The Road to (Melbourne) Victory

[archie#10]

A slightly updated 9.3.0 version with all Australian leagues and English leagues loaded. The updates cover just the A-League squads which are completely up to date as of 28/4/09. All players from Argentina, Brazil, Italy, Holland, Spain, Germany and France loaded.

Today it was official. I was the first man in the A-League's short history to both play and coach in the competition. In the back end of my career I returned home to the newly created competition with my home town side Melbourne Victory.

In truth, I probably had just one decent season left in me, but I was so desperate to be a part of the new comp. My own form was decent, holding down a midfield slot for most of the season. But despite being top early in the season we fell away to come seventh, or second last. Only the incredibly woeful New Zealand Knights stopping us from finishing last.

That was it for me and playing though. I spent 13 years overseas in Belgium, France, England and Japan before being part of one of the best things to happen to Australian football the A-League. I walked away proud of my 18 caps and walked into coaching.

I moved back to were it all began and had six months in charge of Victorian State League side Frankston Pines. Halfway through my one year deal I was offered a deal of a lifetime. My former teammate at Middlesborough, Gareth Southgate was now in charge, and offered me the opportunity to join his coaching staff whilst undergoing my coaches courses and attaining my badges. It was a fantastic experience for me and one I enjoyed hugely. Importantly for my future, I now had my coaches badges and could make my next step in my career. Southgate offered me a four month contract and a role in the reserve team. My aim was to take this role and then apply for jobs in England as the came. Unfortunately as four months passed it appeared no one was interested in an inexperienced 39 year old Australian looking for his first shot in management.

Fortunately one team was though. I recieved news that my former club Melbourne Victory had won their second title in four years and manager Ernie Merrick had decided to move abroad to test his skill with Championship Blackpool. That was my foot in the door. I applied for the job along with a host of other candidates including Australian's Nick Theodorakopolos, Graham Arnold and Ange Postecoglu. There was foreign interest from Asia, namely the Iraqi national team coach Brazilian Jorvan Viera and Japanese side Nagoya Grampus' former Yugoslav legend Dragan Stojkovic. From Europe there was reports former Real Madrid star Milan Jankovic was interested in a move to Australia whilst there were whispers out of England that Paul Ince was wanting back into the coaching arena and was targeting Melbourne. It was a formidable line up but a list not undeserving of Melbourne. They built themselves into the big guns of Australian football and it would be a huge ask for me to get back in.

************************

I'd always been against people who used contacts and friends to move up in the game, but now I'd done it twice. Firstly with the Boro opportunity and now with the Victory job. I went into the interview and was immediately put at ease by chairman Geoff Lord and CEO Geoff Miles. They told me that if the club wanted to attract players of a decent quality, they'd have to bypass a big name foreign coach. The meeting was more of a catch up than and interview and I was informed I was in the box seat.

Two days later I got the news. I was boss of Melbourne Victory. I was thrilled. It began.

[archie#10]

3 June 2008

My first day at the office was quieter than expected. I met once more with chairman Geoff Lord, who went over once more my contract details. I'd signed a two year deal worth $4,700 a week. More than I was expecting but I wasn't complaining.

I later met my loyal Melbourne Victory assistant Aaron Healy who'd been here since day one. He shared his concerns regarding our overall depth and in particular the left midfield position. Unfortunately my hands were somewhat tied as we had filled the foreign player quota of four already. My only current option was 20 year old speedster Evan Berger. In my youth team was promising 17 year old Aziz Behich. A decent prospect but still a while away from first team. Healy then provided a report on who he said was our best player. 27 year old Costa Rica intenational Jose Luis Lopez a quality defensive midfielder who was into his second year of a two year loan and I was advised to attempt to sign him permanently.

Finally one or two board members arrived stating that the minimum they would accept was a finish close to the summit. They then presented three transfer and wage budget packages, the values of which were determined by my expectations. Would we qualify for Asia through our league position, challenge for the title or win the whole thing. I went for what I thought was the safe option and said I thought we could challenge for the title. In return I was given a transfer budget of $190k and a wage budget of $55k (we were already spending around $47k).

[bergtaur]

Welcome back to Australia Archie. Hope you keep coaching Melbourne up!

[Balthazars]

Awful title pun. Nice start.

[archie#10]

Bergtaur, good to have you back on board following the Socceroos story. Balthazars, I spend a whole two seconds thinking of titles, it's the part of the story I hate the most, thanks for the support

4 June 2008

I met Aaron Healy, Geoff Lord and for the first time as his coach, my former teammate and club legend Kevin Muscat at our temporary home ground at Etihad Stadium for my first press conference. I never did press when I was here as a player, so it was a chance for me to suss out the Melbourne football media.

Q:Michael Lynch, The Age: You sit here as Melbourne manager, as a local boy and a former player, is this your dream job?

A: Absolutely Michael. This club means a lot to me and the people here have given me a lot. I know how good the people involved are and the fans will be hungry for success. I want to give them that not just as a coach, but as fellow fan.

Q:Michael Lynch, The Age: You've done a lot of your previous coaching in England and many believe your style of coaching will reflect that. Can you give any indication of the way your side might play?

