Interview with Central Coast Mariners Coach Tony Walmsley

Interview with Central Coast Mariners Coach Tony Walmsley, he talks about tonight's FFACup game with Wellington Phoenix FC & his hopes to finish in the finals for the upcoming A-League season ahead

http://www.fourfourtwo.com/au/news/cup-barometer-new-era-mariners

The Secret Art of the Striker Four Four Two Cover Feature

Get the latest FourFourTwo Australia Magazine tomorrow. My first cover feature called The Secret Art of the Striker with Marc Janko, Shane Smeltz, Archie Thompson, Andy Keogh and Nathan Burns!

Latest Four Four Two FM Podcast with the wrong Germany Socceroos result

I'm on latest @FourFourTwoOz Podcast! Listen as the pod team get the result of this morning's Germany-Socceroos game hopelessly wrong. Also I chat to Marcelo Carrusca and Roy Krishna, plus we broadcast IN STEREO with a brand new mic!
http://au.fourfourtwo.com/podcasts/442FM_10x16.mp3

Latest Four Four Two Podcast

I'm on latest @FourFourTwoOz Podcast we chat about the strange round of 16 A-League upsets.

http://au.fourfourtwo.com/podcasts/442FM_10x12.mp3

Exclusive interview with Roly Bonevacia

My yarn with Roly Bonevacia @FourFourTwoOz why the ex Ajax man is loving life at Wellington Phoenix

http://www.fourfourtwo.com/au/news/bonevacia-loving-life-wellington

A-League Season 10 Preview

So the longest off season in any sport in any world is over. My sentiments exactly.... pretending to care about the other codes is done. Let the real football begin. Bring on Season 10 of the A League. 

Here are some musings and rantings of what I expect from Season 10 of the A League.

O Marquee, Marquee wherefore art thou Marquee?

Alessandro Del Piero is in India drinking Mango Lassi and collecting Rupees, Emile Heskey is in England doing the pundit thing and Shinji Ono’s is in Japan’s second division the question is wherefore art thou A-League’s Marquees?

There will be pundits on TV and in print rolling out the line “The biggest Marquee in Season 10 of the A League is the number 10” or something like that. The A-League was spoilt the last two seasons with Alessandro Del Piero, Emile Heskey and Shinji Ono

The Top Marquee this A-League season is the number 10. Why would you want a washed up number 10 when their is the Tenth Season of the A-League to celebrate. 

Judging by the memberships sales figures the lack of big name Marquees is not affecting the fan numbers. Nice work number 10! It’s taken you ten years but you’ve proved round numbers are very sexy.

David “who needs a pre season?” Villa

Word is David Villa with a hard soft L only arrived a week before the start of A League season because he wanted to see as many Enrique Iglesias concerts as he could. Check out Villa’s Instagram account it’s very true! http://instagram.com/p/tZEYTlPBfW/

Will the World Cup, Euro, La Liga, Champions League winner even bother to play the 10 guest games for Melbourne Heart (Excuse me I forgot it’s Melbourne City now isn’t it) before he heads over to New York to catch up with his superstar mate Frank Lampard?

Or will Villa with the hard soft L love Melbourne so much that he decides to stick around for the whole season?

Probably not. Melbourne City isn’t New York City.

Perhaps if Enrique Englesias does a 28 week tour of Melbourne he’d stay longer. Twenty thousand Euro snobs will be pissed off if he doesn’t play in the opening game of the season against Sydney FC?

Melbourne “Lipstick on a Pig” City

Continuing on with the Melbourne City theme without Damien Duff, Robert Koren and David Villa and a changed home strip and changed name this eerily still feels like Melbourne Heart. Sure it’s ok to change things around with new owners coming in but what will all those Melbourne Westpac workers do now? Only support Melbourne City when they play in their away strips?

Also Robert Koren as the marquee? The richest club in this dimension and the club have chosen a Slovenian Midfielder who used to play for Hull?

Sydney FC

Now that Alessandro Del Piero has left what will all those Euro Snobs do with their summers and their Sydney FC Del Piero named shirts?

I surely thought Sydney FC’s membership numbers would drop due to the Euro Snob factor but they’ve actually increased this season. At the Sydney FC fan day ex Central Coast Mariners coach Graham Arnold said that it was always his dream to coach his home town club of Sydney FC. Nicely said Mr Arnold the Mariners fans must love hearing that.

Are Sydney FC doing a Manchester United and lining up the attack with quality, but not bothering to improve the defence?  With Alex Brosque, Shane Smeltz, Marc Janko, Corey Gamiero and Bernie Ibinie, Sydney FC probably have the best attack in the A League. It will be back four that that will be the Sky Blues problem this season.

