The Joe Simunic interview: Simunic for England!

Joe Simunic England bound?

Croatian International Joe Simunic joined us in the Nearpost studio last week. Sound Producer Loui Psihogius, Majura Soccer Club players Eilis Fitt and Hannah Janssens and Guest Analyst Rob Janssens during a break in production.

Here is part of our interview with Joe Simunic. You can get the rest on the podcast of last weeks show.

Read part one below.

Joe Simunic started his football journey when he was 3 or 4. His godfather bought him a ball. His father, who wasn't particularly interested in football, seeing his son's enjoyment with the ball took him down to Canberra Croatia, (now Canberra FC) and signed him up.

Joe went to St Monika's Primary School, Evatt and then Daramalan College at Dickson before Ron Smith asked him to trial at the AIS.

Even in his Primary School days he was playing for 6 or 7 hours with a ball!

Joe started with Ajax briefly, before moving to Melbourne Knights, Hamburg, and he now plays at Hertha Berlin in the Bundesliga, Germany.

Joe Simunic is a Croatian International, who has played at two World Cups, one European Championships and he's only 29.

How is your season going in Berlin Joe?

We've shown in our recent 0-0 draw against Bayern (Munich) that we have a good team. We have potential. For us mid-table this season would probably be a good result. We have a new coach and some new players. It takes time to get results.

We get an average 45,000 to our home games, if we were going better 55,000 would be possible.

Joe, you have three and a half years left on your Berlin contract. Is Germany the future for you?

I'd like to play in England. That's a goal of mine. Maybe in six months or a year it is definitely possible. I will probably get in trouble for saying this as I have three and a half years left on my contract but that is definitely a goal.

I'm a Celtic fan Joe, what about Scotland?

I'm a Celtic fan too, I wouldn't rule out Celtic or Rangers. They are both big clubs and I've seen some games in Scotland. But for me England would be perfect.

You're well known in England after the recent games for Croatia.

The game against England at Wembley was probably one of the biggest I have played in. We (Croatia) played England in a friendly in Ipswich a couple of years ago. Some of the English players refused to swap shirts. We used this to motivate us for that game.

We are a strong team. Anybody that beats England convincingly, 2-0 in Zagreb and 3-2 at Wembley is a strong side. We have some great players. Some good young players like Luka Modric, Vedran Corluka and Eduardo Da Silva. We also have some experienced players like myself, and a great coach in Slaven Bilic.

We have a great atmosphere and anything is possible for us at the Euro's. (Austria Switzerland 2008)

You're now 29, you've been a professional footballer for a long time. How do you keep yourself motivated?

I started out at Ajax on trial with Hayden Foxe (Perth Glory). But it was very hard, I did quite well but I was homesick.

I decided to get myself stronger physically and pyschologically so when I went back to Europe next time I would have a better chance to succeed.

I played in the National Soccer League with Melbourne Knights then signed for Hamburg at 19. It was very different culture. Very hard. I broke my fifth metatarsal four times in two years so it was very difficult start.

My father came over for the first few months. Having a close family is very important to me. They have helped me through the difficult times.

For me playing each week for Hertha Berlin is my job. You go to work and get your pay at the end of the month. I am a professional and always give 100%. I probably shouldn't see it like that, but that's how I see it. International football is full of passion.

To play for your country means a lot. When you put on that top, the passion and feeling you get is great. I will have some great memories when I look back on my career.

For me one of the biggest games to play is at the World Cup, it doesn't get any bigger than that. And that's why I was so disappointed to not make the second round in Germany.

I was glad Australia made it through, but I was very disappointed.

And those three yellow cards Joe, did you know?

I said for months after the World Cup that I didn't know, but I did. People will probably call me a cheat now. But it's up to the referee to enforce the rules, that's how I see it.

No worries Joe, because Australia won 2-2:)
It was a special night, a special game for many Australians and Croatians, how did you feel?

It was just another game. I spoke to Mark (Viduka) and Lucas (Neill) and Josip (Skoko) before the game. We just said let the best team win. But I was really disappointed to go out in the World Cup. But I was happy for Australia.

I watched Australia play Italy, the World Champions, and they were very unlucky to lose. I thought Australia played very well.

Australia football is often described as lacking in technical skills. how do you see it?

