18 Yards Out

Osieck Names First National Squad

2010-08-23T23:34:00.000-07:00

New Socceroo’s coach Holger Osieck has named is first Socceroo’s squad for the upcoming international friendlies against Switzerland on September 3rd and Poland on September 7th.

Only two A-League players will make the trek to St Gallen & Krakow, with Jason Culina and Michael Beauchamp being recalled. Promising defender Matthew Spiranovic will likely be a popular inclusion amongst Socceroo’s supporters after impressing recently with Japanese giants Uwara Red Diamonds

Youngster’s Dario Vidosic and Nathan Burns also get a chance to show Osieck their wares in the hope of nailing down a spot for the upcoming Asian Cup in January

Squad:

Michael Beauchamp
Nathan Burns
Tim Cahill
David Carney
Jason Culina
Brett Emerton
Adam Federici
Richard Garcia
Brett Holman
Mile Jedinak
Josh Kennedy
Harry Kewell
Scott McDonald
Lucas Neill
Jade North
Mark Schwarzer
Matthew Spiranovic
Carl Valeri
Dario Vidosic
Luke Wilkshire

A-League Squads - Round 2

2010-08-11T23:47:00.000-07:00

Friday, 13 August, 2010
Wellington Phoenix v Gold Coast United
Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Local kick-off: 7.30pm (5.30pm AEST)
Referee: Peter O’Leary

Wellington Phoenix squad: 1. Mark PASTON (gk), 2. Manny MUSCAT, 3. Tony LOCHHEAD, 6. Tim BROWN, 7. Leo BERTOS, 8. Paul IFILL, 9. Chris GREENACRE, 10. Oscar Roberto CORNEJO, 11. DANIEL, 13. Troy HEARFIELD, 14. Mirjan PAVLOVIC, 17. Vince LIA, 18. Ben SIGMUND, 20. Reece CROWTHER (gk), 21. Marco ROJAS, 22. Andrew DURANTE (c), 23. Dylan MACALLISTER
*two to be omitted*

Unavailable: 5. Diego WALSH (knee – 4 weeks), 15. Jade NORTH (international duty)

Gold Coast United Squad: 1.Glen MOSS (gk), 2.Steve PANTELIDIS, 3.Michael THWAITE, 5.ROBSON, 6.Dino DJULBIC, 7.Zenon CARAVELLA, 8.ANDERSON, 9.Shane SMELTZ, 10.Jason CULINA (c), 13.Bas VAN DEN BRINK, 14.Joel PORTER, 15.Tahj MINNIECON, 16.Kristian REES, 18.James BROWN, 20.Scott HIGGINS (gk), 21.Golgol MEBRAHTU, 22.Adama TRAORE, 24.John CURTIS

*three to be omitted*
In: 8.ANDERSON, 18.James BROWN, 24.John CURTIS
Out: Nil
Unavailable: Daniel PIORKOWSKI (ankle injury – 4 weeks), Matt OSMAN (knee injury – indefinite)

Friday, 13 August, 2010
Newcastle Jets v Melbourne Heart
EnergyAustralia Stadium, Newcastle
Local kick-off: 8.00pm
Referee: Ryan Shepheard

Newcastle Jets squad: 1. Ben KENNEDY (gk), 3. Adam D’APUZZO, 4. Nikolai TOPOR-STANLEY, 5. Ljubo MILICEVIC 6. Ben KANTAROVSKI 7. Kasey WEHRMAN 8. Michael BRIDGES, 10. Ruben ZADKOVICH, 11. Tarek ELRICH, 12. Jobe WHEELHOUSE, 13. Sash PETROVSKI, 14. Labinot HALITI, 16. Jeremy BROCKIE, 17. Marcello FIORENTINI, 18. Marko JESIC, 19. Ali ABASS, 30. Paul HENDERSON
*two to be omitted*

In: Nil

Out: 21.Brodie MOOY (not selected), 22. Kaz PATAFTA (not selected), 2. Taylor REGAN (not selected)
Unavailable: 9. Zhang SHOU, 20. Neil YOUNG (illness - indefinite), 15. Sean ROONEY (calf – 4/6 weeks)

