Result Archive
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Friday, February 12, 2010
Central Coast defender Dean Heffernan joins Heart
Date: November 26th 2009
Author: AAP
From: Herald Sun
CENTRAL Coast defender Dean Heffernan has signed a multi-year deal to join new A-League club Melbourne Heart.
Heffernan, 29, is the new franchise's third signing, after Gold Coast's (sic: Adelaide United's) Kristian Sarkies and Newcastle's Matt Thompson agreed terms earlier this week.
Although Heffernan made his name as a left-back with the Mariners, Heart coach John van't Schip plans to use him more in a central defensive position.
"Dean is a modern-day defender, with great distribution and an excellent physical presence on the field," said van't Schip.
"He is tall, extremely mobile but also technically very sound, which is shown by his ability to move into attack and contribute and create goals."
Heffernan scored eight goals in 23 games from left-back in the inaugural A-League Season for Central Coast before being loaned to German Bundesliga club Nuremberg.
After returning to Australia, he was a standout in Central Coast's 2009 Asian Champions League campaign.
Heffernan made his Socceroos' debut in the Asian Cup qualifier against Indonesia earlier this year.
"While Dean has been used in the past as a left-sided player, our intention is to use him as a central defender," said van't Schip.
"There are a number of players at the top level who have moved centrally as they matured and become great on-field leaders.
"With his athleticism and power, he is able to compete with strikers of any type and with his technical quality, he is comfortable enough to keep possession and play the ball out of defence, which is the way we want to play."
The Heart join the A-League for the 2010-11 season.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/central-coast-defender-dean-heffernan-joins-heart/story-e6frf9if-1225804305149
Author: AAP
From: Herald Sun
CENTRAL Coast defender Dean Heffernan has signed a multi-year deal to join new A-League club Melbourne Heart.
Heffernan, 29, is the new franchise's third signing, after Gold Coast's (sic: Adelaide United's) Kristian Sarkies and Newcastle's Matt Thompson agreed terms earlier this week.
Although Heffernan made his name as a left-back with the Mariners, Heart coach John van't Schip plans to use him more in a central defensive position.
"Dean is a modern-day defender, with great distribution and an excellent physical presence on the field," said van't Schip.
"He is tall, extremely mobile but also technically very sound, which is shown by his ability to move into attack and contribute and create goals."
Heffernan scored eight goals in 23 games from left-back in the inaugural A-League Season for Central Coast before being loaned to German Bundesliga club Nuremberg.
After returning to Australia, he was a standout in Central Coast's 2009 Asian Champions League campaign.
Heffernan made his Socceroos' debut in the Asian Cup qualifier against Indonesia earlier this year.
"While Dean has been used in the past as a left-sided player, our intention is to use him as a central defender," said van't Schip.
"There are a number of players at the top level who have moved centrally as they matured and become great on-field leaders.
"With his athleticism and power, he is able to compete with strikers of any type and with his technical quality, he is comfortable enough to keep possession and play the ball out of defence, which is the way we want to play."
The Heart join the A-League for the 2010-11 season.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/central-coast-defender-dean-heffernan-joins-heart/story-e6frf9if-1225804305149
Heart set to bring Skoko home
Date: November 24th 2009
Author: Ben Coonan and Sam Lienert
From: The Sydney Morning Herald
AAP
Former Socceroos star Josip Skoko is poised to join A-League club-in-waiting Melbourne Heart.
The Heart announced their first two player signings on Tuesday, snaring Newcastle Jets captain Matt Thompson and Adelaide midfielder Kristian Sarkies.
Skoko, currently seeing out the remaining months of his contract with Croatian heavyweights Hajduk Split, seems set to join them.
The midfielder wants to be close to his family, who are based in Melbourne and Geelong, and always wanted to end his playing days in Australia.
"I've always said after I've finished my career in Europe I'd like to come back and live in Australia," Skoko told AAP.
"My contract expires at the end of this season and I'll most likely be moving back down there with the family for a few years.
"It all depends on how things come together, I've had some contact with the Heart and I'm very open to suggestions."
Heart chief executive Scott Munn confirmed the club's interest in Skoko, but said coach John van't Schip planned to watch him play live before they moved on to contract discussions.
"He's going to go and watch him play a few times in Croatia and from there he will make a decision," Munn said.
"It would be fantastic (to sign Skoko), but it's one of the reasons we've employed John."
The Heart have also been linked to Sydney FC defender Simon Colosimo and Central Coast's Dean Heffernan.