Brisbane Roar

My new Albanian - Mensur Kurtishi is better than my old Albanian -  Bersart Bereshia. That's what Brisbane Roar will be hoping.

The off season was so long I forget that the Roar are the current A-League champions. Is the reason I’m forgetting because of the A-League has world’s biggest offseason in sports? Or just the fact that because of the vast news and information going through our modern brains as each moment occurs we are simultaneously experiencing and forgetting them.



Western Sydney Wanderers

Can they repeat last two season’s success and lose the grand final three seasons in a row? 

Can they lose the Asian Champions League Final in between and lose four finals in a row? 

Everyone knows the real star of the team is The Red and Black Bloc. Perhaps they should try a new way of supporting their team. Perhaps they could try the reverse of turning your back on your team, and actively watch them from the front of their heads.

And what’s with the silent protesting and the I’m not coming to the game anymore because my mate lit a flare and they banned him for life protest!

Tony Popovic must be an autistic genius at the art of suffocating the opposition and the grinding out a result with Mark Bridge and Labinot Haliti and Brendan Santalab in attack. He could have been Crystal Palace Manager by now instructing Mile Jedinak to break legs and shave off that beard.

Beware Victor Saba your Ned Kelly is numbered!

 The "Mutiny” on the Perth Glory

Last season “ The Mutiny” on the Perth Glory “ was led by their captain Jacob Burns, against Lieutenant Alister “Curriculum “ Edwards.

According to accounts, the players were not happy with the "idyllic" life and the opportunities that Lieutenant Edwards afforded to his two sons Cameron and Ryan.

It has also been argued that the Mutineers were motivated by Edwards’s allegedly harsh treatment of them when asked they were asked to play out from the back.

The Mutineers look foolish now as one of the sons Ryan Edwards had amde a decent impact at Reading since he set sail for the Royals in the English Championship.

Newcastle “for sale” Jets

When will the suited and booted folk at Football Federation Australia realise that having billionaires like Nathan  “I want to buy the club, no sorry I want to sell the club”  Tinkler  who use A-League clubs as their playthings is not a good idea?

The Jets haven’t made the finals for years and this year will be just as tough as they have more injuries in their squad than the aftermath of a Friday Night out in Kings Cross and an NRL grand Final.

Adelaide “Mini Me Barcelona” United

So the coach of Adelaide United Josep Gombau was at FC Barcelona for seven years.

The Technical director of Adelaide United former Barca and Spanish International Gillermo Amor after his playing days was responsible for the youth categories at FC Barcelona for four years and most recently he was the director of football training while Messi, Iniesta and Xavi were there.

A slow start to the season led to Gombau being told to harden by a local journalist. The Reds could make a big impact this season they have best technical football knowledge. Will their 3-4-3 make an impact?

Central ”I’m moving to North Sydney maybe” Coast Mariners

One week they are staying on the Central Coast, the next they are moving to North Sydney, another week they can’t pay their players, another week they are opening a 10 million dollar Centre of Excellence, another week goes by and they announce a team of football scouts, the next week, they are being bought by South Melbourne.

It’s never dull up the Coast.

Wellington “does anyone care besides us Wellingtonians?” Phoenix

No Disrespect to the sheep botherers but I’d rather watch a team from Wollongong or Canberra.

Melbourne Victory

For the team that is the biggest club in World Football, it Feels like Melbourne Victory have flown under the radar during this pre-season. Usually the Central Coast Mariners fly under the radar. The Victory took the Bipolar Albanian Besta Berisha from Brisbane Roar so they should be challenging.

Will some Melbourne Victory fans rush to buy memberships because they have mistaken Allesandro Del Piero for Matthieu Delpierre ? Thinking that it’s a typo and the Blue Tongued Maestro is now playing for the Victory?

Who is Del Pierre anyway and what is the Victory's fascination with Marquee defenders Paulo Contreas ?

A League Before of Season Awards

Best Name that almost has a swear word in it: Devante Clut (Brisbane Roar)

Best use of alliteration in a name: Jimmy Jeggo (Melbourne Victory

Best misspelt marquee name: Matthieu Delpierre

Best if it worked with one Albanian let’s try another: Brisbane Roar

The Tom Rogic Groin Injury award: Tom Juric just like the RBB his groin is involved in a rather loud active protest.

The award for best use of useless A-League knowledge: being able to name the Wellington Phoenix squad besides Paul Ifill who doesn’t even play with them anymore. Just joking Phoenix........

