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Grimario
12-07-2012, 10:01 AM
Reg was a dead set legend that should be celebrated with the highest esteem in the Hunter and Australia.

I did not vote as I didn't know about the poll. But I can't believe they would allow something like that to be influenced by a poll anyway. Idiots from Sydney and Melbourne always nullify the validity of any poll.
And idiots voting in polls don't have good memories so you can guarantee that a public vote would likely see Cahill or Kewell as the greatest Australian player of all time.

scarfy96
12-07-2012, 10:04 AM
I hope people logged on and voted for reg date

I certainly did!

Jetmaster
12-07-2012, 10:46 AM
I'm OK with the stand renamings but not the covering of statues.

That can only mean angst amongst the bogans and any "sockah" statue put up will be torched or defaced.

Jeterpool
12-07-2012, 12:02 PM
I'm OK with the stand renamings but not the covering of statues.

That can only mean angst amongst the bogans and any "sockah" statue put up will be torched or defaced.

Yeah i'm with you. The guy has a statue there recognising his achievements, many of which were at the ground.

Leave it be.

sammydog
12-07-2012, 12:37 PM
Yeah i'm with you. The guy has a statue there recognising his achievements, many of which were at the ground.

Leave it be.

We would all be pissed it another code covered the statue (assuming there was one) of one of our heroes. If Football wants respect from other codes, it needs to show some, and covering up a statue is not how you get respect.

Not to mention the potential fans this would put off in the area.

Strange move and one that would be best left alone.

russjaybee
12-07-2012, 12:44 PM
Why the hell would they even talk about doing this, they're CREATING a situation. Wow.

Zico
12-07-2012, 02:43 PM
Deadset stuff up by club or FFA for even mentioning it.

MFKS
12-07-2012, 04:22 PM
Just to allay anyones fears, I have scouted him on FM and he isn't much chop...

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b214/Grimario/yau.jpg

I will defo be reminding you of this post when the prick scores a hat trick against us in Rd 2:rolleyes::rolleyes:

GazFish35
12-07-2012, 04:31 PM
I will defo be reminding you of this post when the prick scores a hat trick against us in Rd 2:rolleyes::rolleyes:

As he can remind you of this one, if he doesn't! :o

Grimario
12-07-2012, 05:05 PM
We dun 5000 members!!!

http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/newcastlejets/news-display/Jets-pass-5000-Members/48078

Pico
13-07-2012, 07:12 AM
Cheryl Salisbury named Australia's greatest woman footballer
13 Jul, 2012 04:00 AM

http://static.lifeislocal.com.au/multimedia/images/large/2003013.jpg

LAMBTON Jaffas junior Cheryl Salisbury was named Australia’s greatest woman footballer at a Johnny Warren Football Foundation awards ceremony in Sydney last night.

Salisbury, 38, is the most capped Australian footballer in any code, playing 151 A internationals for the Matildas and scoring a record 38 goals.

The winners of the Greatest Ever Australian Footballer awards were chosen by a combination of public vote and a judging panel of leading players, commentators and administrators including Jack Reilly, Andy Harper, Craig Foster, Melissa Barbieri, Les Murray, Jamie Warren, Moya Dodd and George Negus.

Salisbury’s international career began in 1994 against Russia and she represented Australia at the 1995, 1999, 2003 and 2007 World Cups, the Sydney and Athens Olympic Games and the 2006 and 2008 Asian Football Confederation Women’s Cup.

She was captain of the Matildas from 2003 until her retirement in 2009.

FIFA named her in its Women’s World XI squad in 2004 and 2007.

Harry Kewell was named greatest male footballer in a side featuring Newcastle legend Ray Baartz and coached by Guus Hiddink.

Greatest Australian team (4-3-3): Mark Schwarzer, Lucas Neill, Joe Marston, Craig Moore, Alan Davidson, Johnny Warren, Ned Zelic, Tim Cahill, Baartz, Kewell, Mark Viduka.

www.theherald.com.au/news/local/sport/football-soccer/cheryl-salisbury-named-australias-greatest-woman-footballer/2622927.aspx

Nice to see a couple of newy products making the lists.

Pico
13-07-2012, 07:18 AM
Asian Cup snub for Adelaide Oval

http://resources1.news.com.au/images/2012/07/13/1226424/972009-adelaide-oval.jpg

ADELAIDE Oval's $535 million redevelopment was not enough incentive for the state government to secure Asian football's biggest tournament.

After cricket and Australian football received funding to re-build the Oval, the state government rejected the 2015 Asian Football Confederation Asian Cup and a chance to showcase SA to an estimated 2.5 billion viewers.

Documents obtained by the Opposition from the Freedom of Information Act revealed the Oval redevelopment announcement coincided with Football Federation Australia's Asian Cup host city deadline in 2009.

Yet the SA government ignored the opportunity after FFA chief executive Ben Buckley wrote a letter offering to help the state earn the Asian Cup.

"As indicated previously, FFA is committed to working with the South Australian Government to deliver a technically compliant stadium that supports our major event bid infrastructure strategy," Buckley penned to former minister for sport Michael Wright in July 2009.

The shadow spokesman for sport and recreation Dan van Holst Pellekaan said the state government should apologise to SA soccer fans who have also missed watching the Socceroos in official World Cup qualifiers since 2004.

"Labor chose to upgrade Adelaide Oval and ignore the offer of the FFA to deliver a compliant stadium," he said.

"And now we will miss out on South Australia's share of the 50,000 international visitors and $23 million economic contribution which this fantastic event will bring to Australia.

"This was a great opportunity for the Government to get far more value out of the $535 million taxpayer dollars for the Adelaide Oval by helping three sports rather than just two.

"There was no cost-benefit analysis done and potential benefits from this event were not discussed with the Tourism Commission before making the decision. Labor should come clean and apologise to soccer fans, the tourism industry and taxpayers for this massive blunder."

But after turning down the Asian Cup, the SA government has been lumped into a predominantly regional town fight to grab a minor slice of pre-Cup action.

Adelaide, Ballarat, Gosford, Newcastle, Hobart and Perth have all applied to host warm-up matches before the January 2015 tournament kicks off after Hindmarsh was rejected for the Cup.

The stadium's small capacity - 16,500 - lack of cover for patrons, small corporate and media facilities, and floodlighting failed to meet criteria.

And with World Cup cricket matches scheduled for the Oval in February and March 2015, the Asian Cup may have been a perfect fit.


So if the previous plans are still in place that means Newcastle won't get any AC action but Gold Coast will. Also means Sydney will have two venues. Would have made much more sense to me to have used Newcastle with its bigger venue & access to Brisbane, Sydney, Gold Coast or Melbourne.

belchardo
13-07-2012, 07:26 AM
canberra has matches as well.

Jeterpool
13-07-2012, 07:40 AM
It's a ludicrous decision not to allow us to have any games for the Asian Cup.

I'd enjoy goign to see Dubai v Kazikstan

evolution
13-07-2012, 09:32 AM
It's a ludicrous decision not to allow us to have any games for the Asian Cup.

I'd enjoy goign to see Dubai v Kazikstan

That'd be pretty interesting, seeing as Dubai isn't a country...

Grimario
13-07-2012, 09:47 AM
Neither is Kazikstan tbf...

Jeterpool
13-07-2012, 09:50 AM
That'd be pretty interesting, seeing as Dubai isn't a country...


Neither is Kazikstan tbf...

Cheers guys, my bad there. Was pulling it out my ar$e but anyway.

Trying to say that two lower level Asian countries playing a trial here isn't really going to inspire me to go and watch.

Grimario
13-07-2012, 10:22 AM
Cheers guys, my bad there. Was pulling it out my ar$e but anyway.

Trying to say that two lower level Asian countries playing a trial here isn't really going to inspire me to go and watch.

I got what you were saying. It would be like the farcical situation at the Olympics where 74 people rock up to watch the 400th and 270th ranked players in Badminton or something.

Reckon we would get more than a few thousand though... certainly more than GC will get. What a joke.

Jeterpool
13-07-2012, 10:55 AM
Reckon we would get more than a few thousand though... certainly more than GC will get. What a joke.

I agree

Jetmaster
13-07-2012, 11:05 AM
Some pressure needs to be put on FFA and get Gold Coast switched to Newcastle - it's a no brainer as to who would get the bigger attendances.

The landscape was different when the original decision was made.

GazFish35
13-07-2012, 11:25 AM
Some pressure needs to be put on FFA and get Gold Coast switched to Newcastle - it's a no brainer as to who would get the bigger attendances.

The landscape was different when the original decision was made.

not nailed on though.

theres little cahnce Austalian games will be played in Newcastle, and if you put Japan's pool games on the Gold Coast, youd get a decent travelling crowd as GC is such a popular tourist desitination.


could we also be let down by not being all seater?

BodyNovo
13-07-2012, 11:47 AM
could we also be let down by not being all seater?

this is what i have always seen as the biggest problem in our attempt to attract the top events. Sure we can hold a "b" rugby international and some cool dirt bike events, but the chances of anything better in the future are a long time away unless the state government tenants get some cash from tinks or some other third party and don't over budget the stands like the eastern and western rebuilds

goaliepersempre
13-07-2012, 11:53 AM
needs a terrace imo :)

q-money
13-07-2012, 11:54 AM
all you had to do was finish the ends and it would be the greatest stadiyum in lyk da whole werld

lyk dis if u cry every time wne u thnik abo4t it

MFKS
13-07-2012, 11:57 AM
not nailed on though.

theres little cahnce Austalian games will be played in Newcastle, and if you put Japan's pool games on the Gold Coast, youd get a decent travelling crowd as GC is such a popular tourist desitination.


could we also be let down by not being all seater?

For Newy to be considered under AFC regulations our southern and northern hills would have to be converted to minimum all seater.

I fear that we are gonna continue to miss out on being involved in these type of big events due to our stadia. I can't see the Hills being turned all seater any time soon. The Knights don't need the capacity and we are far from needing the capacity. The only logical reason to to so would be for a big ticket event. Australia won't be getting the Olympics or WC anytime soon.

I also feel our stadium capacity is a little too high. At present we can fit in 30k plus on the two hills and two stands. Putting decent stands behind the goals should bring our capacity up to around 40k. Neither Knights or us would get close to filling it. If the goal had of been more of a 30k stadium and we had our two stands in place on the sidelines as we do the need to push on and complete the ground would be there. I reckon we are gonna be stuck with the status quo at Stade de Newy for a long while now

Grimario
13-07-2012, 12:23 PM
We could just put seats at one end, a fence and some palm trees at the other and look shit on TV like the gypos do.

Bon
13-07-2012, 12:26 PM
We could just put seats at one end, a fence and some palm trees at the other and look shit on TV like the gypos do.

But then we would have to give up our jobs, steal caravans (or corrugated iron) to live in, and start fingerblasting our relatives.. Lets just keep the stadium as it is.. :p

Grimario
13-07-2012, 12:39 PM
But then we would have to give up our jobs, steal caravans (or corrugated iron) to live in, and start fingerblasting our relatives.. Lets just keep the stadium as it is.. :p

Some days, Maitland is just like this anyway :(

Pico
13-07-2012, 12:45 PM
For Newy to be considered under AFC regulations our southern and northern hills would have to be converted to minimum all seater.

I fear that we are gonna continue to miss out on being involved in these type of big events due to our stadia. I can't see the Hills being turned all seater any time soon. The Knights don't need the capacity and we are far from needing the capacity. The only logical reason to to so would be for a big ticket event. Australia won't be getting the Olympics or WC anytime soon.

I also feel our stadium capacity is a little too high. At present we can fit in 30k plus on the two hills and two stands. Putting decent stands behind the goals should bring our capacity up to around 40k. Neither Knights or us would get close to filling it. If the goal had of been more of a 30k stadium and we had our two stands in place on the sidelines as we do the need to push on and complete the ground would be there. I reckon we are gonna be stuck with the status quo at Stade de Newy for a long while now

I doubt you'd increase the capacity by switching from standing room to seated. Hell the bundesliga with their kombi-seats increase capacity when they change to a standing area. You also wouldn't go crazy and do two tiers, you'd just extend the lower tier from the south western corner and add some corporate boxes and some new video screens at either end, I'd say at best it would stay the same capacity worst case would be a couple of thousand more.

Guerny
13-07-2012, 12:53 PM
STANDING on the hill drinking beer is way better than sitting in the stands IMHO...
I wouldn't say no to a roof over the hill though.
Bring on the terraces!

G

MFKS
13-07-2012, 01:01 PM
By doing the corners up on the Eastern Stand as they are done up on the Western Stand you would almost add 1-2k of capacity. By also bulldozing the hills and building stands there in place of them you will easily be able to get higher. Many stands behind goals in the UK are 6-8k capacity alone

http://www.lilywhitemagic.co.uk/deepdale/kop.htm

This stand is only seating 6k and having been there (and watched a match from about 8 rows from the back) I can easily say isn't as high up as the stands at Hunter Stadium. Little higher up than the hills behind the goals though.

Now adding a couple of stands like this to behind the goals at Hunter Stade will easily boost the capacity up as we would be using areas currently not in use such as 10-20 metres above the hill

GazFish35
14-07-2012, 07:32 AM
SPORTING Declaration is a massive fan of the Simon and Garfunkel classic Bridge Over Troubled Waters.
Today I’m going to put a slightly different spin on those timeless lyrics by throwing cold water over a troubled Bridges.

Michael Bridges, that is, the Jets veteran who this week became the latest sporting luminary to goose himself on Twitter.

Bridges no doubt enjoyed five-star treatment in his halcyon days, during which he made more than 200 Premier League appearances for big clubs such as Newcastle United, Leeds, Sunderland and Bolton.

But it was something of a reality check for the 33-year-old and his teammates when they travelled to Canberra on Monday for a training camp and were accommodated at the Australian Institute of Sport.

Soon after arriving at their lodgings, players started tweeting about staying in ‘‘the worst room in history’’ and making references to ‘‘jail cells’’ and asking ‘‘how much is bail?’’

Bridges then posed for a photo climbing into a bunk bed, which again was posted on Twitter.

All of which, of course, was obviously banter between mates who were larking about ... but was stated on the public record for thousands of followers to scrutinise.

While delivered in a light-hearted manner, there was always a chance that someone, somewhere, would find such comments disrespectful.

As an AIS spokesman noted: ‘‘The AIS residences in Canberra have provided accommodation suitable for high-performance athletes over a number of years.

‘‘Athletes staying in the AIS residences have included Olympians, world champions and professional sports people from all walks of life. Athletes and groups have a choice of accommodation ranging from single rooms, double rooms and bunk accommodation.’’

Personally, I’m a bit over Twitter. Maybe it’s my short attention span, but after a brief surge of excitement when Jennifer Hawkins tweeted me (true story) a few months ago, the novelty soon wore off.

But in this day and age, some people tend to take it seriously.

Hence, when former Knight Mark Taufua labelled incoming coach Wayne Bennett a ‘‘9-ball’’ on Twitter, the Hunter Sports Group fined him $5000, even though he apologised, explained that he was ‘‘just mucking around, being silly’’ and had already played his last game for the club.

This columnist can only guess as to whether Bridges and his mates copped similar sanctions.

My Newcastle Herald colleague, James Gardiner, made inquiries about the matter but received no reply from HSG.

But not long afterwards, the tweets were removed, which would suggest that somebody higher up the food chain may not have been amused.

Rather than showing a degree of circumspection, Bridges got on the front foot when the Herald reported the incident the following day.

Bridges was ‘‘disappointed at how far things have been taken out of context’’, said the yarn was ‘‘desperate’’ and ‘‘sad’’, and labelled the Herald ‘‘amateurs’’.

The Canberra Times, incidentally, followed the story up. They thought it newsworthy.

And the tabloids in Bridges’s homeland traditionally dine out on such faux pas.

Then, after scoring twice in a 9-1 win against the Canberra Rockets, the popular but injury-plagued striker tweeted: ‘‘Wonder if we get as many headline in the Herald 4 a top team performance ??? Eeeeemmmmm won’t hold my breath’’.

I’m willing to cut Bridges some slack, because back when he played at the highest level, there was no Twitter.

It was a long time ago, after all.

But I would point out that Bridges did not seem to have any complaints about the Herald when we publicised the opening of his Darby Street restaurant, printed happy-family photos after he was granted Australian residency, snapped him having dinner with David Beckham, or when we saluted his career after he made an emotional, albeit brief, retirement.

I would also like to state for the record that, on a number of occasions, Football Federation Australia has commended the Newcastle Herald for providing the most comprehensive coverage of the round-ball code by any Australian paper.

The Herald has been reporting on football in this region since the days of Reg Date, Ray Baartz, Col Curran, Craig Johnston and KB United.

When Newcastle won the A-League grand final four years ago, we lauded them with a plethora of stories, photographs and posters.

If any of the players involved in that game were still at the Jets, I’m sure they would tell Bridges the same. Sadly, none are left.

Unfortunately for Bridges, despite his big reputation, in three years with Newcastle he is yet to kick a ball in a finals match.

Last season he scored just twice in 17 games. For the Jets to rebound after two lean seasons, they need their senior player to recapture some of his old magic.

My advice to Bridges is Twitter is a public forum.

Tread warily.

Rather than shooting the messenger, I’d prefer he stuck to shooting for goal.

Follow me on Twitter: @robertdillon174



A new low in this whole herald v HSG debarcle.

Jeterpool
14-07-2012, 07:48 AM
Agree. Just read it. It seems like two petulant children arguing.

Can't be good for the game in our region long term.

But do you think either will step down? No neither do I

Grunta
14-07-2012, 07:55 AM
Interesting dillon felt he needed to (or was told to) defend his herald mate JG. But I suspect you're right in the fact it's more about the issues between HSG & the herald .

Still pretty perfetict journalism ����

GazFish35
14-07-2012, 08:17 AM
Listing all the great coverage they've given us in the past....
So much more than just "look what the silly boy tweeted"

Not hard to read between the lines.

They are yet to publish my comment yet! Doubt they will.

plague
14-07-2012, 09:23 AM
Handbags.

sammydog
14-07-2012, 09:23 AM
So much positive coverage in the past that it can be contained in a short list. Thats a lot of positive coverage over the last 7 years.

Love the extent to which my comment on the herald site got edited. DOn't like a bit of criticism over there.

The irony is killing me, Bridges is a goose for saying something (taken to be an attack) on twitter, but its perfectly acceptable for Dillon to launch a full out strike in the herald.

there is only one goose here.......

plague
14-07-2012, 09:29 AM
So this proves that Robert Dillons dad is bigger than Michael Bridges' dad?

Barnyards are yet to be measured up and verified.

q-money
14-07-2012, 09:47 AM
the herald has by far and away the best football coverage of any paper in australia.

The Camel
14-07-2012, 09:51 AM
Dillon is the biggest **** in journslism

parksey
14-07-2012, 10:52 AM
run at him

Jetmaster
14-07-2012, 11:46 AM
Bridgey keeping quiet on Twitter today but everyone else firing on his behalf !

seldom
14-07-2012, 12:04 PM
know where Bridgey is coming from with regards to the rooms. They are like jail cells only smaller

Jeterpool
14-07-2012, 12:31 PM
the herald has by far and away the best football coverage of any paper in australia.

They did. Until the jets stopped talking to them

Local coverage is excellent though

Jeterpool
14-07-2012, 12:38 PM
Listing all the great coverage they've given us in the past....
So much more than just "look what the silly boy tweeted"

Not hard to read between the lines.

They are yet to publish my comment yet! Doubt they will.

They didn't publish mine

GazFish35
14-07-2012, 01:20 PM
the herald has by far and away the best football coverage of any paper in australia.

Most. Maybe.
Best? I hope not.

sammydog
14-07-2012, 01:41 PM
They didn't publish mine

Mine got published, but was so heavily edited it doesn't even closely resemble what I posted.

Pico
14-07-2012, 01:46 PM
Most. Maybe.
Best? I hope not.

A while ago I would have agreed that it was the best, now its just a pathetic tit for tat tabloid style journalism, or should that be opinion pieces, can't wait for the new new zealand castle herald to arrive, can't get much worse then these pathetic individuals.

Jetmaster
14-07-2012, 03:21 PM
My comments not published at all - not for the first time I gave a reasonable response as to what was wrong with an article, no swearing or accusations.

The Herald only appears to want emotional answers and selects comments as it sees fit.

Grimario
14-07-2012, 03:52 PM
The clubs official twitter account has even come to his defense... this could be a start of something great.

Newcastle Jets ‏@NewcastleJetsFC
Disappointed for @Bridgy8, a very sincere & humble person, for the way he was so incorrectly portrayed in today's local paper ‪#greatguy

Retro Jet
14-07-2012, 04:33 PM
N1 MB. Sticking it to the Knights Bugel.
Dillon: Wanna be RL journo anyway.
Anyone who continually tips DRAWS in a Football tipping competition
as a supposed football writer can GTFO.
Hope he is OTFD when they're calling Bring out yer dead on Bolton Street....

GazFish35
14-07-2012, 05:00 PM
1. Take banter out of context.
2. Seek clarification.
3. No clarification before deadline so,
4. Assume worst.
5. Assassinate multiple characters.
6. Get a response.
7. Continue to assassinate character.
8. Blame original "banterees" because they should have known better.

q-money
14-07-2012, 05:06 PM
cannot believe the cry people are having over this. absolutely pathetic. it's twitter ffs, get a grip.

Tommyjet
14-07-2012, 05:20 PM
Dillon realizes that nobody reads his silly back water articles so he went for something controversial and unfortunately it worked. The man is like a sick criminal who craves the attention and publicity even if negative. Like mentioned above just another sad sack journo who wants to write about that other game.

sammydog
14-07-2012, 05:51 PM
The clubs official twitter account has even come to his defense... this could be a start of something great.

Newcastle Jets ‏@NewcastleJetsFC
Disappointed for @Bridgy8, a very sincere & humble person, for the way he was so incorrectly portrayed in today's local paper ‪#greatguy

Pretty impressed the club came out with that on twitter. Nice to see a club defend their players/staff. Surprised they put it out on twitter only though.