But Colosimo has dismissed reports he has agreed to terms with the A-League's 11th club, saying if he left Sydney it would most likely be to head to Asia.
Van't Schip said he was excited about the signings of Thompson, a veteran of 107 A-League games, and former Melbourne Victory player Sarkies.
"Both players are technically excellent, great professionals and moving toward the peak of their careers," he said.
Skoko, with 15 years' club experience in Belgium, Turkey, England and Croatia and 51 caps for the Socceroos, would be a significant coup for the Heart.
"I'm feeling good, I don't have any major injury problems, hopefully the body has still got something to offer and perhaps it might be an interesting little end to the career," said the 33-year-old, who retired from the international game after the 2006 World Cup.
In other news, Skoko said his close friend and former Socceroos captain Mark Viduka had not yet called time on his playing career.
Viduka has been unsighted on a football pitch since late May and has repeatedly rejected offers from Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek to contribute to Australia's 2010 World Cup campaign.
Now back in his hometown of Melbourne, Viduka is - according to Skoko - still deliberating his next move.
"I don't think he's hung up the boots yet, I think if the right opportunity came up he could well put them back on, but for now he's just enjoying life as it comes," Skoko said.
http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-sport/heart-set-to-bring-skoko-home-20091124-jfjo.html
Author: Ben Coonan and Sam Lienert
From: The Sydney Morning Herald
AAP
Former Socceroos star Josip Skoko is poised to join A-League club-in-waiting Melbourne Heart.
The Heart announced their first two player signings on Tuesday, snaring Newcastle Jets captain Matt Thompson and Adelaide midfielder Kristian Sarkies.
Skoko, currently seeing out the remaining months of his contract with Croatian heavyweights Hajduk Split, seems set to join them.
The midfielder wants to be close to his family, who are based in Melbourne and Geelong, and always wanted to end his playing days in Australia.
"I've always said after I've finished my career in Europe I'd like to come back and live in Australia," Skoko told AAP.
"My contract expires at the end of this season and I'll most likely be moving back down there with the family for a few years.
"It all depends on how things come together, I've had some contact with the Heart and I'm very open to suggestions."
Heart chief executive Scott Munn confirmed the club's interest in Skoko, but said coach John van't Schip planned to watch him play live before they moved on to contract discussions.
"He's going to go and watch him play a few times in Croatia and from there he will make a decision," Munn said.
"It would be fantastic (to sign Skoko), but it's one of the reasons we've employed John."
The Heart have also been linked to Sydney FC defender Simon Colosimo and Central Coast's Dean Heffernan.
But Colosimo has dismissed reports he has agreed to terms with the A-League's 11th club, saying if he left Sydney it would most likely be to head to Asia.
Van't Schip said he was excited about the signings of Thompson, a veteran of 107 A-League games, and former Melbourne Victory player Sarkies.
"Both players are technically excellent, great professionals and moving toward the peak of their careers," he said.
Skoko, with 15 years' club experience in Belgium, Turkey, England and Croatia and 51 caps for the Socceroos, would be a significant coup for the Heart.
"I'm feeling good, I don't have any major injury problems, hopefully the body has still got something to offer and perhaps it might be an interesting little end to the career," said the 33-year-old, who retired from the international game after the 2006 World Cup.
In other news, Skoko said his close friend and former Socceroos captain Mark Viduka had not yet called time on his playing career.
Viduka has been unsighted on a football pitch since late May and has repeatedly rejected offers from Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek to contribute to Australia's 2010 World Cup campaign.
Now back in his hometown of Melbourne, Viduka is - according to Skoko - still deliberating his next move.
"I don't think he's hung up the boots yet, I think if the right opportunity came up he could well put them back on, but for now he's just enjoying life as it comes," Skoko said.
http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-sport/heart-set-to-bring-skoko-home-20091124-jfjo.html
Heart 'Snare Three More'
Date: November 24th 2009
Author: Aidan Ormond
From: Four Four Two Australia
EXCLUSIVE: Melbourne Heart are said to have swooped on three more top A-League stars after snaring Newcastle Jets skipper Matt Thompson.
Sources in Melbourne have revealed Sydney FC's Simon Colosimo, Adelaide United's Kristian Sarkies and Central Coast Mariners' Dean Heffernan are all said to have signed for the new franchise.
Earlier this week Newcastle Jets owner Con Constantine revealed to this website that his skipper Matt Thompson was all but in the bag by Heart coach John Van't Schip.