A: I think the squad here is one of very creative, attacking and skillful players and I hope to play a style of football that reflects that.

Q:Grantley Bernard, Herald Sun: Many have been saying you will find the man management side of the job difficult as you were teammates of a lot of the squad, how do you think you'll handle it?

A: I think we have a good mixture of experience and youth and really strong leadership. I will step in when the need a rises but in the large part there will be a degree of trust that these men can make the right decisions.

Q:Aidan Ormond, FourFourTwo: You've not got a great deal of experience so how do you think you'll cope with the day to day 24 hour aspects of the job?

A: For those very reasons I'll look to get involved as much as time will allow me.

Q:Grantley Bernard, Herald Sun: Do you see the need to make changes or stamp your name on the squad?

A: There is no need for big changes and most players here already will be here at the start of the season. If anything there will be some strengthening of the squad and we are already looking into it.

With that teaser we uped and left and I headed for a meeting with head physio Lauren Cramer to discuss any injuries the squad were carrying.

-Kevin Muscat, 34yo, CB/DM, hamstring, 2-3 months

A huge blow was that our most inspirational player would be sidelined for the start of the season. And at his age a hamstring injury could mean long term trouble.

[Fluoro]

Hi there archie

this sounds great so far. I'm looking forward to more on this one soon. KUTGW

[archie#10]

Thanks for the kind words Fluoro

5 June 2008

Midfielders Carlos Hernandez and Jose Luis Lopez were both called up to the Costa Rican national side for the World Cup quualifiers against Montserrat on the 7th and 14th of June

7 June 2008

Both Jose Luis Lopez and Carlos Hernandez remained on the bench as their team defeated Montserrat 2-0 away in the World Cup qualifier first leg.

10 June 2008

TRANSFER NEWS

My first ever signing was announced today with left back Josh Rose joining from Uni Craiova in Romania for $120k. The 26 year old Aussie has A-League experience after playing 12 games for the New Zealand Knights in the first season. He signed a two year deal worth $1k per week. The search continues for a left midfielder and right back.

14 June 2008

Jose Luis Lopez came on in the 74th minute but Carlos Hernandez remained on the bench as Costa Rica walked past Montserrat in the second leg 3-0. Costa Rica win the tie 5-0 on aggregate and move on to the next stage of CONCACAF qualifiers.

15 June 2008

TRANSFER NEWS

Signing number two was confirmed today. The versatile Nick Budin joins us from South Australian State League side Adelaide City for $15k. He can play left or right wing or as a striker and has penned a one year deal worth $1k per week. I would now switch my attention to a right back.

17 June 2008

TRANSFER NEWS

I today confirmed the signing of a former teammate. Simon Storey rejoined us from Scottish side Partick Thistle for $55k and signed a one year deal worth $1k. Another versatile player which is vital when there is the strong squad restrictions in force.

In international news, Rodrigo Vargas today got a shock call up to the Chile squad. Vargas was born in the capital Santiago but moved to Australia with his family at a very young age. He has been called up for their World Cup qualifer away in Venezuela in two days.

18 June 2008

I payed chairman Geoff Lord a visit today with a request for one more injection of transfer funds to make a play for our on loan midfielder Jose Luis Lopez. Surprisingly Lord agreed, freeing up $150k for the purchase. We were immediately in contact with Deportivo Saprissa with a cagey opening offer of $110k.

19 June 2008

I was left frustrated as my first choice centre back Rodrigo Vargas was made to fly to Venezuela and back only to watch the 2-2 draw from the stands.

20 June 2008

TRANSFER NEWS

Deportivo Saprissa today agreed to sell Jose Luis Lopez for $110k. I was surprised but at the same time thrilled as I believed this to be a bargain for us. Lopez signed a four year deal worth $5k a week.

[archie#10]

With the first friendly upon us I decided to take stock and have a look at the first team squad I had picked to take us into the next season.

GOALKEEPERS

Michael Theoklitos (27yo, Australia, uncapped) Will be my first choice keeper. Has twice been named Keeper of the Year and is currently attracting interest from clubs in Greece, Turkey and Portugal.

Glen Moss (25yo, New Zealand, 7 caps) Was one of the top keepers last season and would probably be first choice at most other A-League clubs. Taken from Wellington Phoenix after his contract expired at the end of the previous season.

DEFENDERS

Simon Storey (D RLC, DM, 26yo, Australia, uncapped) A very versatile defender who can play left, centre or back. Back at the club for the second time and will begin the season as back up.

Kevin Muscat (D RC, DM, 34yo, Australia, 51 caps, 10 goals) The heart and soul of the club and innagural captain. Currently on the sidelines recovering from a hamstring injury likely to keep him out for another 1-2 months. Also an Assistant Manager at the club.

Rodrigo Vargas (D RLC, 29yo, Australia/Chile, uncapped) Has become one of the best defenders in the country after being plucked from the State leagues. Has great leadership and loyalty having done most of his growing up in Melbourne.

Steven Pace (DC, 25yo, Australia, uncapped) Another one plucked from the state league. Kevin Muscat's absence will give the back up player a chance to shine in the first team. A solid squad player. Nothing more nothing less.