Melbourne Heart FC squad: 1. Clint BOLTON (gk), 2. Michael MARRONE, 3. Brendan HAMILL, 4. Simon COLOSIMO (c), 5. Michael BEAUCHAMP, 6. Matthew THOMPSON, 7. Rutger WORM, 9. Gerald SIBON, 10. Wayne SRHOJ, 11. ALEX TERRA, 12. Peter ZOIS (gk) 17. Jason HOFFMAN, 19. Eli BABALJ, 20. Josip SKOKO, 21. Kliment TASESKI, 22. Nick KALMAR, 23. Dean HEFFERNAN, 24. Aziz BEHICH

*three to be omitted*

In: 10. Wayne SRHOJ, 17. Jason HOFFMAN (promoted), 21. Kliment TASESKI (promoted)

Out: Nil

Unavailable: 15.John ALOISI (Hamstring – 3 weeks), 8.Kristian SARKIES (Leg – Indefinite), 14.Kamal IBRAHIM (not selected), 18.Ante TOMIC (not selected)

Saturday, 14 August, 2010
North Queensland Fury v Sydney FC
Dairy Farmers Stadium, Townsville
Local kick-off: 5.15pm
Referee: Peter Green

North Queensland Fury FC squad: 1. Justin PASFIELD (gk), 2.Jack HINGERT, 3.Brad McDonald, 4. Eric AKOTO, 5. Mark HUGHES, 7. Gareth EDDS (c), 8. Adam CASEY, 10. Dyron DAAL, 11. David WILLIAMS, 12. Panagiotis NIKAS, 14. Chris GROSSMAN, 15. Chris PAYNE, 16. Simon STOREY, 17. Osama MALIK, 18. Brett STUDMAN, 19. Isaka CERNAK, 20. Matthew HAM (gk), 21. Jason SPAGNUOLO\=

*five to be omitted*

In: 3.Brad McDonald (new signing), 9.Eugene SSEPPUYA (transfer clearance), 2.Jack HINGERT (promoted), 7.Ufuk TALAY (returns from calf injury)

Out: Nil

Unavailable: 13.Andre KILIAN (3 weeks - foot)

Sydney FC squad: 1. Liam REDDY (gk), 2. Sebastian RYALL 3. Stephan KELLER, 5. Hayden FOXE, 7. Brendan GAN, 8. Stuart MUSIALIK, 10. Nick CARLE, 11. Kofi DANNING, 12. Shannon COLE, 13. Antony GOLEC, 14. Alex BROSQUE, 15. Terry MCFLYNN (c), 20. Ivan NECEVSKI (gk), 21. Scott JAMIESON, 22. Sung-Hwan BYUN, 23. Rhyan GRANT

*one to be omitted*

In: 7.Brendan GAN

Out: 9.Mark BRIDGE (Hamstring – 1 week)

Unavailable: Nil

Saturday, 14 August, 2010
Melbourne Victory v Perth Glory
AAMI Park, Melbourne
Local kick-off: 7.30pm (5.30pm Perth-time)
Referee: Gerard Parsons

Melbourne Victory squad: 1.Michael PETKOVIC (gk), 2.Kevin MUSCAT (c), 3.Mate DUGANDZIC, 5. Surat SUKHA, 6. Leigh BROXHAM, 8.Grant BREBNER, 11.Marvin ANGULO, 12.Rodrigo VARGAS, 13.Diogo FERREIRA, 14.Billy CELESKI, 15.Tom PONDELJAK, 16.Carlos HERNANDEZ, 17.Matthew FOSCHINI, 19.Evan BERGER, 20.Sebastian MATTEI (gk), 22.Nick WARD, 23.Adrian LEIJER.

*two to be omitted*

In: 17.Matthew FOSCHINI (promoted), 13.Diogo FERREIRA (promoted)
Out: Robbie KRUSE - hamstring

Unavailable: Archie THOMPSON (knee - indefinite), Matthew KEMP (knee - indefinite), Robbie KRUSE (hamstring).

Perth Glory squad: 1. Tando VELAPHI, 2. Josh MITCHELL, 3. Jamie COYNE, 5. Jamie HARNWELL, 7. Jacob BURNS (c), 9.Robbie FOWLER, 10. Michael BAIRD, 11. Branko JELIC, 12. Scott NEVILLE, 14. Steven McGARRY, 16. Adriano PELLEGRINO, 17. Todd HOWARTH, 19. Naum SEKULOVSKI, 20. Aleks VRTESKI, 21. Mile STERJOVSKI, 22. Anthony SKORICH, 23. ANDRIJA JUKIC.