Colosimo has long been rumoured to have been courted by Heart in a bid to lure him back to his home city after his A-League stints with Perth Glory and Sydney FC where he has shone this season.
Sarkies is also Melbourne-bred and said to be keen to return home after a roller-coaster career in Adelaide.
However Heffernan would be a major coup for Heart. Although having struggled with serious injuries, Heffernan has proved to be among the very best left backs in the A-League and would be a shock loss for the Mariners if he quit.
All four players are starting members of their respective clubs and would be considered quality signings by Heart.
The new club's Football Operations supremo John Didulica told au.fourfourtwo.com's on Tuesday morning that the club will not elaborate on media stories about their potential signings.
"We've spoken with a great number of players but having said that, we won't be commenting on this or any other potential signings at this present moment."
http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/117367,heart-snare-three-more.aspx
Author: Aidan Ormond
From: Four Four Two Australia
EXCLUSIVE: Melbourne Heart are said to have swooped on three more top A-League stars after snaring Newcastle Jets skipper Matt Thompson.
Sources in Melbourne have revealed Sydney FC's Simon Colosimo, Adelaide United's Kristian Sarkies and Central Coast Mariners' Dean Heffernan are all said to have signed for the new franchise.
Earlier this week Newcastle Jets owner Con Constantine revealed to this website that his skipper Matt Thompson was all but in the bag by Heart coach John Van't Schip.
Colosimo has long been rumoured to have been courted by Heart in a bid to lure him back to his home city after his A-League stints with Perth Glory and Sydney FC where he has shone this season.
Sarkies is also Melbourne-bred and said to be keen to return home after a roller-coaster career in Adelaide.
However Heffernan would be a major coup for Heart. Although having struggled with serious injuries, Heffernan has proved to be among the very best left backs in the A-League and would be a shock loss for the Mariners if he quit.
All four players are starting members of their respective clubs and would be considered quality signings by Heart.
The new club's Football Operations supremo John Didulica told au.fourfourtwo.com's on Tuesday morning that the club will not elaborate on media stories about their potential signings.
"We've spoken with a great number of players but having said that, we won't be commenting on this or any other potential signings at this present moment."
http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/117367,heart-snare-three-more.aspx
Double signing a Heart starter
Date: November 24th 2009
Author: David Lewis
From: Herald Sun
MELBOURNE Heart has signed its first two players.
Newcastle Jets skipper Matt Thompson and Adelaide United and former Melbourne Victory midfielder Kristian Sarkies yesterday joined the new A-League club.
Chief executive Scott Munn last night refused to confirm either signing.
Heart has also made a $750,000 three-year offer to Sydney FC defender Simon Colosimo.
Colosimo's agent Leo Karis said last night: "There have been discussions and an offer for Simon has been tabled, but he will not be making any decisions until the end of the year."
Heart is also close to securing Central Coast defender Dean Heffernan.
Midfielder Thompson, 27, who has played 106 A-League games, is believed to have signed a two-year deal.
Sarkies, who scored in Victory's 2007 grand final win, has played 35 games in 2 1/2 injury-hit seasons with the Reds.
It is believed Heart manager John van't Schip's interest in former Victory defender Ljubo Milicevic has cooled.
MELBOURNE Victory fans will be able to get closer to their heroes for Saturday night's match against Gold Coast United.
Etihad Stadium's retractable seating will be shifted within metres of the sidelines.
It will be the first time the seats have been moved for a Victory game.
The configuration was used last month for the Socceroos-Oman Asian Cup qualifier.
"It's a first and it should be great for our fans," Victory chief executive Geoff Miles said.
"It's also an opportunity to showcase a potential World Cup venue in this configuration where the fans are close to the pitch."
- with Matt Windley
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/double-signing-a-heart-starter/story-e6frf9if-1225802918655
Author: David Lewis
From: Herald Sun
MELBOURNE Heart has signed its first two players.
Newcastle Jets skipper Matt Thompson and Adelaide United and former Melbourne Victory midfielder Kristian Sarkies yesterday joined the new A-League club.
Chief executive Scott Munn last night refused to confirm either signing.
Heart has also made a $750,000 three-year offer to Sydney FC defender Simon Colosimo.
Colosimo's agent Leo Karis said last night: "There have been discussions and an offer for Simon has been tabled, but he will not be making any decisions until the end of the year."
Heart is also close to securing Central Coast defender Dean Heffernan.