Matthew Kemp (D LR, 27yo, Australia, uncapped) Can play left or right back and is deceptively quick. Has become a vital part of the squad and will be very important for us over the coming season.

Joshua Rose (DL, 26yo, Australia, uncapped) A new signing from the Romanian league. A quality left back which is hard to find in this league. Can get forward and make good runs down the left and deliver good crosses.

Daniel Vasilevski (DR, 26yo, Australia, uncapped) Very much back up in this squad and probably our weakest link. Fortunately for him there isn't many Aussie's in his position going cheaply that are better than him.

Evan Berger (DL, ML, 20yo, Australia, uncapped) The speedy left sided player can play as a wing back or a traditional winger. Very raw still but will be given time to develop. Can deliver a very good cross.

MIDFIELDERS

Jose Luis Lopez (DM, 27yo, Costa Rica, 9 caps) A top A-League quality holding midfielder who can control the tempo and distribute beautifully. Current member of the Costa Rican national team so could be missing at time during the season.

Leigh Broxham (DM, 20yo, Australia, 1 cap) Will have a less prominent role this season and will be back up to Lopez. May not be suited to a more passing oriented game style but he is very determined and I expect him to fight for a spot in the side.

Grant Brebner (CM, 30yo, Scotland, uncapped) Will become more of an off the bench player this season as he is losing a yard of pace due to constant groin complaints. Very composed on the ball and something of a long goal specialist.

Tom Pondeljak (M RC, 32yo, Australia, 4 caps) The wily veteran is using more brain than raw pace these days but is one of the smartest players in the team. Will move to a more wide right role this season rather than a central role.

Nick Budin (AM RL, ST, 26yo, Australia, uncapped) Another verstile player who can play as a left or right mifielder or as a striker. Will likely begin his time at the club as a left winger. Blessed with a powerful right leg.

Nick Ward (AMC, 23yo, Australia, uncapped) Signed towards the end of last season after being released from QPR. A former Young Player of the Season he will mostlt be used off the bench in the early parts of the season.

Carlos Hernandez (AMC, 26yo, Costa Rica, 20 caps, 6 goals) One of the most classy and creative players in the league. Has represented his country at the World Cup in Germany in 2006. He makes up for his below par fitness with his first class technique on the ball.

Billy Celeski (MC, 22yo, Australia, uncapped) A youngster who was formerly with Perth Glory. Will benefit hugely under Lopez's and Hernandez's tutelage. Mainly a central midfielder but can be deployed on the right as emergency.

STRIKERS

Archie Thompson (ST, 29yo, Australia, 20 caps, 21 goals) The leagues all time leading scorer and the clubs marquee player. Went to the World Cup in 2006. A top quality A-League striker who scored five goals in Melbourne's 6-0 grand final win over Adelaide in 2007.

Danny Allsopp (ST, 29yo, Australia, 1 cap) Alongside Archie Thompson he makes up the leagues most productive strike combination. The former Manchester City striker has been at the club since day 1, joining from Hull City in 2005. A penalty box expert.

Ney Fabiano (ST, 29yo, Brazil, uncapped) Will begin the season as back up to Allsopp and Thompson. Signed from Thai club Chonburi. His best attribute is his heading and ability to hold the ball up and bring teammates into the play.

Nathan Elasi (ST, 18yo, Australia, uncapped) A good prospect for the future and one of the fitest players at the club. Will play a lot of Youth League football this season and may be loaned out at some stage.

[HorusFM]

Is Grant Brebner ex-Reading? Or am I thinking of someone else? Good stuff, archie.

[CAFCIan75]

Great start Archie, I am not familiar with the Oz league so I will enjoy reading this

[archie#10]

Thanks for the encouragment Ian, hopefully you stick around and I can teach you about my home league. Gav as always thanks for your support. Yes Brebs is ex-Reading after joining from Man Utd as a youth he also played for Hibs and Dundee Utd before joining Victory. For the trivia buffs, he scored the first ever goal at the Madejski Stadium

30 June 2008

MATCH DAY

Friendly vs Melbourne Knights @ Knights Stadium, Melbourne. Crowd: 5860

Something of a local derby against Victorian State League side and former National Soccer League big guns Melbourne Knights. Their players to watch out for were their young midfield dynamo Mate Dugandzic and English veteran and part time pundit on Fox Sports here in Australia, Spencer Prior.

SQUAD (4-2-2-2): Theoklitos - Kemp (Vasilevski 82'), Pace (Wynne 82'), Vargas (Cicak 71'), Rose (Storey 62') - Lopez (Brebner 71'), Hernandez (Celeski HT) - Pondeljak (Berger 62'), Budin (Ward 71') - Thompson © (Ney Fabiano 51'), Allsopp (Elasi 71')

This was a near full strength line up missing only captain Kevin Muscat. Youth Leaguers Robert Wynne and Ante Cicak were in the squad. We took the lead in bizzare circumstances. Archie Thompson rounded the Knight's keeper Savas Ozdemir and was slide tackled by Craig Elvin. Unfortunately for Elvin, the tackle forced the ball over line, and gave us a pretty unconvincing win.

