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millm103

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Murfy1
Murfy1

So, apparently this happened:     https://twitter.com/trna17/status/504536953388154880

Ando
Ando

Shit banter. Stupid banter. Not needed banter. Mate, we've copped banter from the Vuck since day one. Geoff Lord was well known for agitating against us. Fuck them, it's good to see Scotty give it ba

cadete
cadete

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Murfy1

Murfy1

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Posted (edited)
A-League analysis: the importance of structure

 

With the finals approaching, the form teams are those who rebuilt
 

On a Springsteen hampered pitch, Melbourne was treated to two absolute treats of A-League football in as many days.

 

Whilst you can't go past the seven-goal thriller between Melbourne Victory and Adelaide for drama, the more telling result was Heart's courageous 1-0 win over Brisbane.

 

The utterly anodyne, emotion-drainingly bad #HeartBelieve may be one of the worst marketing gimmicks of A-League history, but for those who stood faithful throughout a record-breaking 19-game winless streak, this was a result to soothe the soul.

 

When bottom beats top, in any league, it's always a talking point. But when bottom beats top, and outplays them? That is something special.

 

When debutant club West Sydney Wanderers charged to the premiership last season, the greatest fairytale of the A-League's brief history was written. But should Melbourne Heart make an unexpected finals appearance – or heaven forbid: go even further – a new ballad shall be sung.

 

Yes, the return from injury of marquee signing Orlando Engelaar and the news of the Manchester City-led takeover have brightened the spirits in recent times. But like West Sydney Wanderers before them, this was a quiet revolution a long-time in the coming.

 

When Tony Popovic came to West Sydney he brought a clear footballing philosophy and a consistent tactical system. In 49 games the former Socceroo has not deviated from his 4-2-3-1 formation, and the defensive stability and well-considered press have been consistent across both seasons.

 

Forgotten in the remarkable 10-win straight run of last summer though is the fact that the Wanderers lost five of their first nine games. To build a system, a culture, to impart a footballing philosophy takes time.

 

Looking at the A-League in 2014 a notable trend becomes evident – those that have undergone this rebuilding process are beginning to reap the rewards.

1zc1d05.png

 

Josep Gombau (now infamously) came in for some local stick when his Reds side went winless for eight games. Critically the players and the fans bought in to the former Barcelona youth coach's vision, and following their cathartic 4-0 drubbing of Central Coast Mariners the Reds galloped to win six from 10.

 

Ernie Merrick's Wellington revolution similarly had in inauspicious start – no wins from 10 was followed by seven wins from 10, triggered to a large degree by a tactical tweak in Round 11.

The foundations of these revivals however were laid in the off-season; in thousands of hours of training, in hundreds of hours of watching DVDs and talking tactics.

 

And while football is a contest of varying tactical systems and philosophies, it is no coincidence that Melbourne Heart, Wellington and Adelaide have in common a 4-3-3 formation built on possession-based football and an attacking mentality.

 

As an inaugural coach of a new club, John van 't Schip has in his favour that he was able to bed in a new philosophy and tactical system over two seasons. The speed with which he's been able to turn around a faltering team relies to a large extent on this earlier work.

 

Looking at the 2014 form therefore you have a top six that all possess clear footballing philosophies and well thought through tactical systems.

 

This alone will not guarantee you success. Injuries to key personnel, 93rd minute jagged goals, harsh red cards and dubious penalties can all turn games and see deserving teams lose.

 

But if there are fair rewards to be had this season then those that have had the foresight and patience to rebuild will seize their finals opportunity.

Edited by Murfy1
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Rellum

Rellum

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Posted

 

A-League analysis: the importance of structure

 

With the finals approaching, the form teams are those who rebuilt

 

On a Springsteen hampered pitch, Melbourne was treated to two absolute treats of A-League football in as many days.

 

Whilst you can't go past the seven-goal thriller between Melbourne Victory and Adelaide for drama, the more telling result was Heart's courageous 1-0 win over Brisbane.

 

The utterly anodyne, emotion-drainingly bad #HeartBelieve may be one of the worst marketing gimmicks of A-League history, but for those who stood faithful throughout a record-breaking 19-game winless streak, this was a result to soothe the soul.

 

When bottom beats top, in any league, it's always a talking point. But when bottom beats top, and outplays them? That is something special.

 

When debutant club West Sydney Wanderers charged to the premiership last season, the greatest fairytale of the A-League's brief history was written. But should Melbourne Heart make an unexpected finals appearance – or heaven forbid: go even further – a new ballad shall be sung.

 

Yes, the return from injury of marquee signing Orlando Engelaar and the news of the Manchester City-led takeover have brightened the spirits in recent times. But like West Sydney Wanderers before them, this was a quiet revolution a long-time in the coming.

