Robbie Slater: 10 storylines to watch and issues to engage with this A-League season
WITH the start of the A-League season less than a week away, former Socceroo Robbie Slater looks at 10 issues to watch.
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WITH the start of the A-League season less than a week away, former Socceroo Robbie Slater looks at 10 issues to watch:
1. TIME TO SIGN BOLT
I thought Bolt was great for Central Coast on Friday against some of the best NPL players. Okay, some of his touches were a bit heavy, but he was always involved, he always caused problems and he had a real presence about him. I thought it was extremely positive. Sign him, go ahead with it. It’s a no-brainer. He’ll bring so much to that club and the league just through his mere presence. And you can see the effort he’s putting in, people will turn up to watch him. He might not give them the most effervescent football performance, but he’ll give them a lot of excitement. It’s hugely entertaining and people want to be entertained. That’s what sport’s all about.
2. EXPANSION A MUST
I sincerely hope expansion is not delayed because we desperately need it. New teams should be number one on the agenda. The fans and players are screaming for them and it’s crucial for the development of the game and to give young Australian players opportunities. Otherwise elite talent could be lost to the NPL or head abroad too early due to a lack of local chances. Everything is in place, the bids are there, let’s make sure it moves forward. The incoming board, whoever is on it, needs to listen to the masses.
3. CHANGE AT THE TOP
A political situation that should have been done and dusted two or three years ago has finally come to a head. The Lowys will depart Football Federation Australia, but it must be said how much that family has contributed to football in Australia. They saved the game. Others have now pushed for power — I hope not through greed — to enforce change. Now the pressure is on to deliver. We’re into a new television deal which the outgoing board secured so this is a very important time.
4. POPOVIC’S PERTH PROJECT
Can Tony Popovic transform Perth back into the powerhouse that ruled the NSL for such a long time? Stars remain in Diego Castro and Andy Keogh, though Adam Taggart is lost to Brisbane. But Popovic has made astute defensive acquisitions in ex-Socceroos trio Matt Spiranovic, Jason Davidson and Ivan Franjic. And the former Western Sydney boss espouses hard work and discipline. Can his philosophy take the Glory to the same heights as the Wanderers?
5. CORICA’S QUEST
Sydney FC broke almost every record in every category over the past two seasons. How do they cope with all the changes? The exit of Graham Arnold and appointment of rookie coach Steve Corica represents a changing of the leadership guard. On top of that three standout players are gone in Adrian Mierzejewski and Bobo — who scored 40 goals between them last season — along with Jordy Buijs. Still, the early signs of this new era are promising. Replacement recruits Adam Le Fondre, Siem de Jong and Jop van der Linden all look the goods the FFA Cup trophy beckons.
6. TWO HARBOUR CITY NOMADS
Both Sydney teams are homeless this season. Western Sydney have endured it for two years already and struggled to retain their passionate supporter base at temporary ground Spotless Stadium. Finally there’s light at the end of the tunnel - one more season and they’ll move into a new and improved Western Sydney Stadium with steep grandstands to rival European venues. For Sydney FC this is just the start, and the upheaval of playing out of Jubilee Oval, the SCG and Leichhardt Oval comes on top of all the other changes. Patience will be a virtue amid a frustrating, albeit unavoidable, time for fans.
7. CAN JETS STILL SOAR?
Can Newcastle back up their stunning exploits of last season? Their now-infamous grand-final loss to Melbourne Victory - that VAR technical failure, that contentious goal - is bound to further motivate a largely similar squad. There’s added ammo in the Hunter too. Ronny Vargas is back from injury and ready to make up for lost time, and the fitness of Brazilian import Jair is improving. However the surprise packets no longer carry the element of surprise. Rivals know what Ernie Merrick’s men are about now and a repeat of the magic must be achieved with targets on their backs.
8. REVVING THE HONDA
Melbourne Victory became the first club to snatch the title from fourth place. Let’s be honest, it wasn’t an exceptional season, only an exceptional ending. Kevin Muscat’s side finished 23 points behind premiers Sydney FC. But finals football is a different ball game, and Victory are the finals kings who find a way to win. Their title defence is without Besart Berisha and Leroy George but boasts some head-turning signings in Ola Toivonen and Keisuke Honda. If that squad clicks I’d expect Victory will be there or thereabouts again.
9. CITY SLACKERS
The other team in town is underwhelming. This is the richest club in the land by some way, yet they refuse to sign big-name marquees. I find that extraordinary given the resources at their disposal. City Football Group’s MLS team, New York City FC, have had some huge signings including David Villa and Andrea Pirlo, along with Frank Lampard’s brief and complicated stint. Maybe Melbourne City’s goal is limited to developing young players and making money out of them. It’s true they have strengthened their backline with former Leicester City English Premier League-winning defender Ritchie De Laet. But they should be doing more for the A-League because, for me, with resources comes a certain responsibility.
10. ARZANI IN LIMBO?
What’s happened with Daniel Arzani is an issue every Australian football fan should be concerned about. I believe the 19-year-old starlet been sent the wrong way to Manchester City and on loan at Celtic. The crucial thing for him was he had to play. Arzani didn’t finish a 90-minute game in the A-League last season and as much as he’s an amazing talent who turned heads at the World Cup, the next vital step for him was club minutes. And I don’t mean games in a reserve team at a big European club like Celtic. This could hurt his Socceroos chances and affect his confidence. Maybe someone will prove me wrong but right now looks like a massive mistake.
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