Murfy1
-
Posts
4,404 -
Joined
-
Last visited
-
Days Won
46
Posts posted by Murfy1
-
-
Steve Gray's heart-felt luck of the Irish
BY ROY WARD
09 Jul, 2012 12:00 AM
MOST people go to Hawaii to forget their jobs; Steven Gray went there to audition for a spot with A-League club Melbourne Heart. Last week he got the job.
The 30-year-old Irishman signed a one-year deal with the Heart after
impressing new coach John Aloisi with his play in the Victorian Premier League with Dandenong Thunder in 2011 and Oakleigh Cannons this season. Unfortunately by signing on with the Heart, Gray won't play again for the Cannons.
Gray, who played 13 years of professional football in England with Southampton and Ireland with Drogheda United, took a punt on coming to Australia early last year with hopes of earning an A-League position.
But he was not sure he had caught anyone's eye until a phone call out of the blue in February.
"My agent called me and asked me what I was doing the next week," Gray said. "I said I had nothing planned, then he said you are going to Hawaii to play with Melbourne Heart.
"It turns out the Heart had asked a few VPL managers if there were any centre-halves [central defenders] worth looking at and my name came up."
Gray played in Hawaii under the eye of Aloisi, then the team's youth league coach, and he impressed his future boss playing against premier opposition from Major League Soccer and South Korea alongside young teammates.
"I was very impressed with the way John handled the players and found the training very professional," Gray said. "He spoke to me at the end of the week and said he was impressed and if he had any say in the club he would try and get me in.
"Part of me was excited when John got the job but the other part was thinking maybe I wouldn't get the call but in fairness to John three or four days after he got the Heart job he called my agent and invited me to training.
"So I was very impressed with how he stuck to his word."
Gray was a rock of dependability for the Thunder last season, taking over the coaching reins for the final matches of the season after then coach Stuart Munro left for Perth Glory.
Gray said he believed he was good enough to make the A-League but knew a move was far from certain.
"In Ireland I had won everything and as you may be aware the country is going through an economic struggle at the minute so a few friends over here convinced me to come out and take a chance at the VPL," he said.
"Like anything, you need a bit of luck. Thankfully it paid off."
Gray could end up playing an important role for the Heart this season after starting centre-back Curtis Good left to join English Premier League side Newcastle United.
Gray said he knew nothing was promised but would give his all to secure a place in the Heart's starting 11.
"I have to believe in myself, I know I have a lot of experience behind me from playing in Europe," he said.
"My first aim is to get into the team and then hopefully the starting team."
-
2
-
-
Sorry to offer yet another idea, but how about a separate transfers subforum where people can start threads on whatever news there is, whatever players people want to discuss, and so forth, with it's own rumours thread? It will basically be this whole thread in it's own place, organised into indivdual topics.
Individual player threads once they're confirmed can live in this subforum as they do currently.
This sounds good, so:
Melbourne Heart Supporters Forum -> Melbourne Heart -> Youth Team
-> F-League Team
-> Transfers -> 'Official Transfers' thread
-> Rumors
-> Steven Gray
-> Patrick Gerhardt
-> Curtis Good. Etc.
The 'Official Transfers' or just 'Transfers' thread could be this thread, but it would only be concerned with confirmed and/or completed transfers.
I'd be pretty happy with that. Everything spread out rather than all contained within a single thread.
-
1
-
-
How about:
1. Confirmed transfers in
2. Confirmed transfers out
3. Rumour mill
4. Individual player threads
Thoughts?
This is about right. I'd like to see more threads, so something like this (pretty much the same as KingAwesomeness):
- Transfers thread (that is, confirmed and/or completed transfers)
- Individual player threads (e.g. 'Curtis Good to Newcastle United F.C.', 'Heart linked with Kevin Gameiro', 'Heart in discussions with Jan Vennegor of Hesselink')
- Rumor Mill (for transfers that aren't mentioned in an article or website that can be linked)
- Lastly, something like a 'transfer policy' or a 'players Heart should sign' thread. A single thread for comment on the signings Heart has made and the signings Heart should make.
-
1
-
-
My source, this article, tells me Good has signed with Newcastle and will move in around 10 days:
Newcastle United close to signing two new playersBy Lee Ryder, Evening Chronicle Jul 5 2012
NEWCASTLE UNITED are understood to be close to signing two youngsters as they look to bolster their squad ahead of what could be a long campaign on both the domestic and European front.
Young Aussie Curtis Good - who was on trial at United last season - seems set to tie up his deal to Tyneside in around 10 days time while Coventry City's Gael Bigirimana is also thought to be within Newcastle's grasp.
