|
|
Post by dibo (pron. "DIB-OH") on Aug 30, 2007 11:29:42 GMT 10
Heff in the clear, Wilko possibly out for 2 months - medial ligament damageMariners buoyed as Heffernan off hook for shoulder charge
Michael Cockerill
August 30, 2007
CENTRAL Coast Mariners wing back Dean Heffernan insists he never doubted he would escape censure for a shoulder charge on Sydney FC's Mark Milligan last weekend.
While Queensland Roar fullback Danny Tiatto and Sydney FC utility Terry McFlynn have to front the tribunal this afternoon after being cited on video evidence for incidents from the opening round, Heffernan can prepare in peace for tomorrow night's first home match of the season, against Wellington Phoenix at Bluetongue Stadium.
"I suppose it's a relief but, to be honest, I never expected anything to happen - there wasn't much in it," he said.
"'Millsy' [Milligan] is a tough kid, and he's a smart player … his tactic from the corners was to block for 'Poppa' [Tony Popovic], and after he did it a couple of times, I just did it back to him. There was no malice in it, he's a good bloke, and I'm pretty sure he tried to make the most of it to try and get a penalty.
"It was the first game of the season, so everyone was pumped up, but I don't think the game was too physical. It's just the Aussie way - everyone likes to get stuck in."
After a late start to pre-season training, Heffernan, 27, was satisfied with his performance against Sydney, and, like the rest of the Mariners team, is keen to build on a promising start to the season against dark horses Wellington, who opened their campaign with a thrilling come-from-behind draw against champions Melbourne Victory.
"I'm still a little bit underdone but I was pretty happy with how I played against Sydney, and after this game I should be back to 100 per cent," he said. "I feel fine going into the match but my recovery takes a bit longer than usual. After this it will be four full games under my belt and I'll be on my way."
After starring for Central Coast in the inaugural A-League season, Heffernan spent last season on loan with German Bundesliga side FC Nurnberg, but while things have worked out well for former Mariners teammate Michael Beauchamp, who joined him in Bavaria, Heffernan failed to make an impression.
However, he has no doubt the experience has improved his game and, apart from chasing success with the Mariners, he's chasing something he has never worn before - a green and gold shirt. Socceroos coach Graham Arnold is due to announce his squad today for the friendly against Argentina. Even if his name is missing, Heffernan won't lose sight of his goal, as Australia's left-sided defensive role remains up for grabs.
"Fingers crossed I get my chance, but even if it doesn't come this time, I'm sure it will come soon enough," he said.
"A lot of players have been tried in that position, and nobody has really grabbed the spot. I'm lucky to have Tony Vidmar at the club - he played in that role for the national team for a long, long time, and I try to pick his brains as much as I can.
"If I keep doing what I do and tweak some little things in my game, then I'm confident I'll get an opportunity. I feel I'm ready to play at that level."
Central Coast may be without skipper Alex Wilkinson for up to two months after he tore a medial ligament against Sydney, but utility Greg Owens, who hurt his foot at training, has been cleared to play the Phoenix.
In other news, Brazilian striker Patrick has been cleared to play for Sydney FC in Saturday night's match against Adelaide United at the Sydney Football Stadium.
And former Socceroos defender Stephen Laybutt is set to join Newcastle Jets to replace the injured Craig Deans.
"He's a natural defender, he's a leftie, which works well for us. He's got age and experience, he's comfortable on the ball, and he's one who's not going to be intimidated," coach Gary van Egmond said. "He's exactly what we need." smeg.
|
|
marinermick
Moderator 
Coming to Bay 16 Soon
Posts: 8,657
|
Post by marinermick on Aug 30, 2007 11:33:10 GMT 10
hard lines to wilko
wonder if he was in line for a soceroo call up before this happened
vidmar for captain?
|
|
|
|
Post by dibo (pron. "DIB-OH") on Aug 30, 2007 11:42:21 GMT 10
hard lines to wilko wonder if he was in line for a soceroo call up before this happened vidmar for captain? awful news. feel so sorry for the lad, but he's *surely* a walk up start for any awkwardly timed (FIFA-wise) internationals once he's back. |
|
|
|
Post by brett on Aug 30, 2007 11:45:24 GMT 10
 Not Wilko...anyone but him. No one here knows what it's like to support the Mariners without him in the team. It will feel different. It's our strongest position depth wise, but I honestly think it's the worst player to lose. This wasn't supposed to happen to us this year. In other news, great comments by Heff there, giving it to Milligan, and an insight into the tactics at a modern day corner. |
|
|
|
Post by Pete on Aug 30, 2007 11:50:53 GMT 10
Bugger that's bad news for Wilko.
With O'Grady out too, the ranks are starting to thin out in the backline. O'Grady is expected back in October, perhaps?