Melbourne Knights 0

Melbourne Victory 1

(Elvin 15'og)

MOM: Matthew Kemp (MV)

1 July 2008

In financial news we today signed a new kit sponsorship deal after Samsung left at the end of the last season. Mining giants BHP Billiton have dipped their hands into their sizeable pockets to the tune of $2.6m a year over five years. In return our new strips will feature the BHP Billiton logo this season.

2 July 2008

MATCH DAY

Friendly vs Heidelberg United @ Olympic Village, Melbourne. Crowd: 8436

Another state league opponent for our second friendly. Heidelberg had a former Celtic and Fulham player in their squad in 33yo Dutchman Bobby Petta. He has also had experience in the A-League with Adelaide United. Also in the team was former teammate of mine in the first season of the A-League Andy Vlahos. Changes to our team see Moss come in for Theoklitos and Ward take the place of Hernandez.

SQUAD (4-2-2-2): Moss - Kemp (Vasilevski 60'), Pace (Cicak 66'), Vargas (Wynne 78'), Rose (Storey 78') - Lopez (Broxham 78'), Ward (Celeski HT) - Pondeljak (Hernandez 60'), Budin (Berger HT) - Thompson (Elasi 78'), Allsopp (Ney Fabiano 60')

We started pretty slowly and the first half was pretty poor from both sides. At half time Nick Ward was taken off with a knock and Evan Berger was given a chance and replaced Nick Budin. The change worked wonders as five minutes later Berger smashed a long range effort past stranded Heidelberg keeper Marko Sutalo. On the hour mark Tom Pondeljak came off injured and I took the opportunity to replace Danny Allsopp with Ney Fabiano. Again it proved successful as one minute after coming on, Fabiano rounded the keeper and slotted our second.

Heidelberg United 0

Melbourne Victory 2

(Berger 50', Fabiano 61')

MOM: Evan Berger (MV)

INJURY

Tom Pondeljak will miss a week with a corked thigh and Nick Ward was given a clean bill of health.

[archie#10]

4 July 2008

The odds for the upcoming A-League season were announced today with TAB Sportsbet having us $2.00 favourites to win the league. Central Coast are second favourites at $2.25 closly followed by $2.50 chance Sydney FC, Newcastle at $2.75, Brisbane at $3.50 and Adelaide United at $4.00.

MATCH DAY

Friendly vs Victorian Institute of Sport @ South Yarra Sports Centre, Melbourne. Crowd: 1470

Today we took on the youngster from the Institute. We made a couple of changes with Hernandez returning for Ward, Budin switching to the right, Berger replacing the injured Pondeljak and Fabiano in for Allsopp. Youth Leaguer Aziz Behich comes onto the bench. The VIS best prospect looks to be their 19 year old keeper Kile Kennedy. Victory players Leigh Broxham and Billy Celeski both began their careers at the VIS.

SQUAD (4-2-2-2): Moss - Kemp (Vasilevski 74'), Pace (Cicak 66'), Vargas (Wynne 74'), Rose (Storey 80') - Lopez (Brebner 80'), Hernandez (Ward 74') - Budin (Celeski 80'), Berger (Behich 66') - Thompson (Elasi 66'), Fabiano (Allsopp 80')

Fabiano opened the scoring early after getting on the end of a beautiful Budin through ball and then slotting past Kennedy. We dominated the first half, Budin and Celeski in particular peppering the goalmouth. We didn't score again until the 77th minute though. Ward had been on for just three minutes before blasting into an empty net following Fabiano's excellent hold up play. Six minutes later he controlled Behich's cross before neatly tucking the ball past Kennedy at his near post.

Victorian Institute of Sport 0

Melbourne Victory 3

(Fabiano 8', Ward 77' 83')

MOM: Nick Ward (MV)

8 July 2008

MATCH DAY

Friendly vs Fawkner Blues @ Epping Stadium, Melbourne. Crowd: 8432

After a four day break we made the short trip to Epping Stadium to take on State League outfit Fawkner. Changes to our line-up saw Theoklitos back in goal and youth leaguer Ante Cicak get a start in the centre of defence in place of Steven Pace. Ward started on the right in place of Budin. The men to watch for Fawkner were left back Ralph Napoli who was courting interest from second teir Italian clubs and central midfielder David Pilic.

SQUAD (4-2-2-2): Theoklitos - Kemp (Vasilevski 82'), Cicak (Pace 82'), Vargas (Wynne 3'), Rose (Storey 82') - Lopez (Broxham 82'), Hernandez (Celeski 64') - Ward (Budin 82'), Berger (Behich 64') - Thompson (Elasi 82'), Fabiano (Allsopp 64')

In the 23rd minute we capitalised on shambolic Fawkner defending. Jose Vasquez clearance ricocheted off teammate Lukmon Anifloyin and looped over keeper Pasi Schwalger. The ball hit the crossbar and fell kindly to Archie Thompson who was following in and calmy opened the scoring. The defending only got worse and we cashed in again three minutes later. Josh Rose made a nice run into the box from the left and attempted to cut the ball back for Matthew Kemp at the edge of the area. Fawkner defender Boris Radman stuck out a boot and diverted the ball into his own net. His teammate Boris Masic joined in on the comedy capers in the 52nd minute. Carlos Hernandez was through on goal but a heavy touch let Masic in to clear for a corner. Instead he put in the top corner giving us a 3-0 lead. A worry from this game was the injury to star defender Rodrigo Vargas in the 3rd minute.