Midfielder Thompson, 27, who has played 106 A-League games, is believed to have signed a two-year deal.
Sarkies, who scored in Victory's 2007 grand final win, has played 35 games in 2 1/2 injury-hit seasons with the Reds.
It is believed Heart manager John van't Schip's interest in former Victory defender Ljubo Milicevic has cooled.
MELBOURNE Victory fans will be able to get closer to their heroes for Saturday night's match against Gold Coast United.
Etihad Stadium's retractable seating will be shifted within metres of the sidelines.
It will be the first time the seats have been moved for a Victory game.
The configuration was used last month for the Socceroos-Oman Asian Cup qualifier.
"It's a first and it should be great for our fans," Victory chief executive Geoff Miles said.
"It's also an opportunity to showcase a potential World Cup venue in this configuration where the fans are close to the pitch."
- with Matt Windley
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/double-signing-a-heart-starter/story-e6frf9if-1225802918655
Heart Sign Ante And Jesper
Date: November 18th 2009
Author: Not Specified
From: Four Four Two Australia
MELBOURNE Heart have signed ex-Socceroo Ante Milicic and former Denmark and Manchester United star Jesper Olsen as their inaugural assistant coaches.
Milicic and Olsen arrive following an exhaustive recruitment process by football manager John Didulica and head coach John van 't Schip.
"I am excited to be working alongside Ante and Jesper," said van't Schip. "They bring qualities to the table, which are important to build a successful football club, and will help us into the future.
"Ante's knowledge of youth football, development and the A-League will prove important, while Jesper's experience in the Dutch system will reinforce the football style and philosophy I hope to integrate."
Milicic recently returned from Egypt following a stint as assistant to Young Socceroos boss Jan Versleijen at the U20 World Cup,and won the 2009 New South Wales Premier League Coach of the Year award after guiding Sydney United to the minor premiership.
Milicic was also awarded the Johnny Warren Medal as the National Soccer League's 2003 Player of the Year, and earned six caps with the Socceroos.
The 35-year-old also completed stints in the Dutch Eredivisie and Croatian First Division before returning to Australia and becoming the first player to score a hat trick in A-League history.
Milicic gained A-League experience after spending three seasons with Newcastle Jets and Brisbane Roar, and will provide valuable insight and intimate knowledge of the competition.
A veteran of two European Championships, Olsen's signing marks the Dane's first coaching appointment after spending half a decade developing and identifying talent through his own academy in Australia and Europe.
Olsen boasts an impeccable football pedigree, having played under the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson and French World Cup winning coach Aime Jacquet, and alongside Dutch legend Johan Cruyff, during an 11-year career as a professional in Europe.
Earning 46 caps for Denmark, Olsen played for Manchester United, Ajax and Bordeaux to confirm his phenomenal ability, finishing in the top 10 of the 1983 European Footballer of the Year award, ahead of Bryan Robson and Ian Rush.
However, the crowning glory of Olsen's playing career came as a member of Denmark's 1986 World Cup side, which delighted the globe with its free-flowing brand of attacking football as it reached the Round of 16, scoring against superpowers Germany, Spain and Uruguay.
Olsen's experience in the sport's upper echelon and understanding of Dutch football and the Ajax philosophy further enhances the Heart Syndicate's ambition to develop into one of the nation's premier football institutions.
Heart Syndicate Chief Executive Officer Scott Munn added: "Melbourne Heart Syndicate has deliberately set out to build a coaching panel that is capable of delivering exciting football, encouraging both devotees of the game as well as newcomers to the sport to get on board and support our team"
http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/116986,heart-sign-ante-and-jesper.aspx
Author: Not Specified
From: Four Four Two Australia
MELBOURNE Heart have signed ex-Socceroo Ante Milicic and former Denmark and Manchester United star Jesper Olsen as their inaugural assistant coaches.
Milicic and Olsen arrive following an exhaustive recruitment process by football manager John Didulica and head coach John van 't Schip.
"I am excited to be working alongside Ante and Jesper," said van't Schip. "They bring qualities to the table, which are important to build a successful football club, and will help us into the future.
"Ante's knowledge of youth football, development and the A-League will prove important, while Jesper's experience in the Dutch system will reinforce the football style and philosophy I hope to integrate."
Milicic recently returned from Egypt following a stint as assistant to Young Socceroos boss Jan Versleijen at the U20 World Cup,and won the 2009 New South Wales Premier League Coach of the Year award after guiding Sydney United to the minor premiership.
