Official Sydney FC Thread IV [R]

el-capitano · Aug 10, 2011

Kalac lets it slip.

"I thought Harry was close to signing for Sydney FC," Kalac said whan asked his thoughts on Kewell's possible move to fierce rivals the Victory. "I didn't really know he was talking seriously with Melbourne Victory, so there you go.

"Hopefully, he'll choose his home state before he goes to Melbourne Victory, if he does come back to Australia. Realistically, I think everyone in Australia will have to wait until the end of the transfer window in Europe (August 31) to see if Harry can get himself a club over there. Then he'll sit down with his manager Bernie Mandic and see what the best option is and hopefully he can choose Sydney."

Sydney FC chief executive Dirk Melton said while Kewell's link to the Victory has been making the headlines lately, the Sky Blues were still very much in contention to secure the services of the 32-year-old.

"We're both very different clubs and go about our business in different ways so we'll just wait and see," Melton said.

"The process has been going for a while now so who knows who's the frontrunner. I think really only Harry and Bernie know that. He's a Sydney boy and he's got family here so, if his heart tells him to play in Sydney, he will. I'm sure his parents would love to be closer to the grandkids, but we'll just have to wait and see."
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http://www.smh.com.au/sport/a-league/sydney-still-in-the-kewell-race-kalac-20110809-1ikm5.html

zhuangzi · Aug 10, 2011

Transfer window? His contract at Galatasaray ran out months ago.

Glad Spider's not in charge of recruitment.

el-capitano · Aug 10, 2011

Cockers- throwing names out there if we don't land Kewell.

There's Brett Emerton, for starters. Although ''Emmo'' has another year on his contract at Blackburn Rovers, it's not impossible that the right offer from Sydney will encourage him to seek a release.

Then there's Nathan Burns, who, like Emerton, has one year left on his contract. But things have never been easy for the multitalented Burns at AEK Athens, who have been badly affected by the catastrophic economic climate in Greece.

Two centre forwards have recently come to Sydney's attention, and neither is Australian. Markus Rosenberg is a Swedish international contracted to German side Werder Bremen, while Marc Janko is an Austrian international who plays for Dutch club FC Twente. Until recently, both were said to be on the outer with their clubs and in line for a move. But as luck would have it, both players started in last weekend's opening round of the season, and both were on the scoresheet.
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http://www.smh.com.au/sport/a-leagu...-sydney-lose-their-kewell-20110810-1imvj.html

zhuangzi · Aug 10, 2011

We passed up Burns as a youth player for Wade Oostendoorp. Would be great to make amends for that.

el-capitano · Aug 14, 2011

And we've got a guy who's two in one.

”In a way I am a stopper and a libero rolled into one.”

Why Bosschaart quit Eredivisie for A-League

el-capitano · Aug 17, 2011

Nice win overnight.

Sydney FC 6 (Nick Carle 27 pen, 47, 60 pen, Mark Bridge 47, Rufer 86, Makela 88) d Parramatta FC 0
Parramatta Stadium
Crowd: About 2,000
Referee: Kris Griffith-Jones

Sydney FC: 20. Ivan NECEVSKI, 3. Jamie COYNE, 4. Pascal BOSSCHAART (2. Sebastian RYALL ‘46), 5. Michael BEAUCHAMP, 8. Karol KISEL (7. Hagi GLIGOR ‘59), 10. Nick CARLE (24. Caleb Rufer ’74), 12. Shannon COLE (6. Hirofumi MORIYASU ‘46), 15. Terry McFLYNN (c), 18. Juho MAKELA, 21 Scott JAMIESON, 24. Caleb RUFER (19. Mark BRIDGE ‘46).

Subs not used: 1. Liam REDDY.

Sydney FC marquee midfielder Nick Carle continued his impressive Pre Season form by scoring a hat trick in Sydney FC’s dominant 6-0 win over NSW Premier League side Parramatta FC at Parramatta Stadium tonight.

Carle converted penalty kicks in the 27th and 60th minutes and notched another goal from open play in the 47th to highlight a strong night for the two-time Hyundai A-League Champions.

The match marked the debut of Sydney FC’s Dutch defender Pascal Bosschaart, who partnered Qantas Socceroo Michael Beauchamp in the heart of defence, for what was Sydney FC’s third match of its Pre Season campaign.

Speaking after the match, Vitezslav Lavicka said he was pleased with the teams performance.
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http://www.sydneyfc.com/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=40649

el-capitano · Aug 21, 2011

Who is it???

SYDNEY FC may have missed out in the two-horse race to sign Harry Kewell but disappointed Sky Blues fans shouldn't have to wait long for consolation with the club expected to unveil a big-name marquee player by the end of the week.

Buried in an otherwise innocuous press release, however, was a clue about the status of the club's plans to find its own star to rival Kewell. ''It's about being patient and finding the right players at the right time,'' Melton said. The Herald understands that player has been identified and only needs to pass a medical before a deal can be completed.

