Next Generation of Next Gems Four Four Two Feature

Here is a link to the feature I wrote that originally appeared in the Dec 2014 issue of @FourFourTwoOz mag called The Next Gen of Next Gems.

Read more at: http://www.fourfourtwo.com/au/features/next-gen-next-gems

The article featured interviews with : Panos Armenakas, (16) Udinese, Italy  Attacking midfielder, Gavin De Niese (18) River Plate, Argentina Central midfielder, James Demetriou (19) Swansea, England Striker, Rafael Jimenez (18) Villarreal, Spain Central defender, Gian Mendez (16) Valencia, Spain Central midfielder, Reno Piscopo (16) Inter Milan, Italy Winger/Striker, Steven Ugarkovic (19)  NK Osijek, Croatia  Defensive midfielder.

With the final members of Australia's Golden Generation all but gone, and the Socceroos in transition, where do we look for the Next Gen of Next Gems – the players with the potential to take Australian football past what came before it?

Some may never develop enough to be in contention, some may go on to be the a new Cahill, Viduka or Kewell – but across the world, there are Aussie youngsters out there, plugging away in far off lands, staking their claim to be the Next Gen Next Gem. We met up with some…

Interview with Nk Zagreb's Aussie Abroad Rika Strika

Roko Strika is the latest Australian young gun to make his professional debut in the European topflight.

Read more of my interview with him here at: http://www.fourfourtwo.com/au/news/strika-australia#rgHTdHcd6TLbA37D.99

The Next Generation of Next Gems Latest 442 magazine feature

Buy the latest 442 Magazine features a story I wrote on the Next Gen of Australian Next Gems: 
Featuring: Panos Armenakas (Udinese, Itlay). James Demetriou (Swansea, England), Gavin De Niese (River Plate, Argentina)
Rafaael Jimenez ( Villareal, Spain), Gian Mendez (Valencia Spain), Reno Piscopo (Inter Milan Italy), Steven Ugarkovic ( NK Osijek, Croatia) 

The young Aussies bypassing the A-League to sparkle at top clubs overseas. You might not know their names now...but you will when they turn up in the Socceroos  - or are lured away by the countries where they're now plying their trade.

Read more at http://www.fourfourtwo.com/au/news/hero-or-villain#8RWPppJ8QAALoFca.99

Full Interview with World Cup Socceroo Tommy Oar

Here is the full interview with Tommy Oar that appeared on the Fox Sports Website on September 04 2014

http://www.foxsports.com.au/football/socceroos/tommy-oar-reflects-on-missed-chance-against-holland-and-world-cup-performance-ahead-of-belgium-riendly/story-e6frf4l3-1227047795442

1) Hey Tommy, it’s been a while since we last spoke, a lot has happened since then, the first question is obviously about the World Cup, what was the overall  the experience like?

The  World Cup was an amazing experience. It is the highest level a player can reach in there career, so to get the opportunity to play three games was fantastic.

( photo above Charles Aranguiz of Chile challenges Tommy Oar of Australia during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group B match between Chile and Australia at Arena Pantanal on June 13, 2014 in Cuiaba, Brazil. June 12, 2014 - Source: Stu Forster/Getty Images South America)

2) The first time you stepped on the pitch to play Chile it would have been one of your boyhood dreams come true; what were the emotions?

A combination of nerves and excitement. The occasion probably got the better of me in this game, but I felt that as the tournament went on I performed better.

3) What was going through your mind when the Socceroos were down 2-0 against Chile? What was the feeling like when Tim Cahill scored against Chile? 

The Socceroos fought back in second half it must have been frustrating experience not to equalise and then conceding a third goal late?

Obviously disappointing to start our world cup in such a way. Put us completely on the back foot. I thought we showed great character to come back, and were unlucky in the end not to get a result.

4) For many Socceroos fans the Holland game was unforgettable, many fans felt like it was a win rather than a loss, bit I suspect for the players it was heartbreaking.