OmeletteDuFromage
14-07-2012, 06:00 PM
Anyway, Melbourne Heart have signed Josip Tadic.


John Aloisi has strengthed Melbourne Heart's attacking stocks for Hyundai A-League season 2012/13, signing of former Dinamo Zagreb striker Josip Tadic.

Tadic, 24, follows the arrivals of Liberian international Patrick Gerhardt, defender Steven Gray, Young Socceroo Golgol Mebrahtu and two-time Hyundai A-League Champion Andrew Redmayne as Aloisi looks to restructure his side.

The Heart boss said the former Croatian youth international possesses all the tools required to succeed in the A-League.

“Josip’s a No.9, holds up the ball well, finds good positions in the box and is a goal scorer. He’s a very important signing,” Aloisi said.

“Having won three titles on the bounce during his time at Dinamo Zagreb alongside Luka Modric, Josip will bring a winning mentality and is the perfect type of player for our system.

“He will be the player we look for to score goals and we’re sure he will. Josip is a player with a lot to prove.”

Tadic arrives at Heart following an accomplished career in Europe, where the angular attacker enjoyed stints with German outfits Bayer Leverkusen and Arminia Bielefeld, and French Ligue 1 side Grenoble Foot 38.

Tadic scored 20 goals in 62 appearances for Croatian giants Dinamo Zagreb, featured in UEFA Champions League and Europa League campaigns, and earned more than 20 caps for Croatia at U/21 level.

http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news-display/heart-sign-croatian-striker-tadic/48141

Jeterpool
14-07-2012, 08:09 PM
Ill be interested to see how aloisi goes this year. Got a feeling heart will struggle

WolfMan
15-07-2012, 07:48 AM
Pretty impressed the club came out with that on twitter. Nice to see a club defend their players/staff. Surprised they put it out on twitter only though.

But, it's a creditable source, surely!
I actually think it was very smart PR to only release it on twitter. Use the same bait that Gardiner and Dillon bit so hard on.
For the record, I actually think Gardiner is one of the very few quality journalists at The Herald. Such a shame he has sunk to the tabloid sensationalism of his co-worker Dillon.

GazFish35
15-07-2012, 07:57 AM
Agreed Gardiner in the past has been pretty good.

hawk
15-07-2012, 11:01 AM
Dillon is the biggest **** in journslism

si.

Anyone still think Bridges can add numbers in the pts column like sasho did? doing a cruyff turn, step over and pass to feet doesnt count.

Pico
15-07-2012, 01:52 PM
Pretty impressed the club came out with that on twitter. Nice to see a club defend their players/staff. Surprised they put it out on twitter only though.

Better then a press release as far as the herald are concerned.

Marcus
16-07-2012, 09:14 AM
Heart going for Michael Owen.

Marcus
16-07-2012, 09:16 AM
PS:
http://www.theage.com.au/sport/a-league/heart-sends-out-feelers-to-tempt-striker-owen-20120715-2246o.html



Heart sends out feelers to tempt striker Owen


MELBOURNE Heart has been upstaged in the off-season by Melbourne Victory's aggressive recruitment policy, but the third-season A-League club is hoping to steal its rival's thunder with an ambitious bid to sign former Manchester United and England striker Michael Owen to spearhead its attack next season.

Heart is officially tight-lipped about the move, but the club has been in contact with Owen's English representatives to gauge the frontman's interest in a trip down under later this year.

It is understood Heart has talked about a possible one-year contract or, if Owen is not interested in that, a 10-game guest player stint that would allow the 32-year-old to return to England to try to find another European club in the January 2013 transfer window.

One of the big pitches Heart can make to the former Liverpool star is that he would be in training, playing and living in Melbourne during the spring carnival, an event of major interest to Owen, who has a substantial involvement and growing interest in horse racing.

Advertisement Owen owns many racehorses in Britain and is a major investor in a racing stable run by British trainer Tom Dascombe. He had a winner at Royal Ascot last year when Brown Panther won a staying race, and Racing Victoria has suggested he might be the sort who could target the Melbourne Cup.

Heart is hopeful rather than confident of signing Owen, but believes he could be tempted to Australia for at least a short-term deal to play up front alongside its latest signing, former Croatian under-21 international Josip Tadic.

Tadic is a tall, strong striker who spent three seasons with leading Croatian side Dinamo Zagreb and also had spells in Germany and France.

''Josip's a No. 9, holds up the ball well, finds good positions in the box and is a goal scorer. He's a very important signing,'' Heart coach John Aloisi said.

''Having won three titles on the bounce during his time at Dinamo Zagreb alongside Luka Modric, Josip will bring a winning mentality and is the perfect type of player for our system. He will be the player we look for to score goals and we're sure he will.''

Heart might feel optimistic that it is sorting its options out in the forward third of the field, but it now faces a headache at the back following the decision of young centre-back Brendan Hamill to take up an offer from South Korean club Seongnam.

Hamma12
16-07-2012, 10:57 AM
Broadmeadow Magic win State Cup



http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/sport/football-soccer/broadmeadow-magic-win-state-cup/2624618.aspx




BROADMEADOW coach Damien Smith entered the State Cup to give fringe players an opportunity and to experiment with combinations and formations.
Now the Northern NSW State League powerhouse hope to become the first club to win the big four – Charity Shield, State Cup and minor and major premierships.

Magic overpowered Coffs City United 4-0 in the final of the $10,000 64-team knockout in Coffs Harbour yesterday.

The win eclipsed their top-four finish in the inaugural competition two years ago and was the club’s second piece of silverware this year, following a 3-1 triumph over Lake Macquarie in the Charity Shield.

The defending State League premiers sit at the top of the table on 31 points, two points ahead of the Jets youth team and arch-rivals Hamilton Olympic, who have a game in hand against Edgeworth.

‘‘To win the big four would be great,’’ Smith said. ‘‘We will just take it one game at a time.

‘‘Especially with the premiership at the moment, it is out of our hands. If Olympic win every game from here in, they will win it.’’

After a flying start to the State League, Magic’s form dipped last month. They lost consecutive games to Olympic (5-0) and Charlestown City (2-1), drew with Weston 1-1 before returning to the winner’s circle with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Cardiff.

They followed that with three resounding wins in Coffs Harbour, accounting for Lismore champions Goonellabah 4-2 in the quarter-final, Charlestown City 3-1 in the semi-final and Coffs City.

‘‘It is hard yakka playing three games in two days,’’ Smith said. ‘‘At the start of the State Cup you give a lot of the fringe players and under 23s a run and you experiment a bit. But when you get to the final stage – you make a five-hour trip to Coffs Harbour – you want to win it.

‘‘Over the past three or four weeks we have not been playing that well but the boys were pretty switched on this weekend. We were getting back to the way we know we can play.’’

After a comfortable win in the quarters, Magic had to work hard to tame Charlestown, who played the final 50 minutes with 10 men after Daniel Bird was sent off for a headbutt on Matt Hoole.

The score was 1-all when Bird was dismissed but Magic powered home with second-half goals to Chris Berlin, his second, and Scott Pettit.

They had an easier time of it in the final.

Pettit scored a double and Berlin and Luke Virgili contributed as Magic converted a 1-0 half-time lead into comprehensive win.

parksey
16-07-2012, 05:03 PM
cannot believe the cry people are having over this. absolutely pathetic. it's twitter ffs, get a grip.

people having a cry is the life blood of this forum.

Hamma12
17-07-2012, 10:46 AM
Brad Swancott aims to channel veteran goalkeeper Bob Catlin


BRAD Swancott spent three years at the Newcastle Breakers in the giant shadow of veteran goalkeeper Bob Catlin.
Now the Jets goalkeeping coach, Catlin was among a group of experienced players who followed coach Lee Sterrey up the freeway from Sydney at the start of the 1998 National Soccer League season.

Swancott made his national league debut as a 16-year-old the season before, and although he was unable to usurp Catlin, who holds the record for most NSL games (345) by a keeper and the most clean sheets (105), he learned a lot.

‘‘I didn’t get to play much because of Bobby but I worked with him every day,’’ Swancott said. ‘‘He was a class act and a Socceroo.

‘‘He passed on a number of things, mainly the way he commanded his box and the way he spoke to and organised his defence.

‘‘He was a very good communicator.’’

Though not possessing the same physical presence as Catlin, Swancott, now 32, hopes to put the communication and organisational skills he gained to good use in goals for the Northern NSW Select side against the Jets at Darling St Oval tomorrow night.

‘‘If the team is defending well it makes my job easier,’’ Swancott said. ‘‘I expect them to put a fair bit of pressure on us.

‘‘I caught the first half when they played Broadmeadow and they looked pretty good.

‘‘They play a possession-based game, have a couple of strikers who are quite sharp and the experience of Michael Bridges. They will definitely be a handful.’’

Released by Newcastle United at the end of the 2000-01 NSL season, Swancott played nine seasons in the NSW Premier League at Bankstown, Apia Leichhardt, Parramatta and Manly.

He returned to the Northern NSW state league last year at Lake Macquarie and made the switch to Hamilton Olympic this season.

Swancott was in the Northern side which played the Jets last season and was a regular for Manly in pre-season hit-outs against Sydney FC.

‘‘It is a good opportunity to play at that level again,’’ Swancott said.

‘‘I haven’t heard from Bobby this week but I’m sure I will.



‘‘He tells me he is lighter now than during his playing days.’’

Northern have made several changes to the squad for tomorrow night’s game, which kicks off at 6.30pm.

Kyle Hodges (unavailable), Josh Piddington (overseas), Jon Griffiths (groin) and Peter McPherson (hamstring) have been replaced by Phil Bures and Cameron Hughes, reducing the squad to 17.

‘‘You know playing the Jets they are going to have a lot of the ball,’’ Northern co-coach Damien Smith said.

‘‘We need to be well organised defensively, squeeze the game up to them and be disciplined.

‘‘That is where Swanny can lead from the back.’’

The Jets’ trial against Charlestown City set down for July 25 has been cancelled.



http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/sport/football-soccer/brad-swancott-aims-to-channel-veteran-goalkeeper-bob-catlin/2626357.aspx?storypage=2

Jetmaster
17-07-2012, 08:08 PM
Quiet day but NBN reported tonight that Griff was on the marquee No 9 shortlist....nothing concrete of course.

furns
17-07-2012, 08:26 PM
:fap:

Mitchy
17-07-2012, 08:30 PM
fap fap fap

parksey
17-07-2012, 08:37 PM
flap

parksey
17-07-2012, 08:39 PM
parp

Grunta
18-07-2012, 06:39 AM
Carefully boys they may have heard GVE on the podcast added one plus one and come up with 9.

Do we dare to dream

Pico
18-07-2012, 07:48 AM
Carefully boys they may have heard GVE on the podcast added one plus one and come up with 9.

Do we dare to dream

They had fresh video of Deans talking about how griff is the type of player who fits the bill for a quality striker that suits the system, but they would need to see if he wants to come back & the sort of wages he'd be after.

NBN also said our marquee signings had been narrowed down to half a dozen possible players.

pv4
18-07-2012, 07:49 AM
true test of the clubs ambition - do we sign griff & an international #10, or do we put bridges into our marquee spot to free up wages under the cap for another ais product?

furns
18-07-2012, 09:22 AM
By the sounds of it any further signings will be older and more experienced players

q-money
18-07-2012, 10:13 AM
bridges for marquee for sure

pv4
18-07-2012, 10:15 AM
bridges for marquee for sure

imagine the applause he'll get then

BodyNovo
18-07-2012, 10:32 AM
imagine the applause he'll get then

further imagine it when he gets his 4-6 week injury.

Jetmaster
18-07-2012, 12:22 PM
He would have to have a significant payrise suddenly to be marquee. :popcorn:

Hamma12
18-07-2012, 02:11 PM
Jobe Wheelhouse up and running for place in midfield

http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/sport/football-soccer/jobe-wheelhouse-up-and-running-for-place-in-midfield/2627614.aspx?storypage=2



JOBE Wheelhouse has made a belated start to his second season as captain of the Newcastle Jets.
But after surgery in May to remove a troublesome bursa from his left foot, the whole-hearted midfielder is back in full training and could make his first appearance of the pre-season against the Northern NSW Select side at Darling St Oval tonight.
“He might get a little run towards the end to ease him back in,’’ Jets assistant coach Craig Deans said yesterday.
‘‘It would be about 20 minutes max, if anything.”
Exactly where Wheelhouse fits in to coach Gary van Egmond’s remodelled Jets outfit remains to be seen.
Van Egmond put a broom through the Jets roster in the off-season, releasing 11 players from the side that missed the A-League finals for a second straight year.
He has also tweaked his formation, changing from a 4-2-3-1 to 4-1-2-3.
Wheelhouse’s preferred position is as a holding midfielder.
Young Socceroos captain Ben Kantarovski has started in that role in trial wins over Broadmeadow Magic (3-1) and the Canberra Rockets (9-1) and appears to have the front running.
Ruben Zadkovich has been pushed forward from right full-back into an advanced role in midfield on the same side. Recruits James Brown and Craig Goodwin and young gun Jacob Pepper have been used on the other side of midfield.
‘‘Jobe can play anywhere,’’ Deans said. ‘‘He is a quality player. He is good on the ball, his passing range is good, his communication is good.
‘‘At times last year we played him as a bit of a false number nine or an attacking number 10.
‘‘He has the ability to play further forward, but he also has the passing range to play a little deeper.
‘‘As we get closer to the start of the season it is up to him to show us he has the ability to play in either of those areas.’’
The Jets still have at least two places to fill on the roster.
‘‘The priority is a number nine,’’ Deans said.
‘‘We have had hundreds of emails and DVDs sent in.‘‘We have narrowed it down to three or four who tick a majority of boxes


‘‘It is a matter of negotiating with the players. Them being overseas, it takes a little bit longer because you are not doing it face to face. We would like to get it done as quick as we can. Hopefully it is not too far away.’’
Northern Select have trained together just twice in preparation for tonight’s contest and co-coach Damien Smith is under no illusions about the task confronting his outfit.
‘‘You know playing the Jets they are going to have a lot of the ball,’’ he said. ‘‘We need to be well organised defensively. Dutchy [van Egmond] loves his possession-based game.
‘‘When Magic played them our boys felt like they were doing doggies for 90 minutes.
‘‘We will try and stay as compact as possible and put some pressure on them when we can.’’
The Jets thrashed the Canberra Rockets representative side 9-1 last week, but Smith was confident of a bold showing by his team.
‘‘It’s difficult when you are putting a side together quickly. We are representing Northern NSW so we obviously want to do as best we can.‘‘Plus, some of the young boys like Scott Pettit, Daniel Bird and a few others have a chance to play in front of Gary and against the Jets.’’

Grimario
18-07-2012, 05:32 PM
http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/newcastlejets/news-display/Jets-appoint-Tim-Rogers-as-Strength-and-Conditioning-Coach/48187


The Newcastle Jets have appointed Tim Rogers as the Club’s Strength and Conditioning Coach.

Rogers comes to the Club well experienced from working in the elite sporting environment both nationally and internationally.

His most recent position was with the Stade Francais Paris Rugby Club and he has also previously worked with the Australian Women’s Football team and at the Australian Institute of Sport.

Rogers’ role at the Jets is a return to Newcastle; he was the Head of Strength Performance at the Newcastle Knights between 2008-2011.

“Tim has been a real journeyman in the strength and conditioning role and comes to us with a lot of experience from the many codes he has worked in,” CEO Robbie Middleby said.

“This experience will be of great benefit to the Newcastle Jets and we look forward to welcoming Tim to the Club to work alongside Gary (van Egmond) and the team.”

Jets Football Operations Manger Lee Clark worked with Rogers at the Knights and looks forward to linking back up with his former colleague.

“I have worked with Tim before and I am excited to have him coming to the Jets,” Clark said.

“He is very professional, knowledgeable, comes with a lot of experience and he will just be a great asset for the Jets.”

Rogers returns to Australia on Thursday and commences his role with the Jets later this week.

I was trying to think of some witty pun to go with a You Am I reference or maybe some re-written song lyrics but I am too tired and still at fecking work for the 10th hour today. FECK.

hawk
18-07-2012, 07:30 PM
He's from the knights so "who put the devil in you".

pv4
19-07-2012, 06:04 AM
Joel Griffiths happy to stay in China
JAMES GARDINER
19 Jul, 2012 04:00 AM

http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii553/pv4zanewy/2013687.jpg
PLAYING ON: Joel Griffiths

FORMER Jets golden boy Joel Griffiths has ended talk of a return to Newcastle and spoken of a ‘‘surreal’’ training session at Shanghai Shenhua with former English Premier League stars Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka.
Griffiths is off contract at the Chinese Super League club and had recently expressed an interest in a homecoming.

‘‘My manager received three offers from Chinese clubs and I’ve had some interest from some A-League teams but no contact from the Jets,’’ Griffiths told the Newcastle Herald yesterday.

‘‘I’m cool with that – they are busy preparing for the championship and what-not.’’

The Jets have been searching the globe for a proven goal scorer.

Jets assistant coach Craig Deans said on Tuesday that they ‘‘had narrowed it down to three or four who tick a majority of boxes’’.

Griffiths is the Jets’ all-time leading goal scorer with 28, was the league’s golden boot and Johnny Warren medal winner and was instrumental in the Jets’ 2007-08 championship success.

‘‘Returning to Australia at the end of my contract is definitely a strong possibility,’’ Griffiths said a fortnight ago.

‘‘If it happens, the Jets would be my first choice. Hopefully the fact I’m a proven scorer, somebody who can get maybe 10 a season, would work in my favour and make me attractive to teams.’’

The 32-year-old is expected to return from a knee injury against Guangzhou on Sunday.

He trained alongside Drogba and Anelka yesterday for the first time.

‘‘I will never forget training today,’’ Griffiths said. ‘‘Just me, Drogba and Anelka doing shooting. It was amazing.

‘‘I’m still on a high. It was so surreal.’’

Drogba has signed a 2-year contract worth a reported $409,000 a week to join former Chelsea teammate Anelka at the Chinese club.

Shanghai Shenhua, who are struggling in 13th spot in the 16-club league, are coached by former Argentina boss Sergio Batista.

the thing i really can't comprehend is griff says he's been talked to by a few a-league clubs but heard nothing from the jets. what's the go? gve said in the recent podcast that he keeps in constant contact with griff. either the "hey, how's things in china?" text messages aren't seen as legitimate talks between player & club, and the jets are really under the impression it is, or we're being lied to.

stop making this complicated hsg - bring griff home!

pv4
19-07-2012, 06:10 AM
Craig Goodwin scores hat-trick for Newcastle Jets
JAMES GARDINER
19 Jul, 2012 04:00 AM

http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii553/pv4zanewy/2013688.jpg
STAR: Craig Goodwin in action for the Jets last night.

CRAIG Goodwin has played a handful of A-League games, but the exciting left back looks set to become a crowd favourite at Hunter Stadium after scoring a spectacular hat-trick in the first 12 minutes in the Newcastle Jets’ 6-0 win over Northern NSW at Darling Street Oval last night.
Adam Taggart added a late brace and fellow sub Mitch Oxborrow hit the target as the Jets made it three wins from as many games in the pre-season.

But it was Goodwin who stole the show.

The Adelaide-born 20-year-old produced three stinging left-foot drives from virtually the same spot, 20metres from goal and at a 45-degree angle.

Northern keeper Brad Swancott did not lay a hand on any of them.

The first arrowed into the top-left corner, the second had the aid of a deflection and the third was a low drive inside the near post.

Last night’s haul followed a 25-metre bomb he scored in the 9-1 demolition of Canberra Rockets a week ago.

Job done, he was replaced at half-time by Swiss recruit Dominik Ritter.

Ritter did not get on the scoresheet but caused havoc with his bursts down the left touchline.

Jets coach Gary van Egmond was unavailable for comment last night but Northern co-coach Damien Smith predicted big things for Goodwin.

‘‘I haven’t seen Goodwin play much, but I tell you what, those three goals were pretty impressive,’’ Smith said.

‘‘He didn’t have a great deal of space, he just bombed them.

‘‘The crowd will love him if he can do that.

‘‘I thought Ritter also did well when he came on.

‘‘As a defensive player he was good.

‘‘You can’t give any of these guys space. Our boys tried to shut them down, but they are fit and sharp, so well organised.’’

As they did in the opening two trials, the Jets dominated possession and field position.

On the rare occasions that Northern had the ball in enemy territory Ben Kantarovski, Tiago and Josh Mitchell moved quickly to close them down.

Northern regrouped after the early barrage and were competitive.

They were unlucky not to pull a goal back on the stroke of half-time after Kantarovski turned the ball over deep inside his own half.

Peter Haynes struck a powerful shot, which was dipping under the bar until Ben Kennedy rose high and got a fingertip to it.

As well as Ritter, Michael Bridges and Mark Birighitti were introduced for the second half.

Bridges was denied by a brilliant double save from Brad Swancott.

The Englishman then produced a neat bit of trickery to set up Oxborrow for a tap-in to make it 4-0 on the hour.

The Jets continued to make inroads down both flanks, but to their credit, Northern held on until the final five minutes.

The Jets have scored 18 goals in three matches.

Van Egmond is looking to add two more players to the final third and the Herald understands a Scottish attacker arrived yesterday for a trial.

The Jets play Northern again on August 8 at Jack McLaughlan Oval and Smith is confident of an improved performance.

‘‘I was proud of our boys,’’ he said.

‘‘We conked out at the end, but I thought second half we did OK.

‘‘We changed our shape at half-time to clog the midfield up. We put some young legs out there to combat their mobility.

‘‘Next time the players will know what to expect and will be better prepared.’’

Jets (4-1-2-3): Ben Kennedy; Scot Neville, Tiago, Josh Mitchell, Craig Goodwin; Ben Kantarovski; Jacob Pepper, Ruben Zadkovich; James Virgili, Ryan Griffiths, James Brown.

