Torn Asunder

With the imminent departure of Eli, I just hope for the sake of the club and the palyer that Aloisi can get the best out of David Williams, who has obvious potential (and that goes, even if Eli stays). Lets get behind him. From Wiki... David Williams (born 26 February 1988) is an Indigenous Australian professional football (soccer) player who is currently playing for Hyundai A-League club Melbourne Heart. Club career - Youth career - Born in Brisbane, Australia, Williams started playing football for amateur clubs Westside and Pine Hills, before moving to play youth football for Mitchelton FC. He attended Northside Christian College while also being a member of the Queensland Academy of Sport (CAS) squad. He spent time training with Belgian club Club Brugge, as well as defending UEFA Champions League winners Liverpool FC, and in January 2006, he signed for Australian A-League side Brisbane Roar for the remainder of the 2005–06 season. Brisbane Roar coach Miron Bleiberg called Williams the best Australian prospect since Australian national team player Harry Kewell, and he was labelled the best young Australian striker by the former technical director of the Australian national team Ron Smith. Following two games as a substitute for Roar, he moved abroad in May 2006 to play for Danish team Brøndby IF on a three-year contract. Brøndby IF - At Brøndby, Williams was included in the reserve team, and after 12 goals in five reserve team matches, he made his first team debut under Brøndby coach Rene Meulensteen on 5 August against AC Horsens. On 11 November, Williams scored his first Superliga goal for the Brøndby first team in the home game against Silkeborg IF. He also played against German outfit Eintracht Frankfurt in the European UEFA Cup tournament. In the Royal League game against Swedish side Hammarby IF on 30 November, Williams added another two goals in Brøndby's win over the Swedes. Under new Brøndby manager Tom Køhlert, Williams was promoted to the Brøndby first team squad in December 2006, alongside Marc Olsen. Williams played a total 19 games and scored one goal for Brøndby in the 2006–07 Superliga season. He played 10 games and scored three goals for Brøndby in the 2007–08 Superliga season. Williams started the 2008–09 Danish season well, as he played five of Brøndby's first six Superliga games, and scored a goal against FC Haka in the UEFA Cup. He prolonged his Brøndby contract in September 2008, extending it until the summer 2011. He injured his knee in a training mishap in September 2008, and when Williams returned to fitness after the turn of the year, newly appointed Brøndby trainer Kent Nielsen left him out of the side. Williams' frustration at not playing led to him making a public outburst in June 2009, claiming he would leave the club in three weeks if they didn't play him. Brøndby responded by sending him out on trial to South African club Bidvest Wits. North Queensland - He joined the North Queensland Fury FC on a one year loan deal for the 2009–10 A-League season and signed a permanent contract with the North Queensland Fury FC in January 2010. Loan to Sydney - On 16 February 2011, Sydney FC signed Williams on a short-term deal from the Fury for the AFC Champions League 2011 campaign. He made a total of 4 appearances for the club, during the unsuccessful campaign, in which Sydney FC finished third in the group. Melbourne Heart - On 22 June 2011, he signed for A-League club Melbourne Heart.[16] International career - He was most noted for being selected in both of Australia's squads for the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship in the Netherlands and the 2005 FIFA U-17 World Championship in Peru; however, as the World Youth Championship (U-20) was held before the U-17 World Championship, Williams was ruled ineligible to play in Peru, leaving Australia with only 19 members in its U-17 World Championship squad. He was selected for Australia's World Cup qualifier with China on 22 June 2008, and came on as a substitute for James Holland.

This, as translated by Google (makes for funny reading), from a Serbian web news service on 15th May.. PRIORITY Red Star in the summer transfer window will be center forward, a first peak was found by Robert Prosinecki in - Australia! As "news" found out, it's Eli Babalj (20), Melbourne striker member of the Hart standard representation "sokerusa" up to 20 years. It is about a young Serb, who was born in Sarajevo on the eve of the war in Bosnia, whose parents 1995th emigrated to Australia. Babalj was just finishing the season attracted the attention of great games and goals in League A (nine), a previously noted in the national team jersey on the Asia-Oceanian Championship to 19 years ago, when Australia thanks to his goals came to the title. When he learned of the high center forward (193 cm), Robert Prosinecki sought the opinion of his former teammate Josip Simunic Joe, who grew up in Australia, and excellent knowledge of the local football opportunities. Take it immediately - came the clear advice of the former Croatian national team. Simunic not to err in judgment, talk football and opinions of experts from Australia Babalj who belong to the leaders of the coming wave that will soon carry a selection of "Uzziah". One of the best young players Babalj, a guy of Serbian descent. The high is strong, has "great legs" for such a great guy, and the speed and sense of goal. On the right "nine", is probably a better player than the current national team striker Josh Kennedy - said the expert and former Australian representative Gary van Egmond. Given the fact that Eli has another year contract with Melbourne, and its market value is not large, the transition period would be an ideal opportunity for the Red Star entered into negotiations and attempt to bring the guy in Australia who expect to inherit classes like Viduka and Kennedy