Tell us your feeling about playing Holland? You were up against many players that you come up against in the Dutch Eredivisie? 

The Holland game was the one I was most eagerly anticipating. Obviously playing against a lot of the players from there was strange, and I knew exactly what to expect from their play.

 I thought we performed really well and put them under a lot of pressure.

I think on a different day, we would have won the game.

5) Talk us through the Holland game key moments. From Tim Cahill’s spectacular goal that brought the  equaliser to Mile Jedinak’s goal to go ahead if only for a brief moment and your cross to Mathew Leckie. 

Many felt you should have taken a shot instead of crossing, looking back now how do you feel about that moment? What was it like out there on the pitch?

I think the difference between the two teams on the day was taking chances. Van Persie, Robben and Depay had one chance all game and all took it. 

Timmy scored an amazing goal, and I think we had a few moments in the game where we perhaps could have scored, mine obviously a major one. 

If I had shot and missed, people would be criticising saying I should have squared it so it’s a tough one. 

There is no doubt I should have done better, however, If I had my time again, I think I would've taken an extra touch and given Leckie a more friendly pass.

6) How do you feel about your performance at the World Cup?

Mixed feelings. Obviously playing at the highest level, coming up against the best defenders in the world is always going to be tough. 

I’m disappointed I couldn't have a more positive impact, however I am grateful for the experience. 

It has highlighted for me the things which I need to work on and what I need to improve.

7) Your World Cup experience gave you the opportunity to play against Croatia, Chile, Holland and Spain these are world class teams what did you learn from the experience?

When you get to such a level, I think the differences are the small details. Looking at how the Dutch, and the Chileans, took advantage of the chances they had in the game, they had the killer instinct which is something I lacked in the tournament. 

Having said that, I think we had a brilliant preparation and left no stone unturned. 

The coaches gave us all the tools we needed to be successful, and this allowed us to take the game to world class opposition for periods of each game.

( photo Marcelo Diaz of Chile and Tommy Oar of Australia battle for the ball during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group B match between Chile and Australia at Arena Pantanal on June 13, 2014 in Cuiaba, Brazil.Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images South America)

8) Can you tell us what the feeling was like in camp after each game? For example getting so close against Chile, getting so close against Holland and the learning experience the team got from playing against Spain?

I think after the first game it was mixed feelings. We fought back and performed so well, but couldn’t help but wonder how it might have turned out if we didn’t have such a nervous start. 

The second game was obviously the hardest to swallow, as it was the game that ultimately knocked us out of the tournament.

9) Holger Osieck was sacked after poor results against Brazil and France what was the feeling like it must have been hard to go through that?

Of course It was a difficult and uncertain period for all of the players. No player likes being on the back of such heavy defeats, but I think all the players were still surprised. 

Ultimately I think it had a good effect on the team, and nobody took there place for granted in the squad.

10) What can you tell us about Socceroos Coach Ange Postecoglou? He seemed to turn around the Socceroos mentality it showed against Costa Rica and Ecuador what style he wanted to play tell us about the influence he had on the team leading up to The World Cup?

He has a very positive effect on the group and has the ability to get the best out of his players. 

He demands for the whole team to maintain their highest standards which creates a healthy competitive atmosphere.

As I mentioned, he always manages to get the best out of his players, not only tactically, but also psychologically.

11) We saw that the Aussies had a good bond during the World Cup can you tell us any stories that occurred in camp? Who were you closest to in the squad?

I think it’s a very healthy team atmosphere in the team, and there are no real divides. 

Everyone gets along well with everyone. However, there are some players who I have known for a long time, such as Matt Mckay and Ben Halloran.

12) You got injured in Brazil during the World Cup how is that injury going? Was your knee a problem before you injured it? Were you fully fit during the World Cup?

Obviously was disappointing to end the world cup with an injury. I was fully fit the entire tournament but it was one moment where I tweeked my knee. After 10 weeks of rehab, I made my first appearance since the World Cup yesterday against Feyenoord.