No, Australia should never hide before they play anyone. They should fear no-one. They have many players playing in the Premiership. I know many teams fear playing Croatia and Australia.

Most difficult opponent?

Wayne Rooney, he is always on the move that makes it very hard for defenders.

Also Christian Vieri (Italy) in Japan/Korea World Cup 2002. He was at the peak of his career and I didn't do to bad.

Most disappointing game?

England in Euro 2004 in Potugal. We lost 4-2. And the game in Germany against Australia as it meant we were out of the World Cup.

How do you relax away from football?

Golf and turn off my two mobile phones. I like to spend time with family.

You get the full interview on last week's podcast.

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Melbourne Victory's Matthew Kemp discusses all things football

Yes I know in he's in an Adelaide shirt. I'm waitingfor some kind Victory fan to send an update.


Melbourne Victory’s Matthew Kemp discusses his recent move from Adelaide United, the technical side of the game and what it takes to become a professional footballer.

Former Belnorth junior and Canberran born Matthew Kemp is enjoying life in the A-League with his new club, Melbourne Victory.

Having joined the Victory after two seasons with Adelaide United, Kemp is keen to make a good impression.

He’s already been to China with Victory on their pre-season tour and has started all pre-season games at right back. Clearly Coach Ernie Merrick sees him as a straight replacement for Simon Storey who has headed off to Scotland.

“I’m enjoying it at Melbourne. Ernie’s got me playing right-back. Last year I was left-back at Adelaide and centre midfield in the Asian Champions League. I’m happy to play anywhere. It’s been a very positive environment so far.”

Any changes you’ve noticed after changing clubs?

“Victory is a little more professional in their set-up. So that’s good. It was great to meet all the boys. I knew Ljubo (Milicevic) from our time together at the AIS, other than that I knew no-one,” said Kemp.

“Pre-season results haven’t been the best but you can see we’re getting going. With Archie (Thompson) coming back we’ll be ready for the start of the A-League.”

How is your fellow Canberran Kaz Patafta going?

“Kaz is doing really well. He’s good on the ball, got a good touch. Like all young players he needs to develop, and get stronger, but he’s going well.”

Kemp started at the AIS, played in Italy, the National Soccer League, and with Adelaide United in the A-League and the Asian Champions League. Australian footballers are often criticised for a lack of technique, in this how you see Aussie players?

“Well of course technique is important. First touch, and how accurate you can pass are very important. Funny but when you play in Australia you can often tell the players that have been through the AIS and those that haven’t.”

So are Aussies behind their Asian counterparts?

“Not necessarily, I don’t think so. In last years ACL the Vietnamese side weren’t as good as us. And the Korean and Chinese side were not much ahead of us. Remember Adelaide has some excellent touch players. Nathan Burns, Bruce Djite, Jason Spagnuola and Bobby Petta to name a few.”

“Obviously the less you give the ball away the better for your team. But physical qualities and speed are also important. I’ve seen many players with far better technique than me but they never made it. Why? They didn’t have the right attitude.
Kemp adds, “I’d put attitude as the most important characteristic. All the skill in the world, if you don’t have the right attitude you won’t make it.”

So what do the young players of Canberra or Melbourne need to do as a teenager to make it? Is it football, football, football?

“For me I played and trained each week of course. But I never took it seriously or thought about it as a career until I went to the AIS. That made me realise what I could achieve.”

“At the AIS, it was training three times a day. Before school, and in between lessons. It was hard.”

“My parents always supported me. I went through Kaleen High School in Canberra. And I wished I’d studied more,” Kemp laughs.

“In fact I’m just starting to think about life beyond football. I’m 27 now. Clubs help you with career advice these days. The Football Federation are pretty good on this. I’d love to Coach; give something back maybe start with juniors.”

“I’m not sure what I’ll do beyond football. Perhaps my own business. At school I always wanted to be a fire-fighter. I won’t be deskbound I know that.”

“For now I’m looking forward to the new season, hoping Victory can win another Grand Final. That’s what I’ve come for.”

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The Branko Culina interview

Branko, "I expect us to have a marquee player."

Football in the Capital caught up with Sydney FC Coach Branko Culina before thepre-season game with the Central Coast Mariners.

Given the club’s excellent performance in the Asia Champions League what are your expectations for the coming year.