 

When Tony Popovic came to West Sydney he brought a clear footballing philosophy and a consistent tactical system. In 49 games the former Socceroo has not deviated from his 4-2-3-1 formation, and the defensive stability and well-considered press have been consistent across both seasons.

 

Forgotten in the remarkable 10-win straight run of last summer though is the fact that the Wanderers lost five of their first nine games. To build a system, a culture, to impart a footballing philosophy takes time.

 

Looking at the A-League in 2014 a notable trend becomes evident – those that have undergone this rebuilding process are beginning to reap the rewards.

1zc1d05.png

 

Josep Gombau (now infamously) came in for some local stick when his Reds side went winless for eight games. Critically the players and the fans bought in to the former Barcelona youth coach's vision, and following their cathartic 4-0 drubbing of Central Coast Mariners the Reds galloped to win six from 10.

 

Ernie Merrick's Wellington revolution similarly had in inauspicious start – no wins from 10 was followed by seven wins from 10, triggered to a large degree by a tactical tweak in Round 11.

The foundations of these revivals however were laid in the off-season; in thousands of hours of training, in hundreds of hours of watching DVDs and talking tactics.

 

And while football is a contest of varying tactical systems and philosophies, it is no coincidence that Melbourne Heart, Wellington and Adelaide have in common a 4-3-3 formation built on possession-based football and an attacking mentality.

 

As an inaugural coach of a new club, John van 't Schip has in his favour that he was able to bed in a new philosophy and tactical system over two seasons. The speed with which he's been able to turn around a faltering team relies to a large extent on this earlier work.

 

Looking at the 2014 form therefore you have a top six that all possess clear footballing philosophies and well thought through tactical systems.

 

This alone will not guarantee you success. Injuries to key personnel, 93rd minute jagged goals, harsh red cards and dubious penalties can all turn games and see deserving teams lose.

 

But if there are fair rewards to be had this season then those that have had the foresight and patience to rebuild will seize their finals opportunity.

 

It is funny to see comments on that site and others where the Roar fans refuse to acknowledge that we did anything other that park the bus. They are a delusional lot.

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Murfy1

Murfy1

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Reds to face young Hearts in NPL pre-season test

 

Tim O'Connor

 

Feb 25, 2014

 

BALLARAT Red Devils will tune up for their inaugural National Premier Leagues campaign with a hit-out against A-League club Melbourne Heart’s youth team next week.

 

The Reds will travel to meet the Heart boys under lights at Epping Stadium on Tuesday night.

 

It is likely to be the Ballarat club’s final pre-season match before the NPL season starts in mid March.

 

Reds player-manager James Robinson said it was an exciting challenge for his players.

 

“It’s obviously going to be the biggest test so far and that’s what we want. We want to be challenged and want to be playing against the best and see where we are at,” Robinson said.

 

Robinson said it was likely that new recruit Dane Milovanovic would pull on the boots for his first time in club colours.

 

A Melbourne Heart spokesperson poured cold water on the possibility of Australian star Marco Bresciano playing in the fixture.

 

Bresciano has been training with the Heart as he looks to keep fit ahead of a potential World Cup berth.

 

The 34-year-old is serving a four-month ban by FIFA because of a transfer dispute, which has ruled him out of competitive matches until March.

 

“No, (Bresciano’s) not going to play in that game. He’s got other commitments in Europe that he will attend, so he won’t take part in that game,” the spokesperson said.

 

“The game itself was organised a little while ago and basically it allows (our) players to continue playing after the regular season is complete.”

 

The Heart will finish their National Youth League season with a clash against Central Coast this Sunday.

 

Meanwhile, fixtures for the NPL season are expected to be released by Football Federation Victoria today.

 

http://www.thecourier.com.au/story/2112982/reds-to-face-young-hearts-in-npl-pre-season-test/?cs=67

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Murfy1

Murfy1

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For A-League to thrive, Melbourne derby must have more at stake than geographical pride

 

Gerard Whateley

 

March 1, 2014

 

IN a town canny at differentiating between the authentic and novelty, the Melbourne derby between the Victory and Heart has always been distinguished for its bona fides.

 

Perhaps never more so than on Saturday. Not only for the capacity of this 12th instalment to shape immediate fortunes, but to usher in the changing dynamic that will reshape a drawcard event.

 

Three nights a season the team in red and white makes perfect sense. It has a purpose against the foundation club.

 

Derby football around the world is different. Encounters that belong to a subset almost in isolation from the bigger picture. Clashes around which folklore and mythology grow.