They mentioned that every possible transfer type option, that is everything that is discussed on social media, would be considered if the club was to let a young player go, inlcuding a loan back, however, they did say that they thought that the Amini exercise was not considered a success by Borussia Dortmund. JD did say that they would try to get a future transfer % fee for a player released under contract to an overseas club. They also said that the club is always bigger than they individual and that based on the philosophy of the club, they would never hold back a young player from an overseas move, and that ultimately, if the club can produce the calibre of player that is contracted by Newcastle or Red Star, the Melbourne Heart brand grows and becomes internationally renowned.

The forum was professional and positive and members should be appreciative of the event and the opportunity to access some high profile members of the corporate team. The fact that the club is focusing on establishing a culture and a series of philosophies that show great respect for the game will only assist in the creation of a great foundation that the club can build upon, and those that have been there from the start have the unique opportunity of being part of what eventually will become an internationally recognised football club (thanks to Curtis Good and Eli both Newcastle and Red Star now know of us). This approach is polar opposite to Victory whose board run a totalitarian type regime, never feeling the need to justify their actions to their supporters. Some items of note from last night: 1. The club's long term future at Latrobe is dependant upon major upgrades to the facilities, that would also be of regional benefit. Along with servicing the club's need, elements of these facilities would be open to the public and also service disabled athletes, for which in the ever growing northern region, is apparently a major gap. The club's objective of obtaining Government funding would be boosted by as many people / groups / schools, etc hassling their local member (especially those in the northern region) with regards to the importance of such a facility. 2. The CEO is intending to engage with a small group of members (from those who attended the forum) to work on a membership drive / advertising campaign for next season. 3. The CEO outlined to the board's commitment to offer up a small percentage of the club as fan ownership in the form of small packages ($500 per package was the figure detailed). The owners of these packages would then have a representative that sat at board level.

As of 25 May 2012: Coach - John Aloisi Assistant Coach - ? Youth Coach - ? -------------------- Babalj-------------------------- Williams--------------------------------Dugandzic -----------Thompson--------Fred----------------- --------------------Germano----------------------- Behich------Good--------Colosimo----Marrone ------------------ Bolton (GK)----------------- Bench: Hamill, Hoffman, Kalmar, Redmayne (GK) Unused players - ?

Was at the forum last night and afterwards briefly chatted with JD. He has spoken with Grella, suggesting the club could pay around $200K. Grella's response was 'per month?" He has spoken with Spiranovich's agent who indicated that he is not intersested in a move to the A-League at this stage and that he is currently exploring a possible move back to Europe. Another thing mentioned last night; Gol Gol Mehbratu will trial with the club in the pre-season.

From the club website ...Milicic To Depart For New Sydney Club As of 22 May 2012: Coach - John Aloisi Assistant Coach - ? Youth Coach - ? -------------------- Babalj-------------------------- Williams--------------------------------Dugandzic -----------Thompson--------Fred----------------- --------------------Germano----------------------- Behich------Good--------Colosimo----Marrone ------------------Redmayne (GK)----------------- Bench: Hamill, Hoffman, Kalmar, GK - ? Unused players - ?

Matthew Spiranovic still getting very little oppurtunity in the J-League. Not a good sign that straight after a full game he didnt even make the match day squad. http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/240489,os-aussies-bosnars-blockbuster.aspx This must be worrying for him in the lead up to the WC (although he still made the squad). JA go and get him ... future captain and the answer to the CB issues.

As of 14 May 2012: Coach - John Aloisi Assistant Coach - Ante Milicic Youth Coach - ? -------------------- Babalj-------------------------- Williams--------------------------------Dugandzic -----------Thompson--------Fred----------------- --------------------Germano----------------------- Behich------Good--------Colosimo----Marrone ------------------Redmayne (GK)----------------- Bench: Hamill, Hoffman, Kalmar, GK - ? Unused players - ?

"If we played..." this is a hypothetical dude, based on what we know at the minute....and in theory the team options should improve over time as more signings are confirmed....its a long off season !! maybe you need to change your diet to more fish (rather than your namesake) in order to improve your mental capacity

If we played a game tonight using only contracted players this is the best starting 11 that we could play...

Thought it would be handy to start a thread on the best starting 11, subs and coaches based on contracted players and official appointments only As of 3 May 2012, I think it looks like this: Coach - ? Assistant Coach - ? -------------------- Babalj-------------------------- Williams--------------------------------Dugandzic ---------------Kalmar--------Fred----------------- --------------------Germano----------------------- Behich------Good--------Colosimo----Marrone ------------------Redmayne (GK)----------------- Bench: Hamill, Hoffman, ?, GK - ? Unused players - ? Bolton, Shroj, Thompson, etc have not yet confirmed as far as I know. Not sure about Mattei.