*two to be omitted*

**MITCHELL and BAIRD subject to international clearance
In: 2. Josh MITCHELL (awaiting clearance), 10. Michael BAIRD (awaiting clearance)

Out: Nil

Unavailable: Andy TOOD (knee- 2 weeks), Victor SIKORA (hip - 2 weeks), Tommy AMPHLETT (groin - 2 weeks), Chris COYNE (on loan – 8 weeks)

Sunday, 15 August 2010
Central Coast Mariners v Adelaide United
Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford
Local kick-off: 3.00pm
Referee: Kris Griffith-Jones

Central Coast Mariners squad: 1. Jess VANSTRATTAN (gk), 2 Daniel MCBREEN, 3. Joshua ROSE, 4. Pedj BOJIC, 5. Brad PORTER, 6. Patrick ZWAANSWIJK, 7. John HUTCHINSON, 8. Rostyn GRIFFITHS, 9. Nik MRDJA, 10. Patricio PEREZ, 11. Oliver BOZANIC, 12. Matthew LEWIS, 14. Michael McGLINCHEY, 18. Alex WILKINSON (c), 19. Matt SIMON, 20. Mathew RYAN (gk), 23. Adam KWASNIK

*two to be omitted*

In: 3. Joshua ROSE (transfer clearance), 10. Patricio PEREZ (return from injury)

Out: Nil

Unavailable: Nil

Adelaide United squad: 1.Eugene GALEKOVIC (gk), 4.Iain FYFE, 5.Daniel MULLEN, 6.CASSIO, 7.Lucas PANTELIS (c), 8.Adam HUGHES, 9.Sergio VAN DIJK, 10.Marcos FLORES, 12.Paul REID, 15.Francsco MONTEROSSO, 16.Inseob SHIN, 17.Iain RAMSAY, 19.Mathew LECKIE, 20.Mark BIRIGHITTI (gk), 24.Cameron WATSON

In: Marcos FLORES (returns from injury)

Out: Nigel BOOGAARD (ankle – 4/6 weeks)

Unavailable: Robert CORNTHWAITE (groin – 1 week), Travis DODD (groin – 7 weeks), Lloyd OWUSU (knee – indefinite), Fabian BARBIERO (ankle – 4 weeks)

Melbourne Heart v Central Coast Mariners

2010-08-04T19:28:00.000-07:00

Thursday, 5 August, 2010
Melbourne Heart v Central Coast Mariners
AAMI Park, Melbourne
Local kick-off: 7.30pm AEST
Referee: Chris Beath

Melbourne Heart kick start their inaugural A-League campaign tonight against a new look Central Coast Mariners. The first match of the 2010/2011 season also marks the debut of Melbourne’s new football specific stadium, AAMI Park.

Melbourne Heart will go into the match as many bookies favourties, after assembling one of the best squads in the A-League. Most impressive is the defensive unit Heart coach John van 't Schip has at his disposal, including Socceroo’s Simon Colosimo, Michael Beauchamp, Dean Heffernan and goalkeeper Clint Bolton. Promising right back Michael Marrone looks set to start after moving from Adelaide United in the off season.

Heart’s midfield is just as impressive, with the underrated Wayne Srhoj drafted in to anchor the midfield with experienced A-League campaigner Matthew Thompson and former Socceroo Josip Skoko likely to line up next to him in a three man midfield.

Upfront, Melbourne Heart has recruited Dutchmen Gerald Sibon and Rutger Worm, along with Brazilian Alex Terra. Not much is known of Terra, and van't Schip is likely use him off the bench. Melbourne Heart also has an array of talented youngsters in Eli Babalj and Kliment Taseski. Former Melbourne Victory youngster Aziz Behich has been drafted in on an injury cover contract

John Aloisi looks set to miss that start of the season with a hamstring injury.

Tonight’s match also marks the return of Graeme Arnold to the domestic coaching scene after a decade in the national team set-up. Arnold has promised a new look Central Coast outfit, often criticized in the past for playing ‘agricultural’ style football.

