AaronAV11

He didn't have the best season this year but hes a solid experienced player in the A aleague. Under the cap and as a non visa it's definitely worth it, even if its as a backup to kisnorbo and Chapman. We definitely need another CB or two, one experienced (Anderson) and a rookie, like Archibald.

Big yes to Anderson!

That's why I was pretty surprised that the team managed to sign Duff under the cap. I guess his age and season ending injury last season helped lower his price, but reportedly Duff also just wanted a new experience in Australia or America with his family, and I reckon that was probably decisive in making Duff just fit under the cap. Another discussion, but over his 15 games this season I was fairly pleased with Duff's performances. He produced 1 goal and 5 assists over 15 games, whereas Koren has just managed 3 goals and 2 assists over 18 games. The fitness/injury concern with 35 year old Duff was pretty problematic though. Damien Duff a few years younger, or another proven EPL performer, is the level to aim at with marquees IMO (like with Lampard and Villa at NYCFC), and not lower level players like Koren. Hopefully Melbourne City sees more players like that in the future. IMO there are three broad categories of marquee. 1. The Broich-type player, plucked from relative obscurity in a lower league somewhere who fits the Txiki criterion of being "a big player who will become a big name." This type of player doesn't put bums on seats right from the start, but as he helps his club to success then the bums start to come into the stadium. 2. The ADP/Villa-type player, a genuine big name who has played for a big club (or clubs). The club hopes for an instant reward on the field, but the main impact is clearly in crowd numbers, and that is clearly proven in the case of the two players I mention. 3. All the rest, and I'd say history suggests that A-League clubs don't get a lot of value from Category 3 marquees. Apart from those of us football tragics who for heritage or childhood reasons follow particular overseas clubs (in most cases probably wondering why we still go through the pain of doing so) and therefore are across the players who play for those clubs, I suggest that many A-league followers and supporters have never heard of the players in most clubs around the world, even if they are internationals for their countries, and the further down the rankings you go this knowledge decreases. In this respect football is no different to any other form of entertainment. I confess to have never heard of Robi Koren or Damien Duff before they arrived at Heart/City. IMO the City should revert to what Txiki Begiristain said at the beginning. Use our scouting network to find the "big player who will become a big name." And as and when it can be done, use the "big name" option as well. IMO our visa players should come from category 1, the unknown hidden gems like broich, Berisha, Flores, Germano etc, and our international marquee needs to come from category 2, a big name player like Drogba or Eto'o who will put bums on seats and dominate the league. Koren is doing neither and has to be released at the end of the season. Our international marquee is how we can separate ourselves from the rest of the competition as its outside of the cap and we have loads of money, so we need to make it count.

well you're not good enough to be in our midfield

I've said it before and I'll repeat it. I would keep him for one further season, because he's versatile across the back line. Maybe slowing down, but he reads the play very well to make up for that. Downside is that he occupies a visa place. Also that Hoffman has a contract for next season. Probably depends on who else we have in mind to strengthen the squad and whether we can keep his wages down to fit him in. I agree with most things you say JW, but not with keeping Jaliens next season. Yes he has been solid and was handy when we had injuries and suspensions but I would not waste a visa spot on him. We only get 5 and in order to be a good side they should be 5 of your best players and automatic starters. I prefer the CB combination of Kisnorbo and Chapman, and think he is too slow to be a fullback. His age is a massive factor as well.

that's only if we win and Adelaide win. If we win and Brisbane win we verse Sydney

Isn't every training session open?

Germano deserves a start, hes been in the top 2-3 players for us every game for the past 5 games

it's getting to the point where he doesn't even justify a spot in our 11. He's so lucky we have no winger apart from Novillo or else he would be on the bench.

Its pathetic when your capo, talks to his own supporters like shit numerous times. That sums it up. Not trying to start shit just telling you how it is. You could be positive about it and try to embrace a new group forming and work together. The club could possibly benifit form it. Better atmosphere, and memberships might increase. We are not thinking about ourselves or how many scaves and stickers we sell. To make money that no one seess anymore. Supposibly going towards the group. Where are the new flags, new drums. We are supporting the same team in the end and if people dont want to sit with the Melburnians then you cant force them and most definately you shouldnt be slaming them for trying to support a club they love. I don't know the capo but I stand in the row behind him almost every week, and I can assure you he does not talk to our supporters like shit. If anything, hes too soft on the passengers in the terrace. If I was capo and saw terrace members not singing I would point them out and tell them to sing or get out of active. He doesn't do anything like this all he does is yells 'fire up' and 'cmon louder', nothing wrong with that at all. Also you keep saying we are all supporting the same team, yet you sing RBB chants with out changing the lyrics, essentially singing for Western Sydney.

Yeah? and you sing MVFC songs so before you slam others make sure your not walking on eggs. Firstly, I did not "slam" anyone, I simply stated what I heard to add to the conversation. Secondly, there is a massive difference between using a tune of another club and changing the words for your club, and singing their exact chant word for word. FWIW I don't like how we are using victory's ole ole ola chant but that is no way comparable to you guys singing "A Call to Arms" word for word

After the game they were singing RBB chants

If we were to verse victory in a final, how would the tickets work? Would us members get a chance to buy tickets?

can't wait for Chapman and safuwan to replace retre and clisby, but how do we fit Melling in? He deserves a start but I like the current midfield of paartalu, Germano and mooy.

I love SHT, but the only better walk out song would be Wonderwall

I've done a full U-turn, before Melbourne Heart started I used to only watch the premier league, but now I actually enjoy watching the A-league more than the EPL, but that could be because i go for Aston villa!

IMO Koren should be put on the wing or on the bench. I prefer a midfield of Paartalu/Melling, Germano and Mooy. Put Koren on a wing alongside Kennedy and Novillo. Williams and Duga on the bench.

started for the Socceroos this morning, got subbed off after 60 minutes. 0-0 draw

Tonight was his chance to prove his worth with Mooy out, and he was very poor yet again. When Mooy and Melling come back he should be dropped.

Are we marching all the way to the game?

Most important game Melbourne Heart/City has ever played? (excluding final v Perth)

Imo he was second best on ground tonight behind Kisnorbo. Started last two games, two wins. I really hope we keep him at least for next season.

Koren will be man of the match and lead us to victory

How does James brown warrant a start over Ramsay? He was terrible last week while Ramsay has scored 2 in his last 3 games!

I would swap Germano for Retre and Ramsay for Brown