Milicic was also awarded the Johnny Warren Medal as the National Soccer League's 2003 Player of the Year, and earned six caps with the Socceroos.
The 35-year-old also completed stints in the Dutch Eredivisie and Croatian First Division before returning to Australia and becoming the first player to score a hat trick in A-League history.
Milicic gained A-League experience after spending three seasons with Newcastle Jets and Brisbane Roar, and will provide valuable insight and intimate knowledge of the competition.
A veteran of two European Championships, Olsen's signing marks the Dane's first coaching appointment after spending half a decade developing and identifying talent through his own academy in Australia and Europe.
Olsen boasts an impeccable football pedigree, having played under the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson and French World Cup winning coach Aime Jacquet, and alongside Dutch legend Johan Cruyff, during an 11-year career as a professional in Europe.
Earning 46 caps for Denmark, Olsen played for Manchester United, Ajax and Bordeaux to confirm his phenomenal ability, finishing in the top 10 of the 1983 European Footballer of the Year award, ahead of Bryan Robson and Ian Rush.
However, the crowning glory of Olsen's playing career came as a member of Denmark's 1986 World Cup side, which delighted the globe with its free-flowing brand of attacking football as it reached the Round of 16, scoring against superpowers Germany, Spain and Uruguay.
Olsen's experience in the sport's upper echelon and understanding of Dutch football and the Ajax philosophy further enhances the Heart Syndicate's ambition to develop into one of the nation's premier football institutions.
Heart Syndicate Chief Executive Officer Scott Munn added: "Melbourne Heart Syndicate has deliberately set out to build a coaching panel that is capable of delivering exciting football, encouraging both devotees of the game as well as newcomers to the sport to get on board and support our team"
http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/116986,heart-sign-ante-and-jesper.aspx
Former Manchester United star Jesper Olsen joins Melbourne Heart
Date: November 18th 2009
Author: Grantley Bernard
From: Herald Sun
FORMER Manchester United star Jesper Olsen is one of two assistant coaches at Melbourne's new A-League club.
The Melbourne Heart syndicate announced today it had signed Denmark-born Olsen and former Socceroo Ante Milicic to be inaugural assistants to John van 't Schip to set the foundation of a strong future.
Van 't Schip said today: "I'm excited to be working alongside Ante and Jesper. They bring qualities to the table, which are important to build a successful football club, and will help us into the future.
"Ante's knowledge of youth football, development and the A-League will prove important, while Jesper's experience in the Dutch system will reinforce the football style and philosophy I hope to integrate."
Milicic, who returned recently from Egypt following a stint as assistant to Young Socceroos boss Jan Versleijen at the under-20 World Cup, is one of the exciting coaching prospects in Australia, claiming the 2009 NSW Premier League Coach of the Year award after guiding Sydney United to the minor premiership.
Milicic, 35, played six times for Australia.
He also played in the Dutch Eredivisie and Croatian first division before returning to Australia and becoming the first player to score an A-League hat-trick.
For Olsen, a veteran of two European the Heart role is his first coaching appointment after five years developing and identifying talent through his own academy in Australia and Europe.
He has an impeccable football pedigree, having played under the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson and French World Cup winning coach Aime Jacquet, and alongside Dutch legend Johan Cruyff, in an 11-year career as a professional in Europe.
He earned 46 caps for Denmark and also played for Holland's Ajax and French club Bordeaux .
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/heart-to-roll-out-assistant-coaches/story-e6frf9if-1225799006873
Author: Grantley Bernard
From: Herald Sun
FORMER Manchester United star Jesper Olsen is one of two assistant coaches at Melbourne's new A-League club.
The Melbourne Heart syndicate announced today it had signed Denmark-born Olsen and former Socceroo Ante Milicic to be inaugural assistants to John van 't Schip to set the foundation of a strong future.
Van 't Schip said today: "I'm excited to be working alongside Ante and Jesper. They bring qualities to the table, which are important to build a successful football club, and will help us into the future.
"Ante's knowledge of youth football, development and the A-League will prove important, while Jesper's experience in the Dutch system will reinforce the football style and philosophy I hope to integrate."
Milicic, who returned recently from Egypt following a stint as assistant to Young Socceroos boss Jan Versleijen at the under-20 World Cup, is one of the exciting coaching prospects in Australia, claiming the 2009 NSW Premier League Coach of the Year award after guiding Sydney United to the minor premiership.
Milicic, 35, played six times for Australia.