Best Hipster Ned Kelly Beard: Victor Saba

Australian Football Podcast A League 2014/15 Season Preview

                                                                                            

What do you get when you combine a football writer with a comedy genius? 



You probably get the funniest Australian Football Podcast maybe in pod-casting history perhaps!


Featuring the 2014/2015 A League Season Preview. Quirky Music interludes, The Les Murray Football Hotline


Every A-League Team is covered, even Wellington Phoenix! We talk David Villa, Preview the chances of Adelaide United, Brisbane Roar, Central Coast Mariners, Melbourne City, Melbourne Victory, Newcastle Jets, Perth Glory, Wellington Phoenix and the Western Sydney Wanderers.

Click the link below to listen to Rob Toddler and Stama's A League Podcast:

http://magiclunchbox.com/shit/podcast/Podcast_01_v01.mp3

Wellington Phoenix v Adelaide United: Round Five Preview

Friday, 4 September 2009

Wellington Phoenix v Adelaide United

Westpac Stadium, Wellington

Local kick-off: 7.30pm (5.30pm AEST)

Referee: Michael Hester

The first of a Friday double header kicks off with Wellington Phoenix playing host to Adelaide United. Both teams will be looking for a win so they can creep out of the bottom four.

Wellington did not do much wrong against Sydney FC last week. They were on their way to a hard fought away point, with the score at 0-0 with less than 15 minutes left to play the Phoenix defence fell asleep at a corner and allowed the Bling substitute Brendan Gan to head in the go-ahead goal (ESPNism).

The Phoenix will welcome the addition of attacking midfielder Adrian Caceres to their squad. Look for the former Perth Glory, Melbourne Victory and Central Coast Mariner to take up his normal position- on the Bench.

Adelaide United is struggling with poor form and some distracting off field issues. The Pissants are suffering from a discipline problem with Brazilian Cassio and Robert Cornthwaite the main offenders, especially in the latter’s case.

Phoenix Quotes: “We’ve set the scene from an intensity point of view at training this week and worked on some changes in personnel to see the reaction from the players,” Phoenix boss Ricki Herbert said at training this week.

“We’ve got good depth and quality in the squad. The players understand there are no (selection) guarantees going into this match or any other and we’ll make the final decision on the squad after final training at Westpac Stadium and make the decisions around what we feel in necessary,” added Herbert.

Phoenix Form

LWDL

Adelaide Quotes: “It’s only four games in and we’ve been disappointed with the way we’ve started. We weren’t hoping to be in the position we are in so we’ve got to bounce back and be mentally strong,” Adelaide midfielder Paul Reid said from Adelaide Airport prior to the squad departing for Sydney en route to Wellington .

“If we get a couple of wins we’re right up there so it’s only early days, but we can’t keep playing the way we have been and we’ve got to bounce back against Wellington.”

Adelaide Form

WLLD

A Football Story Prediction:Phoenix 2- Adelaide 1

Wellington Phoenix Squad: 1. Mark PASTON (gk), 3. Tony LOCHHEAD, 4. Jon McKAIN, 5. DIEGO, 6. Tim BROWN, 7. Leo BERTOS, 8. Paul IFILL. 9. Chris GREENACRE, 10. Michael FERRANTE, 11. DANIEL, 12. Jiang CHEN, 13. Troy HEARFIELD, 16. David MULLIGAN, 17. Vince LIA, 18. Ben SIGMUND, 20. Reece CROWTHER (gk), 21. Marco ROJAS, 22. Andrew DURANTE (c), 23. Costa BARBAROUSES

*four to be omitted*

In: Mark PASTON (gk) (return from personal leave), Tim BROWN (promoted), Jiang CHEN (promoted), David MULLIGAN (promoted), Marco ROJAS (promoted), Costa BARBAROUSES (promoted)

Out: Manny MUSCAT (international duty), Jonathan GOULD (gk) (short-term cover)

Unavailable: Adrian CACERES (new signing)

Adelaide United Squad:1.Eugene GALEKOVIC (gk), 3.ALEMAO, 4.Iain FYFE, 5.Daniel MULLEN, 7.Lucas PANTELIS (c), 9.CRISTIANO, 10.Adam HUGHES, 11.Lloyd OWUSU, 12.Paul REID, 15.Francesco MONTEROSSO, 16.Inseob SHIN, 17.Michael MARRONE, 19. Mathew Leckie, 20.Mark BIRIGHITTI (gk), 21.Mark RUDAN, 23.Joe COSTA

