
Tom Cahill
Guest
Mark my words they will never move Matt McKay to LB. He is far too intelligent in CM and won't enjoy being a marquee player being told to play in a position he was uncomfortable with for the national team.
Tom Cahill
Guest
Maybe not with our current stocks, but some of his through balls and interplay from Utrecht last season was pretty special. Just because he hasn't had the chance to demonstrate it for Australia doesn't mean it didn't happen for club. I rate him well above Bozanic in terms of CAM prospects also.
The Phantom Commissioner
Roar Rookie
If we are talking Tommy Oar for Roar and the Socceroos they are two totally different conversations. For the the Roar i would have him as their creative outlet centrally all day, i saw Broich up close two weeks ago and to be honest i think it may be time for Roar fans to remember the good times and bid him farewell. As for the Socceroos Oar is probably an impact player off the bench out wide i don't think he's starting 11 material.
TK
Guest
Not much argument Towser but worth noting that 9 of the 13 goals scored for in 3 games against ccm (4), jets (2) and nix (3) for a win a draw and a loss against the three bottom sides. Goals for is a bit deceptive in that period and coupled with the recent defensive woes there have been a few of us who think goals scored vs posession has been a big problem. It'll be interesting to see where oar plays and if McKay gets pushed to left back with his arrival to try and improve that left hand side.
Realfootball
Guest
Broich is 35 heading for 36. It has been painfully clear of late that his legs have gone. This is an area of weakness, not of strength.
Ian
Guest
Broich's contract is not running out this year.He has another year on it as with McKay. Broich isn't getting replaced by anyone. They are backending Oar's pay and plan to move him into a marquee spot in two seasons. He is a QLD boy anyway and also has a preference for our style over Sydney. Apparently SFC offered 500k a season. Brisbane offered less. http://www.foxsports.com.au/news/socceroo-tommy-oar-signs-with-brisbane-roar-for-remainder-of-aleague-season-plus-two-more-years/news-story/fd16061a4cd98002d7ba4dd1293b625b
Tom Cahill
Guest
I think it's more to do with his family - why come home to Australia only to play in another state anyway? This way he can be close to his family who live on the Gold Coast or somewhere near iirc.
Tom Cahill
Guest
Bit misinformed there, Oar was attracting interest from Ajax and Bilbao because of his central play making abilities. Broich needs to be replaced sooner or later, it's short-sighted to assume that he won't continue to slow down more rapidly over the next year or two, given this season's small indicators and his age in general.
AVictory
Guest
Oar is too creative and exciting for Graham Arnolds team style.