Fawkner Blues 0

Melbourne Victory 3

(Thompson 23', Radman 26'og, Masic 52'og)

MOM: Josh Rose (MV)

INJURY

Rodrigo Vargas is suffering from bruised ribs and will miss around two weeks.

[archie#10]

10 July 2008

MATCH DAY

Friendly vs Frankston Pines @ Monterrey Reserve, Frankston. Crowd: 2464

Just a two day turn around from our previous friendly but this would be our last. And it was something of a return home for me. I began my coaching career at the Pines and was born and raised in Mornington just 15 minutes up the road. We had two youth leaguers in the starting 11 and another two on the bench. One of the starters, left midfielder Aziz Behich, was given a first team squad number during the week. For Frankston, their biggest threat came from right winger Adam Fadljevic.

SQUAD (4-2-2-2): Theoklitos - Kemp (Vasilevski 63'), Cicak (Wynne 63'), Pace (Storey 82'), Rose (Foschini 71') - Lopez (Broxham 63'), Hernandez (Celeski 71') - Ward (Budin 82'), Behich (Berger 63') - Thompson (Elasi 63'), Allsopp (Fabiano 71')

In the 15th minute Ward was fouled by Chris Rozic in the box and Rose stepped up to take the penalty. Although the keeper guessed the right way he couldn't get to it and we were up 1-0. After earning the penalty, Ward scored one for himself Hernandez's long range bomb could only be parried straight to him. After the break Pines got a way back into the game. Substitute Adrian D'Ortenzo whipped in a corner that embarrassed Theoklitos by going over his head and it the back of the net. Seven minutes later and our two goal lead had been restored. Fabiano had only been on for seven minutes when he drifted towards the back post to meet Celeski's corner.

Frankston Pines 1

(D'Ortenzo 71')

Melbourne Victory 3

(Rose 15'pen, Ward 29', Fabiano 78')

MOM: Nick Ward (MV)

14 July 2008

My choice for captain and vice-captain were made today and there were no surprises. Kevin Muscat named captain with Archie Thompson ready to step in at any time.

[Spav]

Great start, archie. I'll be following you to Victory.

[archie#10]

Hey Spav, thanks for the encouragement mate. Good to have you on board.

PRE-SEASON CUP OVERVIEW

-Two groups of 4 - play once

(Group A - Adelaide Utd, Melbourne, Newcastle, Perth)

(Group B - Brisbane, Central Coast, Sydney, Wellington)

-Top teams play off in two-legged final

-Games taken to regional areas of Australia.

19 July 2008

MATCH DAY

Pre-Season Cup Group Stage vs Newcastle @ Skilled Stadium, Geelong. Crowd: 6857

Our first 'competitive' match but in truth I was treating it more as a friendly. From our strongest squad we were only missing the still injured captain Kevin Muscat. Simon Storey is serving a ban. The dangermen for Newcastle are midfielders Italian Fabio Vignaroli and Korean Song-Jin Hyung. Also there is an early meeting between former Victory player Ljubo Milicevic and his old teammates after Milicevic walked out on the club. There could be fireworks. He's not liked much in these parts.

SQUAD (4-2-2-2): Theoklitos - Kemp, Vargas, Pace, Rose - Lopez, Hernandez (Celeski 72') - Ward, Budin - Thompson, Allsopp (Fabiano 62')

UNUSED SUBS: Moss, Wynne

A game we totally dominated from start to finish. The fact we couldn't capitalise on our many chances is worrying. Ward, Thompson, Allsopp and Budin all had great chances. We were also lucky. Newcastle's Song-Jin Hyung hit the crossbar from 30 metres late in the second half.

Definately some shooting practice during the week in preparation for our next clash with Perth in Darwin.

Melbourne Victory 0

Newcastle Jets 0

MOM: Adam D'Apuzzo (NJ)

OTHER RESULTS

A classic at Paramatta as Sydney went down to the Central Coast 3-4. The scoring began with a Melbourne old boy, Seb Ryall in the 6th minute for Sydney. 35yo Argentinian midfielder Ariel Zarate then equalised for Central Coast after 20 minutes, before Nik Mrdja but the Mariners in the lead just before the break. Just after he extended it. Central Coast up 3-1. Now it was Sydney's turn to mount a come back. First John Aloisi in the 62nd and then Stuart Musialik in the 80th minute pulling the score back to 3-3. But there was still time for a winner. Central Coast's Matt Simon scoring the 92nd minute to give his side the 4-3 win. In Mount Gambier, South Australia, new signing Iain Fyfe and Brazilian Cristiano had put home side Adelaide up 2-0 at the break before two goals in three second half minutes from Ivorian Eugene Dadi earnt Perth a 2-2 draw. Finally in Townsville, Brisbane easily accounted for Wellington 2-0 thanks to Dutchman Sergio van Dijk and Brazilian Giovanni.