“Well, it’s fair to say we expect to continue on in the same way. Sydney FC want to be on top, and for the game to continue to grow in Australia we need a strong Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory.

"No disrespect to the other teams, but obviously we are in the biggest city in Australia so we need to succeed on and off the park.”

The Central Coast seems to have engaged with their community far better than Sydney FC, and they are reaping the rewards in terms of sponsorship, any thoughts?"

“We’re aware that previous administrations haven’t engaged with the Sydney people as well as we would like. We took games to Wollongong and Penrith during the Asian Champions League preparations and the crowds were outstanding. We were popular wherever we went. So we are aiming to improve in this area.”

“If Melbourne can pull 50,000 then Sydney FC should bring in at least of that. We have similar populations so it’s up to us to attract the crowds. We need to get results and also play attractive football.”

Sydney fans are concerned over player numbers and quality, particularly if Socceroos Mark Milligan and David Carney leave.

“Well they are not gone yet! But it is a concern. Obviously if we lose Mark Milligan, he is currently the best player in the country, that would be a big loss. We had $130,000 (under the salary cap) left for 5 or 6 players. The previous administration set the wages too high. How many players can you get for $130,000?”

“And we haven’t been inactive, I’ve been to Europe, we’ve had hundreds of videos of players cross my desk. Even Erol Iba, the Persik Kediri player, wanted $200,000. Asian footballers are not cheap.”

“Sometimes you have to spend more on new, better players to grow the game. And it costs money."

But could Sydney FC afford to pay?

“Funny, but if the FFA would increase the salary cap we could find the money. You always seem to find a way.”

“I expect Sydney to do well this season. I am concerned about losing three or four players to the Olyroos. The FFA hasn’t told us if we can replace these players or if we just do without. At least they should tell us the rules so we can plan. It’s frustrating.”

Will Sydney FC get a marquee signing?

“We will, and it will probably be announced next week.”

John Aloisi, or another striker?

Branko laughs, “Everyone tells me I need a striker, but an attacking midfielder may also be valuable. Well, Aloisi wanted a three year contract and more money than Robbie Fowler or Phillip Cocu!"

“What happens if he’s a dud, or gets injured. We can’t afford to take that risk. If he really wants to see the game grow and help the game in Australia, why doesn’t he come back and play for the same money as everyone else?”

So, not Aloisi?

“You never know, I’ll be interested to see where he goes though.”

You claim Sydney were underdone against Wellington Phoenix when you lost 3-0. Why is this?

“We only started back three or four weeks ago. We had a much longer season with the Asian Champions League and we are concerned about burnout. We’ve gave the players the necessary 4 or 5 week break. We’ve always planned to be ready for the opening day of the A-League season and we’ll be ready.”

And fond memories of Canberra from your time as Canberra Cosmos Coach?

“Sure, off the field I enjoyed the Kingston Markets, on the field the highlight was the 8-1 win over Sydney Olympic. It was a difficult time there were a lot of changes at the club, but I enjoyed my stay. The people of Canberra were very friendly.”

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Who did the most to get Australia to the World Cup?

Guus Hiddink, Frank Lowy or John O'Neill?

What about Steve O'Connor from the Australian Institute of Sport.

Without the preparation of the players from a young age we may never have had the quality to turn Lowy and O Neill's administration skills into Hiddinks final product.

Football in the Capital caught up with Steve O'Connor recently at the AIS, some sixteen years after he first put a young Mark Viduka through his paces.

Who was the most instrumental person in getting Australia to last year’s World Cup in Germany?

Frank Lowy, John O’Neill or Guus Hiddink? Many would put forward one of these names.

Here’s another name. Steve O’Connor.

Who?

Steve O’Connor. Or Rocky as he is affectionately known.

Steve has been Coach at the Australian Institute Sport since 1991, apart from when he went to the NSWIS to coach the likes of Harry Kewell for a year.

Mark Viduka, Craig Moore, Brett Emerton, Vince Grella, Luke Wiltshire, Marco Bresciano, Mile Sterjovski, Josip Skoko and Mark Milligan are just some of squad of 2006 who O’Connor has guided along their football journey.

When O’Connor talks about the players, the young men he has taught, his eyes smile.

“None of last years World Cup squad surprised me. They were all very dedicated when they were here and they got their reward. I was just so pleased for them, seeing what they had achieved.”

