New Bulls boss determined to prove Macarthur more than ‘pub team’

Macarthur FC’s new coach plans to “tweak” the Bulls’ playing style in a bid to shed their “pub team” tag.

New Macarthur FC coach Mile Sterjovski wants the Bulls to play ‘attractive’ football. Picture: Macarthur FC

New Macarthur FC coach Mile Sterjovski intends on transforming the Bulls from a “pub team” into one of the A-League’s most “attractive” sides.

Announced as the replacement for the departed Dwight Yorke last Monday, former Socceroo Sterjovski’s first game in charge of the Australia Cup holders is a date with A-League champions Western United at Campbelltown Stadium on Saturday.

Yorke’s exit from the Bulls came less than 24 hours after he blasted Macarthur’s players following a 1-0 loss to Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium last Friday night.

The ex-Manchester United star tore strips off his playing squad, allegedly calling them a “pub team” in a spray which included him questioning the professionalism of the entire competition.

Yorke’s outburst was understood to have left some players in tears.

However, Sterjovski has worked hard this week to restore confidence and belief in his side.

“I just want the boys to keep being motivated,” Sterjovski said.

“We have the same goals as what the team set at the beginning of the season.”

The 43-year-old former Lille (France), FC Basel (Switzerland), Hacettepe (Turkey) and Dalian Aerbin (China) attacker – who was previously in charge of the Bulls’ NPL NSW club Northbridge – plans to “tweak” a few aspects of Macarthur’s style.

“I want us to be a possession-based team. I want us to play attractive football,” he said.

“It’s going to take a bit of time to get my influence over the team, but I just want … to keep playing good football.

“My job is to get everybody motivated, everybody ready … (and) make sure everyone’s firing and everyone’s playing in the same way.”

We're happy to announce that Jake Hollman will stay with the Bulls for two more seasons! 🖤🤍💛#WeAreTheBullshttps://t.co/MZ5OUusOMq

— Macarthur FC (@mfcbulls) January 27, 2023

The Bulls have reinforced their midfield stocks by convincing Jake Hollman to sign a two-year contract extension with the club.

“There was a lot of competition but when Macarthur came to the party, there was no real question mark for me,” Hollman said.

“It was the first club I played professionally for and they gave me an opportunity, so it feels great to stay at home and extend for another two years.”

Hollman isn’t available for Sterjovski’s first game in charge, with the 21-year-old former Sydney FC NPL player suspended for one match after being sent off last week in Adelaide.

In Saturday’s late match, the Central Coast Mariners host Western Sydney Wanderers in an all-NSW affair in Gosford.

The third-placed Wanderers – who have won just one of their past seven matches – can move a point ahead of the Mariners with an away victory.

However, should the Mariners win, they will move to within two points of leaders Melbourne City, who host Adelaide United at AAMI Park on Sunday.

Mariners coach Nick Montgomery said it was “always a good battle” with the Wanderers.

“We will give them the same respect that we do everyone else,” Montgomery said.

“We are at home, hopefully in front of a good home crowd, and we will give it a good crack.”

Originally published as New Bulls boss determined to prove Macarthur more than ‘pub team’