● The Jets have appointed Tim Rogers as the club’s strength and conditioning coach.

Rogers joins the Jets from the Stade Francais Paris rugby club. He has worked with the Matildas, the Australian Institute of Sport, and the Newcastle Knights.

match report, match report, cool cool cool.

scottish attacker on trial - any goss on this guy? my instant thought was "former rangers player" - can't wait to see scozzy get the rangers flag out if true tbh.

Jeterpool
19-07-2012, 06:35 AM
http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/sport/football-soccer/joel-griffiths-happy-to-stay-in-china/2629166.aspx



the thing i really can't comprehend is griff says he's been talked to by a few a-league clubs but heard nothing from the jets. what's the go? gve said in the recent podcast that he keeps in constant contact with griff. either the "hey, how's things in china?" text messages aren't seen as legitimate talks between player & club, and the jets are really under the impression it is, or we're being lied to.

stop making this complicated hsg - bring griff home!

Cue mass hysteria

Skirt Boy
19-07-2012, 07:23 AM
**** Griff.

Going by pre-season we won't need him.

pv4
19-07-2012, 08:26 AM
**** Griff.

esad

Jetmaster
19-07-2012, 08:59 AM
Perhaps there is just respect between GVE and Griff. Whilst other A-League clubs would need to hound and enquire it could just be that Griff may ring GVE one day and say - "I'm ready, what can you do ?". If the Jets don't do something then, that is when there is a problem.

As people seem to keep forgetting he is under contract.

Pico
19-07-2012, 09:01 AM
Shanghai shootout tests Socceroo Joel Griffiths' knee as he gets used to training with Anelka and Drogba

Tom Smithies
The Daily Telegraph
July 19, 2012 12:00AM


http://resources2.news.com.au/images/2012/07/19/1226429/554522-joel-griffiths-nicolas-anelka.gif

Joel Griffiths, right, with Shanghai Shenhua teammates Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka. Source: AP

THERE'S nothing like pressure to perform, and a shooting session with Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka could test the self-confidence of anyone.

But even as Joel Griffiths was "rubbing his eyes" at lining up with two of the EPL's most celebrated strikers for the Tuesday morning drill, the former Socceroo was more concerned about the knee injury that has bedevilled him for almost three months at the cashed-up aspirants of Shanghai Shenhua.

Griffiths chose a good week to return to training with new coach Sergio Batista overseeing the introduction of former Chelsea hitman Drogba on an eye-watering $300,000 a week.

"It was a bit surreal, just the three of us having shooting practice, but they're good guys - and to be honest I was more worried about my knee, as it's been a while since I've played with only minimal pain," Griffiths said yesterday.

"So far so good, and straight away you can see what there is to learn from these guys.

"I was happy to watch, and I can't wait to play with them. Everything from the way they prepare, the way they train, what they eat - it's all an education.

"Obviously as former teammates Nicolas and Didier get on well together, and hopefully I can pick Didier's brain about a few things. Maybe I can help him out a bit in terms of living in China, I've been here for four years now."

Amused by the hysteria around Drogba's arrival, Griffiths had previously been left bitterly frustrated by the persistence of his knee complaint - watching as his club have struggled badly enough to make Batista the third coach of the season.

It means that for now he has no thoughts beyond his one-year deal, despite interest from elsewhere in China and in the A-League.

"I want to get fit first and enjoying my football before I start to think about next year," Griffiths said.

Meanwhile, in A-League news the competition's baby will take its first uncertain steps onto the playing field next week - even if the bulk of those in red and black may have no long term future with the club.

West Sydney Wanderers will face NSW Premier League side Nepean at St Marys next Wednesday despite having only nine contracted players.

The bulk of the side Tony Popovic puts out will be triallists who have impressed sufficiently to earn a competitive audition.



Griff and his boys just hanging out after training.

Pico
19-07-2012, 09:03 AM
And if the FFA come good with their pledge to have a new TV deal in place before the start of the season which will pay the salary cap, then the Mariners will have turned the corner. Big time. Then it's about what to do next.

www.smh.com.au/sport/a-league/central-coast-steer-clear-of-being-spartak-mariners-20120718-229tq.html#ixzz211BP0GIu



Well that clears it up seems the FFA is betting everything on getting the TV deal brought forward for this season and hoping to get an increase. If the rumours of a FTA component of the next TV deal are true, we might just see some FTA coverage this year.

pv4
19-07-2012, 09:07 AM
so am i right in my comprehension that when the tv deal goes through, all clubs will have 100% of the salary cap paid for them by the ffa? is that what that is saying?

so they'll only have to pay for marquees in terms of playing wages?

furns
19-07-2012, 09:40 AM
so am i right in my comprehension that when the tv deal goes through, all clubs will have 100% of the salary cap paid for them by the ffa? is that what that is saying?

so they'll only have to pay for marquees in terms of playing wages?
In short - yes

plague
19-07-2012, 10:39 AM
I was trying to think of some witty pun to go with a You Am I reference

Pre-season training might be difficult. I hear he likes a waterlogged football.

steve136
19-07-2012, 11:39 AM
Doesn't sound positive fron Griff.
I maintain that GVE is full of sh*t and won't sign anyone worthwhile before the season starts.

Marcus
19-07-2012, 11:45 AM
Agreed. Emphasis on the "worthwhile" part.

Grimario
19-07-2012, 12:55 PM
Pre-season training might be difficult. I hear he likes a waterlogged football.

Fuuuuuuck. Something like that with his waterlogged ball that no one wants to kick around anymore would have been perfect(ly shit but acceptable).

Well played. I now leave this thread with a heavy heart and get back to work.

plague
19-07-2012, 02:11 PM
Yeah I went down to training the other day when Rogers was helping our Brazillian centreback with his tackling.
He was screaming
"T.I.A.G.O hit me hard and hit me low".

Anyone????




Anyone????



I might go.

Hamma12
19-07-2012, 02:16 PM
Also went to training this morning
Spoke to GVE and he said that there's a decent chance of playing NSWPL clubs as trials
Asia tour quite possible of happening stay tuned.......
This new Scottish trialist getting his training kit

pv4
20-07-2012, 06:52 AM
from the herald


Burchill playing for Jets approval
BY JOSH LEESON
20 Jul, 2012 04:00 AM

http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii553/pv4zanewy/2015183.jpg
EXPERIENCE: Mark Burchill scores for Portsmouth in 2001.

FORMER Scotland international striker Mark Burchill will be given a week to convince Jets coach Gary van Egmond he is capable of filling one of the final two import spots on the club’s roster.
Burchill paid his own way to Australia and arrived on Wednesday in Newcastle, where he hopes to continue his career after leaving Thai Premier League club Insee Police United.

Burchill came to the attention of Jets chief executive Robbie Middleby after a recommendation from Liverpool great and former North Queensland Fury marquee Robbie Fowler.

He has impressed van Egmond with his speed and agility.

‘‘He’s quite dynamic, a very fit player and we’ll look at him over the course of the next week and make a decision,’’ van Egmond said.

‘‘He’s pretty dynamic and in the way we want to play, so hopefully he’ll fit in.’’

The 31-year-old has forged a long career for a variety of clubs, including Scottish Premier League giants Celtic, then English Premier League side Portsmouth and Scottish first-division’s Dunfermline.

He began his professional career at Celtic in 1997 and played with Socceroo Mark Viduka before a loan move to Birmingham City in 2000.

At Celtic, Burchill scored 20 goals in 50 games and made his international debut aged 19. He played six games for Scotland in 1999 and 2000.

The Jets have filled three of their import places with English striker Michael Bridges, Brazilian centre back Tiago and Swiss defender Dominik Ritter, and van Egmond has made it clear the final two will be attacking players.

Wednesday’s trial against Charlestown has been cancelled, but van Egmond said Burchill would have chances to impress in intra-club games.

by the sounds of it we're definately going to be filling our visas.

pv4
20-07-2012, 06:54 AM
from the herald


Northern coach rates Jets fitter, faster, better
BY CRAIG KERRY
20 Jul, 2012 04:00 AM

http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii553/pv4zanewy/2015180.jpg
IMPRESSED: Northern coach Damien Smith.

STATE League Select coach Damien Smith believes Gary van Egmond’s young Jets team are a class above last year’s line-up and will be the ‘‘surprise packet’’ of the A-League after watching them demolish his side 6-0.
Smith, a former national league player who also coached the Northern NSW State League representative team last September when they lost 3-0 to Branko Culina’s Jets, was gushing with praise after Wednesday night’s rout at Darling Street Oval.

‘‘They are looking very sharp and very fit, they’re very mobile and very organised and I’ve been impressed by them,’’ Smith said.

‘‘The Select boys felt at half-time they’d been hit by a tornado. Everything they do is at pace.

‘‘Last year when they were under Culina, I thought they were too predictable. I felt comfortable playing against them, even though we were the Select side.’’

Smith coaches state league leaders Broadmeadow Magic, who lost 3-1 to the Jets in a trial three weeks ago.

‘‘I told the [Select] boys at training on Monday night, after watching them against Magic, that these guys are very sharp, they’re all competing for a spot, they are all technically very good and everything they do is at pace,’’ he said.

The three-time grand final-winning coach believed the fitness levels of the current Jets crop were superior to last year’s squad.

‘‘It’s hard to maintain that pace,’’ he said.

‘‘I’d be interested to know their fitness levels, because compared to last year these guys are a lot sharper and a lot fitter.’’

The Jets, who narrowly missed the finals last season, are on the second-last line of betting with most bookmakers to win the A-League in 2012-13.

But Smith believes Newcastle can find success quickly with their youthful side.

‘‘I think they’re going to be a surprise packet,’’ he said.

‘‘Obviously experience does come into it when you’re playing against A-League sides, and it will be interesting to see how they go against A-League opposition in trials.

‘‘But I might have a quiet wager on them early in the season.

pv4
20-07-2012, 06:55 AM
from the herald


Hat-trick star onside with youth strategy
BY JOSH LEESON
20 Jul, 2012 04:00 AM

http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii553/pv4zanewy/2015177.jpg
TOP SHOT: Craig Goodwin scored three goals for the Jets against a Northern NSW select team on Wednesday night. Picture: Jonathan Carroll

CRAIG Goodwin has tipped the baby Jets to take big steps in this season’s A-League and show the competition that their age is not a barrier to success.
The 20-year-old is yet to play an A-League game for Newcastle since joining the club this season from Melbourne Heart, but he could become a crowd favourite after his hat-trick in the opening 15 minutes of the 6-0 trial win over a Northern NSW select team on Wednesday night.

Goodwin, a mobile left back who can push forward and hit the target, is exactly the type of player Jets coach Gary van Egmond has searched for to build a squad capable of playing a high-possession and up-tempo style of football.

Van Egmond has signed 10 players younger than 24 since returning as coach early last season, meaning the squad has an average age of 22.

Many pundits believe the club will struggle to match the experience of their A-League rivals, but Goodwin said the squad would not be a mere development team this season.

‘‘I’ve always been a big believer that if you’re good enough, you’re old enough,’’ Goodwin said yesterday after a team recovery session.

‘‘I think with the players we have, they might be young, but we are definitely quality players, and I think this season we can show Newcastle and the A-League that just because you have a young team doesn’t mean you’re not going to do so well.

‘‘I think we’ll be looking to show every supporter in Australia that we can be a big side, even though we’re younger than others.’’

Goodwin created a stir last season after earning man-of-the-match honours in his A-League debut for the Heart.

His three goals from left-foot drives 20metres out at Darling Street Oval on Wednesday night should add to his reputation.

‘‘I thought it was great he showed what he can do,’’ van Egmond said yesterday.

‘‘It’s a type of game we want to try and encourage here at Newcastle, where not only is it a case that our strikers can score, but that our defenders can score.

‘‘That’s the beauty of having players who are defenders who are also comfortable in the front third who can go past people, who can create and who can finish, and Craig’s that sort of player.

‘‘We’ve done our homework pretty diligently in regards to what type of player we want to recruit in the certain positions and it was great for Craig last night to get on the scoreboard.’’

After three trial wins against Broadmeadow Magic (3-1), Canberra Rockets (9-1) and Northern NSW (6-0), van Egmond said his side were progressing above expectations.

Pico
20-07-2012, 07:41 AM
Glory to keep champions league spot

July 19, 2012 - 5:33PM

Australia will keep two-and-a-half spots in next year's Asian Champions League despite plans to amend the criteria for participation - meaning Perth Glory will definitely get to make their long-awaited debut in the region's showpiece competition.

The Asian Football Confederation this week flagged a new pathway for the ACL from 2013, including changes to the rankings system, a new licensing system, possible points deducations for clubs which fail to meet agreed criteria, and tougher scrutiny on possible match-fixing and corruption. Significantly for A-League clubs, the minimum benchmark for participation has been raised to 600 criteria points out of a possible 1000, but a Football Federation Australia spokesman said: "There are no implications in any of this for us. Things haven't changed fundamentally, we'll still get our two-and-a-half spots, and that's the main thing."

Last season's minor premiers Central Coast Mariners and champions Brisbane Roar - both knocked out at the group stage of this year's ACL - have re-qualified for 2013, and will be joined by Perth Glory, providing they win their preliminary qualifier. The Glory, who earned their shot at the ACL after reaching their first grand final, will need to get past a home-and-away series against opponents from either East Asia or South-East Asia in February to reach the main draw.

One devil in the detail of this week's announcement from the AFC is a plan to have a simultaneous kick-offs for the final round of matches in the group stage, meaning a match in Australia could start close to midnight in order to be synchronised with west Asia. "I think you'll find we aren't the only ones who will oppose this," said one insider. "Japan aren't happy with the idea either."
Advertisement

Meanwhile in A-League news, Melbourne Heart are expected to confirm veteran striker Dylan Macallister as their newest recruit within the next 24 hours. Macallister, 30, has signed a two-year contract with his fourth A-League club despite spending the past fortnight on trial with newcomers Western Sydney Wanderers.

Former Sydney FC striker Juho Makela - who spent most of his two seasons with the Sky Blues on the sidelines - grabbed a hat-trick for his Finnish side HJK Helsinki in an UEFA Champions League match against Icelandic champions KR Rejkavik this week. Makela was released by Sydney FC at the end of last season.

www.smh.com.au/sport/football/glory-to-keep-champions-league-spot-20120719-22cn8.html#ixzz216gfbhlk


Great to see we have kept the qualifying spot, my pick glory to get a K-league team and be knocked out of the ACL and have to compete in the AFC cup, poor old sage :lol:

Will be interesting to see the new criteria too.

Pico
20-07-2012, 07:46 AM
The price that cannot be paid

Tom Smithies
The Daily Telegraph
l
http://resources3.news.com.au/images/2012/07/19/1226430/427243-ben-buckley.jpg

A-League boss Ben Buckley will meet with club owners on Monday over funding arrangements. Source: AFP

THE new spirit of co-operation between soccer chiefs and the A-League clubs faces a significant test after Football Federation Australia warned that the clubs' pleas for more resources could not all be afforded.

A wishlist by the clubs was tabled in May, including reducing the cut that FFA takes from transfer fees, for clubs to share in revenue from finals games and for FFA to heavily subsidise the national youth league.

But in recent days the clubs have been told that the list has been deemed too costly for the game's governing body to take on in its entirety - at least until a new TV deal is signed.

It comes as the new committee set up to end the hostility that had grown up in recent months between clubs and FFA over the sustainability of the league meets again on Monday to continue negotiations.

The Joint A-League Sub-Committee (JALSC) met for the first time in May, made up of three club owners and three FFA directors, with a list of demands put forward to end the clubs' bleeding.

The owners have sought a substantial cut in the 20 per cent that FFA currently takes of all transfers overseas, arguing that it is the clubs who put in all the resources to develop players, and want a major contribution to the travel costs of running the youth league.

Perth owner Tony Sage threatened to pull out of the youth league last season, with several clubs viewing it as unsustainable without central aid. The structure of the finals series is also a source of dissent, with clubs paying players' wages but receiving no income from the games which all goes to FFA.

There is also an expectation from the clubs the new TV deal will come before next season, with FFA officials having promised to cover the $2.3 million salary cap once it is signed.

Despite the warning from FFA that the cost of the demands is too high, Melbourne Heart chairman Peter Sidwell - a member of JALSC - said he was still confident common ground would be found.

"Ultimately it's about the overall picture, not whether each of these individual issues is settled to our satisfaction," he said.

FFA CEO Ben Buckley said a package of funding would be put forward at Monday's meeting.

"Yes, we've given careful consideration to the proposals put forward by the clubs, and we're very aware of a need to increase central funding," he said. "We're working hard to that end within our capacity to afford it and will be outlining some proposals on Monday."

Didn't take long for the FFA to back track on the JALSC demands, will be interesting to see sage's reaction.

Pico
20-07-2012, 07:48 AM
Reds' mystery man a fantasy or fact?

http://resources2.news.com.au/images/2012/07/19/1226430/046066-adelaide-united.jpg

ADELAIDE United may be playing fantasy football as no one is able to confirm if pending US triallist Dexter Andres Rosa Monsalve's credentials are real.

According to a United media release, Dexter Rosales - the shortened version of the player's name - was an underage US international, played for Spain's Valencia and Holland's Ajax.

But an Ajax media official said Rosales was never registered as a professional for the Dutch club.

"Dexter Rosales never had a contract here at Ajax in Amsterdam," stated an Ajax press official last night.

"I also checked the internet and on the first page that I found, I saw that "Dexter" is using a photo of (Argentine international) Mauro Rosales in an Ajax shirt.

"He was at Ajax till 2006. The card they used is not an official card of Ajax!"

Valencia officials did not respond to emails last night after Adelaide publicly released details of Rosales arriving for trials during the Reds' pre-season camp in Strathalbyn next week.

And to muddy the waters even more, three accredited FIFA agents could not find Rosales as a FIFA-registered player after being contacted by The Advertiser.

Reds coach John Kosmina reportedly spoke to the player's agent before Adelaide football director Michael Petrillo said he expected Rosales to turn up next week.

"He's been recommended to us," Petrillo said. `He's paying his own way here."

The Advertiser last night also attempted to contact Rosales' reported agent Dimitri Kascovic but was unsuccessful.

Adelaide is also expecting Portuguese midfielder Fabio Ferreira to turn up for trials.

The Sydney-based forward currently plays for Dulwich Hill in the NSW second tier comp after he was a former Chelsea reserves player.

Ferreira is expected to feature in Adelaide's first friendly of the new season when the Reds face Adelaide Hills at Hawks Nest from 7.30pm on Wednesday.

Adelaide also confirmed the club was close to announcing a playmaker as its latest signing within 24 hours.

But it's understood the Argentine has gone cold on the contract offer.

oh adelaide......... :blush:

Pico
20-07-2012, 07:54 AM
Jets happy to fly under the radar

19 July 2012-SBS EXCLUSIVE: Philip Micallef

http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/resize/file/4919_vanegmond.gif/id/84954/w/310/h/174

Low profile ... Jets coach Gary van Egmond (Getty)

Championship-winning coach Gary van Egmond said he is happy for his Newcastle Jets side to fly under the radar in the forthcoming season and let the media concentrate on the big-city sides.

Van Egmond, who is preparing his side for its A-League season-opener against Adelaide United at Hunter Stadium on 7 October, said the media attention on Brisbane Roar, Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC suits him perfectly.

”At the moment the least they talk about us the better,” Van Egmond said.

”We've got plenty of things that are going on around us to worry about.

”So I'd be very comfortable if all the attention is cast on on likes of Broich and Berisha.

”We want our football to be what people want to talk about.

”Hopefully we can do that in the season coming up.

”So we are very happy to fly under the radar.”

Van Egmond, who led the Jets to the championship in 2008, has embarked on a rejuvenation program that is designed to take the club back to the top of the A-League.

He has signed several promising youngsters who should provide him with plenty of options in the coming season.

One of them is former Melbourne Heart left back Craig Goodwin, who left a favourable impression in the handful of matches he played under coach John van't Schip after making his debut against Victory last season.

Goodwin impressed his new coach with a hat-trick in the first 15 minutes of the Jets' 6-0 win over a State League selection in the team's third pre-season trial on Wednesday.

”Craig is coming along well,” Van Egmond said.

”He's a young fellow and like all young players he needs confidence and nurturing.

”He definitely has wonderful ability and it is up to us to bring out those skills.

”He is very good on the ball but we've got to get the best out of him in other areas without the ball, such as his defensive positioning.

”Of course you don't want to heap lavish praise on these kids, we just want them to stay on their feet.

”They need to work hard to improve and if they do that they will be rewarded down the track.”

Popular striker Michael Bridges, with a wealth of experience behind him, will be expected to 'keep an eye' on the younger players in the team.

It is a responsibility Bridges would be only too happy to assume, Van Egmond said.

”Bridgey is great with the young ones,” he said.

”He is always prepared to share the experience he's gained as an English Premier League player especially with our young strikers. He's been great.

”But it's not only Bridgey. The older ones like Tiago Calvano, Ryan Griffiths, Josh Mitchell and Jobe Wheelhouse also have to take up a leadership role, probably more so this season because we have a younger squad.

”The younger players will always look for reinforcement of what they've done from the older ones and seek advice from the when things are not going so well.

”It is very important that we have that balance.”

The way the Jets went about their recruitment drive would suggest that the club is clearly looking towards long-term success.

That sunny afternoon in Sydney when the Jets beat Central Coast Mariners 1-0 to win the 2008 grand final seems light years away.

But Van Egmond, who said the club was close to signing a European striker, said it is not impossible for Newcastle to be champion again.

”I think the players we have and the ones we are recruiting will be more than capable of doing the job in the key positions that are similar to those we had in 2008,” he said.

”The most important part is their sustainability. You need to ensure that while you are planning to be very competitive for this year you also have an eye on what will happen down the track.”
www.theworldgame.sbs.com.au/news/1113674/Jets-happy-to-fly-under-radar


European striker? surely not this trialist.