Viduka and Moore were at the AIS in 1992. They both played in an AIS team which won the local ACT Premier League.

“It’s a long time ago. But even then we talked to the guys about the Holy Grail. We talked about them being the ones that might take us to the World Cup.”

And so it proved. Not only had O’Connor’s dreams and goals for his students come through. The squad went one better than the 1974 side which was the only previous Australian team to qualify. This side went to the next round, before losing to Italy by a disputed Francesco Totti penalty.

The standards have been set.

“Everyone asks when we will produce the next Kewell or Viduka. But they are once in a lifetime players. Even big European clubs with their strong development programmes can’t produce a player to play in the top league, never mind one of the standards of Kewell.”

“In Australia the AFL target every athlete. I had a guy in from the Western Bulldogs the other day looking at our zonal play strategies. He said the AFL would only have missed maybe one or two per cent of the best athletes in this country.”

“In Europe the best athletes all play football. So we’re up against it in Australia.”

“In France and England there are different systems. Clubs get their players and develop them early. In France, academies pick the guy up at 13 and younger. Here we take players at 15. They need to be developed, but we would like to get their skills improved before they come to us. Hopefully the new technical report will address this and the States and clubs will assist us with our aims.”

How are players chosen to come to the AIS?

“We usually invite maybe 40 players into a camp. We give them MRI scans, and test them thoroughly. It’s expensive, but we try and assist the players when they come to us full-time. We are a full-time professional program and we need players to work within that. But we know guys come with very different training histories and their bodies need to adjust. Some need more time than others.”

“Currently the AIS squad is playing in the Victorian Premier League. Normally a side will bring a couple of 17 year olds and nurse them through. We have a whole team of 16 yea r olds and they are meeting some quality ex-National Soccer League players in the VPL. It’s not ideal.”

“Plus the drought has made the pitches very bare, and uneven. It’s hard to play a passing game in such conditions.”

Australian’s football move to Asia has put more pressure on O’Connor and his young men.

“Normally we’d have two years to prepare for the Oceania qualifying tournament. This time we play in October in Malaysia and the Asian countries are putting a lot of money into football. We are well behind on that score.”

At the indoor centre a few of the next generation are hitting balls towards the goal, from thirty metres out. They are supposed to be aiming for a corner, left or right. Some are missing. Canberra’s Dom Giampaolo is among the group.

“Do you think professional footballers can make the ball hit the same spot in the goal time after time?”

Giampoalo nods.

“Sure they can.”

“Can we have another go Steve?”

And they do.

Another class. Maybe another Kewell or Viduka right there. After all these years, for O’Connor the challenge remains.

To produce young men to fulfil their potential, and match the best in the biggest game of all.

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Kaz Patafta: Why I signed for Melbourne Victory

Football in the Capital caught up with Australian under 17 and under 20 representative Kaz Patafta.

This was his first interview since returning to Australia from Portugese giants Benfica. Thanks for you support Kaz.

Let's clear one thing up: "Jorges Mendes is my manager, not my girlfriend." says Kaz Patafta.

Canberra footballer Kaz Patafta is back in Australia.

Patafta has signed a one-year loan deal with A-League Champions Melbourne Victory as he looks to further his career.

Patafta’s, who moved to Portugese giants Benfica last year straight from Radford College, has a further two years to go on his Benfica contract.

But for now he’s back in Australia and looking forward to joining up with his new team-mates on Monday as Victory fly put to play the Chinese National side in China.

“I’m looking forward to meeting the guys. It’ll be good to play with Leigh Broxham. I’m good mates with Leigh so I’m really looking forward to that.”

Leaving Canberra for European football is many players dream, but it can also have it’s drawbacks.

“I was living the dream really. I’d always wanted to play in Europe, so when I got the chance I jumped at it. I was training every day with guys like Rui Costa (ex-AC Milan) Nuno Gomes. They are amazing players. Watching what they could do with the ball in training was a fantastic learning experience.”

“I played in front of 20,000 in a Youth game between Benfica and Sporting Lisbon at the new Benfica stadium. (Stadium of Light).

“But it’s also hard being so far from home if things are tough. You don’t have your friends and family to talk to. You have the phone and internet but it’s not the same."