While Sydney FC were in the hunt for Kewell until the last week, the club was also busy working on a list of alternatives. Melton remains tight-lipped about the name of the club's new star recruit, but it is believed his profile will match that of Kewell.
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http://www.smh.com.au/sport/a-leagu...r-mystery-bigname-recruit-20110821-1j4lw.html

el-capitano · Aug 22, 2011

Well SBS says its Emerton or Carney or Burns.

And whoever it is will get a marquee spot.

http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/news/1069664/Emerton-and-Carney-linked-with-Sydney-FC

zhuangzi · Aug 22, 2011

hm, how exactly are we getting Emmo off BBurn? Have doubts its Carney too. Burns would be more like it but not really Marquee status.

epris · Aug 22, 2011

can we get all 3 please?

zhuangzi · Aug 24, 2011

Brett Emerton is a Sydney Player

SOCCEROOS star Brett Emerton will officially become Sydney FC's new marquee player later today as the Sky Blues put the finishing touches to a history-making deal that makes him the first player to exchange the English Premier League for the A-League.

Emerton, 32, will leave Blackburn Rovers one year early after terminating his contract by mutual consent - but not before making what's likely to be an emotional 248th and final appearance for his only EPL club at Ewood Park against Tim Cahill's Everton this weekend. Emerton has signed a three-year deal to fill the Sky Blues' second marquee spot alongside Nicky Carle after passing a medical in Manchester early yesterday (Sydney time).
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el-capitano · Aug 24, 2011

zhuangzi said: ↑

Brett Emerton is a Sydney Player
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You mean we actually have an actual right wing/forward for like the first time ever?

zhuangzi · Aug 24, 2011

Shit, Emmo could play just about any outfield position.

el-capitano · Aug 24, 2011

A lifetime ago, two 15-year-olds from Sydney's western suburbs flew to England to chase a dream. One, Harry Kewell, signed for Leeds United, and within a couple of years had emerged as a star. The other, Brett Emerton, was thwarted by red tape and had to return home to start again. ''Emmo'' eventually left Sydney Olympic for a million bucks and now - like Kewell - he's coming home for free. It's a delicious twist of fate that two players who started at the same time and the same place will bookend their careers by lining up for rivals Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC.

Emerton might not have the box-office grunt of Kewell - yet. Truth is, it's not in his nature to be the centre of attention. If there's a chink in the armour of making him a marquee, it's the window dressing. Funnily enough, Kewell and Emerton have similar characteristics. But Kewell has hidden most of those behind the hype.

If Sydney FC are to get full value our of their new star, that's something that needs to be addressed. Emmo's image is going to get a makeover as he is coached, and perhaps coaxed, to become more effusive. Word is he's ready for it. Sydney FC have set a target of 10,000 members for this season and that now seems a realistic starting point. But assuming Emerton does what he always does on the field, that benchmark could ultimately be blown out of the water.

And that's the key. Melbourne's gamble is not so much on Kewell's name, but on his fitness. For the past six years he's had a constant battle to get on the field. Emerton has also had his injury clouds, but they've always dispersed. Sydney FC have, thankfully, learnt from past mistakes and put Emerton through an EPL-standard medical in Manchester this week. He passed with flying colours.

There are no guarantees, of course, but the sense is Sydney will get a lot more games out of Emerton over the next three seasons than Melbourne will get out of Kewell. If a career is a race and the finishing tape is stardom, Emmo might yet grab it at the end.
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http://www.smh.com.au/sport/a-leagu...e-right-fit-for-sydney-fc-20110824-1jacj.html

el-capitano · Aug 24, 2011

And yet- the dream matchup might not happen, but I'm sure they'll do something.

THE mouth-watering prospect of Harry Kewell and Brett Emerton being on opposite sides to kick off the new A-League season could yet happen even if Socceroos coach Holger Osieck selects both players for World Cup duty the same weekend.

The opening round of the new season clashes with preparations for Australia's World Cup qualifier against Oman in Sydney on October 11, which includes a warm-up match against an as-yet unidentified opponent five days earlier.

Football Federation Australia chief executive Ben Buckley made it clear yesterday that Osieck had first call on both players even if the A-League debuts of Kewell for Melbourne Victory and Emerton for Sydney FC could be expected to pull a crowd of more than 30,000 to Etihad Stadium.

As it stands, that makes it likely Kewell and Emerton will be required for international duty when the Victory host the Sky Blues on October 8, with Buckley adding: ''The speculation about the opening round is a natural part of the excitement … but there are so many complicated matters to consider before we could even contemplate any changes to the published draw.''

Nonetheless, it is believed a possible change of date for the fixture is under serious consideration.
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http://www.smh.com.au/sport/a-league/superstars-may-align-for-showdown-20110824-1jacf.html

jimbregas · Aug 24, 2011

Awesome news.

With Kisel, Carle and Emmo in the midfield, we'd have some great potential.

jimbregas · Aug 24, 2011

Apparently we're after a 10 match guest stint for Freddy Ljungberg too? Only place I've seen it mentioned so far was on TWG buried amongst an Emerton article...