I guess this rule's out Griff

Last piece of the puzzle would be the AM now.

pv4
20-07-2012, 08:07 AM
oh adelaide......... :blush:

the playmaker they reportedly had signed was patricio perez - former gypo diver.

OmeletteDuFromage
20-07-2012, 09:37 AM
I hope its not that trialist, we should honestly be aiming higher.

MFKS
20-07-2012, 09:40 AM
so am i right in my comprehension that when the tv deal goes through, all clubs will have 100% of the salary cap paid for them by the ffa? is that what that is saying?

so they'll only have to pay for marquees in terms of playing wages?

That's the theory but don't forget the PFA will then come knocking at the door wanting a better deal for their reps the players and the FFA is held over a barrel by the PFA so will probably have to cave to their demands.

The Grant may well be closer to the salary cap but will still probably be along way off it by the time this is done and dusted

Pico
20-07-2012, 09:57 AM
That's the theory but don't forget the PFA will then come knocking at the door wanting a better deal for their reps the players and the FFA is held over a barrel by the PFA so will probably have to cave to their demands.

The Grant may well be closer to the salary cap but will still probably be along way off it by the time this is done and dusted

Depends how long the new TV deal is for.

I think the current CBA runs until the end of the current TV deal, so that means that next season would be set, after that it might become an issue. The PFA has been making noises recently but most of it has been about conditions and I don't blame them, really there is no contract security in the HAL, with the FFA one of the worst offenders. I think if the FFA promises some reform and greater security for the player contracts that might be able to stop the PFA from going for a large increase in cap space.

MFKS
20-07-2012, 10:39 AM
The PFA will have a list of demands when they negotiate with the FFA their agreement. The PFA is after all a union so I would be stunned if there was no mention of a pay rise there somewhere. I agree that the conditions of employment and security of employment should be the PFA's main concern but can't be convinced that they will not ask for a pay rise.

It's about as inevitable as teachers going on strike some time in the next 12 months!!

The PFA should actually be looking at letting this opportunity to hit up the FFA for a pay rise go through to the keeper. Focus more on improving their conditions and security for their reps this time. At present the clubs are weak and not rolling in the cash.

The PFA would be best served long term by actually giving our clubs the free kick this time round letting them strengthen and grow so they can milk them better in the future. Whilst the clubs are a basket case with cash flow issues and no assets and low turnovers the PFA can only milk so much money. When the clubs are turning over bigger dollars and have multiple streams of income and no financial worries the PFA can then milk the hell out of them

Pico
20-07-2012, 11:44 AM
I agree about conditions needing to be the priority and letting the clubs start to try and break even, but when the people your negotiating with are the ones who are suppose to be protecting and enforcing the rules whilst being one of the largest rule breakers when it come to contract security, can you really trust any assurances they might claim to make.

The other thing is how long the next TV deal is for, it might be ok to roll over the existing CBA with better conditions built in for 2 maybe 3 seasons, but if the next TV deal is for another 7 years that's probably asking a bit too much. I'm just hoping that the FFA in getting a new TV deal one year earlier does not sell the league short for a short term boost.

seldom
20-07-2012, 11:46 AM
looking forward to watching goodwin by all reports he's carving at training as well.Must admit I thought he was 23-24 not a 20 year old.heard he can cross as well...bonus

pv4
20-07-2012, 02:17 PM
Nolen Smith asks via email: Which players have impressed you so far during pre-season?

GvE: There are a number of boys who have done very well so far in training and in our trial games, which is very encouraging.

I have to say that Ruben Zadkovich is really starting to grow as a leader within the group. Ruben has an aggressive style of play, but he’s really starting to control that and use that energy at the right points throughout a match, which makes him a valuable asset.

It’s important to have a player like Ruben within the squad who you know will always take the fight to the opposition because it lifts the rest of the team to follow suit and play at a high level.

rubez :cool:

q-money
20-07-2012, 02:19 PM
@flamindinky asks via Twitter: Will we see more of Sam Gallaway in action this season?

lol

ForeverRed
20-07-2012, 05:05 PM
looking forward to watching goodwin by all reports he's carving at training as well.Must admit I thought he was 23-24 not a 20 year old.heard he can cross as well...bonus
he scored 3 goals in 15 minutes then wasnt seen any more, dont get to excited

ForeverRed
20-07-2012, 05:06 PM
lol

yeah, in goals for the youth team on Sunday

hawk
20-07-2012, 08:35 PM
looking forward to watching goodwin by all reports he's carving at training as well.Must admit I thought he was 23-24 not a 20 year old.heard he can cross as well...bonus

Hoffman used to carve training. boing.

seldom
20-07-2012, 08:51 PM
he scored 3 goals in 15 minutes then wasnt seen any more, dont get to excited

sorry... I heard it was 3 goals in 12 minutes but if it took him 15 that's ordinary...Goodwin out !

longshot
20-07-2012, 08:58 PM
he scored 3 goals in 15 minutes then wasnt seen any more, dont get to excited

So much negativity. The kid scored a hat-trick as a defender and people are bagging him. :angry: He provided many options after his goals, so to to say he was not seen any more is plain Bullshit. All the young lads are busting their balls to make this team what it deserves to be. Even the youngest kids in the squad are quality and deserve better support than they are copping.

I know the knockers are in the minority, but either you are Jets supporters through and through, or just keyboard whingers.

Of course we have to play better opposition in A-League teams as trial games, but if our guys keep on performing, well then fantastic.

So how about backing the lads instead of getting on the negative band wagon.

Unless of course you are a kid that either did not make the youth team, or are not good enough to make the first team. Then let fly with all your vitriol and hopefully it will bring the good guys down to your level and you might get a spot. :sigh:

FFS: :dry:

For the Jets so far so good. Hope it continues. :grin:

longshot
20-07-2012, 09:20 PM
sorry... I heard it was 3 goals in 12 minutes but if it took him 15 that's ordinary...Goodwin out !

:lol:

steve136
20-07-2012, 09:31 PM
he scored 3 goals in 15 minutes then wasnt seen any more, dont get to excited
Well I think we all know who @flamindinky on twitter is now...

longshot
20-07-2012, 09:51 PM
Well I think we all know who @flamindinky on twitter is now...

:lol: Sprung. Back in ya hole. :blush:

plague
20-07-2012, 11:12 PM
If I scored 3 in 15 (12) minutes as a defender you know what I'd do the rest of the game?
1. Get chix phone numberz.
2. Talk to Rubez.
3. Stepovers.

FFS, some doodz on here!!!!!

q-money
20-07-2012, 11:24 PM
deans out

seldom
21-07-2012, 01:18 AM
deans out

as a homosexual ?

pv4
21-07-2012, 07:57 AM
1. Get chix phone numberz.
2. Talk to Rubez.
3. Stepovers.


that'd be my gameplan regardless of how many goals i'd scored previously.

Jeterpool
21-07-2012, 07:00 PM
that'd be my gameplan regardless of how many goals i'd scored previously.

Pv4 telling it how it's done

traffic light
21-07-2012, 07:20 PM
So much negativity. The kid scored a hat-trick as a defender and people are bagging him. :angry: He provided many options after his goals, so to to say he was not seen any more is plain Bullshit. All the young lads are busting their balls to make this team what it deserves to be. Even the youngest kids in the squad are quality and deserve better support than they are copping.
I know the knockers are in the minority, but either you are Jets supporters through and through, or just keyboard whingers.
Of course we have to play better opposition in A-League teams as trial games, but if our guys keep on performing, well then fantastic.
So how about backing the lads instead of getting on the negative band wagon.

Unless of course you are a kid that either did not make the youth team, or are not good enough to make the first team. Then let fly with all your vitriol and hopefully it will bring the good guys down to your level and you might get a spot. :sigh:

For the Jets so far so good. Hope it continues. :grin:
bit negative

Hamma12
21-07-2012, 07:34 PM
http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/sport/football-soccer/our-greatest-sees-bright-future-as-football-recognises-its-past/2631139.aspx

Our greatest sees bright future as football recognises its past

RAY Baartz will be another face in a room full of old mates tonight.
The Newcastle-based Men of Football are holding their third annual reunion at Newcastle Jockey Club.
The 650-strong group is a non-profit organisation made up of past and present football participants who, apart from enjoying each other’s company, raise money to help those in need.
The Newcastle branch is a virtual who’s who of Northern NSW football – Socceroos, national league players, coaches, journalists and senior administrators – from the 1950s onwards.
Baartz has been one of the driving forces behind the Newcastle chapter.
From its humble beginnings in 2010, when about 40 former players got together for a few beers and finger food at the Mayfield Ex-Services Club, the reunion has ballooned into a sold-out affair of more than 220.
‘‘The concept is starting to grow,’’ Baartz said.
‘‘A good mate of mine, Dennis Yaager, who I played with at club level and for Australia, is coming up.
‘‘He is based in Sydney and is looking at forming a Men of Football branch down there and wants to look at how it operates.
‘‘The idea is for it to spread right around the country.’’
Baartz was in a similar room of like-minded people a week ago when he was lauded as a member of Australia’s Greatest Team Ever.
The Adamstown Rosebud junior, who was signed by Manchester United as a 17-year-old before returning to play for Sydney Hakoah, was named at inside right alongside Mark Viduka and Harry Kewell in a three-man strike force.
Fellow Socceroo Col Curran, the only Newcastle player to compete at a World Cup finals, was nominated but missed selection.
‘‘It was a great honour and very humbling,’’ Baartz said.
The gala event organised by the Johnny Warren Foundation was the latest in various initiatives to link the present with the past and follows the official awarding of Socceroos caps and the formation of a hall of fame.‘‘We have tended to let people drift away from the game when they have finished playing, drift into the never-never and be forgotten about,’’ Baartz said.


‘‘Now we have started to realise football has a history.
‘‘Clubs like Adamstown Rosebud are older than most English Premier League clubs.
‘‘People are starting to realise we do have a history and a tradition.
‘‘I know from my experience at the awards dinner the other night some of the younger players who came up to me and offered their congratulations said they didn’t realise just what went on and happened years ago.
‘‘Adam Griffiths was fascinated by some of the old stories and is coming up next week to talk about doing a documentary.
‘‘They respect and appreciate what the older teams went through to achieve what they did.’’
Baartz’s career was cut short at age 27 by an infamous karate chop to the neck from Uruguayan defender Luis Garisto in a 2-0 loss to the Socceroos in Sydney on the eve of the 1974 World Cup.
The blow, which instigated stroke-like symptoms, put Baartz in hospital.
‘‘I felt I was probably just reaching my best football,’’ Baartz said.
‘‘Who knows, maybe my better years were to come. When I look back on the injury, I was thankful it wasn’t more serious.
‘‘For a couple of days they didn’t know if I was going to live, let alone have all my faculties. I could have ended up in a wheelchair.’’
The Greatest Team Ever was selected by public vote and a panel of experts.
‘‘They had nearly 20,000 people vote online and also had a selection committee, which carried 50per cent of the vote ,’’ Baartz said.
‘‘I think that gave myself and some of the older guys a a chance to get a jersey.
‘‘The majority of people who voted online never saw us play. It’s a bit hard to vote on someone who you haven’t seen. Thankfully, myself, Johnny Warren and Joe Marsden got a chance to get into the team.’’
Apart from Baartz, inaugural Jets captain Ned Zelic also made the team and Newcastle’s Cheryl Salisbury was captain of the women’s team and had the honour of being named the Greatest Women’s Player of all time.
Baartz was chairman of the Jets advisory board that was disbanded early this year, and he still has an active role in the club.
Jets coach Gary van Egmond and a selection of players will be at the gathering tonight.

Should be a great night if your lucky enough in attending

Pico
23-07-2012, 07:20 AM
Michael Bridges pulls up sore
JAMES GARDINER
23 Jul, 2012 04:00 AM

http://static.lifeislocal.com.au/multimedia/images/full/2017788.jpg
INJURY: Michael Bridges

AS the Jets close in on the signature of an overseas striker, one of the current crop, Michael Bridges, has suffered an injury setback.

The 33-year-old Englishman damaged his hamstring at training on Saturday.

The Herald has been told Bridges felt a twinge in the muscle. The injury was serious enough for him not to join several of his teammates and coach Gary van Egmond at a Men of Football reunion dinner on Saturday night.

Van Egmond revealed at the dinner that he was close to signing a striker and hoped to have the deal sealed in the next 48 hours.

The Jets have two places left on their roster for imports.

Finding a striker has been the priority.

The release last month of Nikolai Topor-Stanley freed about $250,000.

Since then the Jets have recruited Josh Mitchell and Swiss defender Dominik Ritter, but the Herald understands they still have plenty of room under the salary cap.

The marquee position is also available.

Apart from an experienced No.9, van Egmond hopes to add an attacking midfielder to the list, but he said on Saturday the Jets were not close to filling that position.

Former Scotland international Mark Burchill is halfway through a week’s trial, but the Herald understands the 31-year-old is not the striker to whom van Egmond referred.

Recommended to Jets chief executive Robbie Middleby by Robbie Fowler, Burchill paid his own way to Newcastle after leaving Thai Premier League club Insee Police United.

The frontman burst onto the scene at 19 at Scottish giants Celtic 14 years ago but in recent years has drifted around the lower leagues. He had two years in Cyprus before heading to Thailand.

The Jets’ trial against Charlestown City on Wednesday has been cancelled.

They will instead play an intraclub trial, which will be the final chance for Burchill to press his claims.

Bridges had been relatively injury free since coming out of retirement in November. He played 17 games, four as a starter, and scored two goals last season.

He has been used as a substitute in the Jets’ past two trial wins, over Canberra Rockets (9-1) and Northern NSW Select (6-0).

Though he did not get on the score sheet against Northern – he was denied by some outstanding goalkeeping from Brad Swancott and replacement Nathan Archibald – the former Premier League star produced a sublime piece of skill to set up Mitch Oxborrow.

The Jets’ next competitive hit-out is another clash against Northern NSW at Jack McLaughlan Oval on August 8.

www.theherald.com.au/news/local/sport/football-soccer/michael-bridges-pulls-up-sore/2631746.aspx

soooo...... 6-8 weeks then?

Jetmaster
23-07-2012, 08:57 AM
Every time Bridgey gets a twinge he's gonna get hammered on here.

As long as it's not the knee.

Anyway, looks like we will know the identity of the new Griff very soon.

au revoir
23-07-2012, 08:58 AM
soooo...... 6-8 weeks then?

lol, classic jets.

BodyNovo
23-07-2012, 09:12 AM
normal proceedings continue

la bazzle
23-07-2012, 10:44 AM
wheres Looobz when u need him?

OmeletteDuFromage
23-07-2012, 11:17 AM
Cant wait till this strikers announced tbh.

Jeterpool
23-07-2012, 01:12 PM
Neither can I. I do get skeptical when we say they are "about to sign". How many times do you hear that and it turns out never to actually happen.

Thought we would have learned.

Tommyjet
23-07-2012, 01:40 PM
Mikael forssell

Bon
23-07-2012, 01:42 PM
Does anyone "in the know" have any real new/hints they can give about this? I'm noticing a lot of silence here over what would normally be touted as pretty large news..
(I think its the silence that gives me hope. As normally when names are thrown about it all turns out to be a load of cobblers toss..)

pv4
23-07-2012, 01:43 PM
Mikael forssell

is this legit or bait for gardiner & dillon?

btw melbourne heart are supposedly about to sign grella.

Grimario
23-07-2012, 01:44 PM
is this legit or bait for gardiner & dillon?

btw melbourne heart are supposedly about to sign grella.

And Owen has said he wants $3m to come down under for the season.

Good off to Newcastle United as well, appaz.

Jeterpool
23-07-2012, 02:23 PM
Mikael forssell

If true, I hope this doesn't turn out to be another Jeffers v2. V1 played well. We cant afford another international striker not to fire the way Franny failed to do last year

Hamma12
23-07-2012, 03:01 PM
Wheelhouse primed for Wednesday's trial

http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/sport/football-soccer/wheelhouse-primed-for-wednesdays-trial/2632671.aspx

It may be an intraclub trial but Jets captain Jobe Wheelhouse has never been more primed for a game.
Wheelhouse will make his long awaited return from a foot injury against the Jets youth team and fringe players at Ray Watt Oval on Wednesday.
The internal hit out, which will be the last chance for Scottish trialist Mark Burchill to press his claims for a contract, replaces a trial against Northern NSW club Charlestown City on Wednesday night.
Wheelhouse had surgery in May to remove a bursa from the outside of his left foot and has been back in full training for a fortnight.The Jets kick off their season against Adelaide United at Hunter Stadium on October 7.



http://youtu.be/QsjBCQMpPMI

steve136
23-07-2012, 03:17 PM
^best part of that video is what we can only assume was a 30 metre strike into the top corner from Rubez

Tommyjet
23-07-2012, 05:23 PM
is this legit or bait for gardiner & dillon?

btw melbourne heart are supposedly about to sign grella.
Nah mate just putting 2 and 2 together and getting 19. Was just 'researching' a bit lately for European strikers that are a realistic shot at coming to the a-league as a marquee and he came up as a free agent soyeah just spinning shit. Can't wait to find out.

Pico
24-07-2012, 06:52 AM
Reds Admit Rosales Hoax

http://i.haymarket.net.au/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=http%3a%2f%2fi.haymarket.net.a u%2fNews%2frosalkes.jpg&w=653
FAKE...Part of the fake information pack sent out to agents and clubs


By Staff Writer
Jul 23 2012 19:30

ADELAIDE United have abandoned plans to trial an overseas player after apparently falling victim to an elaborate hoax that invented the star and his top flight CV.

The Reds have been left red-faced after mystery man Dexter Rosales failed to appear for a trial a week after the club announced it would look at the American alongside Sydney-based Portuguese product Fabio Ferreira as potential signings.

United coach John Kosmina is putting his squad through a tough pre-season camp in the Adelaide Hills this week, and it was expected that Ferreira and Rosales would take part.

Ferreira has linked up with the squad but there was no sign of Rosales on Monday, and au.fourfourtwo.com understands club officials have now conceded they have probably been sold a dummy.

"It has been a strange few days with all the speculation around this mystery man - it doesn't look great from our end," a Reds media spokesman admitted tonight.

"We're not the first club to be given a false lead with a supposed trialist, but other clubs probably just don't promote it to the world like we did."

Former USA youth representative Rosales was said to have been a former player with top clubs like River Plate and Ajax and was being touted to Adelaide by a Sydney-based FIFA-registered agent.

But a closer inspection of his CV reveals massive holes in his backstory - and a Google check only reveals a string of dodgy self-created websites.

The 25-year old was said to have turned down a move to Valencia after an Achilles tendon injury ended his contract at Ajax and had instead returned to Miami in the US.

However YouTube videos showing him in action are actually of an entirely different player with a similar name.

And a picture of the mystery man and Klaas Jan Huntelaar at Ajax was supposedly taken three years after the Dutch legend had left the Eredivisie club.

Rosales had been linked with a trial at Western Sydney Wanderers in June when doubts first emerged about his existence.

And when Adelaide last week announced they would be trialing the mystery man, the rumour mill went into overdrive.

Adelaide's own players got wind of the situation and started joking about Rosales' phantom-like existence on Twitter.

Dario Vidosic, Sergio van Dijk, Bruce Djite and Jon McKain used the #IFoundDexter hashtag to post pictures of famous Dexters from the world of television.

au.fourfourtwo.com understands at least one other A-League club was forwarded Rosales' CV, but they decided not to pursue him when an internet search revealed a suspicious lack of information.

One A-League source admitted: "There are far too many doubts about his existence."

Officials at Ajax, Valencia and River Plate have also now dismissed any links with the player.

"Dexter Rosales was never a contracted player here at Ajax and never was on trial," an Ajax media official said.

"I checked Google and saw that there was a (picture) card with the name Dexter Rosales, but that picture of the player in the Ajax kit was Mauro Rosales.

"Mauro was a player from Argentina who was at the club until 2006, but the card and text is not 'Ajax official'.

"We do not know if Dexter Rosales does or does not exist, but we can confirm that he never was at Ajax."

Valencia also denied the player ever graced the Estadio Mestalla pitch.

"He was not a player of Valencia CF," a press official said.

And River Plate added confirmation to the rapid unraveling of Rosales' non-existent career.

"River Plate Athletic Club does not have any registration that says Mr Rosales was a former player," a media officer said.

The alleged player's Australian agent - Sydney-based Lou Nesci - directed enquiries to Rosales's international agent "Dimitri Kascovic"...but he too also appears to be a fake, and is not listed on FIFA's register of licensed agents.

www.au.fourfourtwo.com/news/246261,reds-admit-rosales-hoax.aspx


So not only did adeliade fall for it but an Australian based agent :blush:

Jeterpool
24-07-2012, 06:58 AM
too funny!

Pico
24-07-2012, 06:59 AM
How 'Rosales' Fooled The Reds...

http://i.haymarket.net.au/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=http%3a%2f%2fi.haymarket.net.a u%2fNews%2ffakefiles.jpg&w=653
THE FAKE FILES...the dossier that created the Rosales Myth

By Staff Writer
Jul 23 2012 23:57

EXCLUSIVE: The slick looking info pack sent out to clubs about hoax player Dexter Rosales should have sounded alarm bells even before a cursory internet check would have.

Adelaide United admitted today that they had been taken for a ride by the fake after inviting him over from the US for a trial with the Reds.

But au.fourfourtwo.com has seen the impressive sales package put together by elusive "agent" Dimitri Kascovic about his invented star.

And on the very second page, the unknown 25 year old winger claimed to have notched up a goal or assist every 30 MINUTES while in the reserves at Ajax over a three month period in 2010/11.

In just 14 matches, Kascovic claimed Rosales supposedly scored 16 times, with eight assists, despite rarely playing a full game.

He was also said to have scored five times in the Eredivisie Cup against Feyenoord and AZ Alkmaar, with yet another assist in the cup clash against PSV.