He also played in the Dutch Eredivisie and Croatian first division before returning to Australia and becoming the first player to score an A-League hat-trick.
For Olsen, a veteran of two European the Heart role is his first coaching appointment after five years developing and identifying talent through his own academy in Australia and Europe.
He has an impeccable football pedigree, having played under the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson and French World Cup winning coach Aime Jacquet, and alongside Dutch legend Johan Cruyff, in an 11-year career as a professional in Europe.
He earned 46 caps for Denmark and also played for Holland's Ajax and French club Bordeaux .
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/heart-to-roll-out-assistant-coaches/story-e6frf9if-1225799006873
Second Melbourne team may stick with brave Heart
Date: November 16th 2009
Author: Grantley Bernard
From: Herald Sun
THE name game is on for the Melbourne Heart franchise, which could be known by its working title after it was thought to be a non-starter.
Initially unacceptable to Football Federation Australia for various reasons, Melbourne Heart is one of four names under consideration by the new A-League team, which is scheduled to make its debut in August.
The other names under consideration, and to be voted on via the Herald Sun website during the next week before a final decision by the Heart board, are Sporting Melbourne FC, Melburnians and Melbourne Revolution.
The four names were derived from a previous online poll, but it is likely that Sporting Melbourne FC and Melbourne Heart will be the favourites and have support from the club board, which will rubber stamp the name within weeks.
"We're not referring to any as favourites," Heart chief executive Scott Munn said yesterday. "But there are probably a couple that bring to the table exactly what we want."
Two other names that gained much support were Melbourne United, which was ruled out because Adelaide United and Gold Coast United already play in the A-League, and Melbourne City, which did not make the cut because it depicted a metropolitan focus rather than statewide appeal.
Sporting Melbourne FC is considered to reflect the city's strong sporting flavour, Melburnians is a nod to history and tradition, while Melbourne Revolution has a historical angle from the point of view that the Eureka Stockade rebellion was revolutionary.
But with FFA having ticked Melbourne Heart after much behind-the-scenes work to have it officially recognised, it would shape as the logical favourite of the club that has been known as that before it even won the city's second A-League licence.
Once the name is decided, Heart will finalise its logo along with its expected red and white home strip.
The club is also close to naming the assistant coaches to join head coach John van't Schip's staff and could make an announcement tomorrow.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/second-melbourne-team-may-stick-with-brave-heart/story-e6frf9if-1225797965764
Author: Grantley Bernard
From: Herald Sun
THE name game is on for the Melbourne Heart franchise, which could be known by its working title after it was thought to be a non-starter.
Initially unacceptable to Football Federation Australia for various reasons, Melbourne Heart is one of four names under consideration by the new A-League team, which is scheduled to make its debut in August.
The other names under consideration, and to be voted on via the Herald Sun website during the next week before a final decision by the Heart board, are Sporting Melbourne FC, Melburnians and Melbourne Revolution.
The four names were derived from a previous online poll, but it is likely that Sporting Melbourne FC and Melbourne Heart will be the favourites and have support from the club board, which will rubber stamp the name within weeks.
"We're not referring to any as favourites," Heart chief executive Scott Munn said yesterday. "But there are probably a couple that bring to the table exactly what we want."
Two other names that gained much support were Melbourne United, which was ruled out because Adelaide United and Gold Coast United already play in the A-League, and Melbourne City, which did not make the cut because it depicted a metropolitan focus rather than statewide appeal.
Sporting Melbourne FC is considered to reflect the city's strong sporting flavour, Melburnians is a nod to history and tradition, while Melbourne Revolution has a historical angle from the point of view that the Eureka Stockade rebellion was revolutionary.
But with FFA having ticked Melbourne Heart after much behind-the-scenes work to have it officially recognised, it would shape as the logical favourite of the club that has been known as that before it even won the city's second A-League licence.
Once the name is decided, Heart will finalise its logo along with its expected red and white home strip.
The club is also close to naming the assistant coaches to join head coach John van't Schip's staff and could make an announcement tomorrow.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/second-melbourne-team-may-stick-with-brave-heart/story-e6frf9if-1225797965764
Heart gears up for red and white
Date: November 11th 2009
Author: Grantley Bernard
From: Herald Sun
IT HAS been almost 30 years since the red and white of the South Melbourne Football Club left town for Sydney, but the colours will return with Melbourne Heart.
The new A-League club will likely don a red and white strip for its debut next August.
