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Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Dutch Switch For New Heart Simon
Date: March 31st 2010
Author: Not Specified
From: Four Four Two Australia
AS WE first revealed in November, Melbourne Heart today confirmed signing former Sydney FC star Simon Colosimo and revived his World Cup hopes with a brief move to Holland.
Colosimo had hoped to stake a claim to the Socceroos' World Cup squad with a stint at FC Seoul in the K-League but the move fell through leaving the defender on the outer.
But today Melbourne Heart confirmed they had signed the star of last week's Grand Final and used coach John van't Schip's Dutch contacts to allow Colosimo to train with Eredivisie champions AZ Alkmaar.
"Melbourne Heart FC has worked very hard with Simon to make sure he has every opportunity to make the final World Cup squad, and I am extremely happy for him to spend time abroad if that is what is needed," said van ‘t Schip.
"Making the World Cup squad would not only be a highlight of his career, but also allow the club to have a presence on the international stage."
Colosimo has signed a multi-year deal to return to his Melbourne home after one of his best seasons securing the Premiership-Championship double alongside new Heart team-mates Clint Bolton and John Aloisi.
Colosimo earned the 2010 Joe Marston Medal in the Grand Final after a commanding display in defence before scoring the opening goal in the penalty shootout.
"Simon has wonderful technical ability and will provide fantastic composure in defence," said van't Schip.
"He is capable of playing the ball out of defence and also provides excellent tackling and organisational ability.
"As a Socceroo, PFA President, title winner and local Melbourne boy, Simon also brings the necessary mentality which hopefully will spread throughout the squad.
"I have no doubt he wants to continue being a winner."
Colosimo has plied his trade in Turkey, Malaysia and England, where the 31-year-old completed a stint with Manchester City.
However, Colosimo has enjoyed his greatest success in Australia's domestic leagues, winning his first Joe Marston Medal in the 2003 NSL Grand Final on route to claiming the national title with Perth Glory.
The Melbourne-born star started in all three games for the Olyroos at the 2000 Sydney Games, and is now the sixth Qantas Socceroo to join Melbourne Heart FC, joining fellow full internationals Bolton, Dean Heffernan, Matt Thompson, Kristian Sarkies and Aloisi.
http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/125661,dutch-switch-for-new-heart-simon.aspx
Author: Not Specified
From: Four Four Two Australia
AS WE first revealed in November, Melbourne Heart today confirmed signing former Sydney FC star Simon Colosimo and revived his World Cup hopes with a brief move to Holland.
Colosimo had hoped to stake a claim to the Socceroos' World Cup squad with a stint at FC Seoul in the K-League but the move fell through leaving the defender on the outer.
But today Melbourne Heart confirmed they had signed the star of last week's Grand Final and used coach John van't Schip's Dutch contacts to allow Colosimo to train with Eredivisie champions AZ Alkmaar.
"Melbourne Heart FC has worked very hard with Simon to make sure he has every opportunity to make the final World Cup squad, and I am extremely happy for him to spend time abroad if that is what is needed," said van ‘t Schip.
"Making the World Cup squad would not only be a highlight of his career, but also allow the club to have a presence on the international stage."
Colosimo has signed a multi-year deal to return to his Melbourne home after one of his best seasons securing the Premiership-Championship double alongside new Heart team-mates Clint Bolton and John Aloisi.
Colosimo earned the 2010 Joe Marston Medal in the Grand Final after a commanding display in defence before scoring the opening goal in the penalty shootout.
"Simon has wonderful technical ability and will provide fantastic composure in defence," said van't Schip.
"He is capable of playing the ball out of defence and also provides excellent tackling and organisational ability.
"As a Socceroo, PFA President, title winner and local Melbourne boy, Simon also brings the necessary mentality which hopefully will spread throughout the squad.
"I have no doubt he wants to continue being a winner."
Colosimo has plied his trade in Turkey, Malaysia and England, where the 31-year-old completed a stint with Manchester City.
However, Colosimo has enjoyed his greatest success in Australia's domestic leagues, winning his first Joe Marston Medal in the 2003 NSL Grand Final on route to claiming the national title with Perth Glory.
The Melbourne-born star started in all three games for the Olyroos at the 2000 Sydney Games, and is now the sixth Qantas Socceroo to join Melbourne Heart FC, joining fellow full internationals Bolton, Dean Heffernan, Matt Thompson, Kristian Sarkies and Aloisi.
http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/125661,dutch-switch-for-new-heart-simon.aspx
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Hatred from the Heart
Date: March 29th 2010
Author: Michael Lynch
From: The Age
HATRED is an emotive word. But Melbourne Heart's latest big-name signing, former Sydney striker John Aloisi, lost little time in fanning the flames of local rivalry when he predicted that will be the dominant emotion when the A-League's newest club plays its first derby against the competition's established powerhouse, Melbourne Victory.
''I can't wait to play Melbourne Victory … this year we finally got the rivalry with Sydney [and Victory] that was missing for the first four years.
''Now with the Heart it's going to be even bigger, the rivalry. This is what the A-League wants and needs, to have two sides from Melbourne going head to head. Hatred is a big word, but I think there's going to be a lot of hatred there.''
Not that the decorated former Socceroo is tipping that feeling will run so high that it will bring crowd trouble.
''No, I don't think there will be clubs causing problems. Everyone is going to want to win for their club. The supporters will be OK. I don't think there will be many problems.''
He says the game has moved on from the old days when some bitter rivalries and clashes between fans of traditional teams, many established on ethnic lines, generated headlines and television images that held the game back.
But, after a career in which he played in Italy's Serie A, England's Premier League and Spain's Primera Liga, Aloisi knows better than most that passionate local rivalries are the lifeblood of the game.
Aloisi has already been to two A-League grand finals and won premierships and championships with first Central Coast and then Sydney in his 2½ seasons in the competition.
Now the Socceroo legend - scorer of the most famous penalty kick in Australian soccer history - is aiming to finish his career with a premiership and championship hat-trick with his third A-League club.
Aloisi will play next season with the Heart, and then take up a position on the club's coaching staff.
The veteran is not the club's marquee player. It had hoped that Socceroo Mark Bresciano could be tempted by an early return to his home city but the midfielder is only just 30 and is expected to seek at least one more contract in Europe.
Aloisi revealed that Heart had first contacted him as long ago as last October. Now the striker, who will wear the number 15 shirt he wore for the national team when he scored against Japan in the 2006 World Cup, says that Heart is a realistic chance to bid for the title in its first season.
''I think this is going to be a massive club and [it's great] to be in the sporting capital of Australia, if not the world. We can build something here. I want to make sure I am part of it for a long time.
''Melbourne can handle two sides.
''On the pitch we will try and win everything. Off the pitch we will try and win over the supporters.
''I am not going to come out and say that we will go undefeated because that's a bit tough but with the players that we are getting we should be talking about winning it.''
Aloisi, who won a premiership but lost in the grand final in his first season back home with the Central Coast Mariners, said the time was right to leave Sydney after a season when the club had won the premiership and the championship.
''I had a lot of friends in Sydney … we won everything possible this year and it was a good time to end on a high.
''I have spoken to [coach] John [van't Schip] … there won't be pressure on me to play every single game.
''I have made two grand finals and won two minor premierships, so hopefully that's a good omen for Melbourne Heart.''
Aloisi is the second Sydney grand final winner confirmed as a Heart player, after goalkeeper Clint Bolton.
HEART AND SOUL
THE SIGNINGS
John Aloisi (Sydney)
FORWARDS
Jason Hoffman (Newcastle Jets)
Eli Babalj (AIS) forward
GOALKEEPER
Clint Bolton (Sydney)
DEFENDERS
Dean Heffernan (Huddersfield)
Simon Colosimo (Sydney) TBC
MIDFIELDERS
Matt Thompson (Newcastle Jets)
Rutger Worm (NEC Nijmegen)
Wayne Srhoj (Perth)
Kristian Sarkies (Adelaide)
Kamal Ibrahim (AIS)
THE TARGETS
Josip Skoko (Hajduk Split)
MIDFIELDER
STRIKER
Mark Viduka (free agent)
http://www.theage.com.au/sport/soccer/hatred-from-the-heart-20100329-r89n.html
Author: Michael Lynch
From: The Age
HATRED is an emotive word. But Melbourne Heart's latest big-name signing, former Sydney striker John Aloisi, lost little time in fanning the flames of local rivalry when he predicted that will be the dominant emotion when the A-League's newest club plays its first derby against the competition's established powerhouse, Melbourne Victory.
''I can't wait to play Melbourne Victory … this year we finally got the rivalry with Sydney [and Victory] that was missing for the first four years.