13) What are your thoughts on the Asian Cup in January you must be looking to build on the World Cup performance do you have ambitions to win the Asian Cup on home soil?

There is a lot of football between now and then. Of course it is in the back of everyone's mind, and it is something which all players will want to be involved in. 

With another six months preparation between the world cup and then, I think everyone is confident we can take our game to a new level, and be a serious contender to win.

14) Your Eredivisie career has seen you play over 80 games for Utrecht FC you must feel like you belong in Europe now?

I think the one major difference between the Eredivisie and the A-League is the depth of the teams. It is difficult to get that feeling of ‘belonging’. 

You know that if you don’t perform for a few weeks in succession that you will lose your place. 

I am fortunate to be gaining more experience in a fantastic league, but it’s important to never get complacent.

16) Looking back on your time with Utrecht FC what moments stand out?

In my first season here we played in the Europa League, playing the likes of Celtic, Liverpool, Napoli etc which was an amazing experience. Also in my third season here, we had a great year and finished with the most ever points in a season for Utrecht.

17) Last season Utrecht finished 10^th and the season before it was fifth. Was it a case of Utrecht overachieving when it came fifth? What are your thoughts on how the team did and your own performance last season?

I think everyone involved in the club was disappointed with how it went last year. Looking at the quality of our squad, we are a side nobody likes to play against.

 Last year was a case of dropping to many points, particularly away from home. This year we have started very positively and are playing with a renewed confidence.

18)  Any truth about any recent transfer rumours linking you with clubs like Udinese? Do you have ambitions to play anywhere else in Europe? The English Premier League for example?

I am a very ambitious person and want the best for my career. However the Eredivisie is a fantastic League and I am very happy at FC Utrecht. 

I have one year remaining on my current contract and am fortunate enough to be getting regular game time. If something came up I would see if it was the right step for my career.

Aussies Abroad Month in Review August 2014

Here is the Aussies Abroad Month in Review for August 2014 compiled by Damian Davies. Email Damian for any updates or new info damiandavies@ymail.com

The European season is back for 2014/15, the Asian leagues continue, the transfer window has just closed and the Socceroos are getting ready to play a few friendlies - football is back and plenty to review for the month of August!!

Transfers:-  the number of Aussies Abroad continues to swell with some more interesting destinations like Uzbekistan, Kenya and The Maldives now seeing Aussie expats plying their trade.  Some notable movements with several Aussies such as Davidson, Demetriou and Gallifuoco joining the English Premier League. Current Socceroos Ivan Franjic and James Troisi finding new homes, along with recent Socceroos in Luke Wilkshire and Jackson Irvine.  Of the more notable players seemingly still searching for a club are Lucas Neill and Kerem Bulut.

Additions/changes to player database:

Evan Alexandrow-Ridley (19 Jun 1994) - transferred to Ekranas, Lithuania

Mitchell Austin (3 Apr 1991) - loan from Cambridge Town to Brackley Town, England

Emre Balci (5 Apr 1987) - transferred from Inegolspor to Diyarbakir Buyuksehir Belediyespor, Turkey

Andrew Barisic (22 Mar 1986) - transferred from South China to Kerala Blasters, India

Brandon Chin (14 Feb 1995) - transferred to FC Hennof 05, Germany

Daniel Collins (15 Jun 1995) - transferred from Bala Town FC to Wrexham, Englanf

Jason Davidson (29 Jun 1991) - transferred from Heracles Almelo to West Bromwich Albion, England

James Demetriou (14 Aug 1995)  - transferred from Nottingham Forest to Swansea City, England

Kenny Dougall (7 May 1993) - transferred to Telstar 1963, Netherlands

Jonathan Faerber (15 Mar 1988) - transferred from FSV Erlangen-Bruck to TSV 1860 Rosenheim, Germany