It's a touch ironic that Zahra leaves us to play for a coach who would love to have a 'Muscat' type in his side. That being said, good luck to the lad and here's hoping he can re-establish himself as a first team player. He is the first player I can think of that has left us not as a result of being poor on the field when he was playing (Beachamp, Heffernan), but rather due to the misfortune that was inflicted upon him by way of Muscat's brain explosion and violent act of thuggery. If he does happen to line up agaisnt Heart next season at AAMI park it would be good if the supporters and Yarraside could in someway show him our respect - this would be an open display of the positive culture that exists at the club, as well as the respect that the supporters have for players who have performed well at the Red and White, and it is something I could never imagine Victory doing.

Looks good me'think http://au.fourfourtw...t-unveiled.aspx

From the World Game... http://theworldgame....aching-decision ALSO, intersetingly, the first public comment for this next article... http://theworldgame....-over-move-talk was from someone claiming on good authority that Ang was coming to Heart, however, the comment dissappeared shortly after it appeared...

see Forum Topic "Membership Numbers and how to increase them" some of the key points from this topic could be put on the table for discussion

Memberships should be discussed....

Hey Braveheart .... have you presented these ideas to Munn yet?

To bring the A-League more inline with Football worldwide, the team that finishes top should be recognised as the Champions of the A-League (as opposed to the winner of the GF being titled the Champion). The Finals are still a good thing and they align perfectly with the sporting culture of Australia, so they should be retained. However the finals series should be classed as a different competition, for instance, the A-League Cup. Finally, there should also be a FA style knockout cup, involving all clubs across Australia (& potentially NZ). Asian spots could then be decided by allocating a spot for each of the three trophies. If a club doubles or triples up in winning trophies, or is not eligble (NZ club), then that spot would go to the runner up, and if the runner up already has an Asian spot, then second place getter for the league would qualify for the ACL spot.

dont know if this is still current http://www.footballstaracademy.com.au/Coach_profiles.asp?id=12802

Matthew Spiranovic. A Geelong / Melbourne boy and a fine CB. Getting no game time lately (not even on the bench) for Urawa Red Diamonds in the J-League. Could be the Heart's Australian Marquee and he needs game time in the lead-up to the World Cup qualifiers. http://www.rs.goal.com/en/news/14/asia/2011/12/08/2793260/australias-matthew-spiranovic-slams-urawa-reds-exit-reports

The A-League needs to mitigate against risk by moving away from single owner franchises. Granted, based on the level of investment out there, in some instances there may be no other option. In general, there needs to be more due diligence with regards to those in positions of power, both within the clubs, within the FFA and within A-League management. If you get the wrong person in the job, things will always go to crap....no matter how much money, no matter how well qualified, no matter how smart, no matter the impact on others (the fans and the employees of the clubs). The higher the profile the job, the more damaging the fallout. At times Buckley seems to be out of his depth and there is something about him which is not very likable. He may be a smart guy who knows his stuff, with great learnings from the AFL, but I dont think he is the man for the job of CEO of the FFA. With Tinkler and Newcastle, I think that the damage is done and irrepairable. I hope I am wrong, but given the brazen move of Tinkler, if the FFA were to negotiate some form of financial incentive to get him back, the precedence would be there for any club at anytime to hold the FFA to ransom. Hopefully the FFA are able to get a consortium of investors interested so the club can survive.

It will happen ... eventually

Great news for the league and the FFA will move hell and earth to get it to work ... otherwise it will be a worse failure than the World Cup bid. I wouldnt be suprised if Harry Kewel is poached from Victory to give the new club its profile. Maybe GCU could be kept around as a Youth League club. They seem to be very successful in this regard. They could move to a smaller stadium, so their handful of diehard supporters would be able to generate some atmosphere and still have a club to follow, and they could continue to be a good feeder resource for players for the rest of the league. Then, in a few years, they may grow enough in support to get back into the senior level comp.

For a National Comp featuring the most popular sport in the world, $50k per year, per club really should be considered chicken feed. Unfortunately for us fans, given the financial state of the game and the ecomomy in general, I guess that just isnt the case. That being said, I am sure that there would be some financial whizz who could produce some numbers in terms of benefit cost for an extra annual investment (note the term, investement) with regards to blooding new players AND winning additional games (by having greater tactial options with more players on the bench). Can a price be put on experience, and what would a home final be worth?? Think about some of the Heart games late in the season where Hamill sat on the bench only as cover for Colossimo. If JVS had one extra player, say Williams, Goodwin or Sarkies, perhaps results may have differed.