[archie#10]

20 July 2008

We today proudly announced that we'd sold 22607 memberships for season 2008-09.

21 July 2008

Former France international Frank Leboeuf today agreed to join my coaching staff. The 40yo played 50 times for his country and spent most of his career in French Ligue 1 and the English Premier League. He signed a 3 year deal.

26 July 2008

MATCH DAY

Pre-Season Cup Group Stage vs Perth @ Darwin Football Stadium, Darwin. Crowd: 3794

We travelled north to Darwin for what's becoming a traditional fixture in the pre-season. Conditions would be difficult with the temperature reaching 29c and the humidity making taking a good breath in nearly impossible. Still I took as good a team as I could into the encounter. The one change saw Pondeljak return to the right wing in place of Ward who dropped to the bench. Perth fielded a pretty young side with three starters being promoted from the Youth League and their three outfield players on the bench doing the same. Their players to watch would be attacking midfielder Victor Sikora who has been capped six times by Holland and in defence, English veteran Andy Todd.

SQUAD (4-2-2-2): Theoklitos - Kemp, Vargas, Pace, Rose - Lopez, Hernandez - Pondeljak (Ward 72'), Budin - Thompson, Allsopp (Fabiano 63')

UNUSED SUBS: Moss, Storey

We started poorly and conceeded a penalty after Hernandez fouled former Celtic junior Marc Anthony in the box. Wayne Shroj stepped up and just beat Theoklitos' outstretched arm. It took just seven minutes for us to get back on level terms. Good play by Costa Rican pair Hernandez and Lopez set Kemp through on goal on the right and the defender had little trouble slotting past Frank Juric in the Perth goal.

10 minutes after the break and we took the lead. Allsopp and Pondeljak combined before the latter threaded a through ball to Thompson who made no mistake. We finished the scoring in the 69th. Rose found himself in space on the left and delivered a perfect cross for Pondeljak at the far post. Pondeljak outjumped his marker, 18yo former Blackburn academy player Brent Griffiths, and smashed a header past Juric.

Perth Glory 1

(Shroj 15'pen)

Melbourne Victory 3

(Kemp 22', Thompson 55', Pondeljak 69')

MOM: Tom Pondeljak (MV)

OTHER RESULTS

In the other Group A game Newcastle and Adelaide met in Wollongong and played out a fairly uneventful 0-0 draw. In group B Wellington took a game to Auckland and faced off with Sydney. The away side took a 21st minute lead through Northern Irishman Terry McFlynn and held on despite being reduced to 10 men when Simon Colosimo was dismissed with 12 minutes remaining. Finally in Coffs Harbour, Central Coast defeated Brisbane 1-0 thanks to a late goal by Adam Kwasnik. David Dodd saw red for Brisbane in the early parts of the second half.

Group A			P	W	D	L	GD	PTS
[b]Melbourne Victory	2	1	1	0	+2	4[/b]
Adelaide United		2	0	2	0	0	2
Newcastle Jets		2	0	2	0	0	2
Perth Glory		2	0	1	1	-2	1

Group B			P	W	D	L	GD	PTS
Central Coast Mariners	2	2	0	0	+2	6
Brisbane Roar		2	1	0	1	+1	3	
Sydney FC		2	1	0	1	0	3
Wellington Phoenix	2	0	0	2	-3	0

[archie#10]

2 August 2008

MATCH DAY

Pre-Season Cup Group Stage vs Adelaide United @ Aurora Stadium, Launceston. Crowd: 5186

From the top of Australia to the bottom as we travelled to the island state of Tasmania to take on arch rivals Adelaide United. The temperature was a freezing 7c and the rain was sheeting down in vast contrast to last weeks tropical conditions. Everyone pulled up well from the Perth game with the only change up front with Fabiano replacing Allsopp who dropped to the bench. Adelaide had a number of players to watch including recently released Blackburn Rover Rostyn Griffiths, new signing Korean international Hong Soon-Hak and Brazilian striker Cristiano to name just a few.

SQUAD (4-2-2-2): Theoklitos - Kemp, Vargas, Pace, Rose - Lopez, Hernandez - Pondeljak (Ward 45')(Storey 79'), Budin - Thompson, Fabiano (Allsopp 71')

UNUSED SUBS: Moss

We opened the scoring as early as the seventh minute, Budin whipped in a cross which Fabiano controlled and flicked on for the unmarked Thompson to squeeze home. Controversy surrounded Adelaide's equaliser in the 34th minute. Travis Dodd's through ball found Cristiano who appeared to be offside. The Brazilian then passed the ball out wide to Lucas Pantelis who's cross found Cristiano once more to head past to statue like Theoklitos Just before the break United took the lead. Our corner was turned into an Adelaide attack as Cristiano hoofed the ball away. Matthew Mullen showed great pace to sprint clear of our two defenders Rose and Kemp[/b] and get to the byline. Support was slow in coming but when it did Mullen found it as his cross was smashed home by Dodd. 2-1 Adelaide and thats the way it finished.