*one to be omitted*

In: Francesco MONTEROSSO (promoted), Joe COSTA (promoted), Mathew Leckie (new player)

Out: Robert CORNTHWAITE (suspended – 2 weeks), Scott JAMIESON (calf – 1 week)

Unavailable: CASSIO (calf – 2 weeks), Kristian SARKIES (calf – indefinite), Travis DODD (calf – 1 week), Fabian BARBIERO (calf – 1 week)

*Head-to-Head: Played 6: Wellington Phoenix wins 0, Adelaide United wins 4, Drawn 2

A League Round 4 Preview Part Two

Sunday 30 August 2009

Newcastle Jets v Gold Coast United

Energy Australia Stadium, 3.00pm local

Sunday’s A League double header kicks off in Novacstria. The headline for this game will either be “The Father is better than the Son” or “The Son is better than the Father” as Branko Culina (The Father) the Jets Coach takes on Jason Culina (The Son) the Gold Coast Captain.

Everyone is tipping the White Shoe Brigade to smash the Jets in this one. Could the Jets do a man marking job on Jason Culina? No other teams has dared tried that yet as former PSV star Jason is just too fit and smart to be man marked out of the game.

The Newcastle Jets have signed Labinot Haliti for three months as an injury replacement for Marko Jesic in a round that has been full of prodigal sons returning. Haliti could provde the Jets with an attacking sparck they lacked in last weeks loss in Perth.

Jets Quotes: "They have played well but they are not world-beaters," said Culina pre game.

“What we need to do is make sure we apply enough pressure on those players to ensure they do not get as much of the ball as they have in the first three rounds.

"We have to stop players like Jason, Shane Smeltz and Joel Porter getting on the ball."

“He (Jason) keeps telling me we haven't got a player good enough to take him out of the game. I told him I don't want to embarrass him.

Gold Coast Quotes:"But for me and for Dad (Branko) (Sunday's) just another game. At the end of the day it's another three points at stake. I'm just going to prepare like I normally do and not make a big deal out of it," said Jason Culina the Gold Coast Captain.

"Hopefully at the end of it, we can have a good laugh."

A Fotball Story Prediction: Jets 0 - Gold Coast Chavs 3

Newcastle Jets squad: 11.Ben KENNEDY (gk), 2. Angelo COSTANZO, 3. Adam D’APUZZO, 4. Nikolai TOPOR-STANLEY, 5. Ljubo MILICEVIC, 6. Ben KANTAROVSKI, 7. Jin-Hyung SONG, 8. Matt THOMPSON (c), 9. Sasho PETROVSKI, 10. Donny DE GROOT, 11. Tarek ELRICH, 13. Shaun ONTONG, 15. Sean ROONEY, 16. Jason HOFFMAN, 17. Fabio VIGNAROLI, 19. Jason NAIDOVSKI, 20. Neil YOUNG (gk), 22. Kaz PATAFTA, 24. Chris TRIANTIS

*four to be omitted*

In: Angelo COSTANZO (promoted), Donny DE GROOT (promoted), Kaz PATAFTA (promoted), Chris TRIANTIS (promoted)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: Jobe WHEELHOUSE (ankle – 3 weeks), Marko JESIC (knee – indefinite)

Gold Coast United squad: 1. 20.Scott HIGGINS (gk), 3.Michael THWAITE, 4.Daniel PIORKOWSKI, 7.Zenon CARAVELLA, 9.Shane SMELTZ, 10.Jason CULINA (c), 13.Bas VAN DEN BRINK, 14.Joel PORTER, 15.Tahj MINNIECON, 16.Kristian REES, 17.Matt OSMAN, 22.Adama TRAORE, 23.Steve FITZSIMMONS, 24.ANDERSON, 40.Robbie BAJIC

In: Daniel PIORKOWSKI (promoted)
Out: Steve PANTELIDIS (suspended – 1 week)
Unavailable: JEFFERSON (knee injury - 9 weeks), James BROWN (shin injury - 1 week), Jess VANSTRATTAN (ankle injury - 4 weeks), Steve PANTELIDIS (suspended - 1 week), ROBSON (thigh - 1 week)

Sydney FC v Wellington Phoenix

Sunday 30 August 2009, Sydney Football Stadium, 5.00pm local

Sydney FC and Wellington Phoenix end round four with what looms as a very difficult game for the home team against a Wellington side that have a history of getting results against Sydney.

Last week the rose coloured glasses came off with the so-called European style of Sydney FC resembling an English league conference game when the Bling luckily escaped Gosford with a nil all draw. Clint Bolton the hero saving a late Mariners penalty and another late shot on goal.

