Date: August 18th 2009
Author: Grantley Bernard
From: Herald Sun

MELBOURNE Heart will not be talking to former German captain Lothar Matthaus about its coaching position, but could make an appointment within a week.

The new A-League franchise was approached by representatives of Matthaus, who won 150 caps and captained West Germany to the 1990 World Cup, and there has been renewed interest from the former coach of Partizan Belgrade, Hungary and Red Bull Salzburg.

But Heart, which will play in next season's A-League, is believed to be close to securing a Dutch coach, after the recent appointment of Scott Munn as chief executive.

"We won't be pursuing (Matthaus)," Heart chairman Peter Sidwell said yesterday.
"We wouldn't be going down that path. We are pursuing someone else at this time."
The identity of that person remains a secret, although it is known the potential coach is Dutch, has been to Melbourne on an inspection tour and that a deal is imminent.

It is believed Heart is hoping its first coach will provide excellent technical knowledge and an ability to develop young players. An Australian is expected to be appointed as his assistant.

MELBOURNE Victory has released Daniel Vasilevski.
A former Young Socceroo, Vasilevski played only 12 A-League games for Victory as he dealt with injuries and the inability to command a regular first-team place.

"Daniel has been great around the club, but is keen to secure regular first-team football, which we understand, and wish him all the best," Victory football operations manager Gary Cole said.

Victory midfielder Carlos Hernandez has been credited with scoring the A-League's 1000th goal. Hernandez scored twice in the 3-3 draw with Brisbane Roar at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night.

GOLD Coast United chairman Clive Palmer has issued a hands-off warning to overseas clubs chasing the team's top players.

United has scored nine goals in two games to sit at the top of the table.
Johnny Warren Medal winner Shane Smeltz has been linked with a move to Turkish side Genclerbirligi.

Defender Adam Griffiths was last week sold to Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Shabab.
But Palmer has denied the club is struggling to keep its players.
"None of our contracted players are leaving and no further transfers during the current season will be considered for any amount of money," Palmer said yesterday.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/soccer/heart-set-on-dutch/story-e6frfg8x-1225763075362