“I learnt a lot. Benfica wanted me to go on loan to a Portugese club where thy could keep an eye on me. But once they researched Melbourne and the quality of the A-League they were happy to let me come here. I’ll be able to send video’s so they can see how I’m going.”

Patafta was signed by chance. Victory Coach Ernie Merrick was watching Sydney play in the Asian Champions League. He got talking to a young woman, Patafta’s girlfriend and manager. From this chance meeting Patafta was signed.

Patafta laughs, “Yes it’s true about the chance meeting, but my girlfriend is not my manager. My manager is Jorges Mendes.”

The Canberran is in good company. Mendes is also manager of Portugese and Manchester United superstar Ronaldo.

The A-League has been criticised for not having enough games. In fact A-League player of the year Nicky Carle has just left for Turkish club, Genclerbirligi stating a lack of games as a reason for going.”

Patafta is aware of this but adds, “I want to improve as a player. Benfica wanted me to do pre-season with their first team, but I wanted to get more game time. To develop as a player I need to play in a positive environment. Melbourne has 24 A-League games plus at least 6 Asian Champions League. I also want to play for the Olyroos in their Olympic qualifiers. I was asked to join up for previous games, but Benfica wouldn’t release me. Being in Australia I will have more opportunity to play.”

“Playing for Australia is an amazing thrill. Captaining the Under 17’s at the World Cup in 2005 was the highlight of my career. It’s something I’m passionate about.”

Patafta played junior football for Belnorth.

“I used to play against (former Australian under 20 captain) Shaun Ontong. Belnorth v Belsouth. Shaun has just been signed by Adelaide United and that’s a great move for him.”

Canberran Ontong found it hard to get a club last season, despite being a former captain of the Australian Under 20 side.

“That was hard to take. As my captain at the Under 20’s and a great friend I wanted to see Shaun playing. He got some games with FC Sion in Switzerland but it’s great he’s at Adelaide for next season.

“Shaun is my best friend in football. We alwaystrained to gether at the Australian Institue of Sport. We use to run up Black Mountain together. We were always doing extra training.”

So when you Melbourne run out against Adelaide it will be like Belnorth v Belwest?

Patafta laughs, “Yes I suppose it will.”


Football in the Capital will have more from Victory's Kaz Patafta later in the week, including what he's heard about the Victory fans.

We'll also have updates from Victory's Patafta and Matthew Kemp during the season.

Follow Melbourne Victory, through Canberran eyes here on this blog, as they try to win the A-League back-to-back, and become the first Australian club to progress beyond the group stages of the Asian Champions League.

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Ben Wilson: He's officiated at the 2006 World Cup.

Ben Wilson: One of Canberra's top referees

Would you like to represent Australia at a major football tournament?

Can’t shift Mark Viduka from the striker’s position that should rightfully be yours?

There is another way to go to the World Cup.

Ben Wilson is a Canberran referee who loves Australia’s move into Asia.

He represented Australia at the FIFA 2006 World Cup in Germany. This year alone he’s officiated at Asian Champions League, Olympic qualifiers and of course the A-League Grand Final.

Wilson is a referee and part of a team on nine Australian referees accredited through the Asian Football Confederation.

Speaking at the launch of the Kang Cup in Canberra recently, Wilson said, “The move to Asia has been great. Instead of maybe one tournament a year in Oceania, I’ve already done Olympic qualifiers and Asian Champions League games in Uzbekistan, Iran, Hong Kong and United Arab Emirates to name a few. And I expect more games and travel after this two month break around the Asian Cup.”

“I love refereeing, you make great friends and get to see places I would never go with my family.”

Wilson, like many refs , started life as a player.

“I was playing Division 2 in Canberra, and then took up refereeing at 15. At 18 I got serious and have never looked back.”

“I was part of the Australian four man team at the World Cup.”

“It’s hard work. We train as a group of refs two nights a week. On top of that I do my own personal fitness.”

“In England and Germany refs are professional, but for Australians we have to manage work and refereeing commitments.”

“I have a good relationship with my employer. I’ve travelled for ten weeks this year alone. Refereeing costs don’t really cover my loss of earnings. In fact I sometimes take work with me when I go overseas.”

What frustrates you? Does Ross Aloisi get under your nose, or maybe some other player!