New recruit, Patricio Perez looks set to miss the match with a hamstring injury, whilst off season recruit Josh Rose is ineligible awaiting transfer clearance from his former Romanian club FC Universitatea Craiova. Dutch defender Patrick Zwaanswijk will make his A-League debut as will Oliver Bozanic who recently returned to Australia after stints with English lower league clubs Cheltenham Town and Aldershot Town.

Melbourne Heart squad:

1. Clint BOLTON (gk), 2. Michael MARRONE, 3. Brendan HAMILL, 4. Simon COLOSIMO (c), 5. Michael BEAUCHAMP, 6. Matthew THOMPSON, 7. Rutger WORM, 9. Gerald SIBON, 10. Wayne SRHOJ, 11. ALEX TERRA, 17. Jason HOFFMAN, 19. Eli BABALJ, 20. Josip SKOKO, 21. Kliment TASESKI, 22. Nick KALMAR, 23. Dean HEFFERNAN, 24. Aziz BEHICH, 20.Peter ZOIS

*three to be omitted*

Unavailable: John ALOISI (Hamstring – 4 weeks), Kristian SARKIES (Leg – Indefinite), 14.Kamal IBRAHIM (not selected), 18.Ante TOMIC (not selected)

Central Coast Mariners squad: 1. Jess VANSTRATTAN (gk), 2 Daniel MCBREEN, 4. Pedj BOJIC, 5. Brad PORTER, 6. Patrick ZWAANSWIJK, 7. John HUTCHINSON, 8. Rostyn GRIFFITHS, 9. Nik MRDJA, 10. Patricio PEREZ, 11. Oliver BOZANIC, 12. Matthew LEWIS, 14. Michael McGLINCHEY, 18. Alex WILKINSON (c), 19. Matt SIMON, 20. Mathew RYAN (gk), 23. Adam KWASNIK.

*one to be omitted*

Unavailable: 3. Joshua ROSE (ineligible), 15. Marc WARREN, 16. Trent SAINSBURY, 17. Chris DOIG, 21. Sam GALLAGHER, 22. Mustafa AMINI (not selected)

A-League Update

2010-07-21T22:53:00.000-07:00

18 Yards Out takes a look at all the A-League action and movement from the last week

Adelaide United

Adelaide United look set to announce the signing of former Sydney Olympic and Sydney FC midfielder Iain Ramsey. It is believed the player will be offered a one year deal with the Reds.

Meanwhile Rini Coolen has moved to hose down speculation that Eugene Galekovic could on his way out of Hindmarsh for a move to Europe. Fox Sports reports that Galekovic believes a European move would enhance his chances of winning a Socceroo’s' berth at next year's AFC Asian Cup and to keep him in contention for the 2014 World Cup.

The A-Leagues goalkeeper of the year is said to be worth $1.5 million on the European transfer marker, however it is believed that Adelaide would unlikely would receive such a figure with reports suggesting Galekovic has a much more modest release price written into his current Adelaide contract

Brisbane Roar

Brisbane last week moved to increase their attacking weaponry for the upcoming A-League season, signing Costa Rican striker Jean Carlo Solorzano on loan from Costa Rican club LD Alajuelense.

Solorzano was apart of Costa Rica’s under 17 & under 20 world cup squads that competed in Peru in 2005 & Canada in 2007 respectively. Solorzano was Alajuelense’s leading scorer in the recently completed Costa Rican season, scoring 12 goals in 25 games.

It is expected Solorzano will make his debut against Branko Culina's Newcastle Jets in Port Macquarie this weekend.

Liam McCormick will join the Queensland Roar’s youth set up after winning this years Football Superstar. The 17 year old from Labrador QLD is the third winner of Fox 8’s reality TV show.

Central Coast Mariners

The Central Coast Mariners this week announced the signing of former Juventus and Gold Coast Utd goalkeeper Jess Vanstrattan.

The one time Terrigal Soccer Club junior had a seven year stint in Italy before returning to Australia for Gold Coast’s inaugural season in the A-League. The move will re-united Vanstrattan with Graeme Arnold who he played under at Northern Spirit in 1999

Goals from strikers Matt Simon and Adam Kwasnik helped the Central Coast Mariners to a come-from-behind 2-all draw against Sydney FC at the Sydney Showground last Saturday night.