''Now with the Heart it's going to be even bigger, the rivalry. This is what the A-League wants and needs, to have two sides from Melbourne going head to head. Hatred is a big word, but I think there's going to be a lot of hatred there.''
Not that the decorated former Socceroo is tipping that feeling will run so high that it will bring crowd trouble.
''No, I don't think there will be clubs causing problems. Everyone is going to want to win for their club. The supporters will be OK. I don't think there will be many problems.''
He says the game has moved on from the old days when some bitter rivalries and clashes between fans of traditional teams, many established on ethnic lines, generated headlines and television images that held the game back.
But, after a career in which he played in Italy's Serie A, England's Premier League and Spain's Primera Liga, Aloisi knows better than most that passionate local rivalries are the lifeblood of the game.
Aloisi has already been to two A-League grand finals and won premierships and championships with first Central Coast and then Sydney in his 2½ seasons in the competition.
Now the Socceroo legend - scorer of the most famous penalty kick in Australian soccer history - is aiming to finish his career with a premiership and championship hat-trick with his third A-League club.
Aloisi will play next season with the Heart, and then take up a position on the club's coaching staff.
The veteran is not the club's marquee player. It had hoped that Socceroo Mark Bresciano could be tempted by an early return to his home city but the midfielder is only just 30 and is expected to seek at least one more contract in Europe.
Aloisi revealed that Heart had first contacted him as long ago as last October. Now the striker, who will wear the number 15 shirt he wore for the national team when he scored against Japan in the 2006 World Cup, says that Heart is a realistic chance to bid for the title in its first season.
''I think this is going to be a massive club and [it's great] to be in the sporting capital of Australia, if not the world. We can build something here. I want to make sure I am part of it for a long time.
''Melbourne can handle two sides.
''On the pitch we will try and win everything. Off the pitch we will try and win over the supporters.
''I am not going to come out and say that we will go undefeated because that's a bit tough but with the players that we are getting we should be talking about winning it.''
Aloisi, who won a premiership but lost in the grand final in his first season back home with the Central Coast Mariners, said the time was right to leave Sydney after a season when the club had won the premiership and the championship.
''I had a lot of friends in Sydney … we won everything possible this year and it was a good time to end on a high.
''I have spoken to [coach] John [van't Schip] … there won't be pressure on me to play every single game.
''I have made two grand finals and won two minor premierships, so hopefully that's a good omen for Melbourne Heart.''
Aloisi is the second Sydney grand final winner confirmed as a Heart player, after goalkeeper Clint Bolton.
HEART AND SOUL
THE SIGNINGS
John Aloisi (Sydney)
FORWARDS
Jason Hoffman (Newcastle Jets)
Eli Babalj (AIS) forward
GOALKEEPER
Clint Bolton (Sydney)
DEFENDERS
Dean Heffernan (Huddersfield)
Simon Colosimo (Sydney) TBC
MIDFIELDERS
Matt Thompson (Newcastle Jets)
Rutger Worm (NEC Nijmegen)
Wayne Srhoj (Perth)
Kristian Sarkies (Adelaide)
Kamal Ibrahim (AIS)
THE TARGETS
Josip Skoko (Hajduk Split)
MIDFIELDER
STRIKER
Mark Viduka (free agent)
http://www.theage.com.au/sport/soccer/hatred-from-the-heart-20100329-r89n.html
Monday, March 29, 2010
Heart Move Closer to Colosimo
Date: March 29th 2010
Author: Aidan Ormond
From: Four Four Two Australia
EXCLUSIVE: Melbourne Heart are edging nearer to a triple Sydney FC swoop with Simon Colosimo still on their radar after today’s announcement they’d signed sky blue marquee John Aloisi.
Speaking shortly after Aloisi was unveiled in Melbourne today, Heart CEO Scott Munn said the club was working with Colosimo's management for a deal to sign the former Perth Glory and Carlton man.
Heart begin training the week after Easter. With that in mind, if Colosimo can't find a short-term deal overseas, it's possible Heart will bring in the defender to help keep him fit in the lead up to the World Cup.
"We've spoken to Simon on numerous occasions and Simon has expressed his absolute desire to continue to train and play in the lead up to a World Cup," Munn told au.fourfourtwo.com.
"We'd love to secure Simon and we'd love him to go to the World Cup as well.
My understanding is he's returned from Korea and we'll continue to work with his management and hopefully we'll be able to secure his services.
"It'd be great to bring a Melbourne boy home."
Heart have already signed fringe Socceroo keeper Clint Bolton from Moore Park and Colosimo would be their third swoop on Vitezslav Lavicka's championship winning squad.
Last year au.fourfourtwo.com revealed that the club was on the brink of signing Colosimo.
The defender finished the season in sky blue with a grand final medal nine days ago but is in limbo after his short-term deal with FC Seoul went awry due to registration problems.
http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/125443,heart-move-closer-to-colosimo.aspx
Author: Aidan Ormond
From: Four Four Two Australia
EXCLUSIVE: Melbourne Heart are edging nearer to a triple Sydney FC swoop with Simon Colosimo still on their radar after today’s announcement they’d signed sky blue marquee John Aloisi.
Speaking shortly after Aloisi was unveiled in Melbourne today, Heart CEO Scott Munn said the club was working with Colosimo's management for a deal to sign the former Perth Glory and Carlton man.
Heart begin training the week after Easter. With that in mind, if Colosimo can't find a short-term deal overseas, it's possible Heart will bring in the defender to help keep him fit in the lead up to the World Cup.
"We've spoken to Simon on numerous occasions and Simon has expressed his absolute desire to continue to train and play in the lead up to a World Cup," Munn told au.fourfourtwo.com.
"We'd love to secure Simon and we'd love him to go to the World Cup as well.
My understanding is he's returned from Korea and we'll continue to work with his management and hopefully we'll be able to secure his services.
"It'd be great to bring a Melbourne boy home."
Heart have already signed fringe Socceroo keeper Clint Bolton from Moore Park and Colosimo would be their third swoop on Vitezslav Lavicka's championship winning squad.
Last year au.fourfourtwo.com revealed that the club was on the brink of signing Colosimo.
The defender finished the season in sky blue with a grand final medal nine days ago but is in limbo after his short-term deal with FC Seoul went awry due to registration problems.
http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/125443,heart-move-closer-to-colosimo.aspx
Dome Deal Still To Be Signed
Date: March 29th 2010
Author: Aidan Ormond
From: Four Four Two Australia
EXCLUSIVE: Melbourne Heart are aiming for 10,000 average crowds next season - but a full-time tenancy at Swan St stadium is yet to be finalised, with Etihad Stadium still the plan B.
In a drawn-out process, Heart have been negotiating for much of the last year with the new rectangular football stadium at Swan St.
But as it stands there is no full-time tenancy deal signed at the new 30,000 all-seat venue dubbed the Bubble Dome by fans for its space age design, but now officially called AAMI Park.
Although Swan St is Heart's preferred home venue, they are keen not to be locked into a deal that bankrupts the club as they look to build a strong foundation for a second Melbourne A-League franchise.
"There are still some Ts to be crossed and Is to be dotted but we've said from day one our preference is to play every home game there [at Swan St]," Heart CEO Scott Munn told au.fourfourtwo.com after the unveiling of John Aloisi today.
"Our feedback from our initial offering to members is they want to sit in the same seat for 15 games. So we're going to work extremely hard with the stadium and state government to secure a full-time tenancy there and I'm really confident of that.
"It's a large deal so we want to be structured so we're viable for 50 years and we're financially sustainable from day one."
Stadium deals at other A-League clubs have been an issue with the bottom line and Heart's refusal to jump into a deal too soon makes sense in the long-term.
"We could go to Etihad Stadium and we've met with Ian Collins and his team there and that is an option for some games there as will Melbourne Victory," Munn added.
The Red and White army of Heart fans is starting to coalesce with club CEO saying around 100 fans met for the first time recently.
Priority seating for members is also on the agenda.
"I'd be really disappointed if we're not averaging over 10,000 a week.
That's certainly our minimum goal but we're also realistic that it will take time to build from the ground up," Munn said.
"We're really confident we can secure a loyal supporter base and around that we have a group of active supporters. We're really confident of a core group of supporters building up that'll turn up week in week out.
"And our derbies with Melbourne Victory will generate more people to the games which will benefit us."
http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/125447,dome-deal-still-to-be-signed.aspx
Author: Aidan Ormond
From: Four Four Two Australia
EXCLUSIVE: Melbourne Heart are aiming for 10,000 average crowds next season - but a full-time tenancy at Swan St stadium is yet to be finalised, with Etihad Stadium still the plan B.