“No,” he laughs, “no one player upsets me. Occasionally I get annoyed when fans or players don’t understand the rules and dispute a decision which you know is correct. You don’t get chance to explain the rules during a game. But mostly it is great.”

I’m having a two month break at the moment so I get to catch up with family.”

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Canberra Times article: Friday 29 June

Canberra’s Socceroo Carl Valeri will play his football in Italy’s Serie B next season with Grosseto.
Valeri who is currently in camp with the Socceroos in Singapore, as they prepare for the AFC Asia Cup 2007, is pleased with the outcome.

“At this stage of my career, it’s best for me,” said Valeri.

Valeri’s contract is half owned by Italian giant Inter Milan and Grosseto. Valeri’s match winning goal for Grosseto on the final day of last season ensured the Tuscan club went into Serie B for the first time in their short history. It also meant Grosseto was keen to keep him.

When Valeri’s loan period to Grosseto expired in May, Inter and Grosseto both placed bids into an envelope to secure the players future. If Inter had placed the highest bid it was expected Valeri would be loaned out to another lower league club.

“I want to stay at Grosseto, establish myself in Serie B. Moving to another club you have to start all over again,” said Valeri.

Fortunately for Valeri, Grosseto’s bid was said to be $300,000 higher than Inter’s so Valeri gets to stay for one more year.

“Yes, I’m delighted. The good news is that Grosseto won the other half of me. So that's pretty exciting for me. That’s what I wanted, so that will be good when I get back. I’ll join up with late pre-season training with Grosseto.”

Meanwhile Valeri wasn’t so happy with the heat in Singapore.

“I’m so tired it’s not funny. We have been training pretty hard. It’s just so hot.”

Coach Graham Arnold is putting his players through pre-season training. Arnold is determined to have his players fit for their first ever Asia Cup. The Socceroos have been training twice a day in humid conditions. Players have lost between 2-4kg in training sessions.

Former coach Guus Hiddink introduced a more mobile style of play to the Australian game. It got great results in the World Cup last June in Germany. Maintaining this style in the heat of South East Asia will be a big challenge for the squad.

Valeri doesn’t expect much game time at this tournament, despite playing the full ninety minutes in the last two Socceroo games, against Uruguay and China. He sees World Cup stars Vince Grella and Jason Culina ahead of him in the battle for selection.

“There are some great midfielders ahead of me in this team. I'm working hard but understand my chances of playing may be limited,” said Valeri
“It's going to be a good learning experience no matter what.”

“Since we arrived last week we’ve only had one morning off, so it’s been pretty hectic.”

“Luckily I did some training at the AIS (Australian Institute of Sport) before I left, otherwise I don’t think I would be able to move right now.
Despite the intense training Valeri is excited as the tournament approaches.
“Everyone except John Aloisi is in camp. All the senior players are willing to help the younger guys out, which is great,”

The Australians will play Singapore on Saturday in their only international before their opening 2007 Asia Cup game against Oman on July 8 in Bangkok.

Australia is in Group A with Oman, Iraq and co-hosts Thailand. All group games will be played in Bangkok. If Australia wins they stay in Bangkok for their quarter final. The semi-final would be in Hanoi, Vietnam, with the final in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Organisers have acknowledged hosting the games in four countries is a mistake. Fans, journalists and teams may have to move between all four countries if their team makes it to the final.

Australia are expected to have 5,000 fans at the first game, with more to join if, as expected, the team progresses.

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Look who is here this week.

The following stars of football will all talk to Football in the Capital this week:

Starting with Brett Holman and Carl Valeri this afternoon from Singapore, followed by, Fifa Ref Ben Wilson, Matilda's star Sally Shipard, Central Coast's Dean Heffernan, Brumbies star Marco Caputo and of course a very special surprise guest on top!

That list is impressive I think. Wait until you here from our special guest on Wednesday.

Canberra just has so much football to talk about.

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Brett Holman: A striker ahead of the pack

Brett Holman: Will he lead our charge to the World Cup?

Brett Holman is a key Socceroo. If not now, then for the 2010 World Cup campaign. With Mark Viduka and John Aloisi considering retiring, it will be up to the new generation of strikers to lead Australia to more World Cup glory.

Holman is ahead of the pack.

Holman was speaking from Singapore this afternoon as the Socceroos prepare for their Asia Cup showdown.