Adelaide United 2

(Cristiano 34', Dodd 44')

Melbourne Victory 1

(Thompson 7')

MOM: Lucas Pantelis (AU)

OTHER RESULTS

At Perth's Arena Joondalup The Glory were defeated 2-0 by Newcastle thanks to Donny de Groot and Jobe Wheelhouse who scored on either side of the half. Sydney took their clash against Brisbane to the capital and the locals responded with a crowd of 12,176 at Canberra Stadium. Sydney took an early lead through Mitchell Prentice and kept it going in to the second half. Ten minutes in though and Giovanni, an 18 year old Brazilian striker on loan from Atletico Mineiro, scored his first of the game to make it 1-1. 11 minutes after that and another of Brisbane's foreigners got on the scoresheet. Dutchman Sergio van Dijk scoring his second of the competition. Seven minutes from time Giovanni completed the scoring with his third in three games. Finally the Central Coast travelled to the North Coast to take on Wellington at Port Macquarie. The Mariners opened the scoring through Ariel Zarate in the 32nd minute but were immediately pegged back by Wellington's Diego. Two goals in seven minutes in the second half sealed victory for the Central Coast with Dylan Macallister and Nik Mrdja adding their names to the scoresheet.

Group A			P	W	D	L	GD	PTS
[b]Newcastle Jets		3	1	2	0	+2	5[/b]
Adelaide United		3	1	2	0	+1	5
Melbourne Victory	3	1	1	1	+1	4
Perth Glory		3	0	1	2	-4	1

Group B			P	W	D	L	GD	PTS
[b]Central Coast Mariners	3	3	0	0	+4	9[/b]
Brisbane Roar		3	2	0	1	+3	6
Sydney FC		3	1	0	2	-2	3
Wellington Phoenix	3	0	0	3	-5	0

Central Coast Mariners will host Newcastle Jets at Bluetongue Stadium

[archie#10]

6 August 2008

The Pre-Season Cup final was played today and Central Coast walked away with the first silverware on offer this season with a 2-0 win over Newcastle. Dylan Macallister opened the scoring for The Mariners in the 12th minute and that was added to by Adam Kwasnik in the 81st. It was their second win in the competitions four year history to go along with their loss in the 2006 final.

Pre-Season Cup Final - Central Coast vs Newcastle @ Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford. Crowd: 8893

Central Coast Mariners 2

(Macallister 12', Kwasnik 81')

Newcastle Jets 0

MOM: Dylan Macallister (CCM)

6 August 2008

Carlos Hernandez and Jose Luis Lopez have again been called up to represent Costa Rica. On August 20 they will take on Cuba at home in a World Cup qualifier.

16 August 2008

MATCH DAY

A-League vs Central Coast @ Etihad Stadium, Melbourne. Crowd: 24091

The opening day of the league season and we played the cup winners Central Coast on our home patch. With Kevin Muscat returning from injury I had a full strength side to choose from. However Muscat failed a last minute fitness test and would miss at least one more week. Our squad was unchanged from that which took on Adelaide in our last cup game. For our visitors, their dangermen were the twin giants up front in Matt Simon and Dylan Macallister. They were sure to keep Steven Pace and Rodrigo Vargas busy at the back.

SQUAD (4-2-2-2): Theoklitos - Kemp, Vargas, Pace, Rose - Lopez, Hernandez - Pondeljak (Ward 59'), Budin (Storey 85') - Thompson, Fabiano (Allsopp 73')

UNUSED SUBS: Moss

The Mariners started the brighter and tested Theoklitos as early as the fourth minute. Argentine veteran Ariel Zarate unleashing a powerful drive from all of 30 yards and forcing a fingertip save from my keeper. Our first chance came in the 29th minute following a foul on Fabiano. A neat passing move from the resultant free-kick between Fabiano, Lopez and then Thompson set up Hernandez to try a long distance drive which found the very top corner for a really stunning goal.

In the 64th minute we had a great chance to extend our lead. Lopez showed off his range of passing by finding Ward free in an advanced position on the right. Ward, who'd only been on for five minutes went one on one with the keeper but shot staright at The Mariners Brazilian keeper Rodrigo Ramos, who parried it away for a corner. The Mariners best chance of the second half came from John Hutchinson's long range curling effort that had Theoklitos scrambling with its late swing.

It wasn't pretty and some suggested we were outplayed, but we'd walked away with all three points and were off to a great start ahead of next week clash against fierce rivals Sydney at the SFS.

Melbourne Victory 1

(Hernandez 29')

Central Coast Mariners 0

MOM: Carlos Hernandez (MV)

OTHER RESULTS

Wellington opened the season on the Friday night and drew 1-1 with Perth, who were making the biggest away trip in league football. Early in the second half new Wellington signing Chris Greenacre gave the Phoenix the lead but that was pegged back twenty minutes later by Adriano Pellegrino. At Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide took on Sydney and opened the scoring in front of their home fans but had to wait until the 68th minute for Matthew Mullen to break through. A late Terry McFlynn strike gave Sydney a share of the points. And finally Newcastle are top after the opening round after defeating Brisbane 2-1 at EnergyAustralia Stadium. First half strikes from defenders Nikolas Tsattalios and Nikolai Topor-Stanley gave the Jets a 2-0 lead which wasn't breached until a last minute goal by another defender, this time Josh McCloughan.

