-
IMPORTANT // Please look after your loved ones, yourself and be kind to others. If you are feeling that the world is too hard to handle there is always help - I implore you not to hesitate in contacting one of these wonderful organisations Lifeline and Beyond Blue ... and I'm sure reaching out to our PRE community we will find a way to help. T.
A-League threads [Merged]
- Thread starter Lidsand
- Start date
Tigerbob said:
everyone said the same about GCU last season and while they were very competitive, they were never gonna win the championship... it takes a while for a group to gel. the hearts should make the top 6 if the squad stays healthy, but as antman said above, you will defintely have issues with depth (like GCU did).
Tigerbob said:LOL Yep, not a good signing at all. :You crack me up.
i'm not saying skoko isn't a good signing - on the contrary. but your aussie marquee? obviously your salary cap is at bursting point and you had to use one of your marquee spots for him.
Smoking Aces said:
yep, i agree he's sh!t but our midfield depth is the envy of the league.
Ian4 said:
You marquee player is Archie Thompson is it not? I like Archie but why is it such a bad move to have the leadership, calming influence that any team craves? I mean we are envying your midfield depth ;D so to speak, but who is your calming influence in the middle of the park, who has the range of distribution that Skoko has?
I shake my head at you saying it is a bad move to have him as our Australian marquee. I think all the factors he brings in are exactly what you want from an Australian marque player. We will benefit from him immensely.
Also he is fit and firing that he was offered another contract to stay in Croatia and also had offers from around Europe. When JVS went and watcheed him play he was the best player on the pitch in a much better standard league.
Also stop comparing us to that rabble Gold Coast. Joe Blow himself can see we are made diifferently to them, for one, we don't have owners comingg out causing disharmony and a coach that puts himself in front of the club. We will be a better unit.
Tigerbob said:
yeah and what a great investment he has been for only 400k per year. i concede his injury is a real problem for us... while we can get an injury replacement for him, what will happen when he comes back - which is expected in january? i guess we could sign his injury replacement on a guest stint?
Tigerbob said:
watch out for angulo this season. his passing is quality.
Tigerbob said:
TB, i'm not knocking skoko at all. by signing him as your aussie marquee maybe it shows you're showing financial restraint - (like victory has with archie - and unlike sydney who always goes for the big name and make huge financial losses.
Tigerbob said:
excuse my ignorance as my knowledge of eastern european leagues is limited... but how do you know the croatian domestic league is that much better than ours?
Tigerbob said:
oh thats right, you guys are the most professionally run club in the league with the best coach and completely in touch with the community ;D
Ian4 said:
I never said we were the best.
We are different from Victory supporters mate, we don't think the league and football in this country revolves around us. We are happy to be a part in making the game grow in this country. I will say this, we are attempting a hell of a lot more initiatives to do this, compared to the Victory, despite them having the full market to do so.
Again, I repeat Ian, it's about growing the game in this country, not about your club and my club....for now.
Oh and Angulo? Really? Looked pretty lightweight and average to me, he definitely is not in the same quality class as Josip Skoko.
Oh and having watched games from the Croatian league, it is a tad better than the A-League at this point of time, which is not a knock on the A-League, as we are 2 minutes old compared to them. Our quality will get better, and hopefully guys like Josip can come back into the league and impart their wisdom and experience to all the youth players.
Also as I said , I love Archie I wish him all the ebst in his recovery, was just making a point to say Skoko is not to much different in Aussie Marquee quality.
By the way, Jamieson has signed for Sydney I hear.
Tigerbob said:
we'll see. yes he is light weight but we haven't seen the best of him. the HAL plays a more physical style of football compared to costa rica. it took hernandez a long time to adjust as well. but i can assure you that his passing is quality.
Tigerbob said:
agree, but we got archie at age 26. you got skoko at 34.
who are you looking at as your second marquee? i assume it'll be a striker? thats what we're targetting. we're also cashed up after the langerak sale - it'll be interesting to see how much the victory open their wallet... it's not really our style to recuit a big drawcard.
Ian4 said:
I'm not sold on Angulo but you would have seen him more than I so we'll keep a look out.
