Potential A-league signings

[Huzie]

#startwalker

[AntiScum]

Its the first day of the transfer window being open and there hasn't been much noise from the heart regarding signings so I have come to the conclusion they must be confident in there targets lets hope we have some good surprise signings announced some day soon other wise they whole talk about  having all our signings for the majority of pre season was just all hot air and my thinking gets blown out the window

[cadete]

Zac Walker..

#startwalker

Please watch Walker first...

[AlexDaGroza]

Hoffman for striker

[HeartFc]

Zac Walker..

#startwalker

Please watch Walker first...

That was the point of my post. My (incomplete) ellipsis was meant to spark conversion on everyones thoughts and opinions of the young man.

Ill clear is up.

Can he break into the first team? Is he any good?

[marn11]

Zac Walker..

#startwalker

Please watch Walker first... That was the point of my post. My (incomplete) ellipsis was meant to spark conversion on everyones thoughts and opinions of the young man.

Ill clear is up.

Can he break into the first team? Is he any good?

One dimensional.

[Red or Dead]

#HoffmanForStriker

[cadete]

 

 

 

Zac Walker..

#startwalker

Please watch Walker first... That was the point of my post. My (incomplete) ellipsis was meant to spark conversion on everyones thoughts and opinions of the young man.

Ill clear is up.

Can he break into the first team? Is he any good?

One dimensional.

 

And in a dimension that is considered very 00's in particular by our Dutch obsessed MHFC and most of the rest of the current Australian Soccer landscape. 

Edited July 1, 2013 by cadete

[HeartFc]

Thats interesting. Ill admit ive never seem him play in person but his highlights reel and yoof team scoring record were pretty impressive. Disappointing considering he was meant to posses the same potential as Goodwin, Jezza Walker etc.

[cadete]

Thats interesting. Ill admit ive never seem him play in person but his highlights reel and yoof team scoring record were pretty impressive. Disappointing considering he was meant to posses the same potential as Goodwin, Jezza Walker etc.

TBF this Buzz came from fans not the club...

[Huzie]

Jackson Irvine and Ryan Williams looking at loan moves to A-League.

[AlexDaGroza]

Would take jackson irvine. Also isnt zac walker currently struggling to break into dandy thunder?

[HeartFc]

Played at the same club as Jackson, endeavour united. The club probably had one the best Junior teams in the country, it produced so many quality players... Irvine, Paulie Retre and plenty plying their trade in the VPL/state 1. When they were all 14/15 they used to smash our state 3 ressie teams with ease. I had the pleasure of being nutmegged plenty of times.

Not sure why Jackson would want a loan move? He made his first team debut for Celtic last season, captained the yoof team and by all accounts is progressing really well. Celtic will have the league wrapped up by round 15 so id say he'll feature alot more this season.

Edited July 1, 2013 by HeartFc

[LR9]

“I want a defensive midfielder that can not only play out, which is important for us, but also understand the structure – defensive and attacking structure – and be able to also coach out there. So that’s probably the main position we’re looking at tying up straight away and then we’ll see if we need an attacking player.”

- Aloisi

Looks like Paddy is viewed very much as a CB now, and it's unlikely he will move up the pitch

It also looks as though he is still waiting on the decision of Garcia on whether or not to sign an attacker..

[Peter]

From what I've heard, we are keen on snapping up young-gun Jamie McLaren, who is looking to return home...

 

He plays as a No.9 or No.10 and could very much be our own Aaron Mooy. Added bonus is that he's also a Melbourne boy.

 

Maybe on trial along with Billy?

 

Sydney FC's signing of the impressive Corey Gameiro, who started the final game, is a positive move.

Others, such as Jamie Maclaren, are said to be heading home as well.

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/sport/football/youth-adapting-to-realities-of-the-modern-game-20130629-2p3ve.html#ixzz2Xhu2M7A4

Doesn't look like this is happening for us

http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/275537,glory-snare-young-roo-hero-jamie-maclaren.aspx

 

 

Apparently we're trailing Bill Konstantinidis......

 

https://twitter.com/OSAussies/status/350931330420322305

 

It doesn't look like his wiki has been updated well but from what i can see he's 27 and has pretty much been going from team to team in second division in greece.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_Konstantinidis

 

From the article in the tweet it seems like he's very keen to come back to the HAL, but i just hope it's not with us. With like 4-5 spots left in out squad and tonnes in the salary cap (I'm pretty sure) i'm only hoping for quality signings

Nor this

http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/275541,ange-checking-out-aussie-winger.aspx

[HeartFc]

FFS

[morphine]

Can someone explain to me who we are going to play as Striker, or what formation we'll use this year? If Aloisi reckons we'll not sign an experienced CDM, how the hell will it work?