An additional single page PDF adds to the staggering fairytale, claiming 72 goals and 58 assists from 109 games for local US side, West Kendall Coalition FC in Miami, Florida.

And at River Plate, Rosales supposedly scored another 26 goals, with 12 assists, in just 32 reserve matches from 2007 and 2009.

Adelaide were so seduced by the superstar stats, they invited the player to join them for a boot camp trial in Adelaide Hills this week,

They ignored the poorly photoshopped picture of his international "agent" which appears to be a stock photography image of a young businessman.

Kascovic does not appear in FIFA's registers of licensed agents.

He claimed to be linked to an eastern European sports management site lorussport.com - but chose not to use the website's email address and instead used a free email service attached to a local bulletin board based in Washington DC.

The agent is also listed elsewhere online as having a gmail address.

He first made contact with agents in December, offering Rosales's services around, including a badly written email to Bruce Arena at LA Galaxy, claiming the player would be available as a free agent from January 2012.

Rosales was linked to Western Sydney Wanderers in June, but they were alert to a possible scam almost immediately.

An internet search only revealed a string of vanity websites which attempted to corroborate his CV and achievements and were designed to be prominent on Google if anyone searched for his name.

Wanderers gave it a swerve - but Adelaide fell for the hoax when they announced they would be trialing him this week.

Included in the Rosales sales package was an obviously faked health report plus a powerpoint presentation claiming to detail his surgery and recovery from an achilles tendon operation, which appears to feature bionic technology.

The medical report adds that "...with our sport medicine team, we placed a bioimplant that is not of human origin."

Today the Australian agent who was involved in the deal insisted he was simply stringing the hoaxer along to see what would happen.

"I guess a few were victims of the fraud but to date I can't see what Dexter expected to get out of it," said Sydney-based Lou Nesci.

www.au.fourfourtwo.com/news/246271,how-rosales-fooled-the-reds.aspx



This just keeps getting better and better :lol:

Pico
24-07-2012, 07:06 AM
Deja vu fails to hobble recovering Jobe Wheelhouse’s enthusiasm

http://static.lifeislocal.com.au/multimedia/images/large/2020031.jpg
HEALING: Jobe Wheelhouse

BY JAMES GARDINER
24 Jul, 2012 04:00 AM

JOBE Wheelhouse has been here before. Another pre-season. Another surgery. More interruption.

Wheelhouse will make a much-anticipated return from a foot injury in an intra-club trial at Ray Watt Oval.

It has been an all-too-common occurrence for the luckless Jets captain.


http://youtu.be/QsjBCQMpPMI

But far from frustrated, Wheelhouse is excited to get back into the swing of things.

‘‘It has been an interrupted pre-season, but in some ways that is a good thing for me,’’ Wheelhouse said.

‘‘I had time to have a good break and I’m feeling really good. It has been 10 weeks now and everything has pretty much gone to plan.’’

Wheelhouse has been in full training a fortnight after surgery in May to remove a bursa from his left foot.

The wholehearted midfielder played the final third of last season with the aid of pain-killing injections and had to cut a hole in the outside of his left boot to lessen the pressure on the problem area.

‘‘Puma will be happy that I won’t be running around with a hole in my boot,’’ he said.

‘‘Where the scar is on the foot is quite sensitive. It is on the sole of my foot and every time my foot touches the ground I feel it. It will take time to heal properly but otherwise it is 100 per cent.’’

Wheelhouse trained yesterday in an advanced role in midfield but is unsure exactly where he fits into Gary van Egmond’s plans.

‘‘We haven’t spoken too much about the position he wants me to play,’’ Wheelhouse said.

‘‘It will be in midfield somewhere. If I have to play the left, the right, the middle ... wherever the team needs me I’m happy to play.’’

Michael Bridges (hamstring strain) sat out training yesterday but should only be sidelined for a week. The internal hit-out will be a final chance for Scottish trialist Mark Burchill to press claims for a contract.

The Jets’ Young Socceroos quartet – Jack Duncan, Josh Brillante, Mitch Cooper and Connor Chapman – were back on deck after a gruelling two-week tour of Vietnam.

Much of yesterday’s session was focused on the front third.

‘‘There is no doubt that is where we need the work,’’ Wheelhouse said.

www.theherald.com.au/news/local/sport/football-soccer/deja-vu-fails-to-hobble-recovering-jobe-wheelhouses-enthusiasm/2633241.aspx



Not sure where jobe is going to fit in with GVE's plans our midfield is packed already.

Jeterpool
24-07-2012, 07:22 AM
Do you think Jobe will retain the captaincy this year? It wil be interesting to see where he fits.

Does he come in for Kanta? Does he take the right mid spot and move Rubez to right wing?

Jobe has a fair one touch pass though if I recall...

Marcus
24-07-2012, 10:46 AM
Tiago will be captain LOL

Hamma12
24-07-2012, 11:46 AM
:lol: at the herald for publishing the same video of Jobe two days in a row

Hamma12
24-07-2012, 05:07 PM
Hefty Fine For Aussie Ozbey For Switch

http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/246358,hefty-fine-for-aussie-ozbey-for-switch.aspx

AUSSIE Tolgay Ozbey has been fined a massive $25,000-plus for walking out on his Indian club to join their fiercest rival across town.

Ozbey, 26, abandoned East Bengal after two years as their highest goalscorer, notching up 35 goals in 48 games since joining the I-League side in 2010.
He's now joined their Old Firm-style rivals Mohun Bagan, who play out of the same 120,000-capacity stadium in Kolkata as East Bengal, on a two year deal worth a reported 30 million rupees (about $520,000).
His old club immediately lodged a protest with the Indian FA, claiming the former Blacktown City striker had accepted an advance money voucher from them, tying him to the club.
They refused to release his player token, preventing him from joining his new team-mates.
Today the IFA ruled that Ozbey had breached the rules and docked him a month's wages, worth around $18,000, and fined him a further $8,500-plus.
They also ordered him to write a letter to say sorry to East Bengal who would then release his player token once they received the apology.
The two clubs have a bitter rivalry dating back to the 1920s, and it remains the most fiercely fought derby in the five-year old I-League.
East Bengal - coached by Englishman Trevor Morgan - were last year's I-League runners-up, but Mohun Bagan have the edge in derby clashes, winning five to East Bengal's two, with three draws.
Mohun Bagan general secretary Anjan Mitra welcomed the end of the row to allow the Australian to move on and begin work with his new club.
"It's really harsh and tough on him," Mitra told The Times Of India. "But we want to sort this out so that he can play for us without any hassles."

An East Bengal official added: "The decision proves that we were right. It's a moral victory for us."


As he's an old Newy boy well in lad I say

RedMexican
24-07-2012, 06:20 PM
Tiago will be captain LOL

no just no :banghead:

Jeterpool
25-07-2012, 07:32 AM
Hefty Fine For Aussie Ozbey For Switch

http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/246358,hefty-fine-for-aussie-ozbey-for-switch.aspx

AUSSIE Tolgay Ozbey has been fined a massive $25,000-plus for walking out on his Indian club to join their fiercest rival across town.

Ozbey, 26, abandoned East Bengal after two years as their highest goalscorer, notching up 35 goals in 48 games since joining the I-League side in 2010.
He's now joined their Old Firm-style rivals Mohun Bagan, who play out of the same 120,000-capacity stadium in Kolkata as East Bengal, on a two year deal worth a reported 30 million rupees (about $520,000).
His old club immediately lodged a protest with the Indian FA, claiming the former Blacktown City striker had accepted an advance money voucher from them, tying him to the club.
They refused to release his player token, preventing him from joining his new team-mates.
Today the IFA ruled that Ozbey had breached the rules and docked him a month's wages, worth around $18,000, and fined him a further $8,500-plus.
They also ordered him to write a letter to say sorry to East Bengal who would then release his player token once they received the apology.
The two clubs have a bitter rivalry dating back to the 1920s, and it remains the most fiercely fought derby in the five-year old I-League.
East Bengal - coached by Englishman Trevor Morgan - were last year's I-League runners-up, but Mohun Bagan have the edge in derby clashes, winning five to East Bengal's two, with three draws.
Mohun Bagan general secretary Anjan Mitra welcomed the end of the row to allow the Australian to move on and begin work with his new club.
"It's really harsh and tough on him," Mitra told The Times Of India. "But we want to sort this out so that he can play for us without any hassles."

An East Bengal official added: "The decision proves that we were right. It's a moral victory for us."


As he's an old Newy boy well in lad I say

Deadset, how good is that!

Write a letter and we will let you go! Modric or Van Persie should try that! Maybe if Torres had written a letter, Liverpool fans wouldn't hate him as much!

Pico
25-07-2012, 08:06 AM
Bulls gain is Wanderers loss as Cahill blazes US trail

http://images.smh.com.au/2012/07/24/3482660/EB-CahillLN-20120724180623606152-300x0.jpg
Taste for the Big Apple ... Cahill is leaving Everton for New York. Photo: Getty Images

Great opportunity for Tim Cahill, missed opportunity for the A-League. Cahill might have been, perhaps should have been, the star recruit for Western Sydney Wanderers. Instead he'll be the point man for Thierry Henry at New York Red Bulls - another indicator that America's Major League Soccer is booming.

Wage negotiations and a medical permitting, Cahill should finalise his departure from Everton in the next few days. Thus a Toffee becomes a toffee apple. After eight years and almost 300 games in the English Premier League, Cahill is getting ready for a brave new world.

Not entirely new, to be fair. Cahill has always enjoyed holidaying in the United States. The difference is he'll now have to work there. And as David Beckham has discovered, the MLS is not as forgiving as it used to be.

There's now big pressure on big reputations, and Cahill will need to deliver for the under-performing Red Bulls, which has yet to win a major trophy. Six years after Austrian billionaire Dietrich Mateschitz paid $100 million to buy the club, and two years after he spent $200 million on a purpose-built stadium, that pressure is only building.
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But back to the Wanderers. A man of the world he may have become, but Cahill remains staunchly proud of his western suburbs roots. For years, the family home at Hinchinbrook was a focal point for the neighbourhood. Joining the Wanderers would have been the perfect fit.

Last year, Harry Kewell burned through the newsprint when he signed for Melbourne Victory. If Cahill had joined Wanderers, he would have set the A-League on fire. Cahill not only matches Kewell's profile and aura but also has a much warmer history with the public, and media.

Cahill wearing the red and black hoops would have had season tickets at Parramatta Stadium running out the door. Instead, Cahill has chosen the US ahead of coming home.

Truth is, joining the Wanderers was never a serious option because Football Federation Australia - who will bankroll the club - never genuinely considered it an option. Whitlam Square has cooled on the merits of marquee players, and considering they're paying the bills it's no surprise the club has toed the line. The Wanderers have made it clear they will be a marquee-free zone.

For all that, having Cahill on the open market did present a unique opportunity. Despite recent injury woes, he proved in the World Cup qualifier against Japan he can still influence a game at the highest level. At 32, the investment would have been worth the risk. In a couple of years, when his MLS venture may wind down, that risk will be much greater.

The challenge for Cahill now is to maintain his EPL standards in the MLS. Not least because of the national team. Holger Osieck seems to need more and more convincing Cahill is still an integral member of his starting eleven. Truth is, he remains one of the few Socceroos who always looks likely to score. If he'd stayed at Goodison Park, Cahill was probably going to spend too much time on the bench. This way, he'll get enough football to stay sharp.

By going to New York, Cahill effectively becomes a pioneer. Danny Allsopp is the only other Australian to have played in America's top league, but he was in and out the door at Washington DC United in 2010 before anyone really noticed.

Cahill won't be able to sneak anywhere. He's about to become the flag-bearer for Australians in a competition which has the potential to become every bit as legitimate as the European leagues. In the process - and this is the sad part - it's now almost certain one of Australia's greatest players will never get to play in Australia's own league. What might have been.

www.smh.com.au/sport/football/bulls-gain-is-wanderers-loss-as-cahill-blazes-us-trail-20120724-22nl1.html#ixzz21a1xdfFA


Like WSW were ever a chance at getting Cahill, they'll be lucky if FFA pays for water bottles.

Pico
25-07-2012, 08:10 AM
A-League clubs get a pay rise

July 25, 2012

FOOTBALL Federation Australia has offered a substantial pay rise to cash-strapped A-League clubs for next season - as long as projected revenue from the business end of the World Cup campaign does not collapse.

During the second meeting of the Joint A-League Strategic Committee (JALSC) this week, the governing body is believed to have offered the 10 clubs a dividend of $1.9 million each for 2012-13 - a big increase of $450,000 from last season and within striking range of the $2.8 million salary cap. Part of the increase is funded by a new government-backed sponsorship, but the offer is not dependent on the new television deal, which is in an advanced stage of negotiation and could be worth almost double the existing contract with Fox Sports. Clubs have been told when the new TV deal is finalised, they will no longer have to meet the costs of the salary cap.

The FFA has completed financial modelling, which allows for the increased dividend without TV revenue. However, it is understood the World Cup qualifying campaign, in which the Socceroos will play three home games in the first half of next year, is a key factor. While the FFA offer is not guaranteed, only a collapse in gate and sponsorship income from those World Cup matches is likely to adversely affect the distribution.

''Increasing the annual distribution to the level of the salary cap is the priority and we can see good progress towards that target in 2012-13,'' said an FFA spokesman. ''As we've said before, building a financially sustainable A-League is the core strategic objective.''
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Yesterday's meeting of the JALSC, which was formed at the end of last season to try and head-off a potential revolt by club owners, is also believed to have involved discussions about the future of the women's W-League and National Youth League, with Perth Glory and Newcastle Jets yet to fully commit to fielding teams in both competitions.

Meanwhile, newcomers Western Sydney Wanderers will play their very first match tonight against NSW fourth-tier side Nepean FC at Cook Park, St Mary's. With only nine contracted players, Wanderers coach Tony Popovic will flesh out his squad with uncontracted hopefuls such as former A-League players Trent McClenahan, Jerrad Tyson, Matt Lewis and Adam D'Apuzzo.

www.smh.com.au/sport/football/aleague-clubs-get-a-pay-rise-20120724-22nkv.html#ixzz21a2jHfXX


So they are at least on track for increases provided the socceroo's meet expectations for crowds. Why do I Have the feeling that they will claim the crowds are down so no increase.

Jetmaster
25-07-2012, 08:27 AM
Puzz lives !

Seriously though, just over two months till the season starts and only nine players ?

This has Con written all over it.

Jeterpool
25-07-2012, 09:45 AM
They're stuffed...mangoes aren't even in season.

MFKS
25-07-2012, 11:28 AM
Yesterday's meeting of the JALSC, which was formed at the end of last season to try and head-off a potential revolt by club owners, is also believed to have involved discussions about the future of the women's W-League and National Youth League, with Perth Glory and Newcastle Jets yet to fully commit to fielding teams in both competitions.



I thought we have sorted our W League status and are in??

I also find it surprising that we are uncommitted to the NYL when we are the only club in the country playing yoofs summer and winter not to mention we were pushing for the yoofs to be given full time contracts??

Grimario
25-07-2012, 04:01 PM
http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/newcastlejets/news-display/Jets-decide-not-to-sign-Burchill/48268


Jets decide not to sign Burchill
The Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets have today made the decision not to sign Scottish trialist Mark Burchill.

Burchill’s week-long trial with the Jets finished today following an intra-club trial match at Hunter Valley Grammar School.

“We would like to thank Mark for showing his interest in the Club and coming out to Newcastle for a trial with the Jets,” CEO Robbie Middleby said.

“We wish him all the best for his future as he pursues opportunities elsewhere.”

Middleby said the Jets are continuing their search for a player to bolster their line-up in the front third of the pitch.

“We’re very happy with the squad we’ve assembled up to this point,” Middleby said.

“We’re keeping our options open as we look for another attacking player who is going to be a good fit for the Club both on and off the field.”

Retro Jet
25-07-2012, 04:29 PM
http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/newcastlejets/news-display/Jets-decide-not-to-sign-Burchill/48268

Thank f**k for that.....

Pico
26-07-2012, 07:16 AM
A score draw on finance for A-League clubs next season

Tom Smithies
The Daily Telegraph


THE A-League clubs have been offered a cash injection of more than $500,000 each next season but have been rebuffed in their pleas to have the full salary cap covered from central funds.

It's understood club owners had sought a pledge from Football Federation Australia to cover the $2.6 million salary cap next season irrespective of a possible new TV deal, but were offered a compromise figure with the promise of more to come once a fresh deal is struck.

The proposed figure of $1.9 million isn't guaranteed, dependent on FFA cashflow from the finals series and commercial deals, leaving at least some clubs wary of budgeting for it in full, though it has the potential to substantially alleviate the level of losses at several clubs.

The new committee of club owners and Football Federation directors (JALSC) met on Monday, with the owners offered a model for next season that would lift their grant from the governing body from the historical $1.2 million a year.

The extra money comes in part from the deal FFA signed with the Department of Health earlier this year to forgo alcohol advertising, worth some $1.7 million.

But FFA has agreed to cut the amount it retains from international player transfers in half to 10 per cent.

"The JALSC meeting today looked in detail at the commercial and budgetary outlook for Season 8 in the A-League," an FFA spokesman said.

"Increasing the annual distribution to the level of the salary cap is the priority and we can see good progress towards that target in 2012-13.

"As we've said before, building a financially sustainable A-League is the core strategic objective, so it shouldn't surprise anyone that the JALSC has a heavy focus on commercial and budgetary matters."



Interesting, initially they were talking about only $1m for the anti binge campaign.

Still lock out another industry and remove a $300k a year sponsorship from Adelaide in return for at best $170k for each club. Take out the extra compo that was talked about for adelaide because they lost their front of shirt sponsor and each club could only be looking at $150k each. You'd think the HAL clubs could get at least that on their own without locking out the booze barons.

Jetmaster
26-07-2012, 08:17 AM
I wonder how much you could get if you just banned alcohol on matchdays ???

Grunta
26-07-2012, 08:38 AM
I wonder how much you could get if you just banned alcohol on matchdays ???

The guy who comes in with this gets a punch in the mouth. Fmd it wouldn't be worth getting out of bed if they ban alcohol on any day.:pissup:

GazFish35
26-07-2012, 09:16 PM
I'd recommend they don't move forward with such a proposal, simply as it would increase the chances of Liam reddy returning.

Pico
27-07-2012, 07:44 AM
The West is starting to believe

http://resources2.news.com.au/images/2012/07/26/1226436/212974-wanderers.jpg
The Wanderers are poised to make a big impact on the A-League begins in October. Picture: Tracee Lea Source: The Daily Telegraph

WHERE, everyone asked, is the money coming from? It was the overriding question at the rushed birth of what has become Western Sydney Wanderers. Well, this is a start. A big start.

The three-year sponsorship deal with NRMA Insurance is on a par, say industry sources, with the $700,000 per year that some of the AFL clubs command for a front of jersey sponsor, and didn't come (as many expected) from an existing Football Federation Australia partner helping out.

Coming 24 hours after a triumphant first outing for the team in front of 3500-odd fans, it's a $2 million statement of faith. The western suburbs are starting to believe.

If anything it's the playing side apparently lagging behind. So far there are nine contracted players but that will become 11 soon assuming the two Croatians Tony Popovic has selected pass their medicals.

Popovic wants to fill every visa spot, which will take the squad up to 14, plus a second keeper from the various wannabes trialling under coach Ron Correy.

Add two or three from the state leagues and the squad will start to flesh out.

A major question remains how quickly the club can advance from beyond the protective skirts of FFA. For now there's no pretence that though Lyall Gorman runs the operations day in day out, much of the leg work isn't still being done by staff at HQ.

Just as with the playing squad, Gorman and FFA CEO Ben Buckley promise that the requisite individuals will start to form a critical mass, and the club find its own place of business away from FFA.

"For now the club simply doesn't have the depth of resources you need day in, day out," Buckley said yesterday.

"Certainly within the next month to two months they have to be a completely standalone, independent operation, and they will be."



Decent size sponsor, still don't understand how we don't have a sponsor when we can offer year round exposure and both clubs offer great merch sales as well.

The NRMA sponsorship seems to be creating a bit of a stir for some regarding the exclusive sponsors again.

pv4
27-07-2012, 07:50 AM
love that the sponsor didn't ruin the jersey - couldn't think of a lot of things worse that nrma could have done than put their blue logo on.

Pico
27-07-2012, 07:58 AM
Sponsor and stadium sealed

http://images.smh.com.au/2012/07/26/3493864/art-353-B10-20Western-20Tarek-20ld-20thin-300x0.jpg
Kitted out … Tarek Elrich models the Wanderers' away kit. Photo: FFA/Graeme Gillmer

The richest sponsorship in the A-League, and a five-year deal to play at Parramatta Stadium described by one insider as ''low risk''. A day after their first-ever match drew a healthy crowd and ended in a five-goal romp, the good news kept coming for Western Sydney Wanderers, who unveiled their inaugural away strip into the bargain.

The headline announcement was the shirt-front sponsorship with NRMA Insurance - the company's first foray into football, and first sporting sponsorship in NSW. The insurance giants sponsor Brisbane Broncos and Port Adelaide, but have seen enough potential in the Wanderers to pay a hefty premium - believed to be more than $2 million over three years. The deal comfortably exceeds the next-best in the competition (Melbourne Victory), giving the Wanderers a cash injection at a time when their paymasters, Football Federation Australia, are keeping a tight rein on expenditure.

Of equal importance to the club's future is the decision to play at Parramatta for the next five seasons - meaning the Wanderers will not live up to their nickname and take the show on the road to Homebush Bay, Penrith or Campbelltown, the other venues initially in the mix.

Details were not revealed, but it is understood the structure of the contract means stadium management will have as much incentive to attract decent crowds to home games as the club does. It is believed only Adelaide United have a better stadium deal in the A-League, but Parramatta Stadium will also benefit from hosting the Wanderers, with their 13 home games eclipsing the nine home games of its anchor tenants, the Parramatta Eels, and therefore providing a case for a major upgrade of corporate and dressing room facilities.