I can confirm we are after a tall striker from overseas, and we are close to the signature I am told. I don't know if he will be a big name but he certainly will have massive credentials. I think we need a drawcard so to speak but at the moment our membership numbers are going really well and the response to the Skoko signing looks great. A drawcard may do wonders for this club. We'll wait and see.
You guys certainly need something good up front.
Tigerbob, have your membership packages been released? i'm interested to know how much yours costs.
i know at mvfc, the price for category C and the active areas is $225 for 15 homes games. that's $30 extra compared to last year which i am very happy with. although there was a bit of a hike with category A and B membership (i don't have the figures with me at the moment).
also, what do do you think of the prices for the game against everton?
Gold $139.95
Silver $99.95
Bronze $49.95
daylight robbery if you ask me. more expensive than the fulham game last year (i refused to go because of the prices). how many of your fans will go? also, what do you think of the game being played at etihad?
i know at mvfc, the price for category C and the active areas is $225 for 15 homes games. that's $30 extra compared to last year which i am very happy with. although there was a bit of a hike with category A and B membership (i don't have the figures with me at the moment).
also, what do do you think of the prices for the game against everton?
Gold $139.95
Silver $99.95
Bronze $49.95
daylight robbery if you ask me. more expensive than the fulham game last year (i refused to go because of the prices). how many of your fans will go? also, what do you think of the game being played at etihad?
Ian4 said:
I cannot answer the first question as I have not seen the prices yet, but looking at it it seems in the same sorta price as yours from preliminary discussions.
On the Everton game, well the club has nothing to do with the prices as it is organised by an overseas promoter and is an Everton home game in Melbourne against us. Go figure. The club are not happy and haven't got high expectations of crowd numbers due to this and have received complaints but like I said, nothing to do with the club. I admit, it is very dissapointing.
Melbourne Heart have piqued interest already
Soon after announcing the capture of John van’t Schip as Melbourne Heart’s inaugural coach late last year, club chief executive officer Scott Munn told me that “this is where the exciting stuff starts.” He was alluding to the piecing together of new A-League club’s playing list.
Think of being able to act out your own real-life Football Manager scenario, and you might have an idea of what he was getting at.
Of course, there was and is more at stake than personal pride for Munn, van’t Schip, football manager John Didulica and company.
There is no opportunity for the Heart to go back to a previously saved version or simply start again.
Nor can the club merely turn off the computer at any stage and simply walk away.
The stakes are high and interest is keen. But if the club had hoped to create a buzz around its A-League credentials even before kicking a ball in anger, then the hierarchy deserve to take a bow.
Mission well accomplished.
The club signed former Socceroo Josip Skoko as its Australian marquee yesterday, bringing to 17 the number of players on the club’s roster.
An international striker is still on the list, further adding to what is – on paper – already among the league’s best squads.
Clint Bolton will take his place between the posts as the club’s first choice goalkeeper, and he as much as anyone will be thrilled at the Socceroo-laden defence in front of him
Dean Hefferan, Michael Beauchamp, Simon Colosimo and Matt Thompson all have recent Australia caps, while fellow defender Michael Marrone appears destined to join them as an international one day soon.
Skoko and veteran striker John Aloisi need little introduction, with homegrown duo Wayne Srhoj and Kristian Sarkies possessing Socceroo ambitions of their own.
Dutch import Rutger Worm adds attacking nous, while the squad has been complemented by Australian youth quintet Jason Hoffman, Brendan Hamill, Eli Babalj, Kliment Taseski and Kamal Ibrahim.
Then there is the unproven but reportedly well-scouted Brazilian forward Alex Terra.
Like a woman and her bag, Brazilian players have become somewhat of a must-have accessory for most A-League clubs. Where would a club be without one?
While Sarkies and Hoffman in particular have not been without their critics at former clubs Adelaide United and Newcastle respectively, the squad makes for appetizing reading for the fledgling club’s supporters.
van’t Schip has done his homework, clocking up countless frequent flier miles around Australia and the globe.
But the role of astute football ops man Didulica cannot be disregarded. The former Australian Professional Football Association chief has a contact book a mile thick, and has used it wisely.
