A-League Squads and Transfers

[marinermick]

dru said:

Newcastle Herald reports today that the Jets have offered Eagleton a one year deal which he will probably be signing today.

and they signed striker scott tunbridge

[DJ]

meant to be after Trevor Sinclair too?

[marinermick]

djgrounsell said:

meant to be after Trevor Sinclair too?

and terry venebles as assistant coach

[Andy]

marinermick said:

wedau was rubbish

should give them some more substantial dollars under the cap

And it's also a foreign player spot. It would allow Marcinho to be signed, in case Hyuk -Su Seo isn't granted citizenship.

[Andy]

Looks like David Carney isn't the only Bling player on his way out.


Aussie exodus continues

SOCCEROO Mark Milligan could join the mini A-League exodus with European clubs from three countries chasing the Sydney FC defender.

Dutch, French and Italian Serie B clubs are lining up bids for the 21-year-old, who could be making the trip to Europe as soon as the Asian Cup comes to an end.

His manager Craig Nettlebeck last night confirmed the interest but would not reveal the clubs.

Milligan yesterday said he would be content to see out his deal but the lure of Europe was becoming hard to resist.

"I've got another year at Sydney and I'm content to see that through as they've always been great to me. But obviously if things change we'll have to see what happens," he said.

"The A-League has come on in leaps and bounds but the amount of Australians playing in the top leagues overseas still makes it very difficult to compete (at Socceroos level).

"So it's not so much having to get out of the country, but you definitely need to have more games to stay fit and put your hand up to be selected in sides like this."

The Dutch and French attention has come from the top division, while most of the Italian interest has come from Serie B. Nettlebeck said the clubs wanted Milligan to trial before they signed him as he is unproven at Socceroo level, unless he gets game time and impresses at the Asian Cup.

"There is some interest overseas from Millsy and we would like to explore it," Nettlebeck said.

"The time's right for him to go overseas, but it's got to be the right club so he'll have a look around."

Meanwhile, Sydney FC target Tony Popovic is in Croatia holding talks with Hajduk Split, although his preferred destination remains Sydney.

And former Socceroos defender Hayden Foxe is on the verge of signing with Perth Glory.

[marinermick]

I have no time for Mark Milligan after he renigged on a verbal contract to sign with the Mariners in V.1

Hope kharma bites him on the butt and he spends years languishing in the lower leagues of Europe.

[Perm]

Milligan is overrated.
he's definately no fyfe.

[Andy]

The Jest have also signed Olyroo Peter Eleftherakis on a two-year contract.

[kevrenor]

afrosean said:

Milligan is overrated.
he's definately no fyfe.

Spike >> Fyfe

[omni]

marinermick said:

I have no time for Mark Milligan after he renigged on a verbal contract to sign with the Mariners in V.1

Hope kharma bites him on the butt and he spends years languishing in the lower leagues of Europe.

Bet he wouldn't have made the roos squad if he was playing for the mariners.

[Jesus]

from a-league site

Glory close on gun pair
Friday, 6 July 2007

James Robinson
James Robinson

Perth Glory are on the verge of securing the services of English striker James Robinson and former Socceroos defender Hayden Foxe for the upcoming Hyundai A-League season.

Robinson, whose stoppage-time header in last season's semi-final against Adelaide sent Melbourne Victory through to the grand final, has been training with Perth for the past week.

The 24-year-old struggled for game time last season at Melbourne with Archie Thompson and Danny Allsopp the preferred options up front.

However, Perth coach Ron Smith said Robinson could fill a key post at the Glory after former Dutch international Michael Mols confirmed he would not be signing with the club.

Robinson is contracted to Marconi in the NSW Premier League, but Smith was confident the former Victory striker would sign for the Glory once the Stallions' finals campaign finished.

"He's been on the radar for quite a while, even going back to last season. He's been over this week and I've been impressed with what I've seen," Smith said.

"He's obviously got a nose for goal because he's scored seven in the last nine at Marconi."

Foxe, meanwhile, could put pen to paper by the end of the week after Smith revealed contract negotiations were in their final stages.