Wellington will hang back in this game and will try to catch Sydney on the break with ex-Crystal Palace man Paul Ifil, Brazilian Daniel and Leo Bertos all eager to feed poaching English Striker Chris Greencare. While for Sydney FC, look for Karol Kisel, Alex Brosque, Kofi Danning and John Aloisi to be more heavily involved in this game than they were last week against the Fisherman.

Bling Quotes: “It’s good when you get along with each other and you like each other and certainly you respect each other,” said Stephen Keller and resident hoofer about team mate Simon Colosimo.

“Between all four (of us) including (Sung Hwan) Byun and Shannon (Cole) at the moment - they’re also contributing a lot to our defensive performance," said Simon Colosimo.

“They (Wellington) have had a pretty good start to the season.

“I think Leo Bertos is their most dangerous player. I know he hasn’t scored yet but I know Leo from my time in Perth and I think he’s one of their best," finished Colosimo.

Phoenix Quotes:"Sydney has lot of quality and we can't afford to keep going behind. It's good to start on an even keel and even pop one in early so we can put them on the back foot," said Wellington defender/midfielder John McKain.

“Up front they are dangerous with Johnny (Aloisi) and Brosquey (Alex Brosque) as well. They've got someone like Steve Corica behind and he may be getting on in years but he's still a quality player. They've got quality all over the park.

"But we're a bit of a bogey team for them so hopefully this weekend we can notch up something special for the start our season," added a confident McKain.

A Football Story Prediction: Sydney C 2 Phoenix 0

Sydney FC Radio Announcement

An announcement was made this week by Sydney FC that SBS Radio will broadcast all of the Sky Blues’ remaining home games during the 2009/10 Hyundai A-League season.

The matches will be broadcast live on SBS Digital Radio 6 and simulcast online at sbs.com.au/radio.

“We are extremely happy to have SBS as a partner,” said Sydney FC CEO, Stefan Kamasz. “This is a great result for the club and a great result for our fans. To have live commentary of our home games available to a radio audience here in Sydney is a very important step for Sydney FC.”

Saturday’s radio broadcast of the contest between Sydney FC and Wellington will feature expert commentary and analysis from former Socceroo and Sydney United captain, Aytek Genc.

Coverage across the season will be provided by a host of experienced SBS talent including The World Game’s Les Murray, David Basheer and Vitor Sobral, together with SBS Radio’s Attila Mosonyi and Marco Lucchi.

To hear all the action live in English tune in to SBS Digital Radio 6 on Sunday to from 4.30pm, or go to sbs.com.au/radio to catch all of the online simulcast action.

Sydney FC Squad: 11. Clint BOLTON (gk), 3. Stephan KELLER, 4. Simon COLOSIMO, 5. Mitchell PRENTICE, 6. Karol KISEL, 7. Brendan GAN, 8. Stuart MUSIALIK, 9. John ALOISI, 10. Steve CORICA (c), 11. Kofi DANNING, 12. Shannon COLE, 14. Alex BROSQUE, 15. Terry MCFLYNN, 17. Matthew JURMAN, 18. Adam CASEY, 19. Mark BRIDGE, 20. Ivan NECEVSKI (gk), 22. Sung Hwan BYUN, 23. Rhyan GRANT.

*Four to be omitted*

In: Mitchell PRENTICE (promoted), Stuart MUSIALIK (promoted), Adam CASEY (promoted), Rhyan GRANT (promoted)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: Sebastian RYALL (suspended – 1 week)

Wellington Phoenix squad: 1. Mark PASTON (gk), 2. Manny MUSCAT, 3. Tony LOCHHEAD, 4. Jon McKAIN, 5. DIEGO, 6. Tim BROWN, 7. Leo BERTOS, 8. Paul IFILL. 9. Chris GREENACRE, 10. Michael FERRANTE, 11. DANIEL, 12. Jiang CHEN, 13. Troy HEARFIELD, 16. David MULLIGAN, 17. Vince LIA, 18. Ben SIGMUND, 20. Reece CROWTHER (gk), 21. Marco ROJAS, 22. Andrew DURANTE (c), 23. Costa BARBAROUSES
*five to be omitted*

In: Tim BROWN (return from injury), Jiang CHEN (promoted), David MULLIGAN (promoted), Marco ROJAS (promoted), Costa BARBAROUSES (promoted)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: Nil

Quotes courtesy from Sportal Australia and A League website.