In a drawn-out process, Heart have been negotiating for much of the last year with the new rectangular football stadium at Swan St.
But as it stands there is no full-time tenancy deal signed at the new 30,000 all-seat venue dubbed the Bubble Dome by fans for its space age design, but now officially called AAMI Park.
Although Swan St is Heart's preferred home venue, they are keen not to be locked into a deal that bankrupts the club as they look to build a strong foundation for a second Melbourne A-League franchise.
"There are still some Ts to be crossed and Is to be dotted but we've said from day one our preference is to play every home game there [at Swan St]," Heart CEO Scott Munn told au.fourfourtwo.com after the unveiling of John Aloisi today.
"Our feedback from our initial offering to members is they want to sit in the same seat for 15 games. So we're going to work extremely hard with the stadium and state government to secure a full-time tenancy there and I'm really confident of that.
"It's a large deal so we want to be structured so we're viable for 50 years and we're financially sustainable from day one."
Stadium deals at other A-League clubs have been an issue with the bottom line and Heart's refusal to jump into a deal too soon makes sense in the long-term.
"We could go to Etihad Stadium and we've met with Ian Collins and his team there and that is an option for some games there as will Melbourne Victory," Munn added.
The Red and White army of Heart fans is starting to coalesce with club CEO saying around 100 fans met for the first time recently.
Priority seating for members is also on the agenda.
"I'd be really disappointed if we're not averaging over 10,000 a week.
That's certainly our minimum goal but we're also realistic that it will take time to build from the ground up," Munn said.
"We're really confident we can secure a loyal supporter base and around that we have a group of active supporters. We're really confident of a core group of supporters building up that'll turn up week in week out.
"And our derbies with Melbourne Victory will generate more people to the games which will benefit us."
http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/125447,dome-deal-still-to-be-signed.aspx
‘Johnny Can Be A Supercoach’
Date: March 29th 2010
Author: Aidan Ormond
From: Four Four Two Australia
EXCLUSIVE: Melbourne Heart believe they’ve unearthed a future star coach after announcing the former Socceroo great John Aloisi as a player and coach at the club.
The 34-year-old Sydney FC striker has signed a one-year playing deal while transitioning to a backroom role, where he'll assume a pivotal coaching role in the club's first NYL side in season seven of the A-League starting in 2011.
"It's a great day in terms of starting to build a culture at Melbourne Heart and building a pathway for players and in this case for John Aloisi to hopefully become one of the next great coaches," Heart CEO Scott Munn told au.fourfourtwo.com today.
Aloisi will play next season for Heart while learning all he can about coaching.
That process includes taking coaching courses during next season as he learns the ropes under the highly credentialed John van't Schip.
The former Sydney FC marquee won't be Heart's marquee and the club insists the squad isn't being created around a highly-paid central superstar , said Munn.
"It's not something that's high on our agenda, we're looking at putting together a team that's going to be competitive and we're certainly comfortable with that at this point.
"We're open to a marquee but it's not a driving factor."
Coach John van't Schip has recently returned from South America and the club say more signings both international and local are imminent ahead of the start of pre-season around April 10.
http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/125445,8216johnny-can-be-a-supercoach8217.aspx
Author: Aidan Ormond
From: Four Four Two Australia
EXCLUSIVE: Melbourne Heart believe they’ve unearthed a future star coach after announcing the former Socceroo great John Aloisi as a player and coach at the club.
The 34-year-old Sydney FC striker has signed a one-year playing deal while transitioning to a backroom role, where he'll assume a pivotal coaching role in the club's first NYL side in season seven of the A-League starting in 2011.
"It's a great day in terms of starting to build a culture at Melbourne Heart and building a pathway for players and in this case for John Aloisi to hopefully become one of the next great coaches," Heart CEO Scott Munn told au.fourfourtwo.com today.
Aloisi will play next season for Heart while learning all he can about coaching.
That process includes taking coaching courses during next season as he learns the ropes under the highly credentialed John van't Schip.
The former Sydney FC marquee won't be Heart's marquee and the club insists the squad isn't being created around a highly-paid central superstar , said Munn.
"It's not something that's high on our agenda, we're looking at putting together a team that's going to be competitive and we're certainly comfortable with that at this point.
"We're open to a marquee but it's not a driving factor."
Coach John van't Schip has recently returned from South America and the club say more signings both international and local are imminent ahead of the start of pre-season around April 10.
http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/125445,8216johnny-can-be-a-supercoach8217.aspx
John Aloisi signs for Melbourne Heart
Date: March 29th 2010
Author: Not Specified
From: Herald Sun
STRIKER John Aloisi, the man who sent Australia to the 2006 World Cup, has signed for Melbourne Heart.
The 34-year-old will spend one year as a player with the new A-League franchise before moving into a role developing the club's first National Youth League team for the 2011-12 season.
Along with Aloisi's unveiling today, Heart have also revealed their strip, red and white stripes.
Aloisi became part of Australian football legend when he scored the deciding penalty against Uruguay in Sydney in 2005 to earn Australia a place in the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
He has undergone a playing renaissance in the past 12 months, scoring 10 goals in only 16 starts to help Sydney FC to the A-League Premiership and Championship double.
He will team up with Heart coach John van't Schip, who helped mentor him when the pair were at Italian Serie A club Genoa together 16 years ago.
"Life can be very strange. I worked with John (Aloisi) while he was a young boy trying out at Genoa and we established a very good relationship, so to be working with him again shows how interesting the world of football is,"" van't Schip said.
"As a player, John has achieved much and has great qualities. He has great touch, a fantastic shot, brilliant vision and an ability to draw his teammates into the game, a combination of skills that is very difficult to find.
"I haven't been in Australia for long, but I know of John's important contribution to football here and know just how important this signing is for the club."
Van't Schip says he is confident Aloisi is capable of making the switch to coaching.
"There are not many footballers who have played in all three big European leagues (England, Italy and Spain),"" he said.
"It's amazing to think that John completed his first season in Italy while I finished the final one of my career.
"In my discussions with John, I have learned that he has a great understanding of football at a tactical level and I believe that he now has an opportunity to become a successful coach."
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/aloisi-signs-for-melbourne-heart/story-e6frf9if-1225846701761
Author: Not Specified
From: Herald Sun
STRIKER John Aloisi, the man who sent Australia to the 2006 World Cup, has signed for Melbourne Heart.
The 34-year-old will spend one year as a player with the new A-League franchise before moving into a role developing the club's first National Youth League team for the 2011-12 season.
Along with Aloisi's unveiling today, Heart have also revealed their strip, red and white stripes.
Aloisi became part of Australian football legend when he scored the deciding penalty against Uruguay in Sydney in 2005 to earn Australia a place in the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
He has undergone a playing renaissance in the past 12 months, scoring 10 goals in only 16 starts to help Sydney FC to the A-League Premiership and Championship double.
He will team up with Heart coach John van't Schip, who helped mentor him when the pair were at Italian Serie A club Genoa together 16 years ago.
"Life can be very strange. I worked with John (Aloisi) while he was a young boy trying out at Genoa and we established a very good relationship, so to be working with him again shows how interesting the world of football is,"" van't Schip said.
"As a player, John has achieved much and has great qualities. He has great touch, a fantastic shot, brilliant vision and an ability to draw his teammates into the game, a combination of skills that is very difficult to find.
"I haven't been in Australia for long, but I know of John's important contribution to football here and know just how important this signing is for the club."
Van't Schip says he is confident Aloisi is capable of making the switch to coaching.
"There are not many footballers who have played in all three big European leagues (England, Italy and Spain),"" he said.
"It's amazing to think that John completed his first season in Italy while I finished the final one of my career.
"In my discussions with John, I have learned that he has a great understanding of football at a tactical level and I believe that he now has an opportunity to become a successful coach."
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/aloisi-signs-for-melbourne-heart/story-e6frf9if-1225846701761
Skoko and Aloisi among players Heart sounding out
Date: March 29th 2010
Author: Michael Lynch
From: The Age
MELBOURNE Heart is continuing its negotiations with former Socceroo midfielder Josip Skoko, with hopes high that the 51-cap veteran will line up in the new A-League club's red and white stripes next season.
Skoko has been linked with a move to Heart for several months, but he is not due to finish with his current club, Hajduk Split, until May.
Meanwhile, speculation is mounting that the second Melbourne side will step up its interest this week in another former Socceroo, John Aloisi.
The man whose penalty shoot-out goal took Australia to the World Cup finals in 2006 was first reported to be leaving Sydney almost two months ago and the rumours about a move from the premiers to the Heart have been persistent.
Aloisi had refused to discuss his future while the Sky Blues were involved in their ultimately successful finals campaign.