With Josh Kennedy a long term injury and Scott McDonald back at Celtic, Holman has a chance to stamp his name as the number one striker once the big guns retire.

"If you look at who is here. Harry (Kewell) , Timmy (Cahill) and Bresch (Mark Bresciano), then if they are all fit, and they are then I'm hoping to be on the bench, and maybe make an impact from there."

Holman has figured heavily in Coach Graham Arnold's plans since the World Cup. He scored his first goal in March against China.

"We're working hard. We're doing a lot of running with the ball. In Holland in pre-season we'd do more running. Here we have to hydrate more. The humidity is very different to Australia."

"Acclimatising will be a major factor in this tournament. It's good to be in Singapore to get used to the weather."

"Players lose a lot of fluids at training, maybe 2kg's a session."

"The mood in camp is good. No-one is complaining of the heat. The boys are raring to go against Singapore."

Australia play Singapore on Saturday in a friendly. The game is live on Fox at 10.30AEST.

Is Holman our number one striking prospect fo 2010 South Africa World Cup?

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Former Wallaby Marco Caputo meets Zinedine Zidane

The day I met Zidane

Marco Caputo, former Wallaby and Brumbies star.

Football in the Capital caught up with Marco Caputo at Dickson Oval as he was watching his children play football. Well, he was until I interrupted him! And then we started talking football and before you know it, it was half-time in his daughters game and we missed the whole thing.

Marco tells of the day he met the one of the World's top footballers, Zinedine Zidane. During the week we'll hear Marco's thoughts on his love of Italian football, the game in Australia, and his desire to see a Canberra A-League side

Marco takes up the story:

“I was playing golf one day with Olivier Magne, French International Rugby Star in France. We were at a golf club owned by Evian water. For six months of the year you couldn’t play as the course was under snow. There was a helicopter buzzing around. In fact it had been so close we could hardly concentrate on the golf. Anyway we head into have lunch when the helicopter lands."

"A massive Polynesian guy gets out all wired up and there is a whole entourage in tow. TV cameras the lot. "

“I’m thinking this guy must be important if he’s got security and the rest.”

"Anyway this guy gets out of the helicopter and comes in to the restaurant and walks towards us. "

"Olivier gets up and says, “I’ve got a mate here, do you mind if he joins us as he doesn’t know anyone here?”

“Sure,” I say. I’m looking at this guy walking towards us, thinking I recognize him.

“It was Zinedine Zidane. He’s a big Rugby fan and wanted to talk Rugby, but I just wanted to talk football.”

"He’d just moved from Juventus to Real Madrid and he talks Italian obviously so I was able to chat with him."

“We discussed who the best French player was ever. He thought Platini, I thought Cantona. I loved his strut, the way he commanded the stage.”

“It was great. Here I am having this discussion about sport with Zidane. I couldn’t believe it. And then his mobile rings. "

“Look guys he says I’m sorry but I have to go. Zidane says it’s Scolari, his coach at Real Madrid. I’m wanted back at training in one hour; we have a big champion’s league game coming up.”

“Zidane had been shooting an advert for Evian and had played for France the night before. He gets on the phone, rings the helicopter pilot. In a few minutes the helicopter comes again, picks Zidane up and he’s gone!”

“ It was amazing. He was like a rock star just flying in, but he was also very down to earth. It was great to meet him.”

“It’s hard to explain how these top player live, if you haven’t seen it.”

Great story Marco. We'll have more from Marco during the week.

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Canberra Coach off to New Jersey.

Katrina Neuss will coach in America for two months

"I love coaching," says America bound Katrina Neuss.

Canberra Coach Katrina Neuss is going to New Jersey, USA, to coach for two months. She is the first Australian female coach to team up with specialist group UK Elite.

“I’m really going to develop myself. I want to learn as much as I can from the American way of coaching and from their coaching systems. The USA has one of the best female teams in the world so they must be doing something right. I am always looking to improve my knowledge around football.”

“I’ve coached since I was 19. I’m now 38. I feel ready for the next step. I’ve coached and won at National titles, coached ACT Representative sides, and Canberra City and Belconnen women’s premier league teams. I’ve also been Director of Coaching at Majura Junior soccer club.”

“I’ve been assistant to the Canberra Eclipse in the National Women’s league, I’ve worked with Matilda’s coach Tom Sermanni, and Chris Tanzey, and others. I feel I have a lot to offer and would like to take my coaching to the next level.”

