Originally Posted by
The General
From the Herald Website.
Phil Bures keen to fire on Gunners return
By CRAIG KERRY
May 12, 2015, 9 p.m
SOUTH Cardiff will regain a tower of strength in defence for the final two-thirds of their NNSW NPL campaign after securing Phil Bures.
The 24-year-old centre back is set to return to Ulinga Oval on Sunday, May 24, against Edgeworth after finishing up with NSW NPL side Sydney Uni this weekend.
Bures was a key player for the Gunners over three years before moving to Sydney for work before last season.
Although Bures still lives and works in Sydney, a change in jobs has meant he is unable to train as often.
Former Socceroos coach Raul Blanco is in charge at Sydney Uni and demands a commitment to training three nights a week from his players.
Unable to meet the demand and not wanting to switch to another Sydney club, Bures made contact with South Cardiff coach Greg Asquith, a former teammate, about a possible return.
The signing is a boost for South Cardiff, who lost 5-2 to Hamilton on Sunday and have conceded a league-worst 12 goals in the first four games.
‘‘He will give us a bit of extra leadership back there, especially with Matt Grey out for a while longer, and just the news that a quality player is coming in will give the squad a boost,’’ Asquith said.
‘‘You can’t give opportunities to good teams and some of the goals we’ve conceded have been just too soft.
‘‘The two own goals on the weekend can be put down as unlucky but we just made too many silly mistakes coming out of defence.
‘‘Phil gives us some added experience there and he’s a good talker so the communication should also improve.’’
Bures said: ‘‘I want to play well and contribute to the team because I think Greg is an outstanding coach and having known him for a while, I’d love to have the opportunity to play under him.’’
Bures believes he returns a better player from his time in Sydney.
‘‘Playing under Raul, he’s pretty much coached everyone in Australia who’s made a name for themselves, so just being able to feed off him, it’s been a great experience,’’ he said.
‘‘In terms of the skill, the leagues are similar.
‘‘It’s just faster and more physical down here.
‘‘We play on artificial pitches every week, so the quality is always there.
‘‘This week I’m playing my last game and [former Socceroo] Michael Beauchamp is playing for Bankstown City, so it’s a decent calibre of player as well.’’
South Cardiff play Charlestown away on Wednesday, May 20, but Bures will not be available until the following Sunday, after the round-six window for roster changes.
That is a huge signing for the Gunners. He was one of the best defenders in the comp when he left and from all reports has been super down in Sydney.