The Heart, of course, has had the benefit of a clean slate when it has come to its signing. Misjudged multi-year deals do not weigh its salary cap down.
But in cunningly signing several enthusiastic youngsters to its list it has freed up space at the other end for players such as Beauchamp and Colosimo.
van’t Schip still has the task of moulding his players into a team capable of competing in the A-League.
But he and the club have already piqued the interest of A-League followers, both those willing to pin their colours to the Heart’s mast or just curious in seeing what their own side will come up against next season.
In Australia’s commonly volatile football landscape, that is worth every penny spent.
http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/05/20/melbourne-heart-have-piqued-interest-already/
Soon after announcing the capture of John van’t Schip as Melbourne Heart’s inaugural coach late last year, club chief executive officer Scott Munn told me that “this is where the exciting stuff starts.” He was alluding to the piecing together of new A-League club’s playing list.
Think of being able to act out your own real-life Football Manager scenario, and you might have an idea of what he was getting at.
Of course, there was and is more at stake than personal pride for Munn, van’t Schip, football manager John Didulica and company.
There is no opportunity for the Heart to go back to a previously saved version or simply start again.
Nor can the club merely turn off the computer at any stage and simply walk away.
The stakes are high and interest is keen. But if the club had hoped to create a buzz around its A-League credentials even before kicking a ball in anger, then the hierarchy deserve to take a bow.
Mission well accomplished.
The club signed former Socceroo Josip Skoko as its Australian marquee yesterday, bringing to 17 the number of players on the club’s roster.
An international striker is still on the list, further adding to what is – on paper – already among the league’s best squads.
Clint Bolton will take his place between the posts as the club’s first choice goalkeeper, and he as much as anyone will be thrilled at the Socceroo-laden defence in front of him
Dean Hefferan, Michael Beauchamp, Simon Colosimo and Matt Thompson all have recent Australia caps, while fellow defender Michael Marrone appears destined to join them as an international one day soon.
Skoko and veteran striker John Aloisi need little introduction, with homegrown duo Wayne Srhoj and Kristian Sarkies possessing Socceroo ambitions of their own.
Dutch import Rutger Worm adds attacking nous, while the squad has been complemented by Australian youth quintet Jason Hoffman, Brendan Hamill, Eli Babalj, Kliment Taseski and Kamal Ibrahim.
Then there is the unproven but reportedly well-scouted Brazilian forward Alex Terra.
Like a woman and her bag, Brazilian players have become somewhat of a must-have accessory for most A-League clubs. Where would a club be without one?
While Sarkies and Hoffman in particular have not been without their critics at former clubs Adelaide United and Newcastle respectively, the squad makes for appetizing reading for the fledgling club’s supporters.
van’t Schip has done his homework, clocking up countless frequent flier miles around Australia and the globe.
But the role of astute football ops man Didulica cannot be disregarded. The former Australian Professional Football Association chief has a contact book a mile thick, and has used it wisely.
The Heart, of course, has had the benefit of a clean slate when it has come to its signing. Misjudged multi-year deals do not weigh its salary cap down.
But in cunningly signing several enthusiastic youngsters to its list it has freed up space at the other end for players such as Beauchamp and Colosimo.
van’t Schip still has the task of moulding his players into a team capable of competing in the A-League.
But he and the club have already piqued the interest of A-League followers, both those willing to pin their colours to the Heart’s mast or just curious in seeing what their own side will come up against next season.
In Australia’s commonly volatile football landscape, that is worth every penny spent.
http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/05/20/melbourne-heart-have-piqued-interest-already/
Massive credentials for the A league Bob.
Geez the Heart have done well with there signings.
Be embarrasing for Victory if Heart finish ahead in their first year.
Geez the Heart have done well with there signings.
Be embarrasing for Victory if Heart finish ahead in their first year.