It is also close to announcing its name, with four nominations that will be open to public opinion via the Herald Sun website.
Sporting Melbourne FC is one of the names being considered for the 11th A-League team, but the Heart board is determined to avoid any in-house debate until after the online poll.
"We've got four names to be considered and we're finalising some of the legalities and registrations," Heart chief executive Scott Munn said yesterday.
"I told the board the four names, but they said they did not want to debate them until the public had had their input."
Football Federation Australia approves of the colours and was keen to see the red and white gap filled, while A-League apparel supplier Reebok has been working on designs, although a third colour may be incorporated astrimming.
There has been a suggestion the shirt will feature red and white hoops, offering a design the A-League has not seen before.
But given Heart's desire to offer football tradition within its branding and colours, it may opt for vertical stripes in the fashion of famous clubs Atletico Madrid, Sunderland, PSV Eindhoven and Southampton.
For something different it could go with a white shirt and red sash in a nod to Argentine club River Plate, or it may take a lead from coach John van't Schip and adopt the Ajax strip of white shirt with a thick red panel down the middle that he wore for 16 years.
"Red and white is a palette we've asked Reebok to have a look at," Munn said.
"But we haven't seen anything from Reebok yet and we haven't made any decision.
"We're open to all designs. Nothing has been decided for certain on the strip."
Heart is close to signing its first players, with negotiations almost finalised with two A-League players.
Seven candidates are being interviewed for assistant coaching jobs.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/heart-gears-up-for-red-and-white/story-e6frf9if-1225796251328
Author: Grantley Bernard
From: Herald Sun
IT HAS been almost 30 years since the red and white of the South Melbourne Football Club left town for Sydney, but the colours will return with Melbourne Heart.
The new A-League club will likely don a red and white strip for its debut next August.
It is also close to announcing its name, with four nominations that will be open to public opinion via the Herald Sun website.
Sporting Melbourne FC is one of the names being considered for the 11th A-League team, but the Heart board is determined to avoid any in-house debate until after the online poll.
"We've got four names to be considered and we're finalising some of the legalities and registrations," Heart chief executive Scott Munn said yesterday.
"I told the board the four names, but they said they did not want to debate them until the public had had their input."
Football Federation Australia approves of the colours and was keen to see the red and white gap filled, while A-League apparel supplier Reebok has been working on designs, although a third colour may be incorporated astrimming.
There has been a suggestion the shirt will feature red and white hoops, offering a design the A-League has not seen before.
But given Heart's desire to offer football tradition within its branding and colours, it may opt for vertical stripes in the fashion of famous clubs Atletico Madrid, Sunderland, PSV Eindhoven and Southampton.
For something different it could go with a white shirt and red sash in a nod to Argentine club River Plate, or it may take a lead from coach John van't Schip and adopt the Ajax strip of white shirt with a thick red panel down the middle that he wore for 16 years.
"Red and white is a palette we've asked Reebok to have a look at," Munn said.
"But we haven't seen anything from Reebok yet and we haven't made any decision.
"We're open to all designs. Nothing has been decided for certain on the strip."
Heart is close to signing its first players, with negotiations almost finalised with two A-League players.
Seven candidates are being interviewed for assistant coaching jobs.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/heart-gears-up-for-red-and-white/story-e6frf9if-1225796251328
Michael Petkovic sets his Heart on A-League
Date: October 27th 2009
Author: AAP
From: Herald Sun
SOCCEROOS goalkeeper Michael Petkovic would love to to wear the gloves for A-League newcomers Melbourne Heart in their inaugural 2010-11 season.
Petkovic, currently with Turkish Super League outfit Sivasspor, wants to return home to play in the A-League, possibly following next year's World Cup, where he is likely to serve as understudy to undisputed No.1 Mark Schwarzer.
"It's something I've always wanted to do," said Petkovic, 33, who comes off contract at Sivasspor after this European season.
"I started my career in Australia in the national league back then, so with the new league that's been formed there, I'd like to go back and play as long as I can before I finish my career.
"We'll see, we've still got time. We'll see what happens after this season."
Although Petkovic's career blossomed at South Melbourne, where he was a key contributor to the club's back-to-back titles in the former National Soccer League in 1998 and 1999, he would ideally prefer to return to Perth, the city of his birth.
That would see him follow older brother and fellow goalkeeper Jason who played for Perth Glory between 1999 and 2008. But the Glory have a young gun keeper in Tando Velaphi.