Redmayne

Walker - Wielart - Gerhardt - Ramsay - Our defence looks set to me, that's fine.

New Experienced CDM

Germano - Murdocca

Dugandzic - Mebrahtu - Kewell

or

Dugandzic - Germano - Williams

Mebrahtu - Kewell

Either way I'm a little disappointed. There's a lot of 'gambling' with that squad IMO. Not a lot of backup, and we're banking on everyone miraculously finding top form. I just don't get it?

[Luke]

Can someone explain to me who we are going to play as Striker, or what formation we'll use this year? If Aloisi reckons we'll not sign an experienced CDM, how the hell will it work?

Redmayne

Walker - Wielart - Gerhardt - Ramsay - Our defence looks set to me, that's fine.

New Experienced CDM

Germano - Murdocca

Dugandzic - Mebrahtu - Kewell

or

Dugandzic - Germano - Williams

Mebrahtu - Kewell

Either way I'm a little disappointed. There's a lot of 'gambling' with that squad IMO. Not a lot of backup, and we're banking on everyone miraculously finding top form. I just don't get it?

 

Our squad surely isn't finished 

[morphine]

 

Our squad surely isn't finished

“I want a defensive midfielder that can not only play out, which is important for us, but also understand the structure – defensive and attacking structure – and be able to also coach out there. So that’s probably the main position we’re looking at tying up straight away and then we’ll see if we need an attacking player.”

- Aloisi

[morphine]

Which follows on from this:

In addition to all the fresh faces at La Trobe University, two players returning from injury – Golgol Mebrahtu and Mate Dugandzic – feel like new players for Heart, which Aloisi hinted at influencing whether or not he’ll fill all four spots in the salary cap.

“I’m very happy – I know it’s only early – but the way Golgol Mebrahtu’s come back, (and) Mate Dugandzic – they’re like two new signings. Golgol had his ups and downs with injuries last season because he had two seasons before that where he struggled and Mate – everybody knows he had that operation.

“So he missed out on a lot of last season and he’s come back really good and ready to go and so they’re a couple of new signings in themselves. So we’ll see if we sign four or if we only sign a couple more.”

[AntiScum]

Which follows on from this:

In addition to all the fresh faces at La Trobe University, two players returning from injury – Golgol Mebrahtu and Mate Dugandzic – feel like new players for Heart, which Aloisi hinted at influencing whether or not he’ll fill all four spots in the salary cap.

“I’m very happy – I know it’s only early – but the way Golgol Mebrahtu’s come back, (and) Mate Dugandzic – they’re like two new signings. Golgol had his ups and downs with injuries last season because he had two seasons before that where he struggled and Mate – everybody knows he had that operation.

“So he missed out on a lot of last season and he’s come back really good and ready to go and so they’re a couple of new signings in themselves. So we’ll see if we sign four or if we only sign a couple more.”

depending on signings id start these two in NYL for 6 to 8 weeks and let them regain fitness and confidence no point rushing either back ....

[Nate]

 

Which follows on from this:

In addition to all the fresh faces at La Trobe University, two players returning from injury – Golgol Mebrahtu and Mate Dugandzic – feel like new players for Heart, which Aloisi hinted at influencing whether or not he’ll fill all four spots in the salary cap.

“I’m very happy – I know it’s only early – but the way Golgol Mebrahtu’s come back, (and) Mate Dugandzic – they’re like two new signings. Golgol had his ups and downs with injuries last season because he had two seasons before that where he struggled and Mate – everybody knows he had that operation.

“So he missed out on a lot of last season and he’s come back really good and ready to go and so they’re a couple of new signings in themselves. So we’ll see if we sign four or if we only sign a couple more.”

depending on signings id start these two in NYL for 6 to 8 weeks and let them regain fitness and confidence no point rushing either back ....

 

Why?

 

They'll be fit and ready to go Round 1 after a full pre-season, it'd be absurd to keep players of their quality out, and especially early on in the season where we have typically struggled over the years.

[Murfy1]

 

Nor this

http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/275541,ange-checking-out-aussie-winger.aspx

 

 

That article doesn't include any quotes from Postecogelou or any recent comments by Konstantinidis.

