‘Always look on the left side for Broich‘ – a delightful refrain created by The Den.
We will be looking at the left in the future with a slight pang as the great man will not be there.
There have been many articles and comments written about Thomas Broich, laying blame etc but this is one about the man and what he has done for Brisbane Roar and why he should never be forgotten.
When I heard we were signing him I undertook some research and was immediately excited by what I discovered. For those that know me, that should not surprise them as I get excited by everything but I digress.
I heard a documentary was made about him called Tom meets Zizou, so I bought it and watched it, becoming even more excited. If you haven’t seen the film then you should buy it as should go straight to the pool room.
He is an artistic, intelligent, talented player who was spoken in the same breath as Bastian Schweinsteiger when he was younger but deemed a luxury player by the hard-nosed German coaches who favoured strength and effort over flair.
He was not picked often and fell out of love with the game as it was then in Germany. Ange Postecoglou’s visit intrigued and excited him, he fell back in love with the game and the rest is history.
(AAP Image/Dave Hunt)
His skill on the ball, trickery, football intelligence and vision were a joy to watch and he mesmerised us so many times over the years. He is often mentioned as the greatest marquee to play in the A-League and I concur with that sentiment, but I may be slightly biased. His corner in the last minute of our first grand final win in 2011 that Eric Paartalu scored from was just as memorable as his myriad goals from free kicks or general play.
In the last couple of seasons you could see that, at times, he did not have the legs he used to but he still put everything into the game that he had and truly, who could ask for more? He was willing to take a cut in wages so the young players, such as Joe Caletti, could be signed and that showed he was willing to sacrifice money for the sake for the club. Is it possible to love the guy anymore?
Unfortunately what happened this year happened and no one can, or should, be blamed. He had decided to retire, the Roar management factored that in to their budget and their negotiations and then he changed his mind but it was too late.
He wants to keep playing so he will play for another club but Brisbane Roar is in his heart, he loves us almost as much as we love him so I expect him to be back one day in some capacity.
Thomas has spoken about going back to Germany to get his coaching badges so it is not inconceivable that he will come back and assist John Aloisi or maybe one day become our Manager if Aloisi leaves.
He and his family love the Brisbane lifestyle, he loves the club and there will always be a place for him in Brisbane.
Maybe one day he will have a statue in front of Lang Park…
David McDaniel
Roar Pro
We couldn't guarantee the minutes he wanted, I believe.
Ian
Guest
Yes, we were a distant third this year, Victory were a distant 2nd. Sydney had a marvellous season. Last season we were one mis-timed kick from Matt McKay in the first 5 minutes against Victory away from being Premiers and hosting a 2nd week home final. I know I'm happy where we are at whilst always looking to improve. It's up to JA to recruit wisely for next season with the money available and the opportunity of playing for our great team.
Johnny J-Dog
Guest
If I was wanting to go to Russia next year, I'd stick with Roar another season rather than falling off Ange's radar sitting on a bench in Europe/Asia. Unless of course I thought the coach wasn't enhancing my game and that seriously competing for trophies was an unrealistic expectation. I think these players have decided that Aloisi has no more to offer them. From what I have seen so far (including Heart), I'd agree. We have been a DISTANT third. Give JA one more year then bring in Coach Broich.
Waz
Guest
Your logic makes no sense though. Maclaren left a better player, Borrello same (although I'm not a fan), and Dimi certainly was better. If you want to look for reasons why JA is deficient the players leaving just aren't it. Roar finished 3rd two seasons running, made the semi-finals both seasons - that's better than most. Only Adelaide and Sydney bettered it so again the actual performances and results aren't bad (just not great). Of course JA makes mistakes and needs to improve; Maclaren as a sole striker didn't work for the team, the defence while better this season could still make some comical errors so he needs help there.
Lionheart
Guest
absolutely zero planning went into Broich's transition from his playing days, in what became his final year at Roar. forever a stain in Roar's history in my mind.
RBBAnonymous
Guest
Why is that a problem?
David McDaniel
Roar Pro
Damn, I meant to say Caxton St end in the home end but it won't let me edit.
David McDaniel
Roar Pro
Now that's not a bad idea, but unfortunately the home end is the Milton end.
Ian
Guest
Thanks, on ebay saw one dvd of Tom Meets Zizou from Germany for $16... others were more expensive.
David McDaniel
Roar Pro
You hevne't watched much A-League then, the amout of dives people like Ben Khalfallah make dwarf Broichs "dives". He gets hacked so many times purely because his feet are too fast and that is the only way they can stop him.
Ian
Guest
You obviously know nothing about football, or diving for that matter. Stay in Footscray with AFL El Stupido
Ken Spacey
Guest
I believe Johnny Warren was pursuing that equitable to entertainers service aspect before his health really gave way.
Lionheart
Guest
nice, when Borussia Dortmund played Liverpool last year the fans of both teams sang it together in the street. football - it just keeps on giving.
Midfielder
Guest
enjoy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBNXgdzozhs
pauly
Guest
I was telling my father-in-law about the 1967 Peace Cup - he otherwise has no real interest in sport - and he was amazed they weren't awarded the National Service medal which entertainers who went to the front were given. Given some of the flailing that occurs when Australian sporting teams travel overseas, it's a story worth telling to remind some of our more pampered sportspeople what hardship is really like.
pauly
Guest
Make the Milton Road end the football end.
Lionheart
Guest
I'm into military history, being ex Service, and am constantly researching. Normally not sport, but there's a book, Sportsmen of Changi, about WW2 Australian servicemen in Malaya/Singapore and after as POWs. It includes football but downplays it a bit and goes into much more detail on the other codes, plus cricket. The Changi Bronlow is often talked about. But the strange thing is, when I've researched some of the Unit histories (going deeper than the book) I've found a lot more photos of football teams than any of the other sports. Some of the Units had 5 or 6 teams (before they were POWs) with just 1 or 2 max for the other codes. It makes sense as the other main participants were Brits. Also of course, the other codes were banned by the medical staff in their first 12 months as POWs anyway, because of injuries and fragile bodies. Historians too fequently give us the narrative that fits the myth.
Johnny J-Dog
Guest
So Waz, you can question on this site Aloisi's coaching potential (including the Maclaren one-man-up-front game plan) but players leaving can't in anyway be interpreted as concurring with you? If they're all playing so well and JA is such a good coach, why did we play and do so badly?
Lionheart
Guest
thanks Ian, ITunes rent it for $5 or buy it for $16. There's the Matt Smith short video too, free on You tube (or at least it used to be).
Real Mister Football
Roar Rookie
One of the biggest divers I have ever seen in the game. Adios El Simulator.