Sydney has made a play to keep him, but the man who was on a salary of more than $1 million as the premier's marquee player would not be offered anything like that to remain in the harbour city.
Heart is assembling an impressive squad, having already captured Sydney goalkeeper Clint Bolton and key defender Simon Colosimo. Colosimo was due to go to South Korea on loan after the grand final to press his claims for a spot in Pim Verbeek's World Cup squad but that move was stymied by a red tape mix-up.
The central defender is now looking to get a move to another foreign league for the next couple of months, or arrange to train with a European club, as Socceroo midfielder Jason Culina has done.
Culina has rejoined his old Dutch club, PSV Eindhoven, to ensure that he will be as fit as he can be when Verbeek assembles his squad in Melbourne in mid-May.
Defender Dean Heffernan is due back in Australia from his loan spell with English Championship side Huddersfield at the end of May, while former Newcastle Jets skipper Matt Thompson has already spent time in the city as he prepares for the start of training, which begins next week.
Heart had talks with former Socceroo skipper Mark Viduka this year but are not planning any more, even though the forward hinted in a television appearance that he might consider a return to action.
''The door at Melbourne Heart is always open to someone of the calibre of Mark Viduka,'' Heart football operations manager John Didulica said. Someone with his experience would be welcome in any capacity.
http://www.theage.com.au/sport/soccer/skoko-and-aloisi-among-players-heart-sounding-out-20100328-r56u.html
Author: Michael Lynch
From: The Age
MELBOURNE Heart is continuing its negotiations with former Socceroo midfielder Josip Skoko, with hopes high that the 51-cap veteran will line up in the new A-League club's red and white stripes next season.
Skoko has been linked with a move to Heart for several months, but he is not due to finish with his current club, Hajduk Split, until May.
Meanwhile, speculation is mounting that the second Melbourne side will step up its interest this week in another former Socceroo, John Aloisi.
The man whose penalty shoot-out goal took Australia to the World Cup finals in 2006 was first reported to be leaving Sydney almost two months ago and the rumours about a move from the premiers to the Heart have been persistent.
Aloisi had refused to discuss his future while the Sky Blues were involved in their ultimately successful finals campaign.
Sydney has made a play to keep him, but the man who was on a salary of more than $1 million as the premier's marquee player would not be offered anything like that to remain in the harbour city.
Heart is assembling an impressive squad, having already captured Sydney goalkeeper Clint Bolton and key defender Simon Colosimo. Colosimo was due to go to South Korea on loan after the grand final to press his claims for a spot in Pim Verbeek's World Cup squad but that move was stymied by a red tape mix-up.
The central defender is now looking to get a move to another foreign league for the next couple of months, or arrange to train with a European club, as Socceroo midfielder Jason Culina has done.
Culina has rejoined his old Dutch club, PSV Eindhoven, to ensure that he will be as fit as he can be when Verbeek assembles his squad in Melbourne in mid-May.
Defender Dean Heffernan is due back in Australia from his loan spell with English Championship side Huddersfield at the end of May, while former Newcastle Jets skipper Matt Thompson has already spent time in the city as he prepares for the start of training, which begins next week.
Heart had talks with former Socceroo skipper Mark Viduka this year but are not planning any more, even though the forward hinted in a television appearance that he might consider a return to action.
''The door at Melbourne Heart is always open to someone of the calibre of Mark Viduka,'' Heart football operations manager John Didulica said. Someone with his experience would be welcome in any capacity.
http://www.theage.com.au/sport/soccer/skoko-and-aloisi-among-players-heart-sounding-out-20100328-r56u.html
Friday, March 19, 2010
Viduka contemplating playing comeback
Date: March 19th 2010
Author: Guy Hand
From: AAP / The Sydney Morning Herald
Socceroos great Mark Viduka is considering playing in the A-League, saying he is "in two minds" about whether to return to the game.
Viduka has not played in 10 months, walking away from several European offers at the start of this season and the Socceroos' World Cup campaign for a hiatus from the sport.
But the 34-year-old striker opened the door to a possible playing comeback on Friday, saying he was contemplating whether to resurrect his career in Australia.
He said much would depend on whether he believed his body was capable of standing up to professional football again, as well as whether he could produce quality performances.
"I'm still in two minds (whether I'll play again). I'm thinking about it," Viduka told Fox Sports television.
"The A-League is ... unbelievable. People are into it, it's a credit to Mr (Frank) Lowy (Football Federation Australia chairman) and whoever set it up, they did such a good job.
"Whether I'm going to play in it or not, I'll have to see. I'll have to see whether my body can take it."
Looking in reasonable physical condition, Viduka has spent much of the past 10 months in Croatia with his young family.
His most likely destination should he return to play in Australia is new A-League franchise Melbourne Heart, who have spoken informally with the striker about the prospect of playing.
But Melbourne-raised Viduka would also be an enticing target for grand finalists Melbourne Victory, whose coach Ernie Merrick has had a long personal association with the striker.
Viduka admitted he had not had a real opportunity to sit down with Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek and discuss his reasons for taking a break from the game ahead of a World Cup year.
Viduka said he took time away because of his difficult run with injuries, coupled with some rare quality family time.
"Roy Hodgson from Fulham was very interested, but the thing that made me decide against that was I was on my holidays and it was the first time after so many years that I didn't want to go back playing," he said.
"My agent was ringing me all summer and I was trying to avoid going back. It's something I've never experienced before - just relaxing.
"My last season at Newcastle I was injured a lot.
"I loved playing football all my life and the last year, year-and-a-half of my career, not being able to do that was very difficult.
"I thought to myself my body's trying to tell me something after all these years of taking it to the limit."
http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-sport/viduka-contemplating-playing-comeback-20100319-qm4e.html
Author: Guy Hand
From: AAP / The Sydney Morning Herald
Socceroos great Mark Viduka is considering playing in the A-League, saying he is "in two minds" about whether to return to the game.
Viduka has not played in 10 months, walking away from several European offers at the start of this season and the Socceroos' World Cup campaign for a hiatus from the sport.
But the 34-year-old striker opened the door to a possible playing comeback on Friday, saying he was contemplating whether to resurrect his career in Australia.
He said much would depend on whether he believed his body was capable of standing up to professional football again, as well as whether he could produce quality performances.
"I'm still in two minds (whether I'll play again). I'm thinking about it," Viduka told Fox Sports television.
"The A-League is ... unbelievable. People are into it, it's a credit to Mr (Frank) Lowy (Football Federation Australia chairman) and whoever set it up, they did such a good job.
"Whether I'm going to play in it or not, I'll have to see. I'll have to see whether my body can take it."
Looking in reasonable physical condition, Viduka has spent much of the past 10 months in Croatia with his young family.
His most likely destination should he return to play in Australia is new A-League franchise Melbourne Heart, who have spoken informally with the striker about the prospect of playing.
But Melbourne-raised Viduka would also be an enticing target for grand finalists Melbourne Victory, whose coach Ernie Merrick has had a long personal association with the striker.
Viduka admitted he had not had a real opportunity to sit down with Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek and discuss his reasons for taking a break from the game ahead of a World Cup year.
Viduka said he took time away because of his difficult run with injuries, coupled with some rare quality family time.
"Roy Hodgson from Fulham was very interested, but the thing that made me decide against that was I was on my holidays and it was the first time after so many years that I didn't want to go back playing," he said.
"My agent was ringing me all summer and I was trying to avoid going back. It's something I've never experienced before - just relaxing.
"My last season at Newcastle I was injured a lot.
"I loved playing football all my life and the last year, year-and-a-half of my career, not being able to do that was very difficult.
"I thought to myself my body's trying to tell me something after all these years of taking it to the limit."
http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-sport/viduka-contemplating-playing-comeback-20100319-qm4e.html
Colosimo signs Heart deal
Date: March 19th 2010
Author: Michael Lynch
From: The Age
SOCCEROOS defender Simon Colosimo is set to play his last game for the Sky Blues in the grand final and join the Sydney exodus to league newcomer Melbourne Heart.
Colosimo is believed to have agreed to a two-year deal with Heart and will return to play in his home town next season.
But he will go on immediate loan from his new employer to play in South Korea on a four-month deal. Colosimo wants to retain fitness and convince Socceroo boss Pim Verbeek that he is worth a place in Australia's squad for the World Cup.
Heart has already signed Sydney goalkeeper Clint Bolton, who will also play his last game for Sydney in the grand final tomorrow night.
http://www.theage.com.au/sport/soccer/colosimo-signs-heart-deal-20100318-qibm.html
Author: Michael Lynch
From: The Age
SOCCEROOS defender Simon Colosimo is set to play his last game for the Sky Blues in the grand final and join the Sydney exodus to league newcomer Melbourne Heart.