How is the trip funded?

“Well it hasn’t been easy, I've been selling chocolates to raise money for this opportunity. I’ve also had some wonderful sponsorship from various people. Capital Football, ACT Sports Minister Andrew Barr, Canberra Recycling and Tomakin Sports and Social Club down the South Coast have all assisted. I also just being told I’ve won the ACT High Performance Women’s Coaching Scholarship. Without them I couldn’t have done it.

“I’ve taken two months off work and will head off to New Jersey in late June. We have one week of orientation where we meet the other coaches and are told how we will operate and coach at the camps I’m interested to see if we can use our own coaching skills in the program. A lot of the coaches are younger, so I will be used as a mentor for other coaches. My family, I have three children (Shaun 10, Kasey 5 and Zoe nearly 2) and my husband Michael, are wonderfully supportive. It’s a great opportunity to coach children. I love coaching, but it’s also important to watch and learn how such camps and US coaching is organised.”

“Hopefully I can bring some new ideas back to use in my coaching here in Canberra.”

Is it hard to progress in coaching in Australia?

“It is, the women’s game is still developing. There aren’t many opportunities for women at the elite level, but I see more women coaching at the National Championships these days. I’d love to coach the Canberra Eclipse in a National League. We still rely on men to coach at the elite level, but hopefully as more female players come through that will change. I’ve seen much more acceptance of the women’s game and female coaches since I started. In Canberra I think I’m still the only female coach at the elite level.”

“We have a lot of female players in the ACT but there is still a lack of a clear pathway for girls at the higher level of the game. I know Ian Shaw (Capital Football Technical Director) is working hard to address this.”

“We need a national league, everyone knows that, but while we’re waiting, I always encourage my players to get any new experiences they can. I’d love to see some ACT girls get scholarships to American colleges. That’s something I’ll be pursuing when I’m in America.”

“In Canberra I see players who can be future Matildas. I have no doubts about that. We need to support and challenge these players to improve themselves. I always run a strict training session. Rules are discussed at the first session and once we agree on them that’s it.”

“There is a time to play and a time to train. At the elite level you must have clear rules. But of course teenage girls are individuals and you have to be a parent, a friend, a teacher, psychologist and many other things all at once. Coaching is not easy but I’m passionate about it. I love it.”

“In the ACT we put the girls into Under 12 and 13 development squads. They train from October to March twice a week. Then they go back to their clubs and play with their clubs in the normal season. It seems to work well.”

“But we lose a lot of girls beyond the age of 16, 17. With no National League there is nowhere for women to aim for if they don’t make the Matildas squad.

“We need a Canberra team in a national league and we need to get more elite coaches into the women’s game.”

“I’d like to come back from America and act as a mentor for young female coaches. I’d love to coach at a higher level and will be trying to achieve this in the coming years.”

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Central Coasts Lawrie McKinna, Alex Tobin and all things Mariners

This article first appeared at www.netfa.com

I caught up with Central Coast Mariners Lawrie McKinna and Alex Tobin at Gloria Jeans, Belconnen Mall recently and here's what they had to say about the Mariners for next season.

Central Coast Manager Lawrie McKinna and Ex-Socceroo and Mariners Development Coach Alex Tobin talk Mariners, A-League and their plans for season three.

When you ask McKinna and Tobin about the Mariners grand final loss to Sydney FC in A-League season one, they both still groan. Even though it’s more than fifteen months ago the bodies still seem to twitch a little.

“How did we lose that game, the chances we had, we just couldn’t finish on the day. We had six great goal-scoring opportunities chances,” says McKinna.

His Mariners team had gone to Aussie Stadium home of Sydney FC in front of a sell-out grand-final crowd. Everyone knew Sydney FC would win the first A-League title. After all they had Dwight Yorke. The Mariners fans and their team stormed the bastion. Chance after chance came and went. Each one easier than the last. Surely they would score. And then it’s 1-0 to Sydney, game over.

Mckinna knows the goal problem continued all through season two. “We played well enough, we let in three goals more than season one, but scored 12 less. We got key injuries, but we couldn’t score. We lost Dean Heffernan (to Nurnberg) who scored seven goals, Noel Spencer scored six in season one, I don’t think he scored in season 2. