Daily Australian News 2012

http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/news/...gba-commitment

Quote:

---

Joel Griffiths insists that Didier Drogba's commitment to new club Shanghai Shenhua has not wavered - despite the boardroom battle which threatens his future in China.



Shenhua boardroom row 'not over'

Shanghai puts dramas behind it to win



The Australian striker, who has formed a potent attacking axis with Cote d'Ivoire ace Drogba and Frenchman Nicolas Anelka in recent weeks, says the 34-year-old UEFA Champions League winner is determined not to let uncertainly over who will pay his $250,000 weekly wage bill hamper his desire to fire.

He scored in Shanghai's 3-0 win over Liaoning Hongyun last weekend against a backdrop of bickering between the club's main backer, billionaire Zhu Jun and the board.

Jun is demanding his fellow shareholders honour an agreement to dramatically raise his shareholding in the club as a reward for personally funding big-name signings.

"Didier is happy at the club but he is somebody who commands a certain level of respect," Griffths said.

"He regards China as a personal project and new football frontier for himself, but who knows what will happen over the money side of things. That's beyond his control."

Griffiths, back to his best form as a right-sided attacking midfielder after shrugging off a long-term knee injury, believes his new friend is keen to stay and leave a legacy in China.

Drogba has struck five goals in seven appearances and according to Griffiths is unflinching in his work ethic.

"That's one thing that has surprised me, I really didn't think he would come here so committed to succeed," he said.

"But that just shows what sort of person he is. He treats every game the same, whether it's a Champions League final or a game in the Chinese Super League.

"He wants the ball, he wants to score goals and he wants his name to be remembered in China for all the right reasons. It's so good to have him at the club."

Griffiths, 33, whose own future will be decided in December with the option of a return to the A-League on the table, said: "The way we have been playing I can't see us losing any of the last six games, we are ninth now and have been scoring goals and playing some pretty good football after a horrible start to the season.

"I can see us sneaking in an Asian Champions League spot - that's what we're aiming for. It's a shame that Drogba wasn't here for the start of the season, otherwise we'd be aiming for the top spot."

Griffiths also paid tribute to the other half of Shanghai's attacking axis, much-travelled Anelka, saying: "Most of the attention has been focused on Didier but Nicolas goes under the radar. He's been setting up goals and having Didier here has taken a lot of pressure off him and he is back playing his normal game.

"If we keep this team together, next year is going to be huge for the club."

Griffiths hasn't ruled out being a part of that future. His contract expires at the end of the season but he has impressed since his return from injury, providing several assists and three goals in 12 games.

"That's definitely a possibility and something I would seriously consider if the opportunity was there, especially the way we have been playing lately," he said. "If we keep this team intact I can see the title coming here next year. If we keep the same team I will be more than happy to stay.

"At some stage I would love to go home and finish my career but there's no immediate hurry. We will see what happens.

"It's been a different experience here. At Beijing Guoan I was the go-to man; I never got injured and was scoring regularly. Here I am out on the wing and Drogba is the focal point which is easy to understand because it's hard to compete with that sort of player.

"It enables me to be more involved in the build-up play and we've got some pretty good combinations going.

"Against Liaoning Hongyun on Saturday was probably the best I have felt in a game for about three years. The role I have now involves a lot more running and hard work and it's a totally different role to playing up front - but it's easy when you have Drogba and Anelka around you."

Griffiths also saluted Sydney FC's capture of Alessandro Del Piero, saying: "Four million dollars over two years - Sydney will get their money back with change.

"It's an awesome signing and I'd love to see other A-League clubs follow suit, obviously money permitting. The league needs Del Piero. It has gone a bit stale and it needs characters in the game.

"It needs bit of controversy also. Everybody hated Kevin Muscat but he got people talking and that generates interest from sports fans in general in Australia."

---

Griff is talking silly talk. He needs to come home before this gets any worse.

Each word like a dagger through my heart.

And...Kevin Muscat...wtf?

This summer is Griff's last chance for us surely...if he stays on, he will be too old to come back here and finish his career (he's 33 now).

Better to sign his offspring instead.

do you know when it's griff last chance with us? when he says it is.

any age griff > jesic, bridges, gallaway, etc

Just hurry the **** up and sign Griffo FFS.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by goaliepersempre

But FIFA rules prevent us from miking up referees and officials."

GOOOODddddd and get rid of the camera in the change sheds at half time....


All for innovative camera's and more indepth things in the game. But the above 2 ideas are wrong.

---

Don't really see the issue with having the ref miking up and don't really care about the change shed camera either, both very small things that help make fox happy and help with the telecast of games.

Quote:

---

Jets prepare for Youth competition

http://static.ffa.sportalhosting.com...-leadimage.jpg

Following the conclusion of the Newcastle Jets Youth campaign in the NBN State League competition, coach Clayton Zane is building his team for the 2012/13 Y-League season.

The Club has had discussions with NSWIS, who won the Under 19’s NBN State League Championship, about inviting their best young players to join the Jets for pre-season.