Bigirimana, 18, has been linked with United throughout the summer and with cash strapped Coventry City facing life in League One, the Sky Blues need every penny they can get.
Sources in the Midlands today suggested a deal is close and despite former Newcastle defender and current Coventry boss Andy Thorn's desire to hold on to Bigirimana, he is now thought to be resigned to losing his young star.
For more transfer news see tomorrow's Evening Chronicle.
-
A few brief comments.
There is still ample time for Heart to strengthen the squad, with 3 months remaining until the season starts. Yes, I believe its true that the club wants to improve its bottom line, but there is no reason why Heart can't improve its finances AND strengthen the squad at the same time (e.g. with the signing of a proven striker to replace Babalj).
I believe Curtis Good will eventually be sold to Newcastle, with the transfer dragging on longer than expected. Now that Heart have secured another defender in Gray I can't help but think that a deal must be close, which will provide Heart will another few hundred thousand to play with.
How many people knew of Patrick Gerhardt? How many people thought Heart should try and sign Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, that is, before it was revealed that the club was trying to lure him to the A-League? The fact is in football there is literally a world of players, with many of them being able to perform very well in the A-League. Germano was an unknown international player who has played admirably at Heart, on a very cheap salary. So overall its impossible to know who Heart might sign, and it is completely unfounded to assume that there are no good players anywhere left for Heart to sign.
Lastly, I don't care if Marcos Flores is the best player in the A-League (I don't think he is, anyway). Maybe Kewell was the best player last season, but if so it clearly didn't help Victory. One of the things I appreciate best about Heart is how strong the team is overall. the sum is stronger than the individual parts. Heart have a good claim to possessing the best team in the league, a team that managed last season to outclass Victory in all derbies and gain 2 draws and a win, and a team that even managed to draw twice and win once over A-League Champions Brisbane Roar. With a squad that plays so well together, and that utilises a philosophy based on passing, possession and teamwork (not relying on a star player or two), Heart have a very good team that can is not only good to watch but can also beat any other club. Why whine about so-called big name players when you have a superior team?
To my judgement things are looking good. And I'm sure those at Heart HQ know more things then me, and probably have some things in the works to make Heart's outlook even better.
-
1
-
-
I don't know where the hysteria is coming from. Overall things are good.
Heart have released/sold 11 players:
- Eli Babalj (Red Star Belgrade)
- Adrian Zahra (Perth Glory)
- Rutger Worm (released)
- Alex Terra (released)
- Kristian Sarkies (released)
- Kamal Ibrahim (released)
- Kliment Taseski (released)
- Maycon (released)
- Nikola Roganovic (released)
- Craig Goodwin (Newcastle Jets)
- Wayne Srhoj (released)
I'm also tipping Curtis Good to get his dream move to Newcastle
4 players have been signed for next season:
- Andrew Redmayne
- Patrick Gerhardt
- Golgol Mebrahtu
- Steven Gray
A lot of players Heart got rid of were inconsistent or underperformed. The 4 players Heart have signed are all useful and fine signings (as I said in other threads). Heart have one visa spot left, that will probably be used for a proven quality striker. We want them to take their time and sign the best player possible. Before we know it, like with Gerhardt, a good striker will be announced. Personally I find it good having these surprise announcements, compared with chasing up rumours and leaks, like every Brazilian Maycon who might join Heart.
Heart contact a lot of players and make inquiries about them. For instance, Heart have been linked with the one and only Ronaldo, Kevin Gamiero, Harry Kewell, Carlos Hernandez, Marcos Flores etc etc etc. The point is Heart actively talk with a lot of players, and its better to contact a lot of players, even if they'd be coup signings, rather than settle for unambitious, convenient signings (something many A-League clubs are guilty of IMO). Signing Skoko, Aloisi, Fred, Dugandzic, Sibon and IMO Gerhardt are examples of why people should have faith in Heart's recruitment.
I'll finish this up. Who cares how many players Heart have 'discovered'? Victory clearly don't prioritise discovering players, with Flores and Solorzano proving the point. Heart do find some quality players, like Babalj and Good, but also Heart are very good at making players much better, like Behich and Dugandzic.
Overall, Heart are astute with signings. We were in the top 4 for much of last season, and we are just a signing or two away from being able to compete at that level again.
-
1
-
-
Underwhelmed with us recruiting Gray, even for one season. Hopefully Colosimo is fit for most of the season so Gray remains a backup.
