Tbitm Posted August 1, 2013 Report Share Posted August 1, 2013 The club claim their off-season recruitment drive is progressing well, with a deal hopefully due to be completed for a versatile holding player John Aloisi says Melbourne Heart are making progress in their search to sign an influential midfielder ahead of the 2013-14 A-League season. Heart are short of numbers after releasing veterans Fred and Matt Thompson, while they are tipped to lose out-of-contract star Richard Garcia. According to Aloisi, the club are closing in on a player who can complement the likes of Jonatan Germano, Iain Ramsey and new arrival Massimo Murdocca. "We've got two more foreign spots to fill and if the right one comes along ... we think we're close to getting a defensive midfielder who can control our game," he told Radio Sport National on Wednesday. "I think that's important for us, to have someone in the midfield who can link up between the defence and the strikers. We're looking at someone that is experienced and who is great on the ball, so that we can dictate to the opposition how we want to play. Heart have also been seeking a replacement for centre-forward Eli Babalj, who ended his brief second spell at the club by returning to Europe with AZ Alkmaar at the end of last season. "The search goes on for a striker, we've got quite a few names but I want to make sure we get the right one," Aloisi said. "The first and foremost priority is the defensive midfielder, once that is done I can make sure we get the striker we need." Speaking to Goal Australia, Heart chief executive Scott Munn confirmed the club had the resources to achieve those recruitment targets, with an overseas player likely to fill the midfield void. "We're keen to fill those positions and working pretty actively to secure those," he said. "We've still got a large amount of money left in our salary cap. I'd expect at the minimum at least one more signing to be a foreign player and possibly two. And that will happen over the next two to three weeks." http://www.goal.com/en-au/news/4021/a-league/2013/08/01/4157076/aloisi-heart-closing-in-on-key-midfielder?ICID=HP_HN_1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
n i k o Posted August 1, 2013 Report Share Posted August 1, 2013 Edited for truth, what he really means is "And that will happen over the next two to three months" 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LR9 Posted August 1, 2013 Report Share Posted August 1, 2013 "We've still got a large amount of money left in our salary cap. I'd expect at the minimum at least one more signing to be a foreign player and possibly two. And that will happen over the next two to three weeks." Still all pointing to Richie re-signing... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marteaux Posted August 1, 2013 Report Share Posted August 1, 2013 No mention of a marquee, roff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Posted August 1, 2013 Report Share Posted August 1, 2013 No mention of a marquee, roff. This is Melbourne Heart. Our Ono like marquee will be on $48000. Good business. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jw1739 Posted August 1, 2013 Report Share Posted August 1, 2013 "We've still got a large amount of money left in our salary cap. I'd expect at the minimum at least one more signing to be a foreign player and possibly two. And that will happen over the next two to three weeks." http://www.goal.com/en-au/news/4021/a-league/2013/08/01/4157076/aloisi-heart-closing-in-on-key-midfielder?ICID=HP_HN_1 As we thought. Plenty of money still left. Let's hope we really do get quality signings to round out the squad. There'e really no excuse now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Petercrouch Posted August 2, 2013 Report Share Posted August 2, 2013 I know its a bit of a risk, but i wouldn't be against seeing Kalmar as that ball playing defensive mid. I know he can't really defend but he's good on the ball, looks to make those passes forward & has a decent shot from distance. this role would essentially be quite similar to that of an Arteta at Arsenal, and imo it could pay off. Also with a bit of congestion in the midfield at the moment, it would be good to see Kalmar getting game time as when he strung together consistent playing time, he looked one of the better midfielders that we'd produced. It would be a shame to see him fall down the pecking order as he had a good season last year, and has stated his intention to build on that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimmy Posted August 2, 2013 Report Share Posted August 2, 2013 I see Kalmar being used as the No. 2 CAM with HK the first choice. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Petercrouch Posted August 2, 2013 Report Share Posted August 2, 2013 I see Kalmar being used as the No. 2 CAM with HK the first choice. obvious however as our vision as a "young" team, i'd like to see the club take that same risk on garrucio as they did on jezza walker tbh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tommykins Posted August 2, 2013 Report Share Posted August 2, 2013 Has anyone seen much of Garrucio through the middle? I've only ever seen him out wide. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattyh001 Posted August 2, 2013 Report Share Posted August 2, 2013 (edited) I know its a bit of a risk, but i wouldn't be against seeing Kalmar as that ball playing defensive mid. I know he can't really defend but he's good on the ball, looks to make those passes forward & has a decent shot from distance. this role would essentially be quite similar to that of an Arteta at Arsenal, and imo it could pay off. Also with a bit of congestion in the midfield at the moment, it would be good to see Kalmar getting game time as when he strung together consistent playing time, he looked one of the better midfielders that we'd produced. It would be a shame to see him fall down the pecking order as he had a good season last year, and has stated his intention to build on that. i think its something that could be done, but you need a bloody good ball winner beside him if thats that case. if you look at Milligan in the Socceroos, the only reason Osciek keeps playing him in midfield is that he is a good folly for a deep lying Bresciano. Milligan "cleans" up while Bresciano is given space to play and orchestrate. something