Gold Coast United

Gold Coast United moved swiftly to replace the out going Jess Vanstrattan, by signing for Wellington and Melbourne Victory goalkeeper Glenn Moss. Moss moves to Gold Coast after an indifferent season between the posts for Melbourne Victory last season. Moss recently went to the World Cup in South Africa with the All-Whites

Adding to their keeper stocks, Gold Coast have also signed their National Youth Team goalkeeper Jerrard Tyson . Hobart born Tyson is considered by many at the club as one of Australia’s brightest young goalkeepers. This is Tyson’s first professional contract

GCU have also added promising attacking midfielder Ben Halloran to their squad. Halloran was recently called into the Young Socceroo’s squad that is set to compete in the upcoming Asean Football Federation (AFF) U-19 Youth Championship 2010, in Ho Chi Minh City.

Meanwhile Shane Smeltz has decided China is not for him and his family and is staying with Gold Coast. Shane Smeltz's move to China had been short-lived, returning to Australia only five days after arriving in Jinan to sign for Chinese Super League club Shandong Luneng.

The All Whites striker has reneged on a switch to Chinese Super League club Shandong Luneng.

A Gold Coast newspaper report states Smeltz has decided after just five days in China that it would be impossible for his wife and two children to settle in Jinan, a sprawling metropolis 400 kilometres south of Beijing.Smeltz's International Transfer Clearance form was never dispatched by United, so he is free to rejoin Gold Coast United.

As the new campaign’s opening day draws ever closer, Gold Coast United play their final official pre-season match this Sunday afternoon (25 July) against North Queensland Fury at Carrara Stadium.

Melbourne Heart

Melbourne Heart will play a friendly match with the Loddon Mallee Lighting on Thursday 22 July at Epsom Huntly Recreation Reserve.

Melbourne Victory

Melbourne Victory and All White goalkeeper Glenn Moss this week agreed terms to replace the out going Jess Vanstrattan at Gold Coast United.

Moss made 14 appearances for Melbourne Victory during the Hyundai A-League 2009/10 season, as well as representing the club in its AFC Asian Champions League campaign earlier in the year.

Melbourne Victory's 2-1 friendly game victory over Dandenong Thunder on Tuesday night saw Billy Celeski continue his long return from a serious knee injury. Celeski popped up to provided the late winner with an 89th minute strike

Newcastle Jets

Former Leicester City and North Queensland goalkeeper Paul Henderson, has signed a short-term contract to cover Neil Young who is on track to resume training in six weeks time. Young had suffered complications from surgery to fix a broken nose earlier this year after a clash with Gold Coast striker Shane Smeltz

The Jets currently hold a 100% pre-season record with their latest victory coming against a Sydney United select assembled as a farwell game for former Socceroo’s Zeljko Kalac. Goals to Jeremy Brokie and Ali Abbas saw Newcastle record a 2-0 victory at Edensor Park.

This win followed on from a 3-1 win over of an NBN Select XI side in the Hunter and a 2-1 victory against A-League debutants Melbourne Heart. The Jets next assignment comes in Port Macquarie this weekend as the take on Brisbane Roar. The Jets also have a trial planned against NSW Premier League club Rockdale City on Wednesday July 28.

North Queensland Fury

Rumours are abound that the North Queensland Fury is due to announce an international striker this week. Kenyan international Francis Ouma seems to have missed out on a contract despite impressive form during the Fury’s pre-season, which included a double against the Razorbacks

North Queensland players have recently been full of praise for new Czech Franz Straka. Straka’s North Queensland continued their pre-season preparations with a 4-1 victory over Papua New Guinea football club Hekari FC

North Queensland next assignment is against Adelaide United at Townsville’s Brolga Park on Friday 30th July.

The Adelaide match will be the Fury’s final pre-season fixture ahead of the new Hyundai A-League season, but before then, the squad will travel to Cararra for a “friendly” against last year’s rivals, Gold Coast United on Sunday 25th July at 3pm.

Perth Glory

Perth Glory may have been missing marquee man Robbie Fowler, but that did not hamper their pre-season preparations with the Glory recording a 2-1 victory over Football West Premier League outfit, Armadale FC

Armadale FC took the lead 19 minutes into the match thru Jason Goodwin, however second half goals from Branko Jelic and Jamie Harnwell handed Perth Glory the victory
Perth Glory had returned only four days from a camp in China.