The club is also believed to have been pursuing a 10-match guest playing stint with former Arsenal star Freddie Ljungberg.
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http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/news/1070005/Emerton-'signs-with-Sydney-FC'

epris · Aug 24, 2011

Absolutely brilliant news. I'm sure we were all slightly worried that it was Carney that would fill up the marquee spot... Nabbing Emmo is a HUGE coup for Sydney..., He had a brilliant end to last season for Blackburn. On top of this, he is a perfect fit for us, considering our lack of width last year... Can't wait!

zhuangzi · Aug 25, 2011

So:

1. Reddy GK
2. Ryall CB/RB
3. C***e RB/CB
4. Bosschaart CB
5. Beauchamp CB
6. Moriyasu CM
7. Emerton RM
8. Kisel RM/AM
9. Cazarine CF
10. Carle AM
11. Petratos LM/AM
12. Cole RB/LB
15. McFlynn CM
16. Chianese AM
17. Antonis AM/CM
18. Makela FW
19. Bridge FW
20. Necevski GK
21. Jamieson LB
22. Sherlock RB
23. Grant CM/RM

Space for one more, I'd say. Could use another LB/LM but the only Aussies on the market are Sekulovski and D'Apuzzo

el-capitano · Aug 25, 2011

Emmo speaks:

''Being a marquee player was definitely something to consider, and [Sydney FC chief executive] Dirk [Melton] made me well aware of my responsibilities off the field. But it's challenge I need at this stage of my life and my career. Obviously, this is a family decision as well, but I've always made it known I wanted to finish my career in Australia and, more importantly, do that when I'm in good physical shape. Sydney showed a lot of interest, I liked what they had to say, so in the end, the decision was a simple one.''

''Nicky and I were swapping texts last night, we're both really looking forward to being teammates again,'' he said. ''I think highly of him as a player - his ability to see a pass and just what he does on the technical side of things. We've both got fond memories of our time at Olympic, and we're hoping to reproduce some of that magic. Nicky is not only a great player, but he's a very good friend.''
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http://www.smh.com.au/sport/a-league/emmo-i-cant-wait-to-take-on-my-mate-harry-20110825-1jcim.html

el-capitano · Aug 29, 2011

KK's gone for a while and no Freddie.

Kisel damaged a calf muscle in training last week, and club officials admit he has little chance of playing in Round 1 against Melbourne Victory.

"Karol's got a tear in his right calf muscle, and realistically it's at least a four to six-week recovery period," Ivancic said. "He's going to be struggling, especially when you factor in the risk of re-injury.

"To be fit for round one he'd need to be running inside a week, and I mean proper running. Considering his age and that we're right at the start of the season, I don't see much point in taking risks for the sake of getting him to play a week or two."

Meanwhile one player linked with a guest stint at Sydney definitely won't be heading for Australia after the former Arsenal and Celtic midfielder Freddie Ljungberg signed for Japanese club S-Pulse. The 34-year-old had been without a club since leaving a brief stint at Celtic.
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http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...-kisels-kick-off/story-e6frey4r-1226123961407

el-capitano · Aug 29, 2011

Alright

http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/a-league/news/1070781/Emerton-ready-for-great-expectations

G Enriquez · Aug 30, 2011

Photos from the Brett Emerton media session.
http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/WUcXUyKhasG/Brett+Emerton+Media+Session

el-capitano · Sep 12, 2011

Sydney FC coach Vitezslav Lavicka revealed he may approach Australia coach Holger Osieck in a bid to have marquee signing Brett Emerton excused from national team duty against Malaysia and be available for the A-League season-opener against Harry Kewell’s Melbourne Victory.

Emerton, who has been on national team duty in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Thailand and Saudi Arabia, is not expected to begin training with his new club until Monday, with Lavicka explaining: “Brett is taking care of some personal matters and we’re looking forward to getting him involved after the weekend.

“He just needs a little time to settle in and get used to the style and system we’ll be playing.”

Lavicka plans to harness Emerton's attributes as a wide player on the right side of Sydney’s midfield – the position where he flourished at Blackburn Rovers and also with the national team.

“Brett can also play more centrally but think he’s best value for us will be on the right and I see him scoring a few goals for us, rather than being a player who just sets other players up,” Lavicka said.

“He is a big star, great for the A-league and great for us. He will bring the players around him up to a higher level. He will teach the younger players around him and at 32 years old he is still at the top of his game.

“He’s as quick and dangerous as ever, which was why he was still a first team player in the English Premier League when he decided to come home and join us. Age is not a factor ... if he has the speed and quality on the pitch he provides great value - and that’s what Brett will do.”
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http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/news/1072555/Lavicka-may-ask-for-Emmo

zhuangzi · Sep 12, 2011

Oh and we lost to an (admittedly good) NSWPL side again. One month out and we look dire.