 

On instant recall are Alex Terra’s winner for Heart in the first derby; to upset the natural order right from the outset. The infamy and cruelty of Kevin Muscat’s tackle on Adrian Zahra; a decisive Matt Thompson brace; an Archie Thompson injury time steal. Adrian Leijer’s elbow in Harry Kewell’s face.

 

If the A-League is to achieve its all-conquering ambitions, derby night must one day divide the city into blue and red camps.

 

It requires the meeting of two mighty forces, not merely a pair of conveniently placed adversaries. Geography alone isn’t enough. Time and success are essential ingredients.

 

From inception, Victory marched right into the Melbourne mainstream. It wore the traditional blue, connected to the seasonal sports fan, was eventful and compelling to watch, quickly became successful and boasted immense star power.

 

The ruthless edge of Muscat. The creative flare of ArchieThompson. The genius of Fred and Carlos Hernandez. The scoring power of Danny Allsopp. And the canny tutelage of Ernie Merrick.

 

Grand final night 2007, when 55,436 watched Archie Thompson score five goals as Victory routed Adelaide 6-0, lives large in legend. Victory forged such a place in the consciousness that the creation of Melbourne Heart was left to gather up the marginalised, the disenfranchised and the anti-establishment.

 

Heart had solid foundations undermined by genetically limited prospects. Until now.

 

The purchase by Manchester City seems a concept limited only by imagination, will and perhaps the salary cap.

 

While theories abound over what Heart might become, it is impossible to imagine the looming incarnation remaining the poor cousin. Be it in comparison of size, wealth and commercial clout or the quest for personnel, success and affection, the threat posed by Heart to Victory will increase exponentially.

 

The emergence of a second powerful club in Melbourne will extend the rivalry from a three-night run to an up-at-dawn year-round race for superiority. In that environment the game couldn’t help but thrive in this city. As a portent of the future this week might well prove instructive.

 

Victory began the campaign to finally forge its Asian identity and credentials, in line with the ambition and status of the club,only to return home and find itself under siege on its own doorstep.

 

Heart threatens to provide the breakout narrative so missing from this A-League season, the point of interest to attract those beyond committed fans. The team from nowhere, in last place, on a fanciful run fuelled by the previously ridiculous possibility of finals.

 

Victory might fancy itself in title contention but the margin for error has narrowed. The quick turnaround from the midweek assignment in China upgrades Saturday’s challenge from tricky to formidable.

 

The fact it’s against a driven and motivated foe intent on forging lasting change brings together an event that demands to be centre stage in the battle for minds and hearts.

 

 

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/for-aleague-to-thrive-melbourne-derby-must-have-more-at-stake-than-geographical-pride/story-e6frf7jo-1226841086683

 

 

I thought I'd dislike this article, but overall it's fairly good. The main argument in the article IMO is "nothing succeeds like success", and some more success from Melbourne Heart (which is pretty likely now, as the article states) is key to growing the A-League in Melbourne. I also read the article as saying that Heart was built on solid foundations, but was limited from the start by the club's poor management. So all up, success and time are what's crucially needed for the A-League to grow in Melbourne, which is a much more reasonable judgement than most of what passes for media/commentary regarding Melbourne's A-League clubs.

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Sash

Sash

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Great article. I'm pretty sure he means solid foundations limited by the circumstances of being the second club to the successful and dominant player in the marketplace. I really enjoy Whateley's take on things and this article is on a different level to the average football journalists IMO.

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belaguttman

belaguttman

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Heart had solid foundations undermined by genetically limited prospects. 

 

 

This is the central premise of this article and this is where I disagree and where the author doesn't understand. Heart wasn't undermined by being the second Melbourne club, it was undermined by the poverty and mediocrity mindset of the founding owners. They were happy  being exactly where they were.

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HEARTinator

HEARTinator

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Heart had solid foundations undermined by genetically limited prospects.

This is the central premise of this article and this is where I disagree and where the author doesn't understand. Heart wasn't undermined by being the second Melbourne club, it was undermined by the poverty and mediocrity mindset of the founding owners. They were happy  being exactly where they were. I reckon it's a good, insightful read. The words "genetically limited prospects" refers to the DNA that Sidwell et al brought to the club from day one. We know that our first owners seemed merely happy for the club to exist rather than thrive and burn with large ambition. The DNA that MCFC bring to our club is lightyears ahead. That's what I think Gerrard is on about IMO.
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belaguttman

belaguttman

Posted
Posted

 

 

 

 

Heart had solid foundations undermined by genetically limited prospects.

This is the central premise of this article and this is where I disagree and where the author doesn't understand. Heart wasn't undermined by being the second Melbourne club, it was undermined by the poverty and mediocrity mindset of the founding owners. They were happy  being exactly where they were. I reckon it's a good, insightful read. The words "genetically limited prospects" refers to the DNA that Sidwell et al brought to the club from day one. We know that our first owners seemed merely happy for the club to exist rather than thrive and burn with large ambition. The DNA that MCFC bring to our club is lightyears ahead. That's what I think Gerrard is on about IMO.