The 30-year-old has been dogged by foot injuries throughout his career in Europe, which included stints at West Ham (2000-02), Portsmouth (2002-05) and Leeds (2006-07), but Smith was confident the A-League's one-game-a-week schedule would allow Foxe to play a full season.

"The only reason he's not playing for a top club in Europe is because he can't play two games a week. That's why he expressed an interest in coming here," Smith said of Foxe, who played 21 games for Leeds in the club's doomed campaign last season.

"I had Hayden for a couple of years at the AIS as a young lad and it's funny how things happen."

"I met with him and spoke to him while he was playing with West Ham in the Premier League. He always sort of said 'one day Ronny it would be great if I played in a team you coached', so now we've got the opportunity."

But despite Perth being on the verge of an important double-signing, the club has been dogged by bad luck since its return from Malaysia.

Croatian striker Mate Dragicevic has been forced home due to visa complications and appears unlikely to return for the start of the pre-season competition, which kicks off for Perth against the Jets on Saturday July 14 at Port Macquarie Regional Stadium.

"We are working with the immigration department and really it's in their hands," Smith said.

"He's a top lad and got on great with the boys, and he showed last week he's got some class. He's very composed in front of goals. I can't wait for him to be here and nor can he."

A virus has also swept through the club, while niggling injuries have forced the Glory to abandon practice games against WA State League sides Floreat and Inglewood.

"It's just a little unfortunate because of the injury situation. They're not major injuries but they're enough to stop you playing, and we've got to be cautious right now that we don't eliminate somebody for the next two or three weeks," Smith said.

"We've had five or six go down with a flu virus (as well). You can see this morning we've only got six outfield players plus the keepers that are fit enough to train."

"That's why I said we can't guarantee playing in the next seven to 10 days because we've got a (pre-season) match in Newcastle next week and if we play Tuesday (against Floreat) … we are going to put one or two at risk."

Defender Nikolai Topor-Stanley is in Sri Lanka visiting family and will miss the Glory's pre-season clash against Newcastle.

[kevrenor]

PERTH GLORY MEDIA ALERT

Tuesday 10 July, 2007



FOXE ADDS BITE TO GLORY



Perth Glory's squad has been boosted by the arrival of experienced
defender Hayden Foxe who has signed for the next two seasons with the
club.



The 30 year old Australian has played 14 matches with the Socceroos and
spent more than a decade playing internationally including stints in
Japan, Holland, and in England with West Ham, Portsmouth and Leeds
United.



"The decision for me to come back to Australia was an easy one really,
I'm happy to be with Perth Glory and looking forward to an opportunity
of working with Coach Ron Smith," Foxe said.



Foxe and Smith first met at the Australian Institute of Sport some 13
years ago and have also worked together in the national team programme.



"I've known Ron for a long time and he is a very astute coach that can
definitely bring the best out of his players so I was more than happy to
come and play football here on the west coast," Foxe said.



Perth Glory Head Coach Ron Smith said he is delighted to add a player of
Foxe's experience and leadership and is confident he will have a big
impact on the league this season.



"Hayden is a top quality player who has enjoyed a long career at the
elite level in Europe and we're delighted to welcome him back to
Australia and in particular to Perth Glory," Smith said.



"He is fit and eager to play for Perth and will bring a lot of
experience to our relatively young side.



Despite being born and bred in Australia Foxe hasn't ever played
professionally in the country, after being whisked overseas as a
youngster but is eager to experience the Hyundai A-League with Perth
Glory.



"I'd like to think that I can play another six or seven years," Foxe
said.



"The season isn't that long here with 21 regular season matches compared
to about 50 matches in Europe. I'm feeling good, I don't have any
injury concerns, and if I look after myself right then there is no
reason I can't play for while to come.



"There is a lot to look forward to at the Glory, the club has recruited
well and I'm confident that we can be a strong contender this season,"
said Foxe.



The big defender only arrived in Perth from London on Monday evening but
could be brought straight into the squad for the club's opening
pre-season cup match against Newcastle on Saturday 14 July in Port
Macquarie.