Ivan Franjic (10 Sep 1987) - transferred from Brisbane Roar to FK Torpedo Moscow, Russia

Petar Franjic (7 Apr 1992) - transferred to Olmaliq, Uzbekistan

Rocci Gabey (TBC) - transferred to Kaya FC, Philippines

Giancarlo Gallifuoco (12 Jan 1994) - transferred from Tottenham to Swansea City, England

Sam Gibson (11 Nov 1988) - transferred from SV Bergisch Gladbach 09 to TSV Germania Windeck, Germany

Carter Glockner (16 Sep 1994) - transferred to 1. CFR Pforzheim, Germany

Tom Glover (24 Dec 1997) - transferred to Tottenham, England

Liam Graham (14 Aug 1992) - loan from Monza to Pro Partia, Italy

Alex Grant (23 Jan 1994) - loan from Stoke City to Macclesfield Town, England

Max Haubus (8 Mar 1993) - transferred from TuS Koblenz II to SV Rot WeiB Hadamar, Germany

Jackson Irvine (7 Mar 1993) - loan from Celtic to Ross County, Scotland

Luke Kairies (4 Mar 1995) - transferred to FC Eindhoven, Netherlands

Josip Konyit (29 Apr 1992) - transferred from Trento Calcio to Inter Zapresic, Croatia

Evan Kostopoulos (7 May 1990) - transferred from Sydney Olympic to South China, Hong Kong

Theo Markelis (24 Jun 1992) - transferred from Hercules Alicante to PAE Veria, Greece

Josh Macdonald (TBC) - transferred from Sydney FC to Nottingham Forest, England

Ian Niva (1994) - transferred to Gor Mahia, Kenya

Richard Porta (1 Aug 1983) - transferred from Nacional to Independiate del Valle, Ecuador

Alistair Quinn (1 Jun 1993) - transferred from NAC Breda to Telstar 1963, Netherlands

David Rowley (6 Feb 1990) - transferred to Club Sportif Grevenmacher, Luxembourg

Mario Simic (28 Dec 1989) - transferred to Lucko, Croatia

Brad Smith (9 Apr 1994) - loan from Liverpool to Swindon Town, England

Roko Strika (12 Feb 1994) - transferred from Velika Gorica to GNK Dinamo Zagreb, Croatia

Dean Tomeski (4 Feb 1991) - transferred to FY Makedonija GJP, Macedonia

James Troisi (3 Jul 1988) - loan from Juventus to SV Zulte Waragem, Belgium

Luke Wilkshire (2 Oct 1981) - transferred from Dinamo Moscow to Feyenoord, Netherlands

Removed from player database: 

Luis Abadia (Kaya FC) - uncontracted, whereabouts unknown

Dario Al Saad (B&I Svebolle) - uncontracted, whereabouts unknown

Matthew Bonasera (CF Badalona) - uncontracted, returned to Australia

Bryan Bran (FC Chabab) - uncontracted, whereabouts unknown

Kerem Bulut (Akhiser Belediyespor) - uncontracted, whereabouts unknown

Billy Celeski (Liaoning Whowin) - transferred to Newcastle Jets

Christian Esposito (Novara) - uncontracted, whereabouts unknown

Matthew Fletcher (Hull City) - uncontracted, whereabouts unknown

Charlie Fuller (Balzan Youths) - uncontracted, whereabouts unknown

Iain Fyfe (Mes Kerman) - transferred to Campbelltown City, SA

Ryan Go (Feyenoord) - uncontracted, whereabouts unknown

Calvin Lovric (Hercules Alicante B) - uncontracted, whereabouts unknown

Ben McNamara (Northampton Town) - uncontracted, whereabouts unknown

Jordan Nadalin (Balzan Youths) - uncontracted, whereabouts unknown

Lucas Neill (Watford FC) - uncontracted, whereabouts unknown

Conor O'Neill (Middlesbrough) - uncontracted, returned to Australia

Stepehen O'Neill (Middlesbrough) - uncontracted, returned to Australia

Robert Paratore (Leicester City) - transferred to Barwell, England (non-league)