 

We aren't changing our genotype, we are changing our phenotype.

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Defibrillator

Defibrillator

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Heart had solid foundations undermined by genetically limited prospects.

This is the central premise of this article and this is where I disagree and where the author doesn't understand. Heart wasn't undermined by being the second Melbourne club, it was undermined by the poverty and mediocrity mindset of the founding owners. They were happy  being exactly where they were. I reckon it's a good, insightful read. The words "genetically limited prospects" refers to the DNA that Sidwell et al brought to the club from day one. We know that our first owners seemed merely happy for the club to exist rather than thrive and burn with large ambition. The DNA that MCFC bring to our club is lightyears ahead. That's what I think Gerrard is on about IMO.

We aren't changing our genotype, we are changing our phenotype.

Actually Bella we are changing both. We are changing the core makeup and building blocks of the club and subtlely changing the core values of the club - our DNA essentially. One of the core values of the previous administration (whether we liked it or not) was financial profit which, to me, came at the expense of ambition and achievement. It was obvious results were not a high priority - again this sounds harsh but a club keen on results wouldn't have let the JA "experiment" (being kind here!) run so long. Not so now. It sounds like the youth focus will stay with the academy but I will be interested to see if we continue with the community engagement philosophy or concentrate only on promulgating football excellence over mass participation.

We're also cashed up changing the environment we're working within - thus we will look different to the football world - a change of phenotype.

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jw1739

jw1739

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Well, yes and maybe. I think Sidwell and co. get blamed just a little more than they deserve to be. Whatever they did wrong, or not well enough, they did create something that at least a section of the fans are desperate not to let go of.

 

IMO it's an overstatement that they were in it for profit, and IIRC their stated objective was to be "sustainable", and the measurement they were to use for that was to break even in their third year. Which I understand was the case.

 

Yes, they did err when they appointed JA, and yes, they did err when they took too long to remove JA. But in season 4, after the way season 3 had ended, they kept their promise to add resources into the Football Department. They added Nus, and brought back JvS into the club's fold. It was under Sidwell that players such as Engelaar, Kisnorbo and Wielaert were signed (and lesser lights of course!) And it was Sidwell who finally terminated JA and appointed JvS as caretaker coach until the end of this season.

 

It's also interesting to speculate as to why Manchester City chose Heart over the other possibilities. Prima facie it is because we have the best opportunity for the greatest growth, but it may also be because we have the foundations that best fit the building blocks that City needed on which to build their involvement.

 

Later on, when there is time to look back on these four years, I think we will view them in a softer light - as the foundation on which a great football club could be built.

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HeartinHobart

HeartinHobart

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Posted

http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/news/1183044/Heart-rise-stunts-Kewell-cup-bid

 

An attempt to create friction in the change room?

 

Paranoid much? Most likely

Read the first paragraph that was enough. Not worth wasting 90 seconds of my life. Wouldn't expect anything less from TWG. Ridiculous that they would try and make a story of that note after what was one of the finest nights of this clubs history.

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HEARTinator

HEARTinator

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Posted

http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/news/1183044/Heart-rise-stunts-Kewell-cup-bid

 

An attempt to create friction in the change room?

 

Paranoid much? Most likely

LOL TWG. The only message JVS wants to send to his players is that no spot is guaranteed and that if you play/train well you're in with a shot. Surely the same message sent by other coaches????? More TWG bullshit IMO.
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belaguttman

belaguttman

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Posted

Its actually an AAP article although TWG have chosen to run it. Still smarting after us ungrateful wretches rejected their Johnny I suppose. I look forward to Lucy's article criticising RBB for their protest today, of course it won't happen. At least we were demanding better football not the right to light flares

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CaNNaVo93

CaNNaVo93

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Seriously all Kit & Crest Design Nerds that think Sky blue should replace red and white should be eradicated from the earth by the Angel of Death.

 

EFA

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jw1739

jw1739

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Fortunately, the end of the season is approaching and there is less and less time available for the media to keep up the speculation before we see Soriano and Co. take full control of day-to-day activities.

 

It's incredibly irritating to see this stuff, but I don't think we should be too worried. I can't see our new owners taking any notice whatsoever of the opinions of third parties.

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johnno cpfc

johnno cpfc

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Posted

There is far too much blue, and what is wrong with our current logo at least it tells everyone this is Melbourne Heart. I am not against a change in the name but i draw a line at a change in colours, alright put some sky blue in but keep it predominately RED&WHITE.

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