I don't know about having Vidmar as captain. Granted he has all the experience you'd want, but his form has suggested he's only good for part of the game, and you'd ideally want your captain to run the full game. With other senior players getting rotated too, or getting back from injury and on the bench, it would be down to who is expected to stay on for the full match by Lawrie.
|
|
marinermick
Moderator
Coming to Bay 16 Soon
Posts: 8,657
|
Post by marinermick on Aug 30, 2007 11:52:37 GMT 10
Bugger that's bad news for Wilko. With O'Grady out too, the ranks are starting to thin out in the backline. O'Grady is expected back in October, perhaps? I don't know about having Vidmar as captain. Granted he has all the experience you'd want, but his form has suggested he's only good for part of the game, and you'd ideally want your captain to run the full game. Maybe start with Vidmar as captain and then hand over to Gumps - if he stays on - or another senior player. gumps defintely won't last all game either |
|
|
|
Post by Pete on Aug 30, 2007 11:55:06 GMT 10
Bugger that's bad news for Wilko. With O'Grady out too, the ranks are starting to thin out in the backline. O'Grady is expected back in October, perhaps? I don't know about having Vidmar as captain. Granted he has all the experience you'd want, but his form has suggested he's only good for part of the game, and you'd ideally want your captain to run the full game. Maybe start with Vidmar as captain and then hand over to Gumps - if he stays on - or another senior player. gumps defintely won't last all game either Yeah I edited my first post there Mick. Damn, if none of the senior players are scheduled to go the full 90, give the job to Boogs or Danny!  |
|
marinermick
Moderator
Coming to Bay 16 Soon
Posts: 8,657
|
Post by marinermick on Aug 30, 2007 11:58:12 GMT 10
gumps defintely won't last all game either Yeah I edited my first post there Mick. Damn, if none of the senior players are scheduled to go the full 90, give the job to Boogs or Danny! danny could be a choice how many games will he miss for olyroos? heff? |
|
|
|
Post by alicia on Aug 30, 2007 12:03:23 GMT 10
I reckon Danny. They need someone who will be there the full 90.
Hutch?? Brownie??
|
|
|
|
Post by Pete on Aug 30, 2007 12:06:03 GMT 10
I reckon Danny. They need someone who will be there the full 90. Hutch?? Brownie?? Brownie might be a decent choice, but Lawrie does tend to replace him or bench him. Same goes for Hutch and sometimes Hutch is out injured too. |
|
|
|
Post by serious14 on Aug 30, 2007 12:11:44 GMT 10
Get Fergie out there, he'd fire the other 10 up well and good. If someone was a bit lacklustre, just get him to threaten them with his 'golf swing' and watch them run.  |
|
|
|
Post by Chimmi Churri on Aug 30, 2007 12:15:11 GMT 10
....umm.....what does a captain do?
|
|
|
|
Post by serious14 on Aug 30, 2007 12:30:33 GMT 10
Runs around the field being all......... captainy??
|
|
marinermick
Moderator
Coming to Bay 16 Soon
Posts: 8,657
|
Post by marinermick on Aug 30, 2007 12:33:40 GMT 10
....umm.....what does a captain do? tells people to FIRE UP FARKEN |
|
|
|
Post by serious14 on Aug 30, 2007 12:34:06 GMT 10
Thought that was my job?? ;D
|
|
|
|
Post by DJ on Aug 30, 2007 12:50:29 GMT 10
Not Wilko...anyone but him. No one here knows what it's like to support the Mariners without him in the team. It will feel different. It's our strongest position depth wise, but I honestly think it's the worst player to lose. This wasn't supposed to happen to us this year. In other news, great comments by Heff there, giving it to Milligan, and an insight into the tactics at a modern day corner. I agree - losing your captain is not supposed to happen. Massive chance for Boogs to step up now, only Clark and Vidmar challenging for a start there. Oh well......lets hope it's not the start of yet another injury plagued season! |
|
|
|
Post by brett on Aug 30, 2007 14:30:12 GMT 10
I saw Heff telling people to FIRE THE FARK UP on the replay, maybe he is an option now is a big superstar Socceroo and all  Not Wilko...anyone but him. No one here knows what it's like to support the Mariners without him in the team. It will feel different. It's our strongest position depth wise, but I honestly think it's the worst player to lose. This wasn't supposed to happen to us this year. In other news, great comments by Heff there, giving it to Milligan, and an insight into the tactics at a modern day corner. I agree - losing your captain is not supposed to happen. Unless you sack them! |
|
|
|
Post by Jeff (LouMacari) on Aug 30, 2007 15:17:13 GMT 10
Captain goes into press conf post match to get all 'explainy' doesn't he mick? |
|
marinermick
Moderator
Coming to Bay 16 Soon
Posts: 8,657
|
Post by marinermick on Aug 30, 2007 15:23:07 GMT 10
Captain goes into press conf post match to get all 'explainy' doesn't he mick? explainy is an excellent word it, well, explains alot |
|
|
|
Post by bikinigirl on Aug 30, 2007 15:25:35 GMT 10
. thought i heard on the tv this morning (prime?) that wilko was recovering and likely to play - seems that was a good call
. is the torn ligament diagnosis official then?
|
|