Brisbane Roar - Wellington Phoenix; Matchday Three Preview

Sunday, 23 August 2009

Brisbane Roar v Wellington Phoenix

Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Local kick-off: 3.00pm

Referee: Chris Beath

The Brisbane Roar faces the Wellington Phoenix in Brisvegas on Sunday hoping to get a victory and some reward for their recent attacking play.

Last week the Brisbane Roar gave up a 3-1 winning position against the Melbourne victory but it took two screamers the first from Danny Allsop and the second by the fast chewing Carlos Hernandez.

One point is scant reward for the attacking play the Roar has displayed so far this season.

Exciting youngster Tommy Oar returns from injury and will row his way down the left of midfield at some stage. Brazilian attacker Henrique showed off some brilliant dribbling and clinical finishing against the victory and I’m particularly keen for another showing. Hopefully it’s a serial rather than a pilot to use a bad TV analogy. I’m just riffing……….

Roar Quotes: “After this weekend if we don’t get the result you can say it’s been a bit of a slow start but we’re two games in – two tough games,” said left winger Michael Zullo.

“They’re not going to really blow people away with big players but they’ve shown they’re a good side and they’ve got some quality in there,” Zullo said speaking of opponents Wellington.

“(Paul) Ifill looks like a pretty decent player and (Leo) Bertos is pretty dangerous as well so they’ve got some good players”.

Roar Players to Watch: Midfielder Danny Tiatto has been holding onto the fire so far; the Phoenix players better make sure they are wearing the extra padded shin guards for this game. The Roar’s potent attack of Mitch Nichols, Henrique and Sergio Van Dijk will cause headaches for both the home fans and the Phoenix. As the profligate finishing the Roar are famous for at home will feature.

Wellington Phoenix don’t usually travel well but a fine 2-1 over Perth glory last week will give the Kiwi’s confidence that they can get something from the clash in Brisbane

New Zealand national team player Leo Bertos has added goals to his repertoire after some lean years in that department. It’s all about the defence for Wellington.

Phoenix Quotes: “I think I did reasonably well against Perth considering I haven’t really taken much of a part in pre-season” said attacking midfielder Diego this week.

“I’m probably still not in top game shape, so I’ll keep working on my fitness and things will get better.

“We had some nice combinations during the game,” Diego said. “Paul (Ifill) looked lively on the left side and Leo(Bertos), too, on the right. On the whole it seemed the balance was there and it worked well, but only time will tell how things will develop during the season” added the Brazilian.

Phoenix Players to Watch: Ex Adelaide united midfielder Diego is heading back to full fitness. Ex Crystal Palace striker Paul Ifill got off the mark with a fine header against Perth last week and will cause the Roar’s defence some problems. Leo Bertos; can he score again?

Key Battles: Brisbane Roar should look to attack at home and the Phoenix have some weapons of their own. The result could hinge on wether the Roar can finish their chances off and if the Phoenix can convert the couple they get.

A Football Story Prediction:Roar 2-0

Brisbane Roar squad: 1. Liam REDDY (gk), 3. Luke DEVERE, 4. Craig MOORE (c), 6. David DODD, 7. Michael ZULLO, 9. Sergio VAN DIJK, 10. Charlie MILLER, 12. Matt MUNDY, 13. HENRIQUE, 15. Matt McKAY, 16. Bob MALCOLM, 17. Mitch NICHOLS, 18. Danny TIATTO, 20. Griffin McMASTER (gk), 21. Tommy OAR, 24. Robbie KRUSE.

*one to be omitted*

In: 21. Tommy OAR (promoted)

Out: 5. Josh McCLOUGHAN (groin - 2 weeks)

Unavailable: 2. Andrew PACKER (adductor – 2-3 months), 5. Josh McCLOUGHAN (groin – 2 weeks), 8. Massimo MURDOCCA (fractured leg – 3-4 months)

Wellington Phoenix squad: 1. Mark PASTON (gk), 2. Manny MUSCAT , 3. Tony LOCHHEAD, 4. Jon McKAIN, 5. DIEGO, 7. Leo BERTOS, 8. Paul IFILL. 9. Chris GREENACRE, 10. Michael FERRANTE, 11. DANIEL, 13. Troy HEARFIELD, 16. David MULLIGAN, 17. Vince LIA, 18. Ben SIGMUND, 20. Reece CROWTHER (gk), 21. Marco ROJAS, 22. Andrew DURANTE (c), 23. Costa BARBAROUSES

*three to be omitted*

In: 16. David MULLIGAN (promoted), 21. Marco ROJAS (promoted), 23. Costa BARBAROUSES (promoted)

