Melbourne Heart goalkeeper Clint Bolton admits it is crucial the fledgling A-League club gets quick results – hopefully as soon as Friday night’s clash with Newcastle.
The Heart drew a respectable 11,000 and attracted plenty of attention for their debut last week – a loss to Central Coast in Melbourne.
But they travel out of Melbourne’s sporting glare for their next two matches – and need something out of the games against the Jets and Adelaide United to ensure the same level of support for their return home later this month.
Socceroos keeper Bolton, a championship winner with Sydney FC, knows how important it is to build momentum early to keep the support growing and have any chance of figuring in finals.
“We’re a new team. Results are important. It’s a long season, but if you start poorly, it’s hard to get back,” Bolton said.
“There’s a lot of work been put in off the park behind the scenes. The lead-up to the first match, the exposure was everywhere.
“To capitalise on that, we’ve got to produce on the park.
“If we don’t, that interest will go away.
“Personally I want to play my part on the park to ensure this club is a success.”
Heart coach John van’ t Schip has vowed no change to the passing-rich style of football his side produced in patches against the Mariners, and little change to the players he’ll use.
But van ‘t Schip has flagged experienced midfielder Wayne Srhoj, who did not play against Central Coast after off-season knee surgery, may have a role to play against the Jets at EnergyAustralia Stadium.
“I’m not going to change that much because to build a team you have to play often (together),” van ‘t Schip said.
“Wayne is really on his way back. He’s trained fully over the last three weeks.
“He hasn’t had any game fitness but he is also a very experienced player in the league. Everything is holding well.”
Srhoj is likely to be used off the bench if he pleases the coach in training.
Skipper Simon Colosimo, who appeared to pick up a late injury against the Mariners, will play.
New Newcastle signing Kasey Wehrman believes being able to play the Heart early in the season may prove an advantage as they battle for quick cohesion.
“You only need to look at the team sheet to know they have decent players,” Wehrman said.
“So you are happy to get a team like that now, get it over and done with, and hopefully three points in the bag, because they will cause trouble later on for a lot of teams.”
Are you the ultimate team manager? Pick your own superstar team and go head to head with other football fans for glory and cash prizes on Draftstars. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
Joe Lolley was outstanding for the Sky Blues, scoring a brace as Sydney FC equaled their biggest ever victory.
Here is the way the Roar expert panel sees all the action unfolding across the final weekend of play prior to the semi-finals.
Even though St.Pauli ultimately lost a high-scoring affair, Jackson Irvine was a standout, as well as scoring a late goal.
Mathew Leckie played a pivotal part in Melbourne City claiming an 8-nil win; playing a role in several of his team's goals.
The loser of the Sydney Derby will be under immense pressure entering the final three matches of the season.
A good performance from Michael Ruhs, scoring twice to beat Macarthur and doubling his season goal tally in the process.