Overall though he could be a useful signing. He is somewhat tall and able to provide leadership and on the pitch coaching (especially valuable assuming he partners Hamill in defence). Gray has been playing and training in front of Aloisi and Heart staff for months, so I'll keep the faith in their judgement and wait till I see him play before I conclude he's a bad signing.
-
Pleased with this signing. With Dugandzic and Mebrahtu on the wings we'll have one of the quickest forward lines in the league. Also, I watched him at GCU last season and found him to be pretty good on the ball. Despite not scoring he will provide a lot, similar to how Behich provided 5 assists and only one goal last season. I'm tipping Mebrahtu to become more lethal in front of goal as well, because he was a little unlucky last season and he is only 21, meaning he has ample time to develop as a player and improving his finishing.
-
Some people need to wake up and smell the coffee.
All talented young players in the A-League, at every club, get sold. Mitch Langerak, Mustafa Amini, Robbie Kruse, Tommy Oar, Nikita Rukavytsya and many more have been sold, and many players were only around for a season or two.
Selling Babalj to Red Star is in many ways a success for Heart, with half a million being made for a player who was likely to leave next season for free. The question is now if we can get a good striker to replace him. That replacement could possibly play for two or three seasons or perhaps longer, so it could be a long term success as well.
I'm sure they knew they'd sell him for a while, so they should be able to find a sturdy replacement. Only if they don't will complaints be warranted.
-
2
-
-
Done. Sent an email.
-
With Dugandzic and Mebrahtu we'd have lightning wingers. Mebrahtu is speedy and good on the ball, all we'd need from him if we played him as a winger in a front 3.
I think Aloisi would improve his finishing as well, which wouldn't be crucial as I said above.
Sign him up.
-
If Zahra goes we'll only have Dugandzic and Williams as proper wingers, so zero depth. Craig Goodwin could be converted to play winger, but he may not be around. It would be utterly stupid to let both Kamal Ibrahim and Zahra go and only have Dugandzic and Williams.
If we let Zahra go that must be a sign that we have another winger lined up, hopefully Halloran. That, or the club has become really really idiotic.
-
Not bad being linked, and having a decent chance due to Cruyff, of coaching Mexico's most successful club.
-
If anyone knows Dutch they can clarify my and google translate's translation of this article:
Cruyff wants Van't Schip appointed
Johan Cruyff, John Van't Schip forward as new coach of Chivas Guadalajara. The 48-year-old coach, which have recently been working relationship with the Melbourne Heart ended, has already had contact with the Mexican club. This I know The Independent on Saturday to report.
Van't Schip and his agent Soren Lerby talk further this week with Chivas, where Johan Cruyff is an adviser. The former assistant to Marco van Basten at Orange should be the successor of the Mexican team coach Ignazio Ambriz, who resigned last Wednesday after the advisory committee of Cruyff said he had at the end of the season would be replaced.
Guadalajara lost the last six matches in a row. The club went 5-0, Tuesday still beaten by Deportivo Quito.
http://www.ajaxfans.net/nieuws/13475/Cruijff+wil+Van+'t+Schip+aanstellen
-
But a clutch of players coming off contract are likely to be on a recruitment list for the new club, including Jeremy Brockie, Tarek Elrich and Kasey Wehrman from Newcastle Jets, Kristian Sarkies and Ante Rosic at Melbourne Heart"
Ante Rosic? I assume that's http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ante_Rožić . Played In Europe for several years, has an Australian passport, only 26. Apparently at GCU now. I haven't seen him any of his 11 appearances at GCU though.
Could possibly be a good signing.
-
Thursday, 22 March 2012 3:19 PM
Melbourne Heart FC’s status as Victoria’s sole Hyundai A-League Finals Series representative will be celebrated at a reception on the steps of Parliament House on Monday.
The Minister for Sport and Recreation, the Honourable Hugh Delahunty, will be joined by the Member for the Northern Metropolitan Region, Craig Ondarchie MP, in farewelling Heart ahead of its maiden finals campaign, which is set to kick-off in Perth or Wellington next weekend.
Mr. Ondarchie said: “Victoria is extremely proud of Melbourne Heart, only two years young and representing Victoria in the A-League finals.
“I call on all Victorians and particularly the people of Melbourne’s North to join me on the steps of Parliament House this coming Monday the 23rd at 3pm to farewell the Heart players as they depart for their finals journey.”
Melbourne Heart FC Chief Executive Officer Scott Munn declared the Club honoured to have its achievement recognised on such a scale by the Parliament of Victoria.