But Petkovic would also fancy a return to the Victorian capital, where there are twice as many A-League goalkeeping spots with two clubs in Melbourne from the 2010-11 season.
"Especially coming from Perth, I would like to go home and actually play in my hometown where I grew up," said Petkovic, who has played six matches for the Socceroos spread from 2001 to 2008.
"I played most of my career in Melbourne and overseas so going home and playing in Perth would be something nice and something that I would love to do.
"But, there's only 10 teams there so I don't think you can pick and choose where you want to go.
"I had some great success in Melbourne and have a lot of friends and family there as well. I want to play in the A-League and wherever it is, I'd love to take the opportunity.
"To play and with a Melbourne team, it'd be a great opportunity.
Newly-appointed Heart coach John van't Schip has yet to sign any players to his foundation roster since his appointment on October 12.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/michael-petkovic-sets-his-heart-on-a-league/story-e6frf9if-1225791719856
Author: AAP
From: Herald Sun
SOCCEROOS goalkeeper Michael Petkovic would love to to wear the gloves for A-League newcomers Melbourne Heart in their inaugural 2010-11 season.
Petkovic, currently with Turkish Super League outfit Sivasspor, wants to return home to play in the A-League, possibly following next year's World Cup, where he is likely to serve as understudy to undisputed No.1 Mark Schwarzer.
"It's something I've always wanted to do," said Petkovic, 33, who comes off contract at Sivasspor after this European season.
"I started my career in Australia in the national league back then, so with the new league that's been formed there, I'd like to go back and play as long as I can before I finish my career.
"We'll see, we've still got time. We'll see what happens after this season."
Although Petkovic's career blossomed at South Melbourne, where he was a key contributor to the club's back-to-back titles in the former National Soccer League in 1998 and 1999, he would ideally prefer to return to Perth, the city of his birth.
That would see him follow older brother and fellow goalkeeper Jason who played for Perth Glory between 1999 and 2008. But the Glory have a young gun keeper in Tando Velaphi.
But Petkovic would also fancy a return to the Victorian capital, where there are twice as many A-League goalkeeping spots with two clubs in Melbourne from the 2010-11 season.
"Especially coming from Perth, I would like to go home and actually play in my hometown where I grew up," said Petkovic, who has played six matches for the Socceroos spread from 2001 to 2008.
"I played most of my career in Melbourne and overseas so going home and playing in Perth would be something nice and something that I would love to do.
"But, there's only 10 teams there so I don't think you can pick and choose where you want to go.
"I had some great success in Melbourne and have a lot of friends and family there as well. I want to play in the A-League and wherever it is, I'd love to take the opportunity.
"To play and with a Melbourne team, it'd be a great opportunity.
Newly-appointed Heart coach John van't Schip has yet to sign any players to his foundation roster since his appointment on October 12.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/michael-petkovic-sets-his-heart-on-a-league/story-e6frf9if-1225791719856
Ex-Dutch international John van't Schip to coach Heart
Date: October 12th 2009
Author: AAP
From: Herald Sun
DUTCHMAN John van't Schip has been appointed as the inaugural coach of A-League club-in-waiting Melbourne Heart.
Dutchman John van't Schip has been appointed as the inaugural coach of A-League club-in-waiting Melbourne Heart.
The Ajax Amsterdam assistant coach has agreed to a two-year deal with the Heart, who enter the A-League next season.
The 45-year-old van't Schip played 41 internationals for the Netherlands from 1986-95.
The winger's impressive playing pedigree also included stints with Ajax and Italian club Genoa.
He was the Dutch assistant coach under Marco van Basten from 2004-08.
- AAP
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/ex-dutch-international-john-vant-schip-to-coach-heart/story-e6frf9if-1225785704335
Author: AAP
From: Herald Sun
DUTCHMAN John van't Schip has been appointed as the inaugural coach of A-League club-in-waiting Melbourne Heart.
Dutchman John van't Schip has been appointed as the inaugural coach of A-League club-in-waiting Melbourne Heart.
The Ajax Amsterdam assistant coach has agreed to a two-year deal with the Heart, who enter the A-League next season.
The 45-year-old van't Schip played 41 internationals for the Netherlands from 1986-95.
The winger's impressive playing pedigree also included stints with Ajax and Italian club Genoa.
He was the Dutch assistant coach under Marco van Basten from 2004-08.
- AAP
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/ex-dutch-international-john-vant-schip-to-coach-heart/story-e6frf9if-1225785704335
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