Adam Parkhouse (Stalybridge Celtic) - uncontracted, whereabouts unknown

Steve Pepper (FCV Dender) - transferred to Croydon Kings, SA

Connor Thurston (Blackpool) - uncontracted, returned to Australia

Sebastian Usai (Cowdenbeath FC) - uncontracted, returned to Australia

Daniell Zeleny (Churchill Brothers) - uncontracted, returned to Australia

Club Level:-

England (Premier League) - Mile Jedinak has continued as captain at Crystal Palace, playing 90 minutes in each of the club's first three fixtures.  Jason Davidson has made his starting debut after a prolonged transfer from Holland.  The only other Aussie that has made a match day squad to date is Liverpool reserve keeper Brad Jones.

England (Championship) - making their senior debuts for Fulham were young defender Cameron Burgess and Ryan Williams.  To recap, Williams had a fantastic loan spell at Oxford United last year and has returned a better player.  Great to see Scott McDonald on the scoresheet early in Millwall's new campaign.  He seems to have moved to an attacking midfield role, and initial reports were positive on his involvement level.  Great to see Adam Federici back between the sticks at Reading after a disappointing last season.  Also featuring for Reading has been Ryan Edwards after returning from a loan in the A League.

England (League One) - of the Aussies in this league, Brad Inman has possibly started the strongest at Crewe, scoring twice in six league/cup appearances.  The boys at Swindon are also impressing with young defender Brad Smith joining on loan from Liverpool, complimenting our other young Aussie Mass Luongo who will be looking to build on his World Cup experience.  Another returning Socceroo is Bailey Wright, who will also be looking for a career defining club season.  Neil Kilkenny has had a good start to the new season at Preston North End.

England (League Two) - early days but Shane Cansdell-Sheriff's Burton Albion sit top of the table with Shane playing centre back in a miserly defence.

Italy (Serie A) - a rapid rise to fame with Josh Brillante debuting for Fiorentina in the first game of the season.  Some negative press after the game but tipping Josh to bounce back strongly after featuring in the Socceroos camp this week.

Germany (Bundesliga) - Mitch Langerak started the first game in goal but was promptly relegated to the bench for the second game.

Germany (2. Bundesliga) - an impressive start to Mat Leckie's Inglostadt career with goals and assists flowing.  A mixed start for Ben Halloran as he tries to nail down a starting berth at Fortuna Dusseldorf.

Netherlands (Eredivisie) - a few great stories with Tommy Oar showing great form after returning from injury at Utrecht.  Trent Sainsbury is moving towards a regular centre-back role at PEC Zwolle after several starts, and Luke Wilkshire may have a new lease of life after starting his career at Feyenood strongly.

Austria (Bundesliga) - James Holland has returned to the starting eleven but Austria Wien have had a terrible start to their season.

Belgium (Pro League) - Mat Ryan may not have started with a high number of clean sheets, but qualifying for the Europa League group stage would be arguably more satisfying.

Croatia (1. HNL) - great to see Tomislav Mrcela scoring on debut for his new club NK Lokomotiva Zagreb.  He was rewarded with a starting position.  Another to start the season in the senior squad is Steven Ugarkovic at NK Osijek.

Greece (Super League) - a bright start for Apostolis Giannou with two starts and two goals at Panionios Athens.  A debut as well for Robert Stambolziev at Niki Volos.

Iceland (2. Deild) - the amazing run continues at club level for Kile Kennedy.  KF Fjardabyggd have 13 points up their sleeve as they look for a second successive automatic promotion while Kile is in goal each week.

China (Super League) - plenty of minutes for veteran Jonas Salley at Guizhou Renhe.  Another who has seemingly worked his way back to a regular starting role is Harbin Yiteng midfielder Adam Hughes. 