Jamie Coyne and Adriano Pellegrino both started the match for Perth Glory after returning from overseas trials during the week.

Sydney FC

Sydney FC’s search for a new striker continues, with the club admitting this week they had assessed around 80 different forwards, but insist they are waiting on the right player and will not be rushed. Sydney FC coach has stated he hopes for the position to be filled before the start of the season.

"Time has passed quickly and we need him,'' Lavicka said. ''But we're working hard for that. We will bring in a player to trial and hope to sign him after that.''

Vice-Chairman stated: We're looking for more of a physical presence up front; a striker who can hold the ball up.''

Sydney FC yesterday announced the signing of versatile former J3 midfielder Hiro Moriyasu, and has since announced striker Alex Brosque has signed a new three year deal at the club

Wellington Phoenix

After a quite build up due to coach Ricki Herbert’s commitments to the All-Whites World Cup adventure, things have really come alive this week over in Wellington. The Phoenix take on Argentinean giants Boca Juniors at Westpac Stadium in Wellington on Friday, July 23.

Englishman Chris Shuker and Argentinean playmaker Roberto Carlos Cornejo are expected to make their debut’s for Wellington as they try to convince Ricki Herbert they are worthy of an A-League contract.

Herbert hopes Cornejo is able to fill a creative midfield role

Englishman Chris Shuker will touch down in Wellington today and be thrown in the deep end against Boca Juniors tomorrow as the Wellington Phoenix continue their quest for attacking depth ahead of the A-League season. Herbert also wants to sign former Newcastle Jets skipper Jade North as a central defender but admits his chances are "touch and go".

Reports this week also linked American born MK Dons player Jemal Johnson with Wellington.

All Whites midfielder Simon Elliot is also said to be open to discussions with the Phoenix.

Hirofumi “Hiro” Moriyasu

2010-07-20T15:46:00.000-07:00

Current A-League champions Sydney FC will today unveil their latest signing, Japanese midfielder Hirofumi “Hiro” Moriyasu

Moriyasu has been a prominent figure in Sydney FC’s pre-season, and recently came off the bench against Premier League outfit Everton.

The 25-year-old Japanese midfielder has been plying his trade most recently for APIA Leichhardt in the New South Wales Premier League since March, and his arrival coincided with a remarkable turn around of form for the Tigers, helping lift APIA from bottom of the table to finals contenders.

Moriyasu grew up in both Japan and the US, and has previously played for J3 outfit Mitsubishi Mizushima in Japan.

In May 2010, The Inner West Courier reported 'Moriyasu was on the verge of quitting football to get a “normal job” when he got the chance to come Down Under'

Melbourne's Many Firsts

2010-07-19T19:54:00.000-07:00

In 3 weeks time, Melbourne Victory will kick-off their 6th season in a Grand Final replay against arch rival Sydney FC in Sydney. The August 7th clash will mark the third time the arch rivals have faced off in the first round, the previous two season openers also coming at the Sydney football Stadium. Both of those games, including both clubs first ever A-League match, ended in draws.

For Melbourne Victory this will be the first time they will commence a season without either of their goal scoring talisman Danny Allsopp or Archie Thompson. Melbourne Victory are the league’s highest goal scorers, amassing 182 regular season goals over the leagues first 5 seasons, 82 of those goals have come off the boot of either Thompson or Allsopp. Danny Allsopp left for Qatari club Al-Rayyan Sports Clubjust 5 games into the 2009/2010 season and currently plies his trade in the MLS, while Archie Thompson is sidelined until January with anterior cruciate ligament damage.

With just one recognised striker currently on their books, Victory fans could be forgiven for wondering where the goals are going to come from. Coach Ernie Merrick has stated that the search for a replacement striker continues, but isn’t promising anything, hoping that his midfield can do the job for now and help in the goal scoring department.

Key midfielders, Carlos Hernandez, Nick Ward and Tom Pondeljak are all fine attacking players, but don’t really have goal scoring records that will put the frighteners into opposing teams, whilst Costa Rican Marvin Angulo has yet to prove he can match it in the A-League. Angulo showed glimpses of what he can offer Melbourne Victory in the attacking third late last season and Merrick will surly be hoping that having had some time to settle, Angulo could yet prove to be a shrewd signing, although questions mark still remain over his ability to handle the physicality of the A-League.