Colosimo is believed to have agreed to a two-year deal with Heart and will return to play in his home town next season.
But he will go on immediate loan from his new employer to play in South Korea on a four-month deal. Colosimo wants to retain fitness and convince Socceroo boss Pim Verbeek that he is worth a place in Australia's squad for the World Cup.
Heart has already signed Sydney goalkeeper Clint Bolton, who will also play his last game for Sydney in the grand final tomorrow night.
http://www.theage.com.au/sport/soccer/colosimo-signs-heart-deal-20100318-qibm.html
Ljubo Stands By The Jets
Date: March 19th 2010
Author: Not Specified
From: Sportal / Four Four Two Australia
FORMER Socceroo defender Ljubo Milicevic has ended months of speculation on his future by re-signing with the Newcastle Jets until the end of next season.
Milicevic had been linked to a move to China while it was also rumoured he may return to his hometown of Melbourne to join new A-League franchise the Melbourne Heart.
However, it was the 'homely' feel of Newcastle and the opportunity to build on an impressive season that has kept him at the Jets.
"The boys, the club, and obviously the supporters and people around town made me feel really welcomed when I first arrived and so it didn't take me too long to settle in and obviously I've made some good friends there, in and outside of the club," he said.
"So I'm enjoying my football there and hopefully with another year we can keep improving, or go one better and improve on what we achieved this year."
Milicevic also singled out his partnership with fellow Jets defender Nikolai Topor-Stanley as another reason he was looking forward to next season with the Novocastrian club.
"I think Nikolai had a great season, and with the help of either Ben Kennedy or Neil Young behind us and also the boys on the left and right side, hopefully we can strike up a good defence next season," said Milicevic.
"I'm very confident that we can have an even better year next year."
With six caps for the Australian national team under his belt and with experience at the highest level of European club football through the UEFA Champions League, Milicevic is also eyeing a push to the national team for next year's Asian Cup..
"When we start our pre-season we'll sit down and set our goals as a team and individually as well, but obviously you want to be improving every year individually and collectively as a team," he said.
Milicevic's signature punctuates a significant retention drive by the Jets, with the big defender becoming the ninth player to be re-signed by the Hunter-based club since October last year including Michael Bridges, Tarek Elrich, Adam D'Apuzzo, Labinot Haliti, Ben Kennedy, Marko Jesic, Young and Ali Abbas.
http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/124811,ljubo-stands-by-the-jets.aspx
Author: Not Specified
From: Sportal / Four Four Two Australia
FORMER Socceroo defender Ljubo Milicevic has ended months of speculation on his future by re-signing with the Newcastle Jets until the end of next season.
Milicevic had been linked to a move to China while it was also rumoured he may return to his hometown of Melbourne to join new A-League franchise the Melbourne Heart.
However, it was the 'homely' feel of Newcastle and the opportunity to build on an impressive season that has kept him at the Jets.
"The boys, the club, and obviously the supporters and people around town made me feel really welcomed when I first arrived and so it didn't take me too long to settle in and obviously I've made some good friends there, in and outside of the club," he said.
"So I'm enjoying my football there and hopefully with another year we can keep improving, or go one better and improve on what we achieved this year."
Milicevic also singled out his partnership with fellow Jets defender Nikolai Topor-Stanley as another reason he was looking forward to next season with the Novocastrian club.
"I think Nikolai had a great season, and with the help of either Ben Kennedy or Neil Young behind us and also the boys on the left and right side, hopefully we can strike up a good defence next season," said Milicevic.
"I'm very confident that we can have an even better year next year."
With six caps for the Australian national team under his belt and with experience at the highest level of European club football through the UEFA Champions League, Milicevic is also eyeing a push to the national team for next year's Asian Cup..
"When we start our pre-season we'll sit down and set our goals as a team and individually as well, but obviously you want to be improving every year individually and collectively as a team," he said.
Milicevic's signature punctuates a significant retention drive by the Jets, with the big defender becoming the ninth player to be re-signed by the Hunter-based club since October last year including Michael Bridges, Tarek Elrich, Adam D'Apuzzo, Labinot Haliti, Ben Kennedy, Marko Jesic, Young and Ali Abbas.
http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/124811,ljubo-stands-by-the-jets.aspx
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Glen's Shot At Glory
Date: March 16th 2010
Author: Aidan Ormond
From: Four Four Two Australia
EXCLUSIVE: Perth Glory youth midfielder Glen Trifiro will be looking to impress at least one former coach and snag an A-League contract in Saturday’s National Youth League grand final.
Trifiro, 20, cut his teeth in the NSW Premier League with Sydney United and Marconi before getting the chance this season to impress at Glory.
At United, his coach was Ante Milicic - now an assistant coach at Melbourne Heart who is expected to be among the keen onlookers - along with other Heart coaching staff - at the showpiece youth game in Melbourne.
"I speak to Tezza [Milicic] regularly but my main focus is Perth, but if options come in from somewhere else..." Trifiro told au.fourfourtwo.com.
Heart won't field a youth team squad next season but Trifiro remains hopeful that options are there. A strong game on Saturday will surely help.
"I'm sure there'll be a lot of opportunities for young boys in that squad," he said.
Trifiro, who spent a year at Central Coast Mariners last season and has had stints with Bolton and Empoli youth, slipped the net of NSW A-League clubs.
But time is running out of time to impress A-League coaches now that the season is at an end.
Training with the Glory first team alongside seasoned veterans like Mile Sterjovski and Jacob Burns has helped lift his game to a new level, he says.
"It's pretty much full-time and even though we had a professional set up at United with Ante Milicic, at Glory it's definitely a step up," Trifiro said.
"Perth's been absolutely brilliant. I'm full-time. During the days I train with the first team and with the youth team."
It was Trifiro's goal that propelled Glory to the final after they overcome Adelaide United 1-0 in Perth last weekend.
For A-League fans who turn up early for the game, it'll should be worth seeing.
Not only are they the best two sides in the NYL but Gold Coast and Glory are physically imposing teams.
Glory central defender Steve Hesketh is a no-nonsense organiser very much in the Kevin Muscat mold. In midfield, Trifiro keeps the engine room ticking over while forward Tommy Amphlett has flair down the flanks.
As for Gold Coast, they may be the biggest side in the competition with tall defenders Zac Cartwright and Steve Topalovic (formerly of Football Superstar fame) providing brawn and brains at the back.
James Brown and Tahj Minniecon should provide the X-factor going forward for the Queenslanders, who qualified by dispatching favourites Central Coast last week 3-1.
Expect a physical encounter on the relaid Etihad surface. The game is set for 3pm.
http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/124486,glens-shot-at-glory.aspx
Author: Aidan Ormond
From: Four Four Two Australia
EXCLUSIVE: Perth Glory youth midfielder Glen Trifiro will be looking to impress at least one former coach and snag an A-League contract in Saturday’s National Youth League grand final.
Trifiro, 20, cut his teeth in the NSW Premier League with Sydney United and Marconi before getting the chance this season to impress at Glory.
At United, his coach was Ante Milicic - now an assistant coach at Melbourne Heart who is expected to be among the keen onlookers - along with other Heart coaching staff - at the showpiece youth game in Melbourne.
"I speak to Tezza [Milicic] regularly but my main focus is Perth, but if options come in from somewhere else..." Trifiro told au.fourfourtwo.com.
Heart won't field a youth team squad next season but Trifiro remains hopeful that options are there. A strong game on Saturday will surely help.
"I'm sure there'll be a lot of opportunities for young boys in that squad," he said.
Trifiro, who spent a year at Central Coast Mariners last season and has had stints with Bolton and Empoli youth, slipped the net of NSW A-League clubs.
But time is running out of time to impress A-League coaches now that the season is at an end.
Training with the Glory first team alongside seasoned veterans like Mile Sterjovski and Jacob Burns has helped lift his game to a new level, he says.
"It's pretty much full-time and even though we had a professional set up at United with Ante Milicic, at Glory it's definitely a step up," Trifiro said.
"Perth's been absolutely brilliant. I'm full-time. During the days I train with the first team and with the youth team."
It was Trifiro's goal that propelled Glory to the final after they overcome Adelaide United 1-0 in Perth last weekend.
For A-League fans who turn up early for the game, it'll should be worth seeing.
Not only are they the best two sides in the NYL but Gold Coast and Glory are physically imposing teams.
Glory central defender Steve Hesketh is a no-nonsense organiser very much in the Kevin Muscat mold. In midfield, Trifiro keeps the engine room ticking over while forward Tommy Amphlett has flair down the flanks.
As for Gold Coast, they may be the biggest side in the competition with tall defenders Zac Cartwright and Steve Topalovic (formerly of Football Superstar fame) providing brawn and brains at the back.