Tigerbob said:
well that explains why the game is at etihad when you'll be lucky to fill half of aami park. everton fc and the promotors clearly don't understand the landscape here or the quality of the etihad pitch. its no coincidence celevski, kemp and thomson all did their knees there in season 5.
as the for article above. yep. i can certainly understand why so many players from the NSW clubs in particular have chosen to move to melbourne. they're hoping heart can replicate the victory in crowd numbers and match day atmosphere for start. also the new stadium plus the coaching and admin staff come with very good pedigree. but you still have a hell of lot of work to do to reach the heights of the a-leagues benchmark club. i do wish you all the best... espeially when you play sydney and adelaide. just don't poach any of our fans or players... well you can have nicky ward :hihi
Leysy Days said:
I have been pleased by what we have been able to accomplish mate. Big effort really.
Long way to go, now we need all this talent to gel, but as I said, I am confident it will happen and we will be very competitive.
"The former Ajax and PSV striker joins Heart following a stellar 12-month period in the Eredivisie, which has seen the towering striker score 15 times in 27 starts, including three goals during Heerenveen’s 2009/10 UEFA Europa League campaign and strikes home and away against PSV."
I think despite his age, he has some great form and capabilities for the A-League. Will fit perfectly with what JVS wants in his system. Wonderful player to bring in.
Ian4 said:
Yeah don't like Etihad for Football. I agree, these overseas people just simply don't get our footballing culture at all. We will be lucky to get a small crowd there.
Our objective is certainly not to steal any of your players and definitely none of your fans. It will happen though, as like me, I was a Victory fan as I was and still am a proud Melbournian, but I have made the switch. I repeat though, the objective was set to bring new fans to the A-League in Melbourne and a lot of research was done and we are very confident of getting massive numbers in a few years. I think if we bring new people to the game in Melbourne everyone can appreciate that. Growing the sport is really what we are all about at the minute, hence the strong emphasis on community camps and initiatives etc. We definitely didn't want to form a club and sit back and steal Victory supporters. Made no sense. I strongly believe the Melbourne Heart will be great for the sport in this town. It's the main reason I got behind it, and talking to many people, they are of the same opinion.
More power to Heart - they've certainly recruited very well on paper and seem to have a good coaching roster as well (despite my critique earlier in the thread). They will steal some Victory fans, I know a few myself who will jump ship traitorous b*St*rds.
I wouldn't be writing off Victory just yet. We'll have Celeski, Kemp and Thompson back throughout the next season and still have a very strong side. We definitely need a top of the range striker to support Kruse and replace Thompson. Duganzic looks good but similar to Kruse. Defence is OK - I reckon Muscat will play on, Leijer is class, Vargas is still OK but showing signs of ageing. Sukha and Kemp are our best, Berger not so much. We need cover or a replacement for the calamitous Moss now that Mitchell has gone to Deutschland.
Midfield still looks strong once Celeski gets back. Broxham has come on very well at the end of last season and in the Asian Cup as a DM. Carlos, Angulo, Brebner (who showed some form last season). Youngsters - Duganzic (as mentioned), Behich, Son of Silvio (Foschini) and others look promising.
Merrick has shown he can recruit very well with a minimum of fuss - I'd be expecting a couple of quality signings before August.
I wouldn't be writing off Victory just yet. We'll have Celeski, Kemp and Thompson back throughout the next season and still have a very strong side. We definitely need a top of the range striker to support Kruse and replace Thompson. Duganzic looks good but similar to Kruse. Defence is OK - I reckon Muscat will play on, Leijer is class, Vargas is still OK but showing signs of ageing. Sukha and Kemp are our best, Berger not so much. We need cover or a replacement for the calamitous Moss now that Mitchell has gone to Deutschland.
Midfield still looks strong once Celeski gets back. Broxham has come on very well at the end of last season and in the Asian Cup as a DM. Carlos, Angulo, Brebner (who showed some form last season). Youngsters - Duganzic (as mentioned), Behich, Son of Silvio (Foschini) and others look promising.
Merrick has shown he can recruit very well with a minimum of fuss - I'd be expecting a couple of quality signings before August.
Doolz85 said:
He is Doolz!!!
He has a lot of great football minds saying he will be a very good player, hopefully with JVS coaching him along with the likes of Skoko, Thompson, Aliosi, Sibon etc there he will learn a lot and develop into the best he can be. A future Australian international if all goes well.
Another aspect we want is to have some great talented youth, put them in a system that they can develop in and watch them grow. Building that type of culture is very important to the club.