Korea (K-League Classic) - the standout Aussie in this league for August would have to be defensive midfielder Aleksander Jovanovic.  He has now made 19 starts for Jeju United in a tough league.

Thailand (Premier League) - mixed results for our Aussies with Michael Beauchamp and Matt Thompson starting regularly for PTT Rayong.

Maldives (Dhivehi) - nearing the end of the season, journeyman Dane Milovanovic has featured prominately on the scoring charts for New Radiant as they push for the title.

Injuries:-   a fair number of Aussies in the medical rooms. Socceroos Curtis Good (hip), Adam Taggart (abdominal), Rhys Williams (achilles), Robbie Kruse (knee) and Tom Rogic (Abductor) all yet to appear this season.

Club Competitions:-

Europe                             

(UEFA Champions League) – no Aussies appeared during August, however Leverkusen (Kruse) did progress to the group stages.

(UEFA Europa League) – a bit of Aussie action with Mat Ryan appearing as Club Bruge progressed to the group stages.  Similar story for Luke Wilkshire as he started both legs that saw Feyenoord progress.  Trent Sainsbury also played both legs for PEC Zwolle who lost their playoffs and failed to enter the group stages.

North Amercia

(CONCACAFChampions League) – Tim Cahill started in the 2-0 win against FAS (El Salvador).

South America

(Copa Sudamericana) – Richard Porta was an unused sub for Independiate del Valle.

Asia

(Asian Champions League) - no Aussies Abroad remain.

(AFC Cup) - no Aussies Abroad remain.

Reserves and Youth:-

Youth leagues just recommencing, next report in September

International level:- preparations begin now for the Asian Cup in January.  Most notable inclusions for me were Josh Brillante who was close to the WC Squad, but has had a great pre-season in Italy.  Brad Smith has been recognised for a strong season at Liverpool and after appearing for the England youth team, would be great to lock him away.  Chris Herd hasn't been able to break into the Villa squad, so he is an interesting pick.  He has had injuries preventing him from appearing in the green and gold before now, hope to see how he is travelling now with a position at both club and national level seemingly on his agenda.  He certainly looked very promising a year or two ago so reason to be optimistic.  The last player I wanted to mention was Carl Valeri.  Certainly a player that has given his all to the Socceroos over the years.  With a transfer back to Melbourne Vicotry, I hope he has a fantastic six months at both club and national level. All in all, great to see Ange continue to look to build the depth of Australian football.

Socceroo (capped) of the month – on hold

Nov - Ryan, Dec - Jedinak, Jan - Jedinak, Feb - Ryan, Mar – Kennedy, Apr - Jedinak

Under the radar (uncapped)  - on hold.

Nov - Luongo, Dec - Mrcela, Jan - Giannou, Feb - Wright, Mar – Lowry, Apr - Halloran

Young player (U21) of the month – on hold.

Nov - Ryan Williams, Dec - Cooper, Jan - B.Smith, Feb - Grant, Mar – Tanner, Apr - Ugarkovic

Interview with Udinese's Panos Armenakas feautured in Neos Kosmos

Hi There,
Here is an Interview I recently did with young Aussie Abroad  Panos Armenakas who this season signed with Udinese in Italy's Serie A. It was featured in the English version of the Greek Newspaper Neos Kosmos on Sunday the 10th of August 2014.

Check out the link below.

http://neoskosmos.com/news/en/Armenakas-astronomical-climb

Cheers
Con Stamocostas

Aussies Abroad June/July 2014 Review

Welcome back to the Aussies Abroad monthly review compiled by Damian Davies.  

Certainly a respectable showing by our Socceroos in Brazil, with a glimpse of the future.  Matt Leckie, Jason Davidson and Ben Halloran among those that we hope to see much more of in the coming years.  We have a busy few months internationally as we build towards the Asian Cup in January.  Plenty of transfer activity over the past two months as players search for new clubs as the European leagues start their new seasons.  Most of the Asian leagues are in progress, so a lot of our players have been in action.  Some fantastic pre-season stories with players like Chris Herd, Adam Federici and Robbie Kruse all playing in friendlies.  Also encouraging in the next generation of Chris Ikonomidis, Ryan Edwards, Cameron Burgress and Hyuga Tanner all making their senior debuts at their current clubs.