I think Gerhardt could actually do but it doesnt look like he will be played anywhere but at the back Edited August 2, 2013 by mattyh001 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nate Posted August 2, 2013 Report Share Posted August 2, 2013 I know its a bit of a risk, but i wouldn't be against seeing Kalmar as that ball playing defensive mid. I know he can't really defend but he's good on the ball, looks to make those passes forward & has a decent shot from distance. this role would essentially be quite similar to that of an Arteta at Arsenal, and imo it could pay off. Also with a bit of congestion in the midfield at the moment, it would be good to see Kalmar getting game time as when he strung together consistent playing time, he looked one of the better midfielders that we'd produced. It would be a shame to see him fall down the pecking order as he had a good season last year, and has stated his intention to build on that. i think its something that could be done, but you need a bloody good ball winner beside him if thats that case. if you look at Milligan in the Socceroos, the only reason Osciek keeps playing him in midfield is that he is a good folly for a deep lying Bresciano. Milligan "cleans" up while Bresciano is given space to play and orchestrate. something I think Gerhardt could actually do but it doesnt look like he will be played anywhere but at the back There's a lot of similarities between Gerhardt and Milligan imo and he would make a fantastic defensive midfielder but I can understand why JA would be reluctant to move him after being as good as he was in defence last season. I just hope the CDM he's after is a machine, a big Yaya Toure-esque player wouldn't go astray! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tommykins Posted August 2, 2013 Report Share Posted August 2, 2013 So from what I've seen in the VPL (a severely limited amount this year) Milos Lujic has been pretty useful. He was considered a heck of a prospect a few years ago. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heart_fan10 Posted August 2, 2013 Author Report Share Posted August 2, 2013 didn't we look at Andreas Govas last season? http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news-display/transfer-rumour--ange-tracking-down-celeski-replacement/71931 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heart of Melbourne Posted August 2, 2013 Report Share Posted August 2, 2013 Yes he did trial. Another aloisi fuck up Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heart of Melbourne Posted August 2, 2013 Report Share Posted August 2, 2013 Victory have made an offer for Seitaridis. It's all over the Greek press. Surprised that Australian media haven't got a hold of this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Defibrillator Posted August 2, 2013 Report Share Posted August 2, 2013 I know its a bit of a risk, but i wouldn't be against seeing Kalmar as that ball playing defensive mid. I know he can't really defend but he's good on the ball, looks to make those passes forward & has a decent shot from distance. this role would essentially be quite similar to that of an Arteta at Arsenal, and imo it could pay off. Also with a bit of congestion in the midfield at the moment, it would be good to see Kalmar getting game time as when he strung together consistent playing time, he looked one of the better midfielders that we'd produced. It would be a shame to see him fall down the pecking order as he had a good season last year, and has stated his intention to build on that. As a Gooner, sorry Peter, but Kalmar is a totally different player to the role Arteta plays at Arsenal. Arteta is used as the sole DM with a huge responsibility of transition from the back four. He is incredibly disciplined on the defensive side of the game, an incredible pass completion/success rate, and has sacrificed his attacking game to a large extent for the greater good of the game since Song left and Cazorla arrived. Arsenal generally play with a sole DM, and two AMs with Cazorla/Wiltshire or one AM with a more box to box type like Ramsay/Rosicky if the opposition is pressing harder and higher. Structurally most consensus is we'll play with two DMs (as we did last year) with my suspicions being we'll hardly vary from this again this year. Kalmar doesn't have the defensive discipline to play this role - he just strikes me as a guy who likes to get forward and have a crack. He also looks more nervous sitting deeper and I think his passing falters under more pressure (sounds unkind as he is one of our better passers overall). I don't think he has the motor to play box to box, and agree with Jimmy above - he'll be used as an AM. Don't forget, we are chasing a class DM - if this signing is of very high quality, I can envisage Kewell and Kalmar both playing AM roles at times if we want to press higher (the caveat being JA develops some flexibility). This will also depend on the role of Kewell (especially if we sign a quality striker), and the development of our younger players. The other option is Murdocca can play box to box but I honestly don't know much about him and happy to be told otherwise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Petercrouch Posted August 2, 2013 Report Share Posted August 2, 2013 Has anyone seen much of Garrucio through the middle? I've only ever seen him out wide. i think hed be good in the middle, adds a bit of pace to the attack as well. from what i have seen which isnt a hell of a lot, the way he runs at players would be good Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bozza Posted August 2, 2013 Report Share Posted August 2, 2013 Heard today that Billy Konstantinidis has basically signed for Heart. At least he seems to think so anyway, haven't seen him play myself, no clue if this is good or bad. Possibly taking Garcia's spot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nate Posted August 2, 2013 Report Share Posted August 2, 2013 Heard today that Billy Konstantinidis has basically signed for Heart. At least he seems to think so anyway, haven't seen him play myself, no clue if this is good or bad. Possibly taking Garcia's spot. Well if he's signed, then our last two signings (I'm assuming) are internationals which means Garcia's gone. Seems like a similar sort of player to Tadic but I'm hoping that we're still planning on splashing the big bucks for an international marquee striker. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tommykins Posted August 2, 2013 Report Share Posted August 2, 2013 Weird signing if true, but a Melbourne lad, which is always good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jw1739 Posted August 2, 2013 Report Share Posted August 2, 2013 Is this who we are talking about here? http://neoskosmos.com/news/en/Konstantinidis-close-to-signing-A-League-deal On the face of it I wouldn't be unhappy at all about having him on board with us. Especially as he's a Melbourne boy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HEARTinator Posted August 2, 2013 Report Share Posted August 2, 2013 (edited) Seems like he wants to come to Melbourne. Seems like he knows where the goals are and how to put the ball into the onion bag. Would seem to be a reasonable gamble and wouldn't command too much $$$$. Make it happen JA. Might also shut up the SMFC nongs Edited August 2, 2013 by HEARTinator Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mus-28 Posted August 3, 2013 Report Share Posted August 3, 2013 Aren't the last remnants of the SMH empire all Victory fanboys since Ange, Trimmers, Muscat, etc all now reside at Etihad Stadium. Plus the continual attempts to link themselves with any Greek player who played in Euro 2004. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Posted August 3, 2013 Report Share Posted August 3, 2013 Billy Konstantinidis looks like he might be a good pick up assuming these highlight reels are: 1. The right bloke 2. A fair reflection of his overall performances http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnBS-tfXmQQ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KmBLf2anic Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeartFc Posted August 3, 2013 Report Share Posted August 3, 2013 I'm always wary when someones youtube highlights package mostly consists of flicks and "skills" . Eg Maycon Scissor kicks from halfway or GTFO. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Herman Cain Posted August 3, 2013 Report Share Posted August 3, 2013 Looks slow and a bit shit, sign him up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Victards Posted August 3, 2013 Report Share Posted August 3, 2013 judging by how many goals he has scored in the past 2 years, shite signing. praying he's not another Maycon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimmy Posted August 3, 2013 Report Share Posted August 3, 2013 Seems like slightly better D-Mac to me. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wombegongal Posted August 3, 2013 Report Share Posted August 3, 2013 Seems like slightly better D-Mac to me. I got the same impression. Doesn't look particularly mobile. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
belaguttman Posted August 3, 2013 Report Share Posted August 3, 2013 (edited) I'm always wary when someones youtube highlights package mostly consists of flicks and "skills" . Eg Maycon Scissor kicks from halfway or GTFO. yeah right, let;'s sign Zlatan Edited August 3, 2013 by belaguttman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jw1739 Posted August 3, 2013 Report Share Posted August 3, 2013 Heard today that Billy Konstantinidis has basically signed for Heart. At least he seems to think so anyway, haven't seen him play myself, no clue if this is good or bad. Possibly taking Garcia's spot. Anyway, this seems all speculation at the moment. What is your source Bozza? And what do you mean by "...he thinks he has signed"? Either he has or he hasn't. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LR9 Posted August 3, 2013 Report Share Posted August 3, 2013 He hasn't signed yet, but he is training... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Posted August 3, 2013 Report Share Posted August 3, 2013 (edited) Heard today that Billy Konstantinidis has basically signed for Heart. At least he seems to think so anyway, haven't seen him play myself, no clue if this is good or bad. Possibly taking Garcia's spot. Anyway, this seems all speculation at the moment. What is your source Bozza? And what do you mean by "...he thinks he has signed"? Either he has or he hasn't. He hasn't signed yet, but he is training... At least he sounds confident. Edited August 3, 2013 by Peter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tommykins Posted August 3, 2013 Report Share Posted August 3, 2013 judging by how many goals he has scored in the past 2 years, shite signing. praying he's not another Maycon. I asked a mate whose seen a bit of him and apparently he's spent a lot of time on the wing last year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fentonthescreamingcactus Posted August 3, 2013 Report Share Posted August 3, 2013 You mean the bench Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bozza Posted August 3, 2013 Report Share Posted August 3, 2013 Heard today that Billy Konstantinidis has basically signed for Heart. At least he seems to think so anyway, haven't seen him play myself, no clue if this is good or bad. Possibly taking Garcia's spot. Anyway, this seems all speculation at the moment. What is your source Bozza? And what do you mean by "...he thinks he has signed"? Either he has or he hasn't. Sorry I don't spill my sauce. I have many, some are good, some are not so good, I would place this one in the middle somewhere. As I said, from what I have been told by a 3rd party, he seems to think he will be a Melbourne Heart player, so we shall see. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mus-28 Posted August 4, 2013 Report Share Posted August 4, 2013 ex NQ Fury defender Mark Hughes signed for Morecambe in Englands League 2, and has already been made club captain. Would've really liked to see him back in the A-League partnering Wielart and allowing Paddy G to move into that DM position or allow us to play a 3-5-2 5-3-2 with wingbacks which would suit Walker and Aziz perfectly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jw1739 Posted August 4, 2013 Report Share Posted August 4, 2013 Panny Nikas? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nate Posted August 4, 2013 Report Share Posted August 4, 2013 Panny Nikas? Would prefer him over this Billy K bloke to be honest. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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