One change ruled out by Venues NSW boss John Quayle was the Wanderers' suggestion they might cover the statue of Eels legend Ray Price on match days. Quayle, a one-time clubmate of Price, said: ''Putting a bag over Raymond's head? No way. But if we had a statue of Wally Lewis here, we might be having a different conversation.''

www.smh.com.au/sport/a-league/sponsor-and-stadium-sealed-20120726-22v3v.html#ixzz21lftN8MG



Interesting that wanderers are getting a better deal out of NSW Venues considering we have both clubs that use Hunter stadium. Wonder whether the FFA has used the socceroo's and the Asian cup as bargaining chips, seems FFA has a new favourite, tough times ahead for SFC.

What's the go with HAL teams using the same colours in both kits, try something new, be a bit creative and try and avoid clashes you fools.

Skirt Boy
27-07-2012, 08:16 AM
I like the bit with Quayle having a shot at Queensland. Funny.

Anyway we don't need sponsors. We have Tinks.

Thomas477
27-07-2012, 10:08 AM
What's the go with HAL teams using the same colours in both kits, try something new, be a bit creative and try and avoid clashes you fools.

This is what I've been saying since they showed the away kit. The big clubs in Europe have a different kit for their away (e.g. Man U, Arsenal and Liverpool, all who play in red, wear black or blue kits away).

A question I asked last night was why should Heart and Adelaide have to play in their away kits when playing at home as a result of WSW being lazy in their kit selection? Look at the coasties, they were banned from using one of their strips in Asia because they were too similar. Same thing happened a few years ago when the coasties had their all yellow away strip - we were forced to wear our away kit when playing at home FFS. The FFA really need to step in and say any prominent colours on your home jersey are banned from your away kit. Mind you, this would force WSW, CCM, Heart and Glory to change theirs, so they won't and just make the home team play in their away kit like the Juniors and A/A.

pv4
27-07-2012, 10:55 AM
yo thomas - don't forget we (the jerks) forced victory to play in their fluro kits. don't forget that either. but that was more of semi-clashes, not same colours for home & away.

home and away SHOULD be alternating colours, which goes without saying, but i'm really into pushing for every team to have a third kit in the hal. whether it be a heritage strip, or mimics the coat of arms of the town they play in, or both, or is just a random colour that has absolutely nothing to do with their home/away colours.

BodyNovo
27-07-2012, 10:59 AM
yo thomas - don't forget we (the jerks) forced victory to play in their fluro kits. don't forget that either. but that was more of semi-clashes, not same colours for home & away.

home and away SHOULD be alternating colours, which goes without saying, but i'm really into pushing for every team to have a third kit in the hal. whether it be a heritage strip, or mimics the coat of arms of the town they play in, or both, or is just a random colour that has absolutely nothing to do with their home/away colours.

i think you will find melbourne were wearing the fluro kit for sponsoring reasons, as they had the same thing going as sydney did a couple of years ago with bing lee and JVC for the second half of the seasona and one of the agreements was victory wear there away kit at a couple of home games and the derbies (when melbourne heart were the home team)

snake
27-07-2012, 11:06 AM
should be home and clash; not home and away

contra il moderno calcio etc

Thomas477
27-07-2012, 11:11 AM
yo thomas - don't forget we (the jerks) forced victory to play in their fluro kits. don't forget that either. but that was more of semi-clashes, not same colours for home & away.

home and away SHOULD be alternating colours, which goes without saying, but i'm really into pushing for every team to have a third kit in the hal. whether it be a heritage strip, or mimics the coat of arms of the town they play in, or both, or is just a random colour that has absolutely nothing to do with their home/away colours.

Did we? Forgot about that.

As for Heritage jerseys, I'll leave that up to you to work on :gent: and for the 3rd kits, Heart has their fan designed one, the charcoal grey and red one.

But agree with your last point, should be a completely different colour than their home kit.

Pico
27-07-2012, 11:18 AM
I'm hoping we don't keep the black & White kit this season because with some of the current kits I Think we'll need a bigger contrast, a colour no other club has in their kits, maybe some emerald.....

q-money
27-07-2012, 11:54 AM
sif listen to the fans

MFKS
27-07-2012, 01:19 PM
Agree with all the thoughts on kits. Someone needs to use some intelligence when picking the colours for the 2nd kit.

Take us for example the only team our home kit should clash with is Adelaide, Heart and WSW. So our away kit should not be red navy blue or any other dark colours. Not rocket science.

That also being said we should wear our blue and red effort ALL THE TIME. None of this shit where we have an away kit. We have a 2nd strip not an away kit. The 2nd strip is used ONLY when needed. Our current one doesn't clash with the Gypos so Smurfs Roar so why did we play in away last season against these teams in Black and white??

FFS Play in OUR Colours

This idea that we can't have teams play in 2 dark coloured outfits is BS. We don't need one light one dark outfit to contrast. One of the reasons this is done in Football is FIFA want to originally accommodate for Black and White TV in 3rd world shitholes. Two dark coloured outfits didn't show up well on black and white TV so hence the dark and light policy That being said the use of black and white should be almost obsolete in Australia with LCD and Plasma etc

I can tell the difference between our blue and red and the smurfs sky blue. Doesn't seem to effect the NRL when Sharks play Knights so why the **** should we be any different???

Why can't we also have an alternate pair of shorts and socks so we can say play in our blue and red with say white shorts and socks to accommodate these parts of the kit that may clash with other teams???

GazFish35
27-07-2012, 01:30 PM
isnt the alternative of "red and black" hoops simply "black and red" hoops?

pv4
27-07-2012, 01:45 PM
fwiw the three parts of a kit (shirts, shorts, socks) are entirely independent of each other. if a shirt clashes in any form with the opposition, changing the shorts & socks to make the overall kit lighter or darker means nothing.

opposing teams are allowed to wear exactly the same shorts - the entire league could all wear black shorts and it wouldn't matter. teams cannot clash colours with shirts and socks.

I don't mind our colour choice currently (my only issuer being they forgot the red of nnsw in the black and white) and I don't think it's up to clubs to pick their home&away kit colours based on what the rest of the league has. however, every team NEEDS an ultimate opposite colour kit for a third kit. if the jets have two darker kits, their third should be fluro pink.

snake
27-07-2012, 02:38 PM
opposing teams are allowed to wear exactly the same shorts - the entire league could all wear black shorts and it wouldn't matter. teams cannot clash colours with shirts and socks.



are you sure of this? or is this true for straya a-league?

cos overseas teams would change their socks based on a clash - and have done for a long, long time. see chelsea wear blue or yellow socks when they play against leeds utd (all white)

man utd (white shorts black socks) always change to black shorts when playing everton etc

are these just going above and beyond their obligations?

i would have through a ref would want to be able to distinguish sock colours in scrappy moments etc

BodyNovo
27-07-2012, 02:42 PM
are you sure of this? or is this true for straya a-league?

cos overseas teams would change their socks based on a clash - and have done for a long, long time. see chelsea wear blue or yellow socks when they play against leeds utd (all white)

man utd (white shorts black socks) always change to black shorts when playing everton etc

are these just going above and beyond their obligations?

i would have through a ref would want to be able to distinguish sock colours in scrappy moments etc

with the united situation i think you will find they wear black shorts with their home kit only when they play away and they wear white socks when they play in the champions league.

i think PV4 maybe right on the shorts situation

snake
27-07-2012, 03:18 PM
with the united situation i think you will find they wear black shorts with their home kit only when they play away and they wear white socks when they play in the champions league.

i think PV4 maybe right on the shorts situation

in a utd vs. everton situation, everton would wear blue shorts. everton vs. utd - utd wear black shorts.

snake
27-07-2012, 03:20 PM
another example

http://u.goal.com/22900/22907hp2.jpg

at portsmout

http://www.clbuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/liverpool-vs-portsmouth.jpg

at liverpool

pv4
27-07-2012, 05:19 PM
snake - both roars shorts for home & away are black, and are definately used against wellington & any navy shorts team.

also the refs wear black/dark shorts no matter what colours the teams are - shorts can be completely clashing if wanting to.

edit: wait are you talking about socks or shorts? shorts can clash, as I said, but shirts & socks can't.

MFKS
27-07-2012, 06:22 PM
also the refs wear black/dark shorts no matter what colours the teams are - shorts can be completely clashing if wanting to.

Don't usually see refs kicking the ball about!! I thought the idea was to assist the ref to distinguish which of the 2 teams is which particularly when opposing players contest the ball. The contrast in colours should assist the ref to determine who get the last touch to a ball for a throw in ie red socks or blue socks.

pv4
28-07-2012, 07:27 AM
well that's another entirely different thing that i briefly mentioned - refs shouldn't clash at all or they might be passed the ball!

as i think i said, but am guessing from peoples' reactions that i might not have said clearly enough - shirts and socks can't clash, shorts can. if a team has the same colour shirt, or the same colour socks as the opposition - they have to change.

but just say a teams shirt is similar in colour to the opposition team, changing the shorts and/or socks for the sole reason of making the shirt seem lighter/darker is not acceptable. the three are completely independent of each other.

for example, let's take melbourne heart home vs wsw home. these pics were supplied elsewhere:

the two wsw kits
http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee464/Glorynator/561353_394264747304199_1738356191_n.jpg

now put alongside a melbourne heart kit, both clash. but what someone has done is paint the home shorts black to get the overall kit feel darker, so it would seem that the wsw home kit clashes less with melbourne heart home.
http://i48.tinypic.com/fxbk0j.png

this means sfa - the home shirt still clashes with melbourne hearts home enough to need a different coloured kit. changing the shorts colour may seem to make the kit darker, but the shirt clashes no matter what, and in fifa rules when shorts colour don't mean a single thing, the two still clash shirts no matter what colour shorts they wear.

pv4
28-07-2012, 07:32 AM
conclusion: a-league teams need to stop having same coloured home & away shirts, and if they insist on having it than they need a third kit.

the gypos weren't allowed to use either of their yellow jerseys for a game in the acl because they both clashed with the opposition. just say that nrmaiwsw make the acl, and come up against a red team, the afc won't let them wear either of their shirts also. they'll either have to find a third kit which is primarily a non-clashing colour (as the gypos did - they went a completely white shirt) or they'll have to recreate the eternal derby of shirts vs skins, and incorporate blackmac's idea of imprinting numbers onto bare skin.

evolution
28-07-2012, 10:47 AM
Western Sydney wore this on Wednesday night:

http://images.smh.com.au/2012/07/26/3489396/----artleadwidewander_team-20120726084431557552-620x349.jpg

Possible third for the games against Heart and Adelaide?

GazFish35
28-07-2012, 12:30 PM
It's what they've been training in for weeks.

parksey
28-07-2012, 02:16 PM
I thought their training shirts were black with a bit of red and white.

pv4
28-07-2012, 02:54 PM
their training kits are white with black/red in different pattern to the one they played in the other night.

GazFish35
28-07-2012, 03:34 PM
That's one set.

The Dunster
29-07-2012, 10:18 AM
http://news.sky.com/story/966238/shevchenko-quits-football-for-politics
Shevchenko Quits Football For Politics.

Ukraine's all-time leading goal scorer unexpectedly announces he is to quit the game to pursue a political careerAndriy Shevchenko has announced his retirement from football to pursue a career in politics.

The 35-year-old striker, who played for the Ukraine at Euro 2012, made the announcement in a statement released by his club, Dynamo Kiev.

"This will probably shock everyone," Shevchenko said.

"My future will no longer be in football … I will be going into politics. I hope for your support," he added.

Shevchenko earned his reputation as one of Europe's most prolific strikers in two successful spells with AC Milan.

During his combined time with the Rossoneri, he scored 175 goals in 322 appearances and helped them lift the Champions League in 2002-03 and the Serie A title the following season.

His two stints with Milan sandwiched a three-year spell at Chelsea, although he struggled to make his mark at Stamford Bridge.

Shevchenko also won five league trophies with Dynamo having started - and now ended - his career there.

He is the all-time leading goalscorer with Ukraine's national team, netting 48 goals in 111 matches.

If he signed for the Jets he'd get more than enough politics.

la bazzle
29-07-2012, 11:15 AM
A sad day for all

steve136
29-07-2012, 12:46 PM
Interesting little article in the Sunday Telegraph saying that the striker we were pursuing is Europe-based, but it doesn't look promising because two MLS clubs are also chasing the same player. It said something about the fact that they have money and we don't. I'll try and find it and post it.

OmeletteDuFromage
29-07-2012, 02:15 PM
So no mention though of who it was?

GazFish35
29-07-2012, 02:31 PM
Was probably ROSALES.
You know, that guy that played for Ajax.

steve136
29-07-2012, 04:32 PM
So no mention though of who it was?
Unfortunately not. It did say it would be sorted out either way this week, so we should know something soon.

the_butcher
29-07-2012, 04:38 PM
A sad day for all

The opposite. Im happy that he may be the man to free Ukraine from Russian tyranny. Sheva for President!

la bazzle
29-07-2012, 09:12 PM
If anyone could do it it's the great man

pv4
30-07-2012, 12:34 PM
any news on the new attacker that was 48hours away from announcing around 200 hours ago?

Jeterpool
30-07-2012, 12:46 PM
any news on the new attacker that was 48hours away from announcing around 200 hours ago?

:popcorn:

Apparently it was between us and 2 MLS teams I read somewhere else on here..

Jeterpool
30-07-2012, 06:44 PM
Deans said we are still following a number 9 and we'd know in one to two weeks if we are successful.

Deans out

Hamma12
30-07-2012, 10:21 PM
http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/sport/football-soccer/competition-for-places-motivates-jets-for-intraclub-trial/2639341.aspx

Competition for places motivates Jets for intraclub trial




JETS assistant coach Craig Deans said pride and competition for places would ensure motivation remained high for an intraclub trial on Wednesday.
The Jets were to play a NSW Premier League club in Sydney, but that hit out was cancelled leaving the first and youth teams to go head-to-head at Ray Watt Oval.


The youth team trumped the first XI 2-1 in a fiery clash at Hunter Valley Grammar a week ago and Deans expected another intense battle.
‘‘We got a lot out of the game last week and and hopefully it’s the same Wednesday,’’ Deans said.
‘‘It will be a good opportunity for the so-called starting XI to show they are the starting XI.
‘‘They are professional footballers and should want to win every time they play.
‘‘We don’t want 14 people who want to play and nine here to make up the numbers. We want 23 people who want to play.’’
Veteran English striker Michael Bridges resumed running today but will not be considered for Wednesday.
‘‘He is coming along well,’’ Deans said.
‘‘He did a few light sessions towards the end of last week and a good session with the physio today. Hopefully he will be back in full training in the next seven-to-10 days.’’
The Jets still have two places to fill on their roster.
‘‘Hopefully we will sort the No.9 situation out in the next week or two,’’ Deans said.
‘‘Gary and Robbie have been talking to a couple of players.‘‘The sooner we get it done the better, but at the same time we still have nine weeks before the start of the season.’’

plague
30-07-2012, 10:59 PM
7-10 days FFS.
See you at Christmas Bridgey.......

Jeterpool
31-07-2012, 07:42 AM
7-10 days FFS.
See you at Christmas Bridgey.......

Makes the signing of a central striker all the more important.

OmeletteDuFromage
31-07-2012, 10:09 PM
http://static.lifeislocal.com.au/multimedia/images/full/2032087.jpg

Hamma12
31-07-2012, 10:15 PM
http://static.lifeislocal.com.au/multimedia/images/full/2032087.jpg



Wanna have a dance Boston?

Jeterpool
01-08-2012, 05:06 AM
http://static.lifeislocal.com.au/multimedia/images/full/2032087.jpg

New striker they've been talking about?

WolfMan
01-08-2012, 05:58 AM
^^^

Has a nose for goal, etc.

Pico
01-08-2012, 07:41 AM
Striking similarity between Jets frontmen
BY JAMES GARDINER
01 Aug, 2012 04:00 AM

http://static.lifeislocal.com.au/multimedia/images/large/2035180.jpg
REFLECTED GLORY: The Jets hope new signing Adam Taggart can emulate the goal-scoring feats of Joel Griffiths. By JAMES GARDINER

HE has a mop of blonde hair, poster-boy looks, plays at the point or on the wing and is all power and pace.

Sound familiar?

No, it’s not Joel Griffiths.

But Jets fans could be forgiven for mistaking Perth Glory recruit Adam Taggart for the former golden boy and Johnny Warren Medal winner.

They could pass as brothers. In fact, Taggart looks more like Joel than twin brother Adam and younger sibling and Jets teammate Ryan.

But that is not where the similarities end.

Both boast explosive speed, are powerful finishers and have that all-important predator instinct.

Of course, Taggart is only starting his A-League career and has a long way to go to match the feats of Griffiths, who after leading the Jets to the 2007-08 championship was rated second only to rugby league great Andrew Johns in the popularity stakes in the Hunter.

Jets assistant coach Craig Deans was reluctant to make comparisons at this stage of Taggart’s career.

‘‘You don’t want to put that type of pressure on a kid,’’ he said. But Deans admitted they did share similar traits.

‘‘For a 19-year-old kid he has all the attributes to be a good striker,’’ he said.

‘‘He is quick, he can finish, he gets into good areas, he is positive, he makes good forward runs ... there are elements of Joel in that, but it is only early days.’’

Born and bred in Perth, Taggart holds the record as the youngest player to make his A-League debut for Perth, aged 17 years and 229 days, and is the club’s youngest goal scorer.

He made 10 appearances in two seasons at the Glory.

But with prolific Kiwi Shane Smeltz and the experienced Billy Mehmet in front of him, Taggart decided to reunite with former AIS coach Gary van Egmond at the Jets.

Van Egmond was also integral in getting Griffiths to Newcastle United for the final two seasons of the old National Soccer League.

Griffiths then spent three years in Europe before returning to Newcastle for the 2006-07 A-League season and teaming up with van Egmond again.

Taggart announced his arrival in Newcastle with a brace before being replaced after 25 minutes with a groin strain in the Jets’ 3-1 win over Broadmeadow Magic in the opening pre-season trial.

The injury forced him out of the Australian under-20s side for a tournament in Indonesia and the Jets’ 9-1 thrashing of Canberra.

He returned off the bench against Northern NSW select and scored a second brace to complete a 6-0 victory.

He was again used as a second-half substitute and went close to scoring an equaliser for the first XI in the 2-1 loss to the youth team a week ago. Back to full fitness, the tearaway forward is expected to start when the first XI and youth team go head to head again at Ray Watt Oval today at 10am.

Barring injury Ryan Griffiths, last season’s equal leading goal scorer with nine, is assured a place in the Jets three-man strike force.

Another is expected to be filled by an as-yet unsigned import, leaving Taggart vying with Michael Bridges, James Brown, James Virgili and Marko Jesic for the other.

‘‘His timing and instincts are good,’’ Deans said.

‘‘It is nice to have people like that to work with. He wants to get better and works hard to get better.

‘‘He is one who hopefully at some point in the season really puts his hand up.’’

● The Jets trial against Northern NSW next Wednesday has been moved to Adamstown Oval due to issues with the lights at Jack McLaughlan Oval.

www.theherald.com.au/news/local/sport/football-soccer/striking-similarity-between-jets-frontmen/2640653.aspx?storypage=0

The real question is will GVE get his man a third time.

Pico
01-08-2012, 08:00 AM
Western Wanderers members to have say in direction of young club

Tom Smithies
The Daily Telegraph
August 01, 2012 12:00AM

http://resources1.news.com.au/images/2012/07/31/1226385/319857-tony-popovic-lyall-gorman.jpg
Western Sydney Wanderers chairman Lyall Gorman (R) alongside coach Tony Popovic. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: The Daily Telegraph

FOUNDATION members of the Western Sydney Wanderers will be given the chance to elect two members of the club's board and influence the new boys' strategy directly.

The Wanderers' first membership packages go on sale today, with prices starting at $195 for an adult season ticket and $390 for a family, taking in all 13 home games and youth and W-League fixtures.

All members will have the right to nominate two members of the board, to be elected each year possibly at a club AGM, out of seven directors, including executive chairman Lyall Gorman.

It's believed no other A-League club has such direct fan representation, though Adelaide have three member-elected representatives on a management committee that reports to the board.

"What we're doing with the elected members of the board is consistent with our philosophy that the club is powered by the people," Gorman said. "It's an indication of our absolute commitment to the people of west Sydney, that they get a say in the running of the club."

Memberships come in red, black and white - with red the most expensive at $312 per adult and $799 for a family. There is also facility to secure a seat in the Red and Black Bloc, an emerging fans group that aims to rival Sydney FC's Cove.



Good initiative something that we should have had with the advisory board, not that that matters now

Pico
01-08-2012, 08:09 AM
Bulldogs do dirty to end code share

August 1, 2012

Michael Cockerill

http://images.smh.com.au/2012/07/31/3516150/art-353-B16-20Belmore-20ld-20thin-300x0.jpg
Training session … the Bulldogs at Belmore Sports Ground.

CANTERBURY clearly don't want Sydney Olympic at Belmore Sports Ground now that they've got what they wanted out of them. The Bulldogs are an NRL powerhouse with more than 20,000 members. Sydney Olympic no longer play at the national level, and have a membership base that has shrunk to 600 now they are playing in the part-time NSW Premier League. It's the law of the jungle out there.

But here's the rub. Sydney Olympic have a lease at Belmore until 2032. There are about 20,000 registered football players in the local electorate, Watson, of the federal MP Tony Burke, a Bulldogs fan who was the driving force behind the $8.7 million grant to upgrade the stadium, supposedly for the benefit of both clubs. It's no surprise it's the football club that's getting shafted. It usually happens whenever there is a co-tenancy with rugby league. Rugby league clubs need football partners to justify government-funded upgrades, but as soon as they get the money any semblance of a partnership goes out the window.