 

Here is a recent article on Konstantinidis (published a few hours ago):

 

 

 

Konstantinidis close to signing A-League deal

 

In an exclusive interview with Neos Kosmos, Greek football league star Billy Konstantinidis reveals he is in talks with three A-League clubs for the 2013/14 season

 

Billy Konstantinidis has returned to his hometown of Melbourne after seven years of playing professionally in Greece's football league. The tall striker, known for his stints at Iraklis, Veria, Niki Volos and Pierikos among others, is now in talks with three A-League clubs, including Melbourne Heart, Adelaide United and Central Coast Mariners. After falling in love with the sport in the Victorian Premier League, he's hoping to jump start his Australian career again.

In this interview, the 27-year-old discusses why he's chosen to come home, his time in Greece, the differences in football culture, the maturing A-League and his career goals.

Helen Velissaris (HV): What offers have you gotten in Australia?

Billy Konstantinidis (BK): At the moment there are discussions with Melbourne Heart and Adelaide, pretty much weighing up options and seeing what comes out of them So there are two/three teams - Central Coast as well. So we have a few decisions to make.

They're looking at wherever they have weaknesses. Forward line, back line. So they're (my managers) like, who needs a tall striker? The clubs put up their hand and say lets have a look. You feed them the videos, the stats, and they're like OK.

(HV): The Mariners won the last A-League season. Will that sway you in your decision?

(BK): I'm not personally looking at where they finished last season, I'm pretty much looking at where I can fit in best. Pretty much trying to help the club as best as possible. That's my goal, I'm not too fussy or picky.

I'm pretty set on coming here and proving myself and showing what I was doing over there and taking it to another level over here.

(HV): Greece must be chasing you to bring you back?

(BK): I have two offers at the moment to go back to Greece, but I'd like to be a part of this A-League, especially with the World Cup campaign coming up. My goal is to play football here so that the actual nation can see me and hopefully get a spot in the Socceroos next Cup. You've got to set your goals.

I'd actually prefer to be in Melbourne with my family. I've been missing for seven years so it's one of the factors that has pulled me back.

(HV): How different is the football culture and training in Greece?

(BK): I started playing for Veria. They're in SuperLeague at the moment. It's very different.

Our soccer training then (back in Melbourne) was twice a week sometimes.Making the switch, the biggest hurdle was the trainings. Every day we were training, and a lot of time we were doing double sessions.

Coming from the enjoyable environment here to there, you're at the bottom of the food chain again.

You have to prove yourself and there are a lot of fantastic players. Every week, every day almost you're competing for your position.

It's different tactics of football over there. We spent a lot of hours doing tactics.

There are politics. You have to be switched on to balance stuff out too.

(HV): What was your favourite Greek club that you played for?

(BK): Last year I was with Iraklis in Thessaloniki - I was with them for a year. I can tell you by far that was the most enjoyable season in Greek football. The fan base was unbelievable. The connection with the fans, celebrating every goal with them. It makes all the difference. Just feeling really validated from a new crowd, different cultures, it's worth everything.

(HV): Do you think the state leagues in Australia are at the same level as the second division in Greece?

(BK): After premier league, it's a huge jump to A-League. I think we need to close that gap.

Because A-League is getting so competitive, and they're bringing in a lot of players from overseas, I really think that the second division should be looked at a little bit more seriously. Before you go to the A-League, it's the only stepping stone. So in order for Australia to produce players and to be scouting, I think they should have a better look at it.

In Greece, third division play every day and fourth division play every day. I mean the money is different in each category. But I was surprised they were doing it every day.

(HV): Greece's national football star, Giorgios Karagounis is tipped to play for Melbourne Victory. Do you think that's a good sign?

(BK): I think that will be a fantastic sign. I think they've got a fantastic squad. In terms of Karagounis, I know he's a workaholic, he's got a professional attitude, it'll be a fantastic investment. With the amount of the Greek population in Melbourne, I think that will mean a few more memberships signed if they get him.

(HV): With talk of Karagounis moving to Australia and the crisis' toll on football, do you think we'll see more Greek footballers trying to sign to the A-League?

(BK): I think it it's great for Greece now, reading about Karagounis it'll raise heaps of awareness, and that's all for Australian football.

About 5 years ago, there was no talk about coming to Australia. Now, with the crisis and their understanding of how well organized things are over here, there are actually a few players in every team that say bring us over there, organize a visa for me. They are keen.

(HV): A lot of our good local talent are being sold off to international teams for a small price, leaving the A-League short of good players. Do you agree with the transfer culture of Australia?

(BK): There are positives and negatives. If for a good price, Aussies can get imported. They actually give themselves a chance to prove themselves. If they up the price, they might start looking at the South American and Brazilian market.

On the other hand, if the clubs here are happy with the amount I don't see why not.

I know a lot of transfers that have been cancelled because of money. So there's no need to cut their wings, they can go for bigger and better things.