James Brown and Tahj Minniecon should provide the X-factor going forward for the Queenslanders, who qualified by dispatching favourites Central Coast last week 3-1.
Expect a physical encounter on the relaid Etihad surface. The game is set for 3pm.
http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/124486,glens-shot-at-glory.aspx
Sydney FC want Aloisi as ambassador
Date: March 16th 2010
Author: Liam Fitzgibbon
From: AAP / The Sydney Morning Herald
Sydney FC are hoping the offer of a combined playing, coaching and "ambassador" role will help entice veteran striker John Aloisi to remain with the A-League club next season.
The former Socceroos striker, who will miss Saturday's grand final against Melbourne with a hamstring injury, remains non-committal over his future, saying on Tuesday he will make a decision in the coming weeks.
The 34-year-old is a well-publicised target for new franchise Melbourne Heart but the sky blues are poised to offer him a new contact after last week signalling their interest in keeping him on.
Sydney chief executive Edwin Lugt said the club was "very keen" to keep Aloisi on board, feeling he had much more to offer than just his on-field abilities.
"We've made clear to Johnny that we're very keen to keep him at the club," Lugt told AAP.
"We would be delighted if we can keep Johnny on board, possibly in the combination of a player's role, coaching and probably as an ambassador of our club because he's got a great profile as we all know.
"We consider there's a great value in that because he's been a fantastic professional over the past two years."
While reports suggested Sydney were in the hunt for Sergio van Dijk but had been put off by the Dutch striker's high price, Lugt insisted Aloisi was not a second-choice option.
While Sydney are unlikely to be able to match the Heart's offer financially, the club is hoping the incentive of taking on an expanded role within the club will help entice Aloisi to stay.
The striker learned on Monday he would not play in the Etihad Stadium decider after tearing his hamstring in the preliminary final win over Wellington last week.
Aloisi wouldn't be drawn into whether he had played his last game in a sky blue shirt on Tuesday, saying he wanted to focus on helping his teammates prepare to face the Victory before taking the time to decide on his future.
"I have a couple of good options," Aloisi said.
"Everyone knows about the interest of Melbourne Heart and now Sydney.
"But at the moment I'm just getting over the disappointment of not being able to play in a grand final.
"I'll leave (the decision about) next year until next week and the week after.
"I've got time to weigh up my options."
Aloisi ruled out any thoughts of retirement or returning to play overseas, saying he was happy living back in Australia.
He said his immediate focus was on offering his Sydney teammates support in any way he could.
"Even though I won't be playing ... I'll still be part of this team when they do win the grand final on Saturday," he said.
http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-sport/sydney-fc-want-aloisi-as-ambassador-20100316-qc0x.html
Author: Liam Fitzgibbon
From: AAP / The Sydney Morning Herald
Sydney FC are hoping the offer of a combined playing, coaching and "ambassador" role will help entice veteran striker John Aloisi to remain with the A-League club next season.
The former Socceroos striker, who will miss Saturday's grand final against Melbourne with a hamstring injury, remains non-committal over his future, saying on Tuesday he will make a decision in the coming weeks.
The 34-year-old is a well-publicised target for new franchise Melbourne Heart but the sky blues are poised to offer him a new contact after last week signalling their interest in keeping him on.
Sydney chief executive Edwin Lugt said the club was "very keen" to keep Aloisi on board, feeling he had much more to offer than just his on-field abilities.
"We've made clear to Johnny that we're very keen to keep him at the club," Lugt told AAP.
"We would be delighted if we can keep Johnny on board, possibly in the combination of a player's role, coaching and probably as an ambassador of our club because he's got a great profile as we all know.
"We consider there's a great value in that because he's been a fantastic professional over the past two years."
While reports suggested Sydney were in the hunt for Sergio van Dijk but had been put off by the Dutch striker's high price, Lugt insisted Aloisi was not a second-choice option.
While Sydney are unlikely to be able to match the Heart's offer financially, the club is hoping the incentive of taking on an expanded role within the club will help entice Aloisi to stay.
The striker learned on Monday he would not play in the Etihad Stadium decider after tearing his hamstring in the preliminary final win over Wellington last week.
Aloisi wouldn't be drawn into whether he had played his last game in a sky blue shirt on Tuesday, saying he wanted to focus on helping his teammates prepare to face the Victory before taking the time to decide on his future.
"I have a couple of good options," Aloisi said.
"Everyone knows about the interest of Melbourne Heart and now Sydney.
"But at the moment I'm just getting over the disappointment of not being able to play in a grand final.
"I'll leave (the decision about) next year until next week and the week after.
"I've got time to weigh up my options."
Aloisi ruled out any thoughts of retirement or returning to play overseas, saying he was happy living back in Australia.
He said his immediate focus was on offering his Sydney teammates support in any way he could.
"Even though I won't be playing ... I'll still be part of this team when they do win the grand final on Saturday," he said.
http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-sport/sydney-fc-want-aloisi-as-ambassador-20100316-qc0x.html
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Colosimo picks Korea path
Date: March 15th 2010
Author: Not Specified
From: SBS The World Game
World Cup hopeful Simon Colosimo is set to seal his next big Korea move by signing for a leading K-League club straight after this weekend’s A-League grand final.
With negotiations for a possible three-year deal almost over the line, the 30-year-old Sydney FC defender is ready to disappoint Melbourne Heart – who had been given first refusal on his services – and instead head to Asia where he is hoping to produce the form which will land him a boarding pass to South Africa in June.
Colosimo’s Sydney-based agent Leo Karis was coy on Monday over his likely destination but it could be Chunnam Dragons, who came close to snatching Colosimo from Sydney 14 months ago but could not settle on a transfer fee.
Incheon United, the former home of fellow Socceroos defender Jade North, could also be in the mix.
Out of contract at Sydney at the end of March and determined to move on, Colosimo has made no secret of his desire to play in Korea, as it gives him a stage on which to impress national coach Pim Verbeek between now and the World Cup.
He has started in Australia’s last two internationals, the 2-2 draw in Kuwait and the 1-0 win over Indonesia in Brisbane which clinched Asian Cup qualification.
Heart had hoped that the almost out-of-contract Colosimo would simply go out on loan and return to join them later this year, but it’s believed Colosimo wants a long-term deal, which means Saturday’s decider between Sydney and Melbourne could be his A-League farewell.
With the transfer window closing in Korea on March 23, Colosimo’s representatives are working fast to secure the terms of his departure.
After 29 appearances, and one of the most consistent and domineering seasons of his career, Colosimo – who stands to earn $450,000 a season in Korea - has already been granted permission by Sydney to move before the completion of his current contract.
A Sydney spokesman said: ‘’It won’t come as a surprise to see Simon move to Korea. It’s our understanding he has been in negotiations for a little while with parties in Asia.’’
The disappointment at missing out on Colosimo will be keenly felt at Heart who have now turned its attentions to Newcastle Jets free agent Ljubo Milicevic, who is considering a move back to his home town.
The A-League franchise-in-have also agreed terms with Perth Glory midfielder Wayne Shroj, who is heading east after two seasons and 36 appearances for the under-achieving outfit.
He will join Matt Thompson, Kristian Sarkies, Dean Heffernan, Jason Hoffman, Clint Bolton and Dutch striker Rutger Worm at the club coached by John van't Schip.
http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/a-league/news/977487/Colosimo-picks-Korea-path
Author: Not Specified
From: SBS The World Game
World Cup hopeful Simon Colosimo is set to seal his next big Korea move by signing for a leading K-League club straight after this weekend’s A-League grand final.
With negotiations for a possible three-year deal almost over the line, the 30-year-old Sydney FC defender is ready to disappoint Melbourne Heart – who had been given first refusal on his services – and instead head to Asia where he is hoping to produce the form which will land him a boarding pass to South Africa in June.
Colosimo’s Sydney-based agent Leo Karis was coy on Monday over his likely destination but it could be Chunnam Dragons, who came close to snatching Colosimo from Sydney 14 months ago but could not settle on a transfer fee.
Incheon United, the former home of fellow Socceroos defender Jade North, could also be in the mix.
Out of contract at Sydney at the end of March and determined to move on, Colosimo has made no secret of his desire to play in Korea, as it gives him a stage on which to impress national coach Pim Verbeek between now and the World Cup.
He has started in Australia’s last two internationals, the 2-2 draw in Kuwait and the 1-0 win over Indonesia in Brisbane which clinched Asian Cup qualification.
Heart had hoped that the almost out-of-contract Colosimo would simply go out on loan and return to join them later this year, but it’s believed Colosimo wants a long-term deal, which means Saturday’s decider between Sydney and Melbourne could be his A-League farewell.
With the transfer window closing in Korea on March 23, Colosimo’s representatives are working fast to secure the terms of his departure.
After 29 appearances, and one of the most consistent and domineering seasons of his career, Colosimo – who stands to earn $450,000 a season in Korea - has already been granted permission by Sydney to move before the completion of his current contract.
A Sydney spokesman said: ‘’It won’t come as a surprise to see Simon move to Korea. It’s our understanding he has been in negotiations for a little while with parties in Asia.’’
The disappointment at missing out on Colosimo will be keenly felt at Heart who have now turned its attentions to Newcastle Jets free agent Ljubo Milicevic, who is considering a move back to his home town.
The A-League franchise-in-have also agreed terms with Perth Glory midfielder Wayne Shroj, who is heading east after two seasons and 36 appearances for the under-achieving outfit.
He will join Matt Thompson, Kristian Sarkies, Dean Heffernan, Jason Hoffman, Clint Bolton and Dutch striker Rutger Worm at the club coached by John van't Schip.
http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/a-league/news/977487/Colosimo-picks-Korea-path
Friday, March 12, 2010
Tiatto: It's All Over Now
Date: March 11th 2010
Author: Dejan Kalinic
From: Four Four Two Australia
HARDMAN Danny Tiatto has quashed rumours he will sign for new A-League franchise Melbourne Heart by confirming his retirement from professional football.
The 36-year-old signed for a two-game stint with his former club Melbourne Knights in the Victorian Premier League, fuelling rumours he would be signed by Melbourne Heart.
But speaking on Melbourne radio last night, Tiatto said he was at the end of his professional career.
"I'm definitely hanging up the boots. There won't be too much football left in me," Tiatto said.
He denied the Heart had offered him a contract.
"There is no offer," he told The Four Diegos on SEN.
The hard midfielder was part of a cleanout of veterans at Brisbane Roar after Ange Postecoglou replaced Frank Farina as coach.
He said he had made it clear during the season this was going to be his last.
"I basically said once I say it's time to retire, I'll hang the boots up and go on my way," Tiatto said. "There was interest from other clubs interstate."
It brings to end a successful career featuring 23 caps for the Socceroos.
Renowned for his aggression, Tiatto moved to the Italian Serie B after an impressive stint at Knights Stadium in the mid-90s.
Although he could not secure a permanent move to Salernitana, a loan spell at Stoke City proved to be the most fruitful of his career.
Soon after, he was signed by Manchester City, gaining promotion and relegation with the club.
The left winger or central midfielder became known for his fearless tackles, at times costing himself lengthy spells on the sidelines.
He moved to Leicester City and became the captain of the club in his final season there, before joining Brisbane in 2007.
http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/124257,tiatto-its-all-over-now.aspx
Author: Dejan Kalinic
From: Four Four Two Australia
HARDMAN Danny Tiatto has quashed rumours he will sign for new A-League franchise Melbourne Heart by confirming his retirement from professional football.
The 36-year-old signed for a two-game stint with his former club Melbourne Knights in the Victorian Premier League, fuelling rumours he would be signed by Melbourne Heart.
But speaking on Melbourne radio last night, Tiatto said he was at the end of his professional career.
"I'm definitely hanging up the boots. There won't be too much football left in me," Tiatto said.
He denied the Heart had offered him a contract.
"There is no offer," he told The Four Diegos on SEN.
The hard midfielder was part of a cleanout of veterans at Brisbane Roar after Ange Postecoglou replaced Frank Farina as coach.
He said he had made it clear during the season this was going to be his last.
"I basically said once I say it's time to retire, I'll hang the boots up and go on my way," Tiatto said. "There was interest from other clubs interstate."
It brings to end a successful career featuring 23 caps for the Socceroos.
Renowned for his aggression, Tiatto moved to the Italian Serie B after an impressive stint at Knights Stadium in the mid-90s.
Although he could not secure a permanent move to Salernitana, a loan spell at Stoke City proved to be the most fruitful of his career.
Soon after, he was signed by Manchester City, gaining promotion and relegation with the club.
The left winger or central midfielder became known for his fearless tackles, at times costing himself lengthy spells on the sidelines.
He moved to Leicester City and became the captain of the club in his final season there, before joining Brisbane in 2007.
http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/124257,tiatto-its-all-over-now.aspx
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Colosimo staying put for finals
Date: March 10th 2010
Author: Sebastian Hassett
From: The Age
SIMON Colosimo has confirmed he won't be going anywhere until after the completion of Sydney FC's finals campaign, ending speculation he was set to cut ties with the club before the Japanese and Chinese transfer windows shut at the end of the week.
The news will come as a boost for coach Vitezslav Lavicka, who would be loath to take Colosimo from his defensive set-up, where the 31-year old has returned to arguably career-best form.
But, the prospect of Colosimo staying in Sydney after the grand final appears almost non-existent.
While he is understood to have agreed to a three-year deal with Melbourne Heart and has a long-stated desire to one day return to his home town, his goal of representing Australia at this year's World Cup arguably hinges on his ability to find an overseas deal for the next three months.
Colosimo comes out of contract at the end of March but it is believed that should he find a deal with an overseas club, Heart will be forced to relinquish any claim on the player.
It's a delicate situation for the ex-Perth Glory captain but he is determined to win what would be the first championship of his career before departing overseas.
''The status right now is I'm working closely with 'Vitja' and we're openly talking about these things. I've said all along that if we're there until the grand final, I will be here,'' Colosimo said. ''I had some really disappointing years in Perth - not having a go at them, that's more about myself - and now that I've won a minor premiership, I want to win a grand final. That's my main focus.
''If other things eventuate, then I'll be straight up about it. [The club] are fully supportive of me and I've got no qualms.''
On paper, the most logical option for Colosimo after the grand final is to head to Korea, where Australian players have been embraced by K-League clubs - though not always with prime results - as a result of the three-plus-one rule, and where the transfer window remains open until March 28.
Yet while Colosimo concedes Korea is still his most likely destination, the opportunity to move to China or Japan is not beyond the realms of possibility when he becomes a free agent.
''I could have signed somewhere else and just start-dated it later. That could have happened,'' Colosimo said. ''There's opportunities in those three regions but which one is going to fit the bill will probably depend on when we finish.''
Asked if this meant an overseas deal had already been done, the defender re-affirmed it wasn't the case. ''I don't have anything [yet].
What I'm saying is that although the windows have closed, because I'm coming out of contract, there's loopholes to make it happen,'' he said.
One man who will be intent on keeping Colosimo's championship dreams at bay is Wellington goalkeeper Liam Reddy, who has signed with Sydney FC for next season but, quite literally, will stand between the Sky Blues and their hopes of a grand final appearance on Saturday night.
Quizzed whether he would be pleased by a good performance from his future goalkeeper, Lavicka replied that it was a difficult conundrum.
''I've thought about it, I watched their game [against Newcastle] and he did a very good job,'' Lavicka said. ''
He has also been good not just in that game but in the last part of the season for Wellington, just like their whole team.
''It will be interesting to play against him on Saturday, but we have a real intention and a big desire to win.''
http://www.theage.com.au/sport/soccer/colosimo-staying-put-for-finals-20100309-pvsd.html
Author: Sebastian Hassett
From: The Age
SIMON Colosimo has confirmed he won't be going anywhere until after the completion of Sydney FC's finals campaign, ending speculation he was set to cut ties with the club before the Japanese and Chinese transfer windows shut at the end of the week.
The news will come as a boost for coach Vitezslav Lavicka, who would be loath to take Colosimo from his defensive set-up, where the 31-year old has returned to arguably career-best form.
But, the prospect of Colosimo staying in Sydney after the grand final appears almost non-existent.
While he is understood to have agreed to a three-year deal with Melbourne Heart and has a long-stated desire to one day return to his home town, his goal of representing Australia at this year's World Cup arguably hinges on his ability to find an overseas deal for the next three months.
Colosimo comes out of contract at the end of March but it is believed that should he find a deal with an overseas club, Heart will be forced to relinquish any claim on the player.
It's a delicate situation for the ex-Perth Glory captain but he is determined to win what would be the first championship of his career before departing overseas.
''The status right now is I'm working closely with 'Vitja' and we're openly talking about these things. I've said all along that if we're there until the grand final, I will be here,'' Colosimo said. ''I had some really disappointing years in Perth - not having a go at them, that's more about myself - and now that I've won a minor premiership, I want to win a grand final. That's my main focus.
''If other things eventuate, then I'll be straight up about it. [The club] are fully supportive of me and I've got no qualms.''