Off the field, season 6 of the Hyundai A-League will prove to be a just as important for Melbourne Victory. New rivals Melbourne Heart will announce their arrival, opening the league with a clash against Graeme Arnold’s Central Coast Mariners on August 5.

This match will signal the first A-League match at the recently opened AAMI Park in Melbourne, a new football specific stadium with a capacity of 30,050 which will surly excite football fans in the Victorian capital.

A-League Off Season Review - The Story So Far

2010-07-19T19:43:00.000-07:00

Adelaide United - 17 players are signed

With Aurelio Vidmar’s decision to quit club football in favour of a role with the national team, the FFA controlled Adelaide United found themselves in need of a new coach over the winter break.After a lengthy search, it was announced on the 5th of July that Dutchman Rini Coolen would take control of the club, signing a two year deal.

Coolen will have his work cut out for him, turning around the fortunes of a club which finished last season with the wooden spoon. Marcos Flores & Sergio van Dijk have been important signings for the Reds, however with a full compliment of foreign spots already allocated, Adelaide will need to fill the remaining roster spots with Australian players, which for Coolen will be no easy task.

Adelaide’s defensive depth looks to be the most concerning matter for the new coach, while rumours continue to circulate about goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic’s future at the club, with recent speculation linking him with a move to Turkey

Brisbane Roar - 19 players are signed

Brisbane coach Ange Postecoglou probably had one of the tougher recruitment assignments in the A-League this off season. A clean out completed last season saw some of Brisbane’s most experienced players leave the club, along with goal scoring talisman Sergio van Dijk.

They looked to have recruited well with Michael Theoklitos & Shane Steffanuto, while much is expected from off-season signings, Thomas Broich, Eric Paartalu & Rocco Visconte.Massimo Murdocca & Matt McKay will again no doubt provide the engine in midfield, however it’s upfront that could prove to be the key to Brisbane’s season.

Postecoglou will be hoping that Reinaldo can recapture some of the goal scoring form that saw him become a crowd favourite before his ill-fated move to K-League side Busan I'Park. Brisbane still has 1 foreign spot available. Brisbane are looking for a return to the finals in season 6 after their worst finish in their A-League history, finishing 2nd last.

Central Coast Mariners - 21 players are signed

New coach Graeme Arnold has a lot to prove this coming A-League season. Much maligned for his role in the national team set up in recent years, Arnold will return to club coaching for the first time since 2001.

Arnold has invested heavily in youth, including 16 year old AIS starlet Mustafa Amini, but has also looked to bring in some international experience with the signing of former NAC Breda defender Patrick Zwaanswijk.Most eyes however will be on Patricio Perez, the one time national youth teammate of Lionel Messi. The former Vélez Sársfield midfielder is expected to provide a spark to the Mariners attack, but some may question his ability to handle the physical nature of the A-League. At just 5ft 6 inches he stands just a ½ inch taller then one time Sydney FC midfielder Juninho.

A new style of football and professionalism has been promised by Graeme Arnold, and he will need to deliver otherwise he will undoubtedly find a familiar chant ringing in his ears up at Bluetongue. Most new coaches are afforded a honeymoon period by the press and fans alike, I suspect Graeme Arnold may not be so lucky.

Goalkeeper Danny Vukovic is a big loss for Central Coast and with young Matthew Ryan as the only keeper at the club after Andrew Redmayne’s departure for Brisbane; Graeme Arnold will be well pressed to find an experience replacement and is surely his number 1 priority .

Central Coast still have 1 allocated foreign spot to fill should they decided to use it

Gold Coast United - 18 players are signed

Gold Coast United were the brash new boy on the block last season. With a controversial billionaire owner and a charismatic coach, they were never far from the headlines. They will be looking to back up a solid start to the clubs debut season with more of the same.

Marquee man Jason Culina returns after a mixed World Cup, however New Zealand star and last seasons golden boot winner Shane Smeltz has departed for Chinese club Shandong Luneng.English defender, John Curtis remains Miron Bleiberg’s only off season recruit so far however, with a possible 5 spots left to fill and a key striker to be replaced, Gold Coast United will be surely scouring the countryside for potential recruits.