Transfers:-  the European transfer window remains open so plenty of movement for our Aussies Abroad. The Aussie interest in Italy has grown with several of our upcoming players bound to feature in both senior and Primavera teams throughout the year.  With Juventus owned James Troisi yet to confirm his next club as well.  Several younger names still looking for a club include Matthew Fletcher, Robbie Paratore, Connor Thurston and Kerem Bulut, some of those players are rumoured to be heading to the A League. Also now three Aussies at PTT Rayong in Thailand.

Additions/changes to player database:

Saka Adesodun (12 Apr 1990) - transferred from Hjorring IF to Hasle-Loren IL, Norway

Panos Armenkas (5 Aug 1998) - transferred from Watford to Udinese Calcio, Italy

Michael Beauchamp (8 Mar 1981) - transferred to PTT Rayong, Thailand

Josh Brillante (25 Mar 1993) - transferred to Fiorentina, Italy

Julius Doe Davies (30 Sep 1994) - transferred to Otelul Galati, Romania

Shane Lowry (12 Jun 1989) - transferred from Millwall to Leyton Orient, England

Andrew Marveggio (22 Apr 1992) - transferred from SC Telstar to Fortuna Sittard

Brent McGrath (18 Jun 1991) - transferred to Sisaket, Thailand

Dane Milovanovic (2 Dec 1989) - transferred to New Radiant SC, Maldives

Josh Mitchell (8 Jun 1984) - transferred to Liaoning Whowin, China

Tomislav Mrcela (1 Oct 1990) - transferred from NK Hrvatski Dragovoljac to NK  Lokomotiva Zagreb, Croatia

Justin Pasfield (30 May 1985)  transferred to Tampines Rovers, Singapore

Nikita Rukavytsya (22 Jun 1987) - loan return to FSV Mainz, Germany

Robert Stambolziev (26 Oct 1990) - transferred from AEK Kouklion to Niki Volos, Greece

Adam Taggart (2 Jun 1993) - transferred to Fulham, England

Matthew Thompson (18 Aug 1982) - transferred to PTT Rayong, Thailand

James Troisi (3 Jul 1988) - loan return to Juventus, Italy

Jerrad Tyson (21 Sep 1989) - transferred to Sun Pegasus, Hong Kong

Frane Vladislavic (9 Jan 1994) - transferred from Hajduk Split to NK Istra 1961, Croatia

James Wesolowski (25 Aug 1987) - transferred from Oldham Athletic to shrewsbury Town, England

Adrian Zahra (24 Sep 1990) - transferred to Valletta FC, Malta

Removed from player database: 

Luis Abadia (Kaya FC) - uncontracted, whereabouts unknown

Alex Brosque (Al Ain) - transferred to Sydney FC

Simon Colosimo (Dempo) - transferred to Goulburn Valley

Sam Gallagher (Hanoi T&T) - transferred to Newcastle Jets

Richard Garcia (Minnesota United) - transferred to Perth Glory

Brendan Hamill (Seongham Illwa) - transferred to Western Sydney Wanderers

Marko Jesic (Sun Pegasus) - transferred to Rockdale City

Dylan McGowan (Hearts) - transferred to Adelaide United

Nikolas Tsattalios (Kampaniakos Chalastras FC) - transferred to Sydney Olympic

Club Level:-

China (Super League) - the season has resumed and several Aussies doing well.  Jonas Salley (Guizhou Renhe) and Adam Hughes (Harbin Yiteng) continue to play 90 minutes each week for their respective teams. Daniel McBreen has just broken his own record for being the oldest scorer in the CSL at 37. 

Korea (K-League Classic) - with the rise and rise of Alex Wilkinson, playing at the World Cup and then the K-League All Stars, I would expect this league to get some more attention from Aussie followers in the future.  Not to forget, Sasa Ognenovski won the Asian player of the year while in Korea.  We also have Luke DeVere (Gyeongham) and Alex Jovanovic (Jeju United) playing each week.  Both aged in their mid-twenties now, we may see them feature in upcoming Socceroo squads.

Thailand (Premier League) - a surge in the Aussies in Thailand with veterans Michael Beauchamp and Matthew Thompson joining Trent McClenahan at PTT Rayong.  The club are sitting in the relegation zone so the hope would be for the Aussies to help the club pull some points together quickly.  Young striker Brent McGrath has also made the move to Thailand from the VPL.  He now has three goals in three appearances for Sisaket.

Cambodia (C League) - a brief stay in this league saw Adriano Pellegrino make 10 appearances and score 3 goals as Phnom Penh Crown won the league title.

Singapore (S League) - goalkeeper Justin Pasfield has made the move to Asia, now having made 10 league and cup appearances in 7 weeks at Tampines Rovers.

Iceland (2. Deild) - an amazing story.  Kile Kennedy is a goalkeeper who made the brave move to KF Fjardabyggd last season,who at the time were fourth division in Iceland.  His efforts contribted to his team gaining promotion.  Now this campaign his team sit top of the table as they again chase automatic promotion.  Having conceded 12 goals in 13 games, Kile is continuing his strong form.  A long journey from country Victoria.

USA (MLS) - Tim Cahill continues to tackle all before him.  He scored one of the goals of the tournament at his third World Cup.  He has received several individual ackolades at New York, prompting rumours of a return to England. An interesting dinner party discussion of who is the greatest Socceroo of the past 20 years?

Injuries:-   great to see the likes of Robbie Kruse, Trent Sainsbury and Mustafa Amini making their returns from injury ahead of the new season.  Still injury concerns with Josh Kennedy, Tom Rogic, Rhys Williams and Curtis Good as those guys try to get back on the park and see good game time ahead of the Asian Cup.  Terrible news with Michael Zullo doing his knee in training at Utrecht, a long stint on the sidelines for him I am afraid.

Club Competitions:-

Europe                             

(UEFA Champions League) – Adrian Zahra sat on the pine as Valletta were knocked out in qualifying. Neither Tom Rogic or Jackson Irvine appeared for Celtic as they progressed to the 3rd round of qualifying.

(UEFA Europa League) – several Aussies appeared in qualifying ties, but Mark Griffin (Dundalk), Oliver Bozanic (Luzern) and Aziz Behich (Bursapor) have all been eliminated.

South America

(Copa Libertadores) – no Aussies Abroad remain.

Asia

(Asian Champions League) - no Aussies Abroad remain.

(AFC Cup) - no Aussies Abroad remain.

Reserves and Youth:-

No report during European off-season.

International level:- the rejuventation of the Socceroos in a work in progress.  Some tough decisions were made in the lead up to the World Cup.  We then had the excitement of new faces appearing in Brazil.  With several friendlies arranged before next year's World Cup, we have a good 20-30 players that will be fighting for a place in the Socceroos squad with those that were in Brazil. A great period of education as we learn more and see more of players that were often perceived to be under the radar.

Socceroo (capped) of the month – on hold

Nov - Ryan, Dec - Jedinak, Jan - Jedinak, Feb - Ryan, Mar – Kennedy, Apr - Jedinak

Under the radar (uncapped)  - on hold.

Nov - Luongo, Dec - Mrcela, Jan - Giannou, Feb - Wright, Mar – Lowry, Apr - Halloran

Young player (U21) of the month – on hold.

Nov - Ryan Williams, Dec - Cooper, Jan - B.Smith, Feb - Grant, Mar – Tanner, Apr - Ugarkovic

Any changes please e-mail damiandavies@ymail.com