SCORES

Wellington 1-1 Perth

Melbourne 1-0 Central Coast

Adelaide 1-1 Sydney

Newcastle 2-1 Brisbane

TABLE

			P	W	D	L	GD	PTS
Newcastle Jets		1	1	0	0	+1	3
[b]Melbourne Victory	1	1	0	0	+1	3
Wellington Phoenix	1	0	1	0	0	1
Adelaide United		1	0	1	0	0	1
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Perth Glory		1	0	1	0	0	1
Sydney FC		1	0	1	0	0	1
Brisbane Roar		1	0	0	1	-1	0
Central Coast Mariners	1	0	0	1	-1	0

[archie#10]

20 August 2008

Jose Luis Lopez came on in the 77th minute of Costa Rica's 3-1 home win over Cuba. It was 10th cap for his country. Carlos Hernandez remained on the bench.

24 August 2008

MATCH DAY

A-League vs Sydney @ Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney. Crowd: 13039

The biggest rivalry in the competition as we travelled north to face Sydney FC. This game always has talking points and although the players will tell you they go as hard in every game, they certainly step up a notch against Sydney. Infact, when I was a player in Melbourne, our greatest day was a 5-0 thrashing of Sydney at home. To the two teams and we had a massive in this week. If we were playing anyone else Kevin Muscat would miss but against Sydney he would start. Slightly underdone, Muscat came in for Steven Pace. The other change was Nick Ward starting in place of Tom Pondeljak. Having a look at Sydney's squad, their players for us to watch would be Brazilian midfielder Roberto Lopes, Slovakian midfielder Karol Kisel and former Socceroos striker John Aloisi.

SQUAD (4-2-2-2): Theoklitos - Kemp (Storey 84'), Vargas, Muscat, Rose - Lopez, Hernandez - Ward, Budin - Thompson (Pondeljak 70'), Fabiano (Allsopp 81')

UNUSED SUBS: Moss

The crowd was small but buzzing but Sydney would be thankful the 3000 or so travelling fans saved them from an embarrasing sub 10,000 crowd. The best chance of the early moments fell for Sydney's Northern Irishman Terry McFlynn. Adam Casey found him with a perfect through ball before McFlynn smashed the half volley just wide of Theoklitos far post. Just on the half hour we had our first chance. Ward found himself in space just outside the edge of the area and fired a fierce shot which Clint Bolton held onto. We got a break just before the half time whistle as Sydney coach Viteslav Lavicka was forced to bring Kisel off for youngster Zach Cairncross.

In the space of just two second half minutes the game swung in our favour. In the 55th minute referee Mark Shield showed Sydney's McFlynn a yellow card after a crude tackle on Hernandez. Just two minutes later and McFlynn dove in on Rose leaving Shield no option but to show the Northern Irishman a second yellow. It took us ten minutes to capitalise on our man advantage. After Roberto Lopes fouled Budin we were awarded a free kick about 20 yards out. Rose lined the shot up and beat Bolton at his left to send the 3000 travelling fans, and us on the bench, into raptures. In stoppage time Rose nearly scored a second free kick but Bolton saved. It was the last chance as we held on to a special 1-0 win.

Sydney FC 0

(McFlynn sent off 57')

Melbourne Victory 1

(Rose 70')

MOM: Josh Rose (MV)

OTHER RESULTS

Brisbane notched up their first win of the season beating Wellington 2-1 at Suncorp Stadium. First half goals from Giovanni and Sergio van Dijk gave the Roar a 2-0 lead at the break. Chris Greenacre pulled on back for Wellington in the second half but it wasn't enough. In the F3 Derby, Dylan Macallister gave the Central Coast the perfect start over Newcastle after just 10 minutes. Newcastle's Korean midfielder Song Jin-Hyung saw red just after half an hour and it was an up hill battle after that. In the 67th minute The Mariners finally capitalised on their man advantage with Ariel Zarate scoring his first of the season. Just under 7000 turned up to see home side Perth lose 2-1 to Adelaide. Cristiano opened the scoring for Adelaide after just six minutes. Adriano Pellegrino equalised for Perth after 57 minutes before Cristiano won the game for Adelaide in the 88th.

SCORES

Brisbane 2-1 Wellington

Central Coast 2-0 Newcastle

Perth 1-2 Adelaide

Sydney 0-1 Melbourne

TABLE

			P	W	D	L	GD	PTS
[b]Melbourne Victory	2	2	0	0	+2	6[/b]
Adelaide United		2	1	1	0	+1	4
Central Coast Mariners	2	1	0	1	+1	3
Brisbane Roar		2	1	0	1	0	3
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Newcastle Jets		2	1	0	1	-1	3
Wellington Phoenix	2	0	1	1	-1	1
Perth Glory		2	0	1	1	-1	1
Sydney FC		2	0	1	1	-1	1

[Dixie Flatline]

Good start to the season, apart from the hiccup at the second home ground of the mighty Hawks!

As a proud Melbourne born and bred man, I wish you every success but be warned - fail, and I'll be cutting your hair with a meat cleaver!

KUTGW!