But after decades of copping it on the chin, football is starting to stand up for itself. Look what happened with the Birchgrove Oval fiasco. Balmain District Football Club used their greatest strength - their playing numbers - to win a cross-code stoush with Leichhardt council. Sydney Olympic intend to do the same. They aren't going anywhere. And they aren't staying quiet as an unofficial alliance between the Bulldogs and a compliant Canterbury council tries to squeeze them out of Belmore.

Burke's apparent lack of
Advertisement

impartiality in what's becoming a drawn-out dispute also warrants closer scrutiny. The minister has a lot more football voters in his electorate than rugby league ones. But that's a story for another time.

The story now is what's happening to Sydney Olympic. In mid-June, they were told they could no longer play there because of the condition of the ground. Theoretically, the Bulldogs were also told they couldn't train there, except on the perimeters, until the surface was repaired. The Bulldogs have been training with impunity there, and there are pictures and video to prove it. One of those pictures you can see here. They were taken between July 18 and 24. On July 17, Canterbury council general manager Jim Montague said in a letter to both clubs ''no use of the field would be permitted until at least August 21''. Somebody forgot to tell Des Hasler. Or he simply didn't care. The secret was out on July 18, when Kieran Loveridge was arrested at a Bulldogs training session by detectives after the high-profile murder of Thomas Kelly at Kings Cross.

Last Tuesday, Sydney Olympic officials met Montague to see if they could return to Belmore for last weekend's NSWPL match against APIA Leichhardt. Montague said yes. The next day council officials told Sydney Olympic that as long as they shifted their youth leagues games on Saturday, everything would still be OK. On Thursday they were told the field would be marked and set up 24 hours before for the Sunday first-grade game. Despite the short notice, Sydney Olympic shifted their juniors to Hensley Athletic Field at a cost of $4000. On Friday, just before close of business, they were suddenly informed they couldn't play at home after all. They hurriedly had to shift their game to APIA's ground, Lambert Park. The change of venue came too late for many. Former Socceroos midfielder Peter Katholos was one of hundreds of fans who turned up at Belmore at kick-off time only to discover the shift.

That's the fifth NSWPL fixture in a row Sydney Olympic have had to move. It's cost them about $60,000 in lost signage, canteen and gate revenue. That's a decent whack out of an annual budget of about $300,000. Bulldogs football manager Alan Thompson denied they'd been flexing their muscles to shut out Olympic, telling the local newspaper yesterday: ''I think it's a good decision [to close the ground at weekends] by the council.'' Thompson then claimed the Bulldogs trained only on the edges of the ground. Pictures don't lie.

Sydney Olympic president George Giannaros has had enough. ''I keep hearing how Belmore is the spiritual ground of the Bulldogs, but eight years ago they abandoned the ground [to move to ANZ Stadium], and we've been there ever since, meeting all our obligations,'' he says.

''Since they've come back, everything's changed. We have no issue with rugby league, and plenty of our fans also support the Bulldogs. But we don't disrespect their game the way they've disrespected ours.''

www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/bulldogs-do-dirty-to-end-code-share-20120731-23d1h.html#ixzz22EwxSgtH


Not really surprised, as if a semi-pro team was ever going to be treated equally.

Blackmac79
01-08-2012, 05:30 PM
what is shit about that is that olympic just signed the long lease on the stadium at the start of last NSWPL season and then were shafted for the majority of that season as well. This year they set up their office and club shop at the stadium and now they are shafted again. They should invest in facilities of their own, but in that part of the city its hard to find the property that isn't too expensive or owned by the council.

q-money
01-08-2012, 05:46 PM
unlucky greeks, just like back home really

Retro Jet
01-08-2012, 07:45 PM
Football f***ed in the rear again by Drugby League.
Bharstards butter up to Football clubs to get what they want (our Eastern Stand for eg)
then screw Football when the $$'s come through and ground improvements are done.

Des Hassler: Not the sharpest tool in the box...just a tool.
P!ssed myself when he and another boofhead were trotted out by Sh!tneys pro Rapeby League media
a few months back for their regarded opinion on whether Western Sydney Wanderers would have an effect on League.
Dumb and dumber.

longshot
01-08-2012, 08:49 PM
Stupid bloody game anyway. Like wrestling, but with a ball thrown in. They have the audacity to call it FOOTBALL. LOL. When do they kick it. It is like calling tennis, Football, because they kick the ball once a game. The sleeping giant in the real Football is here. A real big year for the Jets this year. A good feeling about this squad. Hope it is like 2007/08. Great year, especially over the coasties. Cmon, join up and get behind the team this year. After the crap in the off season with the licence issues, the club has fought hard to turn all the politics around. This year the club has some great players who can play multiple positions which give us great coverage for injuries etc. Cannont wait for round one. !!!

Hamma12
01-08-2012, 10:40 PM
Newcastle Jets trump youth in intraclub trial

http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/sport/football-soccer/newcastle-jets-trump-youth-in-intraclub-trial/2641718.aspx




65






RYAN Griffiths and Adam Taggart continued their impressive form in pre-season as the Jets First XI restored order with a 2-0 win over the Youth team in an intraclub trial at Ray Watt Oval this morning.
It was the second time in a week the Jets have gone head-to-head.
The youth team triumphed 2-1 at Hunter Valley Grammar School last Wednesday but there was no repeat today.
The First XI controlled the mainstay in a high intensity, high quality hit-out which was played over 30-minute thirds.
Griffiths converted from the spot after Craig Goodwin was brought down by Josh Brillante inside the box to put the First XI ahead in the closing stages of the second period.
Goodwin was also heavily involved in the second goal, beating two defenders with some fancy footwork before cutting the ball back for Taggart to dink a shot over keeper Jack Duncan.
Taggart, who played wide on the left and at the point of the attack, could easily have had a hat-trick to go with the braces he scored against Broadmeadow and Northern NSW Select.
Ben Kennedy turned a looping header around the post, Mark Birighitti tipped a stinging shot over the bar and Taggart missed with a free.
Griffiths was also dangerous.
Jets coach Gary van Egmond experimented playing Brazilian Tiago as a holding midfielder in the first period and made several changes to personnel and formation as the game progressed.
The Jets’ next hit- out is against Northern NSW Select at Adamstown Oval on Wednesday, followed by NSW Premier League club Rockdale City in Sydney on August 15 and Wellington Phoenix in Weston on August 18.




Wasnt this supposed to be played at Edgeworth?
Anyone know why it isnt ?

Jeterpool
02-08-2012, 06:15 AM
Last paragraph of herald article today says we are close to signing an attacking mid too. No mention on striker

Pico
02-08-2012, 07:31 AM
Gary van Egmond considers midfield move for Tiago
BY JAMES GARDINER
02 Aug, 2012 04:00 AM

http://static.lifeislocal.com.au/multimedia/images/large/2037211.jpg

FORWARD SHIFT: Tiago playing in the midfield during yesterday’s intraclub trial at Ray Watt Oval. Picture: Darren Pateman

BRAZILIAN defender Tiago has emerged as an option in midfield for the Jets.

The 31-year-old Botafago product played 21 games last season in the heart of the Newcastle defence.

With centre-back partner Nikolai Topor-Stanley released to Western Sydney Wanderers, it was expected that Tiago would assume the senior role at the back.

But the addition of Josh Mitchell and Dominik Ritter and the progression of tyros Connor Chapman and Taylor Regan has allowed coach Gary van Egmond to experiment. Tiago was pushed forward into a holding midfield role, a position usually filled by Ben Kantarovski, for the first 30 minutes of the first XI’s 2-0 victory over the youth team in an intraclub trial at Ray Watt Oval yesterday.

‘‘We’ve got plenty of cover as far as the back is concerned and it’s another option that I thought we’d have a look at,’’ van Egmond said of Tiago’s switch.

‘‘I thought he did OK.

‘‘What he does is provide a lot of leadership and is a good talker in regards to the information he gives to the other midfielders and forwards ... when and when not to press.

‘‘That side of it was really good. He’s obviously very comfortable on the ball. All in all he did well.’’

Kantarovski started in a more advanced role in a 4-1-2-3 formation before shifting back to his preferred spot for the second of the 30-minute thirds. Tiago dropped back into defence.

The former Young Socceroos captain struggled for consistency last season. Too often he put his defence under pressure with turnovers when playing out.

‘‘For Kanta it’s about getting into position and making sure his touch is where he wants it,’’ van Egmond said.

‘‘Sometimes the ball is going in the air, it is two or three touches to get it down.

‘‘By then opposition defences are in a position to close him down.

‘‘He has to be a lot cleaner with his touches and passing. ‘‘He has to ensure the position he gets into gives him more time on the ball.

‘‘He is getting a lot better in regards to knowing his next pass and playing forward.’’

The workload in midfield requires a different fitness to that at the back. Tiago has trimmed down noticeably but does not have the same mobility as his younger teammate.

‘‘I want to have a look at the video and we will see where we go,’’ van Egmond said.

‘‘Tiago played 30 minutes but we are yet to see him over 90. Whether we try him again will depend how we feel things are at the back as well.’’

Ritter sat out yesterday’s hit-out with a minor quadriceps strain.

The Jets’ front third stocks are set to be bolstered with van Egmond confirming they were very close to signing an attacking midfielder from overseas.

‘‘I won’t say it is a fait accompli but negotiations are at the final stage,’’ van Egmond said.

www.theherald.com.au/news/local/sport/football-soccer/gary-van-egmond-considers-midfield-move-for-tiago/2642067.aspx?storypage=0


Wonder if that means the Striker is now off the radar.

pv4
02-08-2012, 07:40 AM
http://lmgtfy.com/?q=define%3A+fait+accompli&l=1

pv4
02-08-2012, 08:44 AM
former jets third keeper & toronto boy ben mcnamara has signed with english blue square bet premier club nuneaton town

seldom
02-08-2012, 01:13 PM
http://lmgtfy.com/?q=define%3A+fait+accompli&l=1

done deal...thanks

Muswellbrookian
02-08-2012, 01:23 PM
Wonder if that means the Striker is now off the radar.

There was a comment on the Herald article this morning suggesting that the AM we're looking at is Karim Ziani, a 29-year-old Algerian international who has played for Marseille and Wolfsburg. The comment has disappeared now. No idea whether that means there's substance to the rumour or somebody was just taking the piss.

OmeletteDuFromage
02-08-2012, 01:39 PM
Hes currently with Qatari club El Jaish.

Doubt we will be going for anyone with a transfer fee needed. He signed for 3 years back in 2011.

pv4
02-08-2012, 02:07 PM
or somebody was just taking the piss.

hitzlsperger/cole is going to happen!

GazFish35
02-08-2012, 05:47 PM
I'm getting a shirt with "fait accompli" on it.

Either that or "6-8 weeks"

au revoir
02-08-2012, 07:44 PM
I'm getting a shirt with "fait accompli" on it.

Either that or "6-8 weeks"

make multiples of both, advertise them in the jetstream, make squillions.

sammydog
02-08-2012, 07:53 PM
Bridges is on leave and heading back to England for family reasons. Hopefully everything works out for his family.

http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/newcastlejets/news-display/Bridges-on-leave-for-family-matters/48385


Bridges on leave for family matters Thursday, 2 August 2012 1:09 PM


Newcastle Jets forward Michael Bridges will take personal leave from the Club and return to England to be with his family.

“The Club have been kind enough to let me go home to be with my family,” Bridges said.

“When you have family matters and you are this far away from home, it can be difficult.

“So I will head back to England this weekend, just to be there for my Dad and the rest of the family.”

The Jets' best wishes are with Bridges and his family.

Meanwhile for his teammates, they have a three day break before returning on Monday August 6. The Jets next trial game is against NNSW Select on Wednesday August 8 at Adamstown Oval.

Thomas477
02-08-2012, 11:19 PM
former jets third keeper & toronto boy ben mcnamara has signed with english blue square bet premier club nuneaton town

Was wondering what the **** happened to him.....

Also, hope everything is alright for Bridgey.

Pico
03-08-2012, 08:21 AM
Football's flawed economy

02 Aug 2012 | 16:15-Craig Foster

The recent National Competitions Review recommendations had better work.

Instead of a cap on fees payable by youth players, there is to be a points system implemented to encourage home grown products. Time will tell what effect this has on the football economy because, to state the bleeding obvious, change is desperately needed.

Kids are being overcharged. Some academies are selling dreams for exorbitant fees - with some agents selling overseas trials to hopeful but misguided parents for upwards of five or six thousand dollars, which is an absolute disgrace. And the grab for dollars goes even deeper.

Recently, in Sydney, it came to my attention that some parents are paying large amounts of money to the club under the table for their child to play in elite teams.

In at least one instance that I'm aware of, someone has paid tens of thousands of dollars to a club to coach its elite youth team, despite not being qualified for the role.

These are two examples that reflect the flawed economy of junior football that is plaguing our game, as greedy clubs heap larger burdens on vulnerable parents.

It has to stop, because it is selling off the future to fund today.

If any club is so desperate to stay afloat that it is prepared to allow someone to pay his way into an elite youth team coaching position, rather than earn it the proper way, they are not only a disgrace to football for selling out the game, but are clearly in a financially parlous state.

It would be better for the game if that club closed its doors rather than prostitute the quality of environment and education being provided to our future generations of players. Anyone with knowledge of such a situation should immediately alert the association, state body and Football Federation Australia (FFA).

How can we call ourselves a game of high standards when a parent is being charged several thousand dollars his child's football development, only for the person in charge of that education to have gained the position by paying for it?

The opportunity to be able to shape the football development of a child or youth player is a gift that must be taken more seriously, for every mistake limits the chances of a boy or girl to make a career in the game. Selling such a position to the highest bidder goes against every principle of decency, integrity and value the game stands for.

Nor is 'opportunity' merely a term that can be used without understanding the ramifications for a child's life. In Outliers Malcolm Gladwell argues that being chosen in an elite program sets off a potentially virtuous cycle in a child's life and ultimately career.

The author calls this 'accumulative advantage', where the child enters a better learning environment with (hopefully) better coaches, facilities and a greater frequency of training.

This allows the chosen child to progress above those excluded, making them more likely to be selected the following years in better positions, creating a cycle that eventually raises the child's ability.

Unfortunately in our system, money is allowing mediocre performers to enter the system ahead of more talented children who can't afford to.

Every time we choose a development squad or first team at any age, we assume a responsibility that can make immense positive impact on a child's life. A child's future should never be for sale.

It is imperative that we train thousands more child educators for our grass roots clubs. To that end the cost of coaching courses must fall. That cost is ultimately passed on to the parents in one form or another and any parent entering the game is entitled to believe their child is being given the best possible chance to succeed.

The thought of someone without the skills, paying for the privilege of guiding talented kids, makes me sick to the core. Absolute filth, and a stain on the game. Both the payer, and payee.

By the same token, I am reliably informed that the practice of people paying for their children to be a part of these elite squads is alive and well.

Any club that sells a position in an elite youth squad should be shut down, the management prosecuted for destroying the integrity of the game and life bans handed around.

How many truly gifted talents are missing out because clubs are selling positions in elite squads to stay alive?

It is difficult to quantify the damaging effect on the future of our game when these deplorable practices are going on.

For those clubs and administrators who argue that they need to prostitute the heart of the game to keep their club alive, do all of us a favor by closing the doors and throw away the key. The game neither wants nor needs you.

You have not the first concept of what football is about.

Let’s ensure that we start promoting the best talents, charging them the least possible, ceasing the practice of passing on the cost of Premier League teams to the children below and work together to develop a system that is of higher quality, fairer and cheaper, for all.

Our future depends on it.

www.theworldgame.sbs.com.au/craig-foster/blog/1115018/Football



Foster makes some good points, but fails to follow through, where's the naming of the club that's doing this, foster loves telling everyone else what to do but never applies the same standards to himself.

Pico
03-08-2012, 08:34 AM
Newcastle nearly lost Griffiths

1 August 2012-SBS EXCLUSIVE: Philip Micallef

http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/resize/file/6501_griffiths.gif/id/85342/w/310/h/174


Dark days ... Jets striker Ryan Griffiths (Getty)

Newcastle striker Ryan Griffiths has revealed he was only hours away from quitting the club in the off-season when the Jets' future was up in the air.

Jets proprietor Nathan Tinkler caused a sensation in April when he gave up his A-League licence and as the club became involved in a bitter war of words with Football Federation Australia, grave fears arose that the 2008 A-League champion would be forced to fold.

It was the darkest period in the history of the proud Jets.

The standoff was only resolved when FFA chairman Frank Lowy persuaded Tinkler to reconsider his stance.

”It was not looking good at all and the prospect of Newcastle not having a team in the A-League was becoming very realistic,” Griffiths, 30, said.

”Which would have been an absolute tragedy because this is a passionate football city with a rich history and where the fans are like no others in the competition.

”I remember the club telling us players to go and look for other clubs and I started getting phone calls from my Chinese agents.

”But I refused to accept that the Jets would fold and I didn't want to go overseas anyway.

”Newcastle is where I feel at home and I also kept hoping that a solution to the crisis would be found.

”But when things were becoming just terrible I had no option but to get in touch with my agent so I could try to go overseas because the standoff was going on for far too long and I wasn't getting paid that much.

”But on the exact day that I spoke to my agent we got the news that the Jets were back in.”

Having survived those days of uncertainty, Griffiths and the rest of the squad are preparing intensely for the eighth A-League starting in October.

Yet coach Gary Van Egmond has yet to determine who will captain the side.

The man who led the club to its only championship in 2008 has tried a few options in the captain's role during trial matches and is expected to make a final decision shortly.

Griffiths said he would love to be captain in his second season with the club after a successful stint in Romania and China.

”It is not something I'm forcing upon anybody but I'd definitely take it if Gary chooses to go with me,” he said.

”It would be an incredible honour and I'd love to do it again after being captain for half of last season.

”But at the moment Jobe Wheelhouse is the captain and he's doing a good job and I'm sure that if he stays injury free this season he'll be our captain.

”So far in pre-season I've been captain once and so has Tiago Calvano but the most important thing is that we senior players stand up and it does not really matter who's captain.”

Griffiths said he was looking forward to another positive campaign after scoring nine goals in 27 matches in his debut season.

Most players tend to take time to adjust to a new championship particularly in a different country.

But Griffiths settled down very quickly and was one of the best players for the Jets who narrowly missed out on a spot in the finals.

”It was an easy transition because I have family here in Newcastle and I'm quite familiar with the team's style of play,” he said.

”I have worked with Gary as a junior as well so I know the kind of football he tries to play.”

Griffiths said he learnt a lot from his three-year stint in China, which followed a four-year experience in Romania.

”I took plenty out of my stay in China, which obviously has a different culture,” he explained.

”You learn to be patient as a player and a person.

”Everything is a lot different so you have to learn to relax and not let things get to you.

”On the playing side I found that the league here is very different. It's intense and a lot more physical and it took me a few games to adjust but after that I was okay.”

Griffiths has nothing but praise for the young players who have since joined the club and is loving every minute of the leadership role he and other senior players have been entrusted with.

”The young ones have stood up to the challenge and I'm really impressed with the way they are performing at training,” he said.

”You never really know where they're at until you play another A-League team but so far so good.

”I'm really enjoying the leadership side of things. The young players are all mature people and I don't have to tell them too many things off the field.

”They all seem to be very responsible and down-to-earth young men.

”When we are on the field it's different. They come up to me and ask me questions and I really like that role in the team.”

www.theworldgame.sbs.com.au/a-league/news/1114926/Newcastle-nearly-lost-Griffiths



Glad we didn't lose him I'm hoping he has a great year this year, he needs better service to shine, really underrated player considering all the fuss over Brockie.

Pico
03-08-2012, 08:41 AM
Fox Sports football commentator Simon Hill says Australian football needs to celebrate its past

By Simon Hill
FOX SPORTS
August 02, 2012 4:51PM

http://resources0.news.com.au/images/2012/08/02/1226441/660872-warren.jpg

Legacy ... Simon Hill says Australia needs to celebrate its footballing past. Source: Carlos Furtado / AAP

The recent furore surrounding Western Sydney Wanderers alleged plan to "cover up" a statue of a Rugby League player for A-League games at Parramatta Stadium got me thinking.

In a country passionate about sport and keen to celebrate its heroes - where is football’s representation?

The answer - sadly - is, not in too many places. The sports most celebrated name, Johnny Warren, does have a plaque in his honour in the “Walk of Legends” outside the Sydney Cricket Ground, and a heritage plaque at Booralee Park in Botany where he played as a kid.

The ball kicked by John Aloisi to propel Australia to the World Cup in 2005 sits in a glass box on one of the concourses at ANZ Stadium - but there are no statues (as far as I can ascertain), and precious little of the games history is displayed publicly, or celebrated anywhere.

In the build-up to the Asian Cup in 2015 - the biggest football event ever to be held in Australia - surely its time for this to change?

Major football tournaments normally leave a legacy for the host country, and while in practical terms, there will be upgrades to stadia and training venues, it’s also an opportune moment to celebrate the rich (if sometimes chequered) history of the sport in this country.

Start of sidebar. Skip to end of sidebar.

End of sidebar. Return to start of sidebar.

Jamie Warren - nephew of Johnny - is keen to go a step further. He’d like the game to have a home. A home where a museum showcasing football's history can be permanently based.

“What would be great is to have a Bradman-type museum, but incorporate it into a high performance centre,” Warren said.

“We’ve got all of Johnny’s collection at the national museum in Canberra where it‘s in storage. It’s such a shame it’s not out on display somewhere.”

Ian Syson is a senior lecturer at Victoria University, who has done much valuable research into the games early days, and he agrees.So much so that he is currently writing a book entitled “The game that never happened - the vanishing history of soccer in Australia.”

Part of that history is Syson’s recent discovery that the first game of football played on these shores was in Goodna, Queensland in 1875. Perhaps fittingly (given the game's subsequent turmoil), the match was played on the grounds of the Woogaroo (now Goodna) Lunatic Asylum, between inmates and those from the travelling Brisbane Club - it ended in a 2-all draw.