On paper, the most logical option for Colosimo after the grand final is to head to Korea, where Australian players have been embraced by K-League clubs - though not always with prime results - as a result of the three-plus-one rule, and where the transfer window remains open until March 28.
Yet while Colosimo concedes Korea is still his most likely destination, the opportunity to move to China or Japan is not beyond the realms of possibility when he becomes a free agent.
''I could have signed somewhere else and just start-dated it later. That could have happened,'' Colosimo said. ''There's opportunities in those three regions but which one is going to fit the bill will probably depend on when we finish.''
Asked if this meant an overseas deal had already been done, the defender re-affirmed it wasn't the case. ''I don't have anything [yet].
What I'm saying is that although the windows have closed, because I'm coming out of contract, there's loopholes to make it happen,'' he said.
One man who will be intent on keeping Colosimo's championship dreams at bay is Wellington goalkeeper Liam Reddy, who has signed with Sydney FC for next season but, quite literally, will stand between the Sky Blues and their hopes of a grand final appearance on Saturday night.
Quizzed whether he would be pleased by a good performance from his future goalkeeper, Lavicka replied that it was a difficult conundrum.
''I've thought about it, I watched their game [against Newcastle] and he did a very good job,'' Lavicka said. ''
He has also been good not just in that game but in the last part of the season for Wellington, just like their whole team.
''It will be interesting to play against him on Saturday, but we have a real intention and a big desire to win.''
http://www.theage.com.au/sport/soccer/colosimo-staying-put-for-finals-20100309-pvsd.html
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Ljubo Weighs Up Options
Date: March 9th 2010
Author: Staff Writer
From: Four Four Two Australia
LJUBO Milicevic admits Melbourne Heart are keen to secure his services as the Newcastle Jets defender prepares to thrash out where his footballing future lies.
With the Jets now out of the finals picture, Milicevic is preparing to weigh up his options and decide whether to stick or twist.
The Jets are keen to retain his services but new boys Heart are keen to try and tempt him home to Melbourne.
Asia is another possibility but the player himself seems keen to remain in the A-League.
"There has been interest from the Melbourne Heart and China is also an option. I'm not sure if Asia is the right place for me at the moment.
Those are the things I have to work out," he told the Newcastle Herald.
"I have enjoyed it at Newcastle. I'll talk to the club over the next week or so and then decide if I want to stay or if my future lies elsewhere."
Newcastle are also reportedly keen to extend the stay of Ali Abbas.
http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/124082,ljubo-weighs-up-options.aspx
Author: Staff Writer
From: Four Four Two Australia
LJUBO Milicevic admits Melbourne Heart are keen to secure his services as the Newcastle Jets defender prepares to thrash out where his footballing future lies.
With the Jets now out of the finals picture, Milicevic is preparing to weigh up his options and decide whether to stick or twist.
The Jets are keen to retain his services but new boys Heart are keen to try and tempt him home to Melbourne.
Asia is another possibility but the player himself seems keen to remain in the A-League.
"There has been interest from the Melbourne Heart and China is also an option. I'm not sure if Asia is the right place for me at the moment.
Those are the things I have to work out," he told the Newcastle Herald.
"I have enjoyed it at Newcastle. I'll talk to the club over the next week or so and then decide if I want to stay or if my future lies elsewhere."
Newcastle are also reportedly keen to extend the stay of Ali Abbas.
http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/124082,ljubo-weighs-up-options.aspx
Monday, March 8, 2010
Colosimo linked to Heart
Date: March 8th 2010
Author: Not Specified
From: BigPond Sports Weekend / The Age
A-LEAGUE: SYDNEY FC and Socceroo defender Simon Colosimo has fuelled speculation he will sign for Melbourne Heart, saying he will one day return to his hometown.
''My contract is up very soon, you'll have to ask me in three to four weeks … but I'm a Melbourne boy,'' Colosimo told BigPond Sports Weekend.
''I'll eventually go and live in Melbourne with my family. When that is and where the game takes me I don't know.''
http://www.theage.com.au/sport/soccer/colosimo-linked-to-heart-20100307-pqjx.html
Author: Not Specified
From: BigPond Sports Weekend / The Age
A-LEAGUE: SYDNEY FC and Socceroo defender Simon Colosimo has fuelled speculation he will sign for Melbourne Heart, saying he will one day return to his hometown.
''My contract is up very soon, you'll have to ask me in three to four weeks … but I'm a Melbourne boy,'' Colosimo told BigPond Sports Weekend.
''I'll eventually go and live in Melbourne with my family. When that is and where the game takes me I don't know.''
http://www.theage.com.au/sport/soccer/colosimo-linked-to-heart-20100307-pqjx.html
Sunday, March 7, 2010
A-League new boys out to lure Jamieson
Date: March 5th 2010
Author: Val Migliaccio
From: The Advertiser
MELBOURNE Heart's Dutch boss John van't Schip has targeted Adelaide United's Socceroos defender Scott Jamieson.
Heart chief executive Scott Munn confirmed yesterday van't Schip - a former Dutch international and advocate of giant club Ajax's coaching systems - had made an inquiry for the left-back.
Jamieson could be the second Reds player at Heart.
Kristian Sarkies became the club's historic first signing last year.
Munn, however, denied that Jamieson - off contract at the end of the Reds' AFC Champions League campaign - already had signed.
"We've certainly had a look at Scott Jamieson," he said.
"John van't Schip was interested in him. He thinks he's a very good player with good technical ability but we haven't signed him and we're not going to make any announcements."
Van't Schip already has snared eight players, including former Central Coast Mariners' Dean Heffernan and Sydney FC keeper Clint Bolton.
Van't Schip is expected to make a concerted effort to land Jamieson - last year's A-League's rising star - after the defender's return to form coincided with a starting berth in the Socceroos line up against Indonesia on Wednesday in Brisbane.
While Socceroos winger Tommy Oar received all the accolades for a stunning debut in the 1-0 win which propelled the Australians to 2011 Asian Cup qualification in Qatar, Jamieson was an able partner on the left flank.
The pair kept the edgy Indonesians pinned in their own penalty box for most of the second half but the Socceroos could not deliver a second goal after Mark Milligan's first-half effort.
Munn said Heart would endeavour to get Sarkies back on the A-League stage before the end of the year after the midfielder's leg was broken in a Baby Reds national youth league match 12 days ago.
Munn said Adelaide and Heart were united in seeking a fast recovery for Sarkies.
Sarkies is expected to return home to Melbourne to continue his rehabilitation once his Reds contract ends in May.
"Our new physio has started to work on a program for Kristian at this point," Munn said. "We're hoping he will get back to full training and back to full fitness in six months."
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/a-league-new-boys-out-to-lure-jamieson/story-e6frecj3-1225837259876
Author: Val Migliaccio
From: The Advertiser
MELBOURNE Heart's Dutch boss John van't Schip has targeted Adelaide United's Socceroos defender Scott Jamieson.
Heart chief executive Scott Munn confirmed yesterday van't Schip - a former Dutch international and advocate of giant club Ajax's coaching systems - had made an inquiry for the left-back.
Jamieson could be the second Reds player at Heart.
Kristian Sarkies became the club's historic first signing last year.
Munn, however, denied that Jamieson - off contract at the end of the Reds' AFC Champions League campaign - already had signed.
"We've certainly had a look at Scott Jamieson," he said.
"John van't Schip was interested in him. He thinks he's a very good player with good technical ability but we haven't signed him and we're not going to make any announcements."
Van't Schip already has snared eight players, including former Central Coast Mariners' Dean Heffernan and Sydney FC keeper Clint Bolton.
Van't Schip is expected to make a concerted effort to land Jamieson - last year's A-League's rising star - after the defender's return to form coincided with a starting berth in the Socceroos line up against Indonesia on Wednesday in Brisbane.
While Socceroos winger Tommy Oar received all the accolades for a stunning debut in the 1-0 win which propelled the Australians to 2011 Asian Cup qualification in Qatar, Jamieson was an able partner on the left flank.
The pair kept the edgy Indonesians pinned in their own penalty box for most of the second half but the Socceroos could not deliver a second goal after Mark Milligan's first-half effort.
Munn said Heart would endeavour to get Sarkies back on the A-League stage before the end of the year after the midfielder's leg was broken in a Baby Reds national youth league match 12 days ago.
Munn said Adelaide and Heart were united in seeking a fast recovery for Sarkies.
Sarkies is expected to return home to Melbourne to continue his rehabilitation once his Reds contract ends in May.
"Our new physio has started to work on a program for Kristian at this point," Munn said. "We're hoping he will get back to full training and back to full fitness in six months."
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/a-league-new-boys-out-to-lure-jamieson/story-e6frecj3-1225837259876
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