“We have some of the most promising young talent joining us when we resume training, including Andrew Pawiak, Reece Pappas and Josh Murray,” Zane said.

"From here, we will assess these players and others like them in the environment of the NYL squad."

Meanwhile Youth players Josh Small, Dom Bizzari, Abe Wheelhouse, Dino Fajkovic, Maclean Nadfalusi, Jakob Williams and Alex Kantarovski have been released from the Jets.

“Out of this group of players Abe Wheelhouse was actually offered to remain in the program but decided to pursue a career in the State League competition," Zane added.

“We understood we couldn’t offer him the regular football he was after and wish him well for the future.

"We also thank Josh, Dom, Dino, Maclean, Jakob and Alex for their contribution and wish them well."

The Jets Youth commence pre-season training on September 24.

http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/...petition/49165

---

Bit of a clean out for the youth ranks, be interesting to see how the new crop go.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Pico

Don't really see the issue with having the ref miking up and don't really care about the change shed camera either, both very small things that help make fox happy and help with the telecast of games.

---

always love hearing things like:

• "you ****in kiddin me ref?"
• "how the **** was that not a free kick?"
• "what the **** are you looking at?"
• "no ****in way was that a yellow"
• etc

imagine the outrage from the knights nannas when they hear all that swearing in a game. doesn't happen in their game.

Fact is it helps create characters & stories something I think the HAL really lacks since the loss of Yorke, Muscat, Griff etc

People always whinge about the media not shining a light on the league but if your too insular and want to block everything and everyone out you'll never get the air time.

Fact is people want issues in sport, they want to have heroes and they love a good villian, best of all the TV networks then have something to play on and promote, for me the HAL severely lacks any characters and is within an inch of its life as far as the general sports reporters are concerned (Del Peiro seems to be helping) as you wont get a decent comment from a coach or player from fear of the FFA's henchmen handing out fines, which results in stale cliché to the max press conferences.

Wouldn't mind if they further develop things like Jets TV etc. real behind the scenes stuff like they have in the English comps.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by belchardo

always love hearing things like:

• "you ****in kiddin me ref?"
• "how the **** was that not a free kick?"
• "what the **** are you looking at?"
• "no ****in way was that a yellow"
• etc

imagine the outrage from the knights nannas when they hear all that swearing in a game. doesn't happen in their game.

---

To be able to turn the Harper and Co, off and listen to the crowd and game would be ideal.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by timmy_v

To be able to turn the Harper and Co, off and listen to the crowd and game would be ideal.

---

****en oath

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Pico

Fact is it helps create characters & stories something I think the HAL really lacks since the loss of Yorke, Muscat, Griff etc

People always whinge about the media not shining a light on the league but if your too insular and want to block everything and everyone out you'll never get the air time.

Fact is people want issues in sport, they want to have heroes and they love a good villian, best of all the TV networks then have something to play on and promote, for me the HAL severely lacks any characters and is within an inch of its life as far as the general sports reporters are concerned (Del Peiro seems to be helping) as you wont get a decent comment from a coach or player from fear of the FFA's henchmen handing out fines, which results in stale cliché to the max press conferences.

---

Even Kosmina has taken the easy does it approach.

There is still Hutcho. Never forget Hutcho.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by furns

There is still Hutcho. Never forget Hutcho.

---

Can't after that hideous dive when Bridges tapped him in the derby when it pissed down afterwards.

Quote:

---

Jets management in UK talks with Heskey
By JAMES GARDINER
Sept. 18, 2012, 11:13 p.m.

http://cdn.fairfaxregional.com.au/pr...882d3de625.jpg
EMILE HESKEY

FORMER England striker Emile Heskey is back on the Newcastle Jets radar and club management are understood to be in London attempting to broker a deal.

Heskey has been a free agent since he was released by English Premier League club Aston Villa in May.

The 34-year-old was reported to have knocked back a previous approach by the Jets and has been linked with a lucrative move to non-league club Macclesfield.

However, the Herald has learned the Jets are back in the frame.

Hunter Sports Group chief executive Troy Palmer and Jets chief executive Robbie Middleby are in England and are understood to have met with Heskey's management.

Newcastle could face competition for Heskey's signature from his former club Liverpool.

Stoke, Norwich and Spanish side Espanyol are also understood to have made enquiries about the front man, who played 29 times for Villa last season for one goal.

However, Herald sources in England indicated that the Jets were "high up there".

Coach Gary van Egmond said last month that the Jets were unlikely to fill the final place on their roster with a high-profile marquee player.

But the success of Sydney FC in signing Italian legend Alessandro Del Piero and the positive worldwide publicity it created has caused a rethink.

http://www.theherald.com.au/story/34...heskey/?cs=303

---

If this has all been triggered by Del Peiro as claimed, I really hope they are not thinking Heskey will have the same, or even a remotely similar, sort of impact.