An extract from “The Queenslander” on August 9, 1875, makes a clear reference to the ball not being “handled or carried” - a rule that apparently gave great advantage to the “bedlam folks!”

Syson believes the game's history has become swamped by myths - which has made the past a misunderstood place, bathed in negativity.

“A good example is the Anzac legend.” says Syson. “In Victoria, 450 out of 500 registered soccer players enlisted for World War One, and the same percentage stats applied across the country. By comparison, the supposedly more rugged codes failed to match that - VFL managed only around 15% of its players.”

“But today, the myth is retold that the other codes were central to the creation of the legend, whereas soccer and rugby union were not. It feeds the myth that soccer is marginal and un-Australian - it’s not.” Syson says.

But Syson also admits the game hasn’t taken best care of its own heritage either.

“We’ve been bad curators of our own history - a lot of clubs have been poor at keeping records. For every external pressure, there has been internal stupidity.” says Syson.

But with the game now a little more confident in its future, perhaps the Asian Cup offers the opportunity to revisit the past. Already there are encouraging signs that history is being embraced. FFA already has its Hall of Fame, while two of the body’s historical advisors, Roy Hay and Bill Murray, have just completed writing the games definitive history, entitled “A Game of Two Halves: A social history of football in Australia.”

Why not complement that work with a touring exhibition of footballs rich history in the major cities as part of the build-up to the Asian Cup?

“We’re guilty of not celebrating our past and not telling our story. If we don’t tell it, no-one is going to tell it for us.” says Jamie Warren.

It’s time people knew about that past - from Goodna to Guus. It would be a tangible legacy for the Asian Cup to leave on the 140th anniversary of that first-ever game. Maybe one day, we‘ll even have statues of our own heroes outside the sporting cathedrals of Australia.

www.foxsports.com.au/football/fox-sports-football-commentator-simon-hill-says-australian-football-needs-to-celebrate-its-past/story-e6frf423-1226441638836


Would love to see HSG take advantage of the asian cup and built a purpose built training centre for a national team and later for the HAL, NYL WL & Jets academy with a nice Hunter football Museum component built in, with some government coin chipping in too.

Blackmac79
03-08-2012, 09:11 AM
Would love to see HSG take advantage of the asian cup and built a purpose built training centre for a national team and later for the HAL, NYL WL & Jets academy with a nice Hunter football Museum component built in, with some government coin chipping in too.

Tell him his dreaming.

Jetmaster
03-08-2012, 10:54 AM
Hmmm - might not be an idea for someone with money to come up with a genuine football museum, in Newcastle. No reason why it would have to be in Canberra or Sydney. We have the richest history and lay claim to names like Date, Baartz, Johnston and Griffo.

Would make an excellent tourist attraction and encourage more away fans to spend time in Newy on match weekend.

De-Champ
03-08-2012, 01:52 PM
Foster makes some good points, but fails to follow through, where's the naming of the club that's doing this, foster loves telling everyone else what to do but never applies the same standards to himself.

What is your beef with Foster, this thing has been going on for years. I fiorst heard it back in the days when Raul Blanco (for thsoe who can remember him) was coaching and he mentioned it was happening.

scarfy96
03-08-2012, 02:22 PM
As Pico said, Foster makes some good points but I agree with Pico. If he has this information then out them. If what they are doing isn't illegal then they have nothing on SBS, if what they are doing is then he is effectively harbouring a criminal. Personally I doubt anyone is doing anything illegal, just immoral. If he can back up what he is saying then he should release it. He should also have gone to those clubs for comment directly and reported on that outcome.

All this "if you know of it then report it" is all well and good when he is saying "I know of it but I haven't reported it, nor even letting out who it is" is pretty weak form if you ask me.

Hamma12
03-08-2012, 02:58 PM
Regan thrilled to be local boy made good


http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/sport/football-soccer/regan-thrilled-to-be-local-boy-made-good/2642974.aspx?storypage=2
68

THE first time Taylor Regan walked off Redhead’s Liles Oval he was angry with his father and first football coach Brian ‘‘Reggie’’ Regan.
Sons do not always like the lessons taught by their fathers.
But obviously Reggie knew what he was talking about, as yesterday his son returned to his junior ground to receive the inaugural Ray Baartz Medal as the Men of Football’s Jets player of the year.
When asked about his memories of playing in the under 11s for Dudley-Redhead United, Regan said: ‘‘Mostly just my father coaching me from a young age and coming in after every training session at night and mum would have to set out two different dinner tables because I refused to eat in the same room as my father because I hated my coach.
‘‘They were my first memories of playing. It was always about having fun, but we had a talented team made up of surfers and the like.’’
The central defender was initially announced as the Ray Baartz medallist in April, during the height of Jets owner Nathan Tinkler’s dispute with Football Federation Australia over the club’s A-League franchise.
Regan did not receive the medal at that time due to delays in getting it engraved.
Regan polled one more vote than striker Jeremy Brockie, who has since joined Wellington Phoenix, to claim the award in front of about 100 people at the Exchange Hotel in Hamilton.
Men of Football is a charity organisation formed by ex-players and fans to help people in the soccer community.
The group is modelled on the successful Men of League organisation and began in Newcastle two years ago.
‘‘When I was young I grew up watching a lot of these players who vote on the award and obviously being a local boy it means that little bit extra,’’ Regan said.
‘‘I went to a function the other week and I think there was close to 200 Men of Football gentlemen there from throughout the region, and it was good to see them all and they’re very passionate about the Jets.’’ AAP reports: Reece Caira has given up a spot in the reserves of a 138-year-old English Premier League club to join an A-League side founded barely four months ago.


But the 19-year-old is excited about his return to Australia and being among Western Sydney Wanderers’ first signings.
‘‘It’s great that I get to become a foundation player but it’s going to be a tough first season,’’ Caira said.
The defender has secured a one-year contract with the new A-League franchise, after spending the past 3 years in Aston Villa’s youth squad and reserves.
He caught the attention of Wanderers’ coach Tony Popovic during a recent trip to England and has been on trial since.‘‘I’ve always been interested to work with Popovic and I’ve finally got the chance,’’ Caira said.

Pico
03-08-2012, 03:32 PM
What is your beef with Foster, this thing has been going on for years. I fiorst heard it back in the days when Raul Blanco (for thsoe who can remember him) was coaching and he mentioned it was happening.

No beef what so ever, but if your going to tell everyone else to name and shame, and you've just written an article where you claim to know of the club's, why aren't you practising what you preach.

militiamon
03-08-2012, 03:38 PM
Pico, what makes you think that Foster hasn't reported this to NSWFF or FFA?

My assumption was that he had, and simply avoided naming them publicly for legal/ethical reasons.

Retro Jet
03-08-2012, 04:43 PM
Fox Sports football commentator Simon Hill says Australian football needs to celebrate its past

By Simon Hill
FOX SPORTS
August 02, 2012 4:51PM



Legacy ... Simon Hill says Australia needs to celebrate its footballing past. Source: Carlos Furtado / AAP

The recent furore surrounding Western Sydney Wanderers alleged plan to "cover up" a statue of a Rugby League player for A-League games at Parramatta Stadium got me thinking.

In a country passionate about sport and keen to celebrate its heroes - where is football’s representation?

The answer - sadly - is, not in too many places. The sports most celebrated name, Johnny Warren, does have a plaque in his honour in the “Walk of Legends” outside the Sydney Cricket Ground, and a heritage plaque at Booralee Park in Botany where he played as a kid.

The ball kicked by John Aloisi to propel Australia to the World Cup in 2005 sits in a glass box on one of the concourses at ANZ Stadium - but there are no statues (as far as I can ascertain), and precious little of the games history is displayed publicly, or celebrated anywhere.

In the build-up to the Asian Cup in 2015 - the biggest football event ever to be held in Australia - surely its time for this to change?

Major football tournaments normally leave a legacy for the host country, and while in practical terms, there will be upgrades to stadia and training venues, it’s also an opportune moment to celebrate the rich (if sometimes chequered) history of the sport in this country.

Start of sidebar. Skip to end of sidebar.

End of sidebar. Return to start of sidebar.

Jamie Warren - nephew of Johnny - is keen to go a step further. He’d like the game to have a home. A home where a museum showcasing football's history can be permanently based.

“What would be great is to have a Bradman-type museum, but incorporate it into a high performance centre,” Warren said.

“We’ve got all of Johnny’s collection at the national museum in Canberra where it‘s in storage. It’s such a shame it’s not out on display somewhere.”

Ian Syson is a senior lecturer at Victoria University, who has done much valuable research into the games early days, and he agrees.So much so that he is currently writing a book entitled “The game that never happened - the vanishing history of soccer in Australia.”

Part of that history is Syson’s recent discovery that the first game of football played on these shores was in Goodna, Queensland in 1875. Perhaps fittingly (given the game's subsequent turmoil), the match was played on the grounds of the Woogaroo (now Goodna) Lunatic Asylum, between inmates and those from the travelling Brisbane Club - it ended in a 2-all draw.

An extract from “The Queenslander” on August 9, 1875, makes a clear reference to the ball not being “handled or carried” - a rule that apparently gave great advantage to the “bedlam folks!”

Syson believes the game's history has become swamped by myths - which has made the past a misunderstood place, bathed in negativity.

“A good example is the Anzac legend.” says Syson. “In Victoria, 450 out of 500 registered soccer players enlisted for World War One, and the same percentage stats applied across the country. By comparison, the supposedly more rugged codes failed to match that - VFL managed only around 15% of its players.”

“But today, the myth is retold that the other codes were central to the creation of the legend, whereas soccer and rugby union were not. It feeds the myth that soccer is marginal and un-Australian - it’s not.” Syson says.

But Syson also admits the game hasn’t taken best care of its own heritage either.“We’ve been bad curators of our own history - a lot of clubs have been poor at keeping records. For every external pressure, there has been internal stupidity.” says Syson.

But with the game now a little more confident in its future, perhaps the Asian Cup offers the opportunity to revisit the past. Already there are encouraging signs that history is being embraced. FFA already has its Hall of Fame, while two of the body’s historical advisors, Roy Hay and Bill Murray, have just completed writing the games definitive history, entitled “A Game of Two Halves: A social history of football in Australia.”

Why not complement that work with a touring exhibition of footballs rich history in the major cities as part of the build-up to the Asian Cup?

“We’re guilty of not celebrating our past and not telling our story. If we don’t tell it, no-one is going to tell it for us.” says Jamie Warren.

It’s time people knew about that past - from Goodna to Guus. It would be a tangible legacy for the Asian Cup to leave on the 140th anniversary of that first-ever game. Maybe one day, we‘ll even have statues of our own heroes outside the sporting cathedrals of Australia.

http://www.foxsports.com.au/football...-1226441638836


Would love to see HSG take advantage of the asian cup and built a purpose built training centre for a national team and later for the HAL, NYL WL & Jets academy with a nice Hunter football Museum component built in, with some government coin chipping in too.

As a side note to this article, I was taken out to dinner by Andre Krueger (http://www.ak-tsc.de/)in Hannover in 2008 when I visited there. He has many, many priceless pieces of Australian football heritage in his possession; much of it was on display in the Oehrinngen Sparbank during the Socceroos stay in that town. For anyone who made the trip there, they will remember.
We had a long discussion about our respective collections. What deeply concerned him was this:
When he was here in 2005, he told me he kept asking various people about the where abouts of certain paraphanalia he knew was in Soccer Australia/ FFA's possession; flags, pennants, balls etc.
Many of the items? Goneski. Nobody could provide him with any answers.
He has absolutly no trust in the people running things here to trust them with any sort of handover, unless they get a proper museum set up.
I hope to view this collection in person next visit to Hannover. The invitation was made that last trip.

Pico
03-08-2012, 05:14 PM
Pico, what makes you think that Foster hasn't reported this to NSWFF or FFA?

My assumption was that he had, and simply avoided naming them publicly for legal/ethical reasons.
My point is more that he talks about parents paying expensive fees for elite training that is supplied by people who have paid their way into the position, well how are the parents supposed to make an informed decision if the people who know don't open their mouths.

Who's worse the bloke ripping people off, or the bloke who says he knows all about it and who the people are that are doing it, yet says nothing about it.

Hopefully with the NCR and the accreditation process this might help make things a bit more transparent for parents.

militiamon
04-08-2012, 01:21 AM
I can see what you're saying, but I just think you're reaching too many conclusions without knowing all the facts of the situation.

Again, a reasonable explanation might be that the FFA have already suspended these people from being in positions where they can rip people off. Another might be that it was already being investigated, and Foster found out about it during the process of that investigation. We have no idea about the circumstances behind this, but either way naming people in such a public fashion would be very inappropriate if the claims are not yet proven or ruled on by the relevant bodies.

Pico
04-08-2012, 09:51 AM
Sydney Olympic exemplify bigger battle

August 4, 2012

A FRAGILE truce has broken out at Belmore, but don't be fooled. The core issues surrounding the dispute between Canterbury Bulldogs and Sydney Olympic haven't gone away. And the much bigger battle - a long-awaited campaign by football to protect its rights in the turf war with other codes - has only just begun. It just might be that history will record what's happened at Belmore over the last few weeks as the moment the worm finally turned.

The detail of the dispute between the Bulldogs and Sydney Olympic - who should be using the field and when - is mostly a smokescreen for a much more fundamental question. Exactly what were the terms of the $8.7 million government grant handed out in 2010 to begin the process of revitalising a decaying stadium, and were those terms supposed to have both clubs treated equally?

The view of Canterbury council is clear. It has offered the rugby league side a head lease, and the football side a sublease. Sydney Olympic might not be the club it once was - the two-time national champions now play in the semi-professional NSW Premier League - but might is not always right. Sydney Olympic believe they have a lease until 2032 that gives them rights equal to the Bulldogs', and they won't be signing anything to the contrary. Thus the stalemate persists.

It was the local federal MP Tony Burke (member for Watson) who handed over the cheque in front of the cameras two years ago, and he knows better than anyone the substance, and spirit, of the agreement. Burke met both clubs and Canterbury council on Thursday. There seems to be a consensus to ramp down the rhetoric to try to take the sting out of the situation. We'll see how long it lasts. The fact Des Hasler had his team again training on the main field yesterday suggests he couldn't care less.
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As an avowed Bulldogs fan, Burke's impartiality will be scrutinised. There are three local football associations in the district - Canterbury, Bankstown and St George - with about 20,000 registered players in Burke's electorate. It might be a safe Labor seat, but that's still a lot of voter angst to be mobilised through social media if the football community feels it's being shafted. Those associations, in particular Canterbury, must ponder whether they should bury their differences with the NSWPL club in order to achieve the common good. Sydney Olympic's plight today could be someone else's tomorrow. Football in Sydney at every level faces a massive challenge in the battle for sporting real estate (see above story).

For Sydney Olympic right now it's about showing discipline, and unity - qualities not normally associated with the club through its tortured 51-year history. The board will meet tomorrow, and the test has only just begun for president George Giannaros and his fellow directors. Make no mistake, this is about survival. Full stop. If Sydney Olympic can't secure a meaningful long-term future for themselves at Belmore, they're gone. There's a lapsed Sydney Olympic fan running every second cafe in the inner-west. How much do they care?

A historical note: while Belmore is the spiritual home of the Bulldogs, Sydney Olympic also have a title claim. The club moved there in 1996 for five seasons - pulling almost 14,000 to a match against Marconi Stallions in 1997 - and after a brief diversion to Shark Park returned in 2004, and have been there ever since. Last year they pulled 10,000 to the NSWPL grand final when the ground, shamefully, was marked for rugby league. When the Bulldogs completely abandoned Belmore eight years ago - who can forget ''Oasis'' - it was Sydney Olympic who kept the gates open. Now that the Bulldogs are back, should Sydney Olympic's 13-year tenancy count for nought?

It didn't, of course, when the Bulldogs needed them a few years ago to get money from the federal government. Plenty of nice noises were made about co-operation. The facade didn't last long once the money came through.

In a letter to Canterbury council's general manager, Jim Montague, in December 2010 - less than six months after the funding was approved - Football Federation Australia's chief executive Ben Buckley was sufficiently disturbed about what was happening to write: ''… it appears that what is currently being proposed is not consistent with the basis upon which the federal government grant was approved. It is also of great concern that it appears that the current proposed use will be converting an essential public facility into virtually an exclusive use facility for a professional rugby league club. This is contrary both to its historical use and to the proposed use as represented in the Commonwealth funding grant … it is disturbing to learn that the use being proposed significantly increases the use for the Bulldogs rugby league club and, conversely, significantly reduces the access for not only Sydney Olympic, but also for community and school groups.''

Since then, the Bulldogs and the council have essentially ignored the FFA's concerns, perhaps assuming their back was turned. It's not. Yesterday Buckley told the Herald: ''We took a close interest in this matter in late 2010 when Sydney Olympic's tenure was under threat, and we welcomed the outcome of a 21-year lease to enshrine football access. We are now watching the current developments and liaising with Football NSW. We both have real concerns. Our view is that the Commonwealth funding for Belmore Oval was based on a community benefit for multiple sports, not just one.''

In the scheme of things, it might seem a stoush between an NRL heavyweight with a budget of about $17 million and a semi-pro football club with a budget of about $300,000 could have only one winner. And does it really matter anyway? It does.

The FFA (and its predecessors) have sat idly by over decades while the nation's biggest participant sport has been routinely duped by a cosy alliance between rival codes and their government boosters. In terms of facilities and ground use, football, at every level - from grassroots to professional - has been left with the scraps. Sydney Olympic are somewhere in the middle, but fate means they can become the catalyst for change. It's a challenge, but they're up for it. And, for once, so is the FFA.

www.smh.com.au/sport/football/sydney-olympic-exemplify-bigger-battle-20120803-23kso.html

Good to see the FFA & Buckley being proactive about this, better then waiting for the media to get a hold of it and then coming in when it's too late.

Pico
04-08-2012, 09:55 AM
Numbers back need for more facilities

If Australia had managed to win hosting rights for the 2022 World Cup, Football Federation Australia hoped it would have the platform to address decades of neglect of football facilities across the country, from grassroots to the A-League.

Australia didn't win, so we'll never know if the government would have gone on a spending spree. But if you're wondering why the Sydney Olympic issue is the tip of the iceberg, consider the results of a national facilities audit conducted by the FFA in 2010 as part of the bid process. It paints a bleak picture of how poorly the nation's biggest participant sport is served - especially in Sydney, where playing numbers make up almost half the national total.

The recent success of amateur club Balmain in a cross-code battle for the use of Birchgrove Oval - where registration numbers became their key weapon - is perhaps a template to be used across the city.

In Sydney, the audit covered 576 venues, incorporating 1477 pitches used to service 700 clubs and more than 200,000 players. The most staggering statistic was that in Sydney, demand equated to 140 players for each pitch. Not surprisingly, under such pressure, the quality of the grounds was found to be seriously wanting.
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The audit also revealed that football suffers from the double whammy of not enough facilities and too many poor ones. As a result, the FFA identified 575 potential projects across the country, including Belmore. Since then, 153 projects have been given priority, but many have yet to progress past the planning or funding stage.

www.smh.com.au/sport/football/numbers-back-need-for-more-facilities-20120803-23ksl.html


Wonder what sort of impact the Asian Cup will have on facilities, no where near as big as a world cup, but if they are smart HAL teams will try and leverage the government coin for some simple training venues, thinking along the lines of No. 2 scale.

Football needs to start playing the game more, unfortunately I think with no games in Newcastle we'll probably miss out again, the gypos will probably cash in with their CoE.

Pico
04-08-2012, 10:04 AM
I can see what you're saying, but I just think you're reaching too many conclusions without knowing all the facts of the situation.

Again, a reasonable explanation might be that the FFA have already suspended these people from being in positions where they can rip people off. Another might be that it was already being investigated, and Foster found out about it during the process of that investigation. We have no idea about the circumstances behind this, but either way naming people in such a public fashion would be very inappropriate if the claims are not yet proven or ruled on by the relevant bodies.

I understand what your saying, I'd hate to see a club's reputation smeared because of inaccurate claims, but he's already gone half way there with the mentioning of premier league clubs, what if you were one of the honest bunch who is now clouded in the same stench as the rotten mob because he's only vaguely eluded to them, if you want to blow the whistle in the media, then go the whole way, if you want to work behind the scenes then so be it. Its been going on for years, if something doesn't change to make people more aware and to rid the game of these con men, then it how will it ever change.

The Dunster
04-08-2012, 10:47 AM
My point is more that he talks about parents paying expensive fees for elite training that is supplied by people who have paid their way into the position, well how are the parents supposed to make an informed decision if the people who know don't open their mouths.

Who's worse the bloke ripping people off, or the bloke who says he knows all about it and who the people are that are doing it, yet says nothing about it.

Hopefully with the NCR and the accreditation process this might help make things a bit more transparent for parents.

My personal experience has been that if you are good enough coaches and clubs will be fighting each other to provide a talented kid with elite training.
That this apparently does not happen in football suprises me.

My background is in tennis and I used to hear the same stories and more often than not it is was parents with kids of inferior abilities whining about the costs of "elite training".

The kids who were good all had raquet and shoe deals before they turned twelve and had coaches / clubs offering them their services free.

If that's not the case wirth football I'd be suprised. Did Maradonna or Pele have to pay for elite training ? I doubt it.

Hence, if a kid is being told he or she needs to pay for elite training then they probably aren't good enough.

GazFish35
04-08-2012, 10:57 AM
Maradona and pele aren't Australian juniors

Marcus
04-08-2012, 02:35 PM
So ooze this midfielder? Algerian?

The Dunster
04-08-2012, 02:43 PM
Maradona and pele aren't Australian juniors

Viduka, Kewell, Aloisi, Langarak, Grella..... and so on.

The kids whose parents shell out the big dollars are basically trying to make a silk purse from a sows ear.

Admittedly, though, some parents can buy their kids a start if they have deep enough pockets.

Sometimes they can make the grade, but often they just fade away.