The Bulls have every intention of winning the Australia Cup, and they probably will.
Think of it as an early birthday present for their coach, Dwight Yorke. Drawing on half a century worth of experience, Yorke’s carefree attitude masks a stoic persona.
In May, during the A-Leagues All Stars match, Yorke charmed the sideline reporters, flashing his carefree persona. Yet on closer inspection, his eyes were locked on the FC Barcelona game.
Eventually losing 2-3, Yorke’s brave boys almost caused an upset. Teen sensation Garang Kuol toyed with Barcelona’s defence, proving that the Central Coast Mariner’s would have another prolific season under Nick Montgomery.
Yorke was born in Tobago, miles away from Campbelltown. Raised in tropical Canaan, the area was a close-knit village.
Similarly, southwest Sydney provides a desirable destination, providing you explore the neighbouring suburbs, including Camden, Menangle and Picton. It’s paradise, and in some greenbelt locations, untouched. Perfect for a new football coach to unwind and relax.
Long ago, Campbelltown’s surrounding areas once comprised of lush pastures, ideal for grazing cattle, including six bovines that escaped Sydney Cove in 1788. Some older residents to this day still affectionately call the region Cow Pastures.
Currently, many of these former colonial land grants remain within the one family; some tracing their lineage back to the tall ships, arriving from England.
In short, it’s a traditional town. A place where soccer, under former Bulls coach Ante Milicic, seemed like a cautious brand of paint-by-numbers sport.
Well, Yorke’s arrived just in time to challenge the status quo. His current results are imposing, thrusting his team within touching distance of silverware.
Entering the Round of 32, Macarthur thrashed Magpies Crusaders 6-0. In their next game, they convincingly beat Modbury Jets 4-0, keeping another clean sheet. Ten goals in two matches.
Apart from the double digits, Macathur played a heavy possession-based game, averaging 63 per cent between the above losing sides.
On the 31st of August, Yorke’s men compete against Wellington Phoenix in the quarter-finals. During their last Australia Cup encounter, the New Zealand contingency scraped through against Melbourne City, only registering four shots on target.
Call it pure luck, but Ufuk Talay was singing that day, having toppled the A-League premiers in style, and with only 35 per cent ball possession. Was it a fluke or masterstroke by the Wellington manager? The former.
Anyway, all will be decided soon. With the glorious rattling of cowbells, no other team but Macarthur will be able to think strait. Intimidation at its finest.
Brendan
Roar Pro
Looking back, I did predict the result correctly. Yay for me.
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
I didnt mention Corica of the 7 because I assume people would remember, Corica has won two championships. Popovic alright he lost 5 grand finals, but he has other silverware in the cupboard. Yorke hasn't even started ,and Zadkovich hasn't had a full season.
Grem
Roar Rookie
What has spoken for it? The Wests Tigers? They are a mess and they hardly play there. Not many people play league, but a lot of people play football. I think there is further conversation to be had!
TheSecretScout
Roar Guru
oakleigh cannons are a good side and had a solid season, but they arent in the conversation for best NPL side nationally, let alone victoria - they finished 12 points off top spot. in the mean time this year city won the fed cup, won the league and are through to the grand final broke the record for best ever defence since the NPL nationally went to a 22 game season, almost double figures for players in the squad with a league experience, sold the countrys best npl level attacker (kur kur) mid season, previous season lost the countrys best NPL level centreback (lachlan barr) to the a league all the while losing the whole hierarchy of the club that had been involved for decades adelaide city were comfortably the best NPL side nationally in the season just completed
Garry
Roar Rookie
Mind you NZ yachting is determined to further devalue the Americas Cup by defending overseas.. I miss the 'good ole days' :silly: :unhappy: when it actually was a Country v Country contest.
Garry
Roar Rookie
I dunno ..Oakleigh Cannons has looked great
Josh
Guest
Nothing will make people watch this team. The area is already spoken for.
Richv
Roar Rookie
No thats Ok. The Australia Cup will sit quite nicely next to The Americas Cup in NZ.
Brendan
Roar Pro
Indeed, first in NPL South Australia. Probably a serious contender for NSD.
TheSecretScout
Roar Guru
big difference though, united played the side many consider to have been the strongest NPL side nationally this completed NPL season
Brendan
Roar Pro
If a Kiwi team win the silverware, we’ll have to change event’s name to the New Zealand Cup.
Brendan
Roar Pro
It’s pleasant to have a sprinkling of former NSL powerhouses progress. Arguably, a further reduction of A-League teams would increase the minnows chances too. Although, the competition might then lose a bit of glamour. 10 Play’s been impressive too.
Brendan
Roar Pro
SS, I feel the NPL teams have been stronger this season, some, having just completed their NPL fixtures. Both Adelaide United & Brisbane Roar were pushed to their Australia Cup limits, having gone into respective penalty shoot-outs with their NPL competitors. Campbelltown’s away from the Big Smoke, & can offer Yorke a laid-back lifestyle, far from the prying eyes of Emerald City. Hopefully he’ll notch a few wins on his belt. After that, it’s comfort & tranquillity. With the lads, he’ll probably even take day trips to the beautiful Southern Highlands.
Brendan
Roar Pro
Milicic was an interesting character. He was old school & occasionally bland, a bit like vanilla ice cream. The A-League missed a huge opportunity by not advertising grudge matches against Alen Stajcic. They also failed to covey the Tony Popovic drama of competing against a family member (his brother-in-law).
Mark
Guest
So Nomates is correct, only one of those seven has won an A League championship (not the double), and he also played with Heart/City.
Brendan
Roar Pro
Very true. I predict Yorke’s presence will encourage more casual fans through the gates. Now that the Robbie Fowler fiasco’s subsided, now’s the time to welcome more legends to the game. Complimentary kids entering the ground with a paying adult would be a great initiative.
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
Talay played a lot more games than Yorke for Sydney. Popovic, Rudan, Aloisi, Zadkovich. so 7 out 12 coaches played for Sydney FC.
NoMates
Roar Rookie
Yorke and his coaching ability will become pure superstition once Wellington dick them in the Cup. Former greats, especially former SFC players make for horrible coaches. Good luck to the Bulls but its all down hill from here on.
Lionheart
Roar Rookie
Need to wait for some A League matches. Wins in the Australia Cup against NPL sides are not the best measure. Mind you, thoroughly enjoyed the match yesterday between Pen Power and Sydney United. Close fought and could have been won by either side. Good call too, by the 10 Sports team, much better than their usual team (these guys actually knew a lot about the players and teams).
Kanggas2
Roar Rookie
I hope he does well. Be great to keep him in Australia for a few years. Hopefully he brings some good publicity to the competition. One of my favourite players from the 90s at villa and United.