Blog

Much has been written of the impact Italian legend Alessandro Del Piero will have off the pitch for the A-League, but it is not really clear how he will fit into Sydney FC’s new look team.

The appointment of former youth coach Ian Crook has seemingly signalled the end of the pragmatic era at the capital club, with former coach Vítězslav Lavicka preferring a results-based approach. Few would argue he wasn’t successful (a title in his first season is not to be ignored), but there’s no denying that Sydney were more functional than fantasy.

That appears to have changed.

There is little to indicate what Crook’s preferred style of play is, but many quotes from Moore Park have suggested a change in ideology. Before his departure to Baniyas in the UAE, marquee Nicky Carle was lavish in his praise of the new manager, praising him for identifying a clear style of play centred around quick tempo passing and playing … Continue Reading

Who would’ve thought that two weeks ago it was all doom and gloom for Sydney FC. Their star midfielder Nick Carle had gone out on loan to Baniyas of the UAE Pro League, and the pre-season plans of manager Ian Crook were undeniably turned upside-down just weeks out from the season-opener against Wellington. Fast forward to last night’s announcement in Turin, and the mood around Allianz Stadium couldn’t be more contrasting.

As of 9:30pm AEST last night, Italian and Juventus legend Alessandro del Piero is officially a Sydney FC player for the next two seasons, with the option of a third season, on a reported $2 million per season. But what does it all mean for the Sky Blues and the A-League as a whole?

Firstly, a two-year deal speaks volumes for the fact that Del Piero is here to make a serious impact, and not treat his time in the A-League like a holiday, … Continue Reading

Position: 5th
(knocked out of the finals by Wellington 3-2)

Change in position from 2010/11: ↑ 4

Win-draw-loss record: 10-8-9
(37 goals scored, 42 goals conceded)

Highest goalscorer: Bruno Cazarine (8)

Average attendance: 11,861

After a disappointing 2010/11 season that saw Sydney FC finish outside a finals place, and was marked by average attendances plummeting to a new club low, the 2011/12 pre-season saw renewed vigour and optimism surround the club, with the appointment of new CEO Dirk Melton and the major off-season marquee signing of Socceroo Brett Emerton. Emerton was hailed as a coup not just for Sydney FC, but along with Melbourne Victory’s capture of Harry Kewell, for the A-League in general.

Experienced Dutch central defender Pascal Bosschaart was brought in to shore up Sydney FC’s previously shaky defence, and was partnered with another new recruit in Socceroo Michael Beauchamp in Sydney’s new look defensive line up. The season started well for the Sky Blues, with an opening round draw to fierce rivals Melbourne Victory followed by a … Continue Reading

Of the 7 games that made up this week of A-League fantasy, an average of only 2 goals per game effectively should’ve made it difficult to score big this week in fantasy, with goals worth so much to your overall score. But, that wasn’t to be, as fantasy managers took advantage of four teams playing twice by choosing a large selection of players from those teams – and, especially, their captain. 91 points was the #1 score in our own league, showing that cunning selections this week were key.

With goalkeepers this week there were a great deal of points to be had. Matthew Ryan from the Mariners continued on his merry way, racking up 11 points from his two games this week, after only allowing one goal in and producing 11 saves in the process. Double gamer Danny Vukovic was right behind him with 9 points, after saving a penalty in the game against Melbourne Heart. … Continue Reading

When the full details of the Mustafa Amini-Central Coast-Borussia Dortmund deal were fleshed out in the media last week, I had mixed feelings. On the one hand, the structure of the transfer that the Mariners and Dortmund agreed on was nothing short of brilliant. But it begs the question – have young Australian players been moving to European clubs from the local leagues in the ‘wrong’ way?

I should elaborate – it’s not that I don’t want our best talent to play their football overseas, as the ultimate aim is developing them to a good enough level to play for the national team. And the last thing A-League clubs want to be doing is projecting a negative image about their willingness to help their players realise their own individual European footballing dreams.

But it seems over the last few years, many young players have been leaving Australia prematurely.

Now, I should say that this isn’t always the case. Former … Continue Reading