Out: Nil

Unavailable: 6. Tim BROWN (groin – 1 week), 12. Jiang CHEN (visa)

*Head-to-Head: Played 6; Brisbane Roar FC 4, Wellington Phoenix FC 0, Drawn 2

Live & exclusive broadcast on Fox Sports 3 and Sky Sports 1. Hyundai A-League club broadcast partner is The Radio Network 1035 AM ( Wellington ). To purchase tickets visit www.ticktek.com.au

Wellington Phoenix Vs Perth Glory: Matchday Two Preview

Sunday, 16 August 2009

Wellington Phoenix v Perth Glory

Westpac Stadium, Wellington

Local kick-off 5.00pm (3.00pm AEST)

Referee: Peter O’Leary

Wellington Phoenix boss Ricky Herbert also coaches the New Zealand squad who are potentially two games away from the World Cup in South Africa. So it was no surprise to see the Phoenix’s most creative players Brazilians Daniel and Diego and Australian Michael Ferrante on the bench. Leaving the players who are most likely to create opening for a goal on the bench is an old tactical trick that has been used by many famous coaches. I still haven’t figured out what that tactic is useful for, but nevertheless it is widely used.

Phoenix Players to Watch: Umm like I said keep an eye out on the bench all their good players are there.

Perth Glory must be wondering what they did to upset the FFA. The Glory start season five with two away games in a row, this trip over the ditch is one the longest road trips in world football and unfairly the Glory will play more away fixtures than home fixtures again. Not forgetting that the returning Socceroos of Chris Coyne Nathan Burns and Mile Sterjovski are playing themselves out of a World Cup place with each performance. Coach David Mitchell thinks things are so bad he is going to sign expectant grandfather Amaral again.

Glory players to watch: Sterjovski a regular scorer for the Socceroos suffered from a lack of service in the first game and should be deployed wide. Just because you played in Europe doesn’t mean you can come back to Australia and not track back. Wayne Srhoj adds some much needed steel and poise in midfield. Branko Jelic a recruit for the Bundesliga made the A-League look good in comparison.

Key Battles: One of the stories of this match will be wether anyone on both sides can play or coach to their full potential.

A Football Story Prediction: Phoenix 1 Glory 2

Wellington Phoenix squad: 1. Mark PASTON (gk), 2. Manny MUSCAT , 3. Tony LOCHHEAD, 4. Jon McKAIN, 5. DIEGO, 6. Tim BROWN, 7. Leo BERTOS, 8. Paul IFILL. 9. Chris GREENACRE, 10. Michael FERRANTE, 11. DANIEL, 13. Troy HEARFIELD, 16. David MULLIGAN. 17. Vince LIA, 18. Ben SIGMUND, 20. Reece CROWTHER (gk), 21. Marco ROJAS, 22. Andrew DURANTE (c), 23. Costa BARBAROUSES.

*four to be omitted

In: Nil

Out: Nil

Unavailable: Nil

Perth Glory Squad: 1.Tando VELAPHI (gk), 4.Andy TODD, 6.Chris COYNE, 7.Jacob BURNS (c), 8.Victor SIKORA, 10.Wayne SRHOJ, 11.Branko JELIC, 12.Scott NEVILLE, 14.Eugene DADI, 15.Howard FONDYKE, 16.Adriano PELLEGRINO, 17.Todd HOWARTH, 18.Brent GRIFFITHS, 19.Naum SEKULOVSKI, 20.Aleks VRTESKI (gk), 21.Mile STERJOVSKI, 23.Andrija JUKIC

* two to be omitted

In: 10.Wayne SRHOJ (return from injury)

Out: 3.Jamie COYNE (knee – 4 weeks)

Unavailable: Jimmy DOWNEY (knee – 6 weeks), Jamie HARNWELL (hamstring – 2 weeks), Scott BULLOCH (Achilles – 2 weeks), Anthony SKORICH (hip – 7 weeks)

*Head-to-Head: All matches (played 6): Wellington Phoenix wins 3, Perth Glory wins 2 (1 draw)

In Wellington (played 3): Wellington Phoenix wins 2, Perth Glory wins 0 (1 draw)

A-League Season 5 - Wellington Phoenix, It Begins

Wellington has lost some key players and still holds a tenuous place in the league. New Zealand could qualify for the World Cup in South Africa next year. Seven players from Wellington Phoenix could figure in South Africa. It will be good for New Zealand football, Wellington Phoenix and the A-League if that happens.