“The Club is thankful to Minister Delahunty, Mr Ondarchie and all members of the Victorian Parliament for their support of Melbourne Heart FC’s debut Hyundai A-League Finals Series campaign,” Mr. Munn said.
“We have overwhelmed by the avalanche of well wishes and goodwill we have received in recent days, and are hopeful of representing our great sporting state with honour and pride in the coming weeks.”
Securing a debut Hyundai A-League Finals Series berth, Melbourne Heart FC has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign this season, registering key triumphs over reigning champions, Brisbane Roar and ladder leading Central Coast Mariners to loom as a potential dark horse for the title.
Event Details
What: Melbourne Heart FC Hyundai A-League Finals Farewell
Who: Minister for Sport and Recreation, the Hon. Hugh Delahunty, Member for the Northern Metropolitan Region, Craig Ondarchie MP and Melbourne Heart FC Squad
Where: Parliament of Victoria Steps
When: Monday 26 March
Time: 2:50pm arrival for 3pm start
-
Congratulations Aziz! One of the hardest workers at Heart, if not in the A-League.
P.S. Believe it or not I didn't even read Tesla's post before effectively repeating it word for word. If you don't associate Behich above all with hard work you haven't been paying attention.
-
1
-
-
From Melbourne Heart's Twitter:
ESPN isn't broadcasting the first round of the tournament.Damn it. I guess I might as well study..
-
Todays game is played at 3pm! Looking for a stream online if i can find one will post here.
EDIT: Nevermind, First Days games may not actually be broadcasted. Might be on espn3 no confirmation.
http://www.burgundyw...elevision-espn3
A few minutes in apparently. Its like this match is being played in a bunker underground, but I guess If ESPN suddenly dropped it that might explain the difficulty finding it on the web. Anyone having any luck?
-
I think the Olyroos players will be ready to play. I read Amini expects to be back 2 days prior and he expects he'll be ready for the game.
I got a feeling we can win. We are a very streaky team, the players have 9 days to get ready and don't have to travel. Plus CCM have been ordinary or not their best lately.
We have so many player back and more coming back from injury. No reason why we shouldn't be able to start making a strong push for the finals from this game.
-
We got the 3 points last night and that's the most important thing. Back on track for a finals place.
An early goal would have been a dream. I was expecting a game like our 3-0 Newcastle win, but we scored late so we didn't get a big win like with that game.
Nerves were high. I completely agree with the point that nothing is coming naturally to Heart; not good passing, good positioning or good decision making in the final third.
I have a new theory that players are running with the ball too much and taking too many touches. This causes players without the ball to expect not to receive it and not position to receive passes. I think our positioning regardless has been poor, with the 3 in midfield being static and not helping the back 4 bring the ball up and far too many players just moving up to our opponents back 4 and waiting to receive the ball (so many times there were 4 or 5 players against GCU's back 4, which is stupid when we are failing to bring the ball up).
Great stuff from Yarraside btw.
If we build on this result we could have a pretty good end of the season, so next week against the not at their best CCM will be interesting.
-
Roff at Germano, fucks given = 0
He's scored 3 goals and provided about 3 assists over 14 starts (and even less full games overall). Germano ain't always great but if everyone gaves as many 'fucks' as Germano our season would be a lot better.
-
Last nights pics are up...
Great stuff with the photos! I check them out often and they're always good to see.
-
GOLD Coast United have sensationally "suspended" coach Miron Bleiberg from tomorrow night's match against Melbourne Heart.
It's believed club owner Clive Palmer was angry with comments made by Bleiberg in relation to the decision to appoint teenager Mitch Cooper captain for the clash against the Heart.
Despite never having played an A-League game, Cooper will wear the captain's armband in the absence of suspended regular skipper Michael Thwaite.
Palmer made the decision to appoint Cooper stand-in skipper.
Assistant coach Mike Mulvey will take the reins for the match against Heart at AAMI Park in the absence of Bleiberg.
Gold Coast are likely to only field two players over the age of 23 on Friday night due to the unavailability of 14 top-line players, mainly due to injury.http://www.sportal.co.nz/football-news-display/miron-suspended-by-gcu-161559
With these developments, Miron suspended and most of GCU's squad unavailable, there is effectively no chance we won't win. Get down tomorrow if you want to see the lads win.
Steven Gray
in Melbourne City
Posted
Interesting evolution, from a guest appearance in our youth team to a contract with our senior team. I wonder if John ever thought he'd get the head coach job when he made that promise lol.
Also, interesting definitive comment about Good...