With Brazilian brothers Robson and Anderson, Dutchman Bas van den Brink, & Ivorian Adama Traoré rounding out Gold Coast’s foreign contingent, Bleiberg’s biggest task will be recruiting a player who can replace Shane Smeltz’s impressive goal tally last season.

Melbourne Heart - 19 players are signed

Making their debut season, much is already expected from Melbourne Heart. An impressive recruitment drive by Dutch coach John van 't Schip has seen the new club capture former and current Socceroo’s Josip Skoko, Simon Colosimo, John Aloisi & Michael Beauchamp along with veteran Dutch striker Gerald Sibon.

Van’t Schip has also recruited 6 under 21 players so far and is looking to mix youth with experience while promising to play an attractive brand of football. With 4 spots left on their roster, including 2 foreign, Melbourne Heart look to be following Gold Coast United with an impressive debut season.

Melbourne Victory - 21 players are signed

Last years Grand Finalist has had a rather uneventful off season in the transfer market so far, much to the frustration of many Victory supporters.Young goalkeeping star Mitch Langerak departed for Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund, being replaced by fringe Socceroo Michael Petkovic.

Melbourne Victory currently has 2 foreign spots available, which they will be hoping to use to replace injured marquee man Archie Thompson. Captain Kevin Muscat was expected to retire, but has re-signed for a further 12 months.

Newcastle Jets - 22 players are signed

Branko Culina’s squad looks to have been completed with the recent signings of Chinese striker Zhang Shuo & Italian midfielder Marcello Fiorentini. The Jets were surprise finalists last season finishing 6th and going on to defeat the much fancied Gold Coast United in the finals series.

Culina has bought in 6 new faces to the squad including Kasey Wehrman and former Sydney FC players Jeremy Brockie and Ruben Zadkovich.Newcastle Jets squad is certainly an eclectic mix of talented youngsters, seasoned professionals and unproven imports. Branko certainly does not need anymore strikers.

North Queensland Fury - 18 players are signed

North Queensland Fury certainly had an interesting off-season, losing their financial backing, marquee star Robbie Fowler and rookie coach Ian Ferguson. After much community rallying and FFA support, the Fury were confirmed as participating in season 6 of the A-League.

The club has basically started it’s recruitment from scratch, retaining only 7 players from its inaugural season. Czech coach František Straka has been charged with the task of resurrecting the player roster.Cult hero Dyron Daal had been retained, as has exciting prospect and Queensland native David Williams. Garath Edds has returned to Australia after 13 years in Britain and has been joined by Togolese defender Eric Akoto and German André Kilian in a re-vamped backline.

Straka still has 5 squad spots at his disposal, including the opportunity to bring in one more visa player. He will need to recruit smartly if the Fury are going to improve on last seasons 7th finish

Perth Glory - 22 players are signed

Perth Glory qualified for their first A-League finals appearance last season. Probably the squad with the least amount of room to move over the winter break, Perth did however manage to swing to most talked about signing in the off-season - Robbie Fowler, and in doing so became the first A-League club to take advantage of the new marquee system.

Michael Baird and Josh Mitchell both returned from stints abroad to round out Dave Mitchells squad. Perth fans will no doubt expect the Glory to replicate last seasons finals finish, but with Tony Sage’s heavy investment over the last two season, I suspect he will expect more then just that.

Wellington Phoenix - 17 players are signed

Wellington were last seasons good news story. The un-fancied team with un-fancied players from across the ditch who finished a very respectable 3rd, losing to eventual winners Sydney FC.Ricky Herbert will be hoping that the momentum of their finals rush, coupled with New Zealands performance at the World Cup will translate into a positive start in what will be Wellingtons 4th appearance in the A-League.

Not much has gone on over in Wellington in the last few weeks while Herbert has been in South Africa. One good bit of news for Wellington supporters will be the news that Herbert has decided to extend his contract with the Wellington Phoenix until the end of the 2012/13 A-League season. Last season top performer Paul Iffil will be just as important to the Phoenix this season if they are to repeat last seasons efforts. Former Mariner Dylan Macallister is the notable addition to the Phoenix’s roster.