"We'll see how Hayden pulls up in the next couple of days and make a
decision from there," Smith said.



"He'd obviously be a big inclusion for us however we won't rush him in
if he's not fully ready to go. He's feeling pretty good after the long
flight and is keen to get out onto the pitch as soon as possible," Smith
added.



Perth currently has 21* contracted players for the 2007/08 season.

* including goal keeper Tommi Tomich who is on an injury replacement
contract for Jason Petkovic



PROFILE

Hayden Foxe

Born: 23/06/1977 (30 yrs)

Playing Career: Ajax Amsterdam 1995-97 (0 apps), Arminia Bielefeld 1997-98 (1 app), Sanfrecce Hiroshima 1998-99 (37 apps, 5 gls), KV Mechelen 2000-2001 (4 apps), West Ham United 2000-2002 (11 apps),
Portsmouth 2002-2005 (42 apps, 2 gls), Leeds United 2006-2007 (18 apps, 1 goal)

Representative Honours: Australian Olympic Squad 1996 & 2000, Australian Senior Team 'Socceroos' (14 apps, 2 gls), UK indoor Pot Plant Piddling Championship

[Foriegnmariner]

Accoridng to these stats Foxe has had only 113 appearences in his pro career.
I knew he had injury problems but this is an incredible amount for someone now in his 30s.

[LeedsMariner#4]

he was at leeds last season and basically couldnt play two games in a week
ultimately cost him his spot as he would play on the weekend but couldnt play again until the following weekend, with the number of games played midweek in england he struggled
the aleague season should suit him and he could prove to be a good signing

[Bearinator]

UK indoor Pot Plant Piddling Championship

Sound like fun.....

[~Floss~]

"UK indoor Pot Plant Piddling Championship" - is that correct? 0 Apps / 0 Goals? couldn't make first team or was he benched?

Edit: Injury-plagued season perhaps?

[kevrenor]

floss said:

"UK indoor Pot Plant Piddling Championship" - is that correct? 0 Apps / 0 Goals? couldn't make first team or was he benched?

Edit: Injury-plagued season perhaps?

I wondered whether anyone would read far enough to notice! ;D

[Andy]

Good signing for them. I still think they'll finish with the Wooden spoon.

[Andy]

Popovic has been confirmed.

Socceroos World Cup hero signs

Tony Popovic, one of Australia's heroes at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, today signed a two-year contract with Sydney FC.

Popovic started for the Qantas Socceroos in their 2006 FIFA World Cup Group F game against Brazil - the then world champion did not score until after Sydney FC's new recruit had left the pitch - and marked his 58th and final appearance for Australia's national team with a late goal versus Paraguay last October.

"Tony is a terrific addition to Sydney FC's squad," said the club's coach, Branko Culina. "He's a man of great quality, both in terms of his playing ability and his leadership skills. He's very highly regarded in football circles, as demonstrated by the fact he's captained many of the teams for which he's played."

Sydney FC chief executive officer George Perry says that Popovic, who played for Sanfrecce Hiroshima in Japan, Crystal Palace in England and Al Arabi in Qatar during his dozen years away from Australia, brings more to the table than just football skills.

"Tony is not only a great footballer, he's also a true gentleman," said Perry. "He'll be of as much value to Sydney FC off the field as he'll be on it and I'm sure he'll draw upon his wealth of experience to act as a mentor to the club's younger players."

Popovic, who celebrated his 34th birthday last week and has flown to Queensland so as to participate in Sydney FC's pre-season camp, is delighted to have joined his home-city club after more than a decade plying his trade as a defender in Europe and Asia.

"I'm delighted to be back in Sydney. I've been away for a long time and it felt right to come home. I'm excited to be playing for a club that's got great players and a great coach. Hopefully, I can help Sydney FC win the A-League again," said Popovic.

[Andy]

The Scum have agreed to terms with a new Brazilian Playmaker, Denni Rocha Dos Santos, who played in the Brazilian 2nd division. He is apparently "in the mould of Melbourne livewire Fred".