Quote:

---

Former England striker Emile Heskey set to sign for A-League club Newcastle Jets

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

http://resources2.news.com.au/images...ile-heskey.jpg

Emile Heskey in action for Aston Villa against Chelsea last year. The former England striker is set to sign with the Newcastle Jets. Source: AP

ALESSANDRO Del Piero's home debut for Sydney FC is poised to become an even bigger occasion because opponents Newcastle are understood to be on the verge of signing former England striker Emile Heskey.

The former Liverpool forward, who played in three World Cups, including two years ago in South Africa, left Aston Villa at the end of last season and has been looking for a new deal since.

Sources in England have told News Ltd that Jets CEO Robbie Middleby and Troy Palmer, CEO of the Hunter Sports Group that owns the club, have met Heskey and talks have progressed well enough for a one-year deal to be on the table.

Assuming Heskey passes a medical - which after 28 games in the EPL for Villa last season is not likely to be a problem- he will join Gary van Egmond's squad in time for the A-League season, opening the possibility of a direct match-up with Del Piero when the Jets travel to Allianz Stadium in round two.

Heskey earned 62 England caps and though he only scored seven goals, he was usually cast as the foil for a more prolific striker, such as Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney.

His strength and ability to hold the ball up would dovetail with the youth and energy of van Egmond's squad.

The Jets last night declined to comment, citing the club's policy of "not speculating about player movement through the media".

Football Federation Australia has to sanction any marquee arrival but FFA sources have already confirmed this will be a formality.

The 34-year-old had been linked with moves to Stoke, Norwich and Spanish side Espanyol - and also an emotional return to Liverpool, where he won the FA Cup and UEFA Cup in a four-year spell.

But he recently insisted he was fit enough to play immediately for a new side. "I feel as fit and hungry as I have done in a long time and have been training everyday throughout the summer," Heskey said.

"As has been reported, I did receive a number of offers during the transfer window but didn't feel like any of them were the right opportunity for me at that time."

Meanwhile, Sydney are close to adding to their roster former Adelaide midfielder Paul Reid, who has apparently impressed sufficiently in an extended trial to earn a deal.

"We're not too far away now from getting something finalised," coach Ian Crook said yesterday. "In the short term, Terry Antonis and Hagi Gligor could be away with the (Australian) under-20s side.

"And Nicky (Carle) having gone, who I was thinking of playing there, it leaves us very bare. It's certainly something we're looking at."

Crook said should Jason Culina prove his fitness after nearly two years out with knee and leg injuries, Reid's signing would not preclude the former Socceroo from also adding to his midfield stocks.

"Jason's got that determination to come back," he said.

"If someone had said three months ago he'd be out there doing what he's doing, I'd have laughed at them. I don't know (how long his rehab will take). It's day by day. It could be two weeks, 10 weeks, 10 months."

---

Think we can rule out the Vassell rumour, it looks like Heskey all the way now.

The Herald article looks like the usual "quote the foz" stuff. The Terrorgraph one has more guts to it.

Interesting 24 hours ahead.

heskey + the brothers griff hnnnnnnggggg

Ok - now it is getting a bit more tangible....

http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/news/...o-snare-Heskey

Quote:

---

Newcastle Jets poised to snare Heskey

Ex-England striker Emile Heskey is close to agreeing terms on a one-year deal worth around $1.3 million to join Newcastle Jets and end a frustrating search for a new club.

The contract has the option for two more years – at $1.3 million for each extra season – which would be triggered should the 34-year-old produce the goods on the Hunter as the club's latest marquee.

Heskey, who was released by Aston Villa, met with Jets CEO Robbie Middleby and Troy Palmer, CEO of the Hunter Sports Group, in the UK over the weekend to go over the finer points of an offer.

After initial trepidation, the former Liverpool forward has embraced the idea of completing his career in Australia where he would be in line for a head-to-head battle with Italian legend Alessandro del Piero in the round two A-League clash at Allianz Stadium.

Heskey's Nottingham-based agent Struan Marshall, of Wasserman Media Group, refused to confirm or deny that a deal had been done.

"Out of respect to the Jets I would prefer you get any information/clarification from Robbie or Troy or their press office, as and when they see fit," Marshall told The World Game.

The Jets were also remained tight-lipped, citing the club protocol of "not speculating about player movement through the media".

With 62 England caps – and just seven goals to show for them – Heskey is unlikely to break any A-League scoring records, his main strengths being his ability to create openings and hold the ball up.

Heskey, who appeared at two World Cups, only hit double figures on four occasions in a career in England which included stints with Leicester City, Liverpool, Birmingham, Wigan and Villa spanning 19 seasons between 1995-and 2012.

But his ability to bring others into play allied to his physical presence and enduring fitness levels, guaranteed there was interest from more than just the Jets with Premier League Stoke and even former club Liverpool linked with him along with second tier Blackpool and Ipswich.

"I'm 34, I still feel I can play so I don't see why I need to retire just now," Heskey said after leaving Villa.

"From when I started, I always said I wanted to play at the highest level wherever that might be. You always strive for that."

---

Played mainly as a right winger the games I saw him play last season and seasons previously, hense lack of goals recently. Other than Archie and smeltz, most of the strikers doin well in the a league have come in with poorer goals records than big Emile.