PLAYERS TO WATCH
Diego from Adelaide United will add some quality and experience in the midfield, while Leo Bertos, Brazilian Daniel and Tim Brown are capable at times. Marco Rojas won a Yellow Fever scholarship worth $5000 that allowed him to train with the Phoenix for a week, and then got signed up on a two year deal.

A Football Story Predictions
Will miss out on the finals, just.

FAN CULTURE
Supporter group Yellow Fever will be fearless and shirtless and singing “same old Aussies always cheating” all season.

Key Signing: Paul Ifill, the 29 year-old joined from Championship club Crystal Palace agreeing to a two-year deal with the Phoenix. Ifill, who has also represented Millwall and Sheffield United, will partner Chris Greenacre in attack.

Key Player: Diego from Adelaide United will add some class in midfield


Something interesting: Could be kicked out of the League not appreciated by all in or out of the country.

Coach Quote: “Hey Bro, can you get me woollen jumper, it’s freezing here”

Fact: Seven of their players could be involved at the World Cup in South Africa if New Zealand qualifies.

Thought: I don’t buy into this xenophobic stuff, they should stay in the League, adds a different colour to the A-League pallet.

Current Squad: Costa BARBAROUSES, Leo BERTOS, Tim BROWN, Daniel CORTES, Reece CROWTHER (gk), Diego, Andrew DURANTE (c), Michael FERRANTE, Chris GREENACRE, Troy HEARFIELD, Paul IFILL, Vince LIA, Tony LOCHHEAD, Jon MCKAIN, David MULLIGAN, Manny MUSCAT, Mark PASTON (gk) and Benjamin SIGMUND.

Re-signed: Tim Brown (2 years), Manny Muscat (1 year), Mark Paston (1 year), Tony Lochhead (2 years), Michael Ferrante (1 year), Daniel Cortes (2 years). Ben Sigmund (2 years),

In: Reece Crowther (Queens Park Rangers, England - 1 year), Chris Greenacre (Tranmere Rovers, England - 2 years), Paul Ifill (Crystal Palace, England - 2 years), Marco Rojas (Hamilton Wanderers - 2 years), Diego Walsh (Adelaide United - 2 years)

Out: Jeremy Christie (released), Vaughan Coveny (retired), Karl Dodd (released), Greg Draper (released), Richard Johnson (retired), Glen Moss (Melbourne Victory), Shane Smeltz (Gold Coast United).

Wellington Phoenix Media

Official:

http://www.wellingtonphoenix.com/

Fan Forums:

http://www.yellowfever.co.nz/

Radio

Radio Network (Wellington) 1035AM

Sunday, 9 August 2009
Newcastle Jets v Wellington Phoenix
EnergyAustralia Stadium, Newcastle
Local kick-off 3.00pm
Referee: Chris Beath

Live & exclusive broadcast on Fox Sports 3 and Sky Sports 1. Hyundai A-League club broadcast partner is 1233 ABC Newcastle, The Radio Network ( Wellington ) 1035AM. To purchase tickets visit www.ProTicket.com.au

Newcastle Jets: Ben KENNEDY (gk), 2. Angelo COSTANZO, 3. Adam D’APUZZO, 5. Ljubo MILICEVIC, 7. Jin-Hyung SONG, 8. Matt THOMPSON (c), 9. Sasho PETROVSKI, 11. Tarek ELRICH, 13. Shaun ONTONG, 15. Sean ROONEY, 16. Jason HOFFMAN, 19. Jason NAIDOVSKI, 21. Brodie MOOY, 20. Neil YOUNG (gk), 22. Kaz PATAFTA

Unavailable: 4. Nikolai TOPOR-STANLEY (knee – 1 week), 6. Ben KANTAROVSKI (knee – 2 weeks), 10. Donny DE GROOT (knee – indefinite), 12. Jobe WHEELHOUSE (ankle – indefinite), 18. Marko JESIC (knee – indefinite)

Wellington Phoenix : 1. Mark PASTON (gk), 2. Manny MUSCAT , 3. Tony LOCHHEAD, 4. Jon McKAIN, 5. DIEGO, 6. Tim BROWN, 7. Leo BERTOS, 8. Paul IFILL. 9. Chris GREENACRE, 10. Michael FERRANTE, 11. DANIEL, 13. Troy HEARFIELD, 16. David MULLIGAN. 17. Vince LIA, 18. Ben SIGMUND, 20. Reece CROWTHER (gk), 21. Marco ROJAS, 22. Andrew DURANTE (c), 23. Costa BARBAROUSES. *four to be omitted