(HV): Do you think the A-League will remain cursed at a certain level if they keep transferring good players?

(BK): I've heard that a lot overseas. I think that's where good marketing comes in, like bringing in Karagounis to take their positions, it would help a lot. Also the second division being close, that's what I'd like to see. If they are scouting players, they can grab them and throw them straight in.

(HV): Tell us a bit about your time playing for the Victorian premier league?

(BK): I went through a few different clubs, but Northcote was the one that stood out.

The main stronghold was the family environment. They made soccer enjoyable, it does get tough at times, if you're not performing well or there are pressures. The family environment was like a blanket for everything there. That's what made it enjoyable, we enjoyed our wins and I think that brought out the best in everyone

(HV): What was your first recollection of your love of soccer?

(BK): From a young age, it was just like a sickness I had. I was going to school with a ball always.

If you really want something, you'll do it. You won't have to think twice. For me, staying at home, having the right diet is important. You've got to look after yourself, be a professional, you've got to oblige to the contract

(HV): Career highlight so far?

 

(BK): My favourite is actually earning top goal scorer for Iraklis. I went there in the second half of the season, there were only 12 games left and actually ended up getting the top goal scorer for the season and the whole league. That pretty much put me on the map for Greece. That's got to be my highlight, besides scoring a goal against PAOK with 15,000 fans and all the cameras there. That was great as a singular moment, but consistency with Iraklis was my highlight.

 

 

http://neoskosmos.com/news/en/Konstantinidis-close-to-signing-A-League-deal?page=show

Edited July 2, 2013 by Murfy1

[biancorosso7]

Gol Gol might be considered as the central striker. Got the height and pace, and the foot skills.

[morphine]

Gol Gol might be considered as the central striker. Got the height and pace, and the foot skills.

GolGol is my height - 182cm. Personally I'd prefer someone taller in that role.

[sharpy]

LOL at this Greek fella hoping to get a gig at the World Cup, very ambitious!

 

Good on him for aiming high nonetheless!

[billyheart]

Gol Gol might be considered as the central striker. Got the height and pace, and the foot skills.

GolGol can't play central!... We'd have to change the chant.

[marteaux]

Always believe in Gol!!!

[Gate7]

Redders

Walker-Paddy-Wielahrt-Ramsey

Murdocca-Germano

---------Kewell-------

Mate-Golgol-Williams

Based on current players, that'd be my lineup. But if a marquee comes in things will change. Maybe JA is keeping a spare spot or two for the January transfer window?

[sculls_6]

Redders

Walker-Paddy-Wielahrt-Ramsey

Murdocca-Germano

---------Kewell-------

Mate-Golgol-Williams

Based on current players, that'd be my lineup. But if a marquee comes in things will change. Maybe JA is keeping a spare spot or two for the January transfer window?

 

Clubs only make moves in January if they really, truly have to. Not even the reigning premiers can enter a season thinking "we'll see how we go with this lot, and if we need to buy in january we'll leave these spots open."

 

The European transfer window has only just opened! There's a long way to go here.

[Peter]

 

Gol Gol might be considered as the central striker. Got the height and pace, and the foot skills.

GolGol is my height - 182cm. Personally I'd prefer someone taller in that role.

 

Rate Gol Gol. However, I don't know how good he is with his head.

Since Aloisi was playing we haven't had a striker who has scored many headers (or goals per season for that matter).

I am hoping we get a quality all round striker who can shoot, get past players, run onto through balls and head the ball.

[CaNNaVo93]

Don't know where to put it but,
Victree released Flores

http://www.sportal.com.au/football-news-display/flores-released-by-victory-242407

[MR&W]

Flores can go fuck himself, absaloute rubbish player. Definantly not wanted here..

[KD.]

I'd take him if he took a massive pay cut

Flores>Garcia

[Nate]

Flores can go fuck himself, absaloute rubbish player. Definantly not wanted here..

Rubbish at Victory, but he was the best player in the league when he was at Adelaide.

 

Granted, the standard of the A-League has improved heaps since then but he's still a good player. Will probably go to CCM and do well there I imagine.

[Huzie]

Victory will be paying a fair chunk of his future wages.

[MR&W]

No more Victory rejects.

[marteaux]

Would take Flores in a heartbeat. Just not as our marquee.

(Victory paying some of his wages whilst he's playing for us would be the sweetest thing ever).

Edited July 5, 2013 by marteaux

[theresonlyonebzamora]

(Victory paying some of his wages whilst he's playing for us would be the sweetest thing ever).

Only way I'd even consider it

[Pandev]

Gotta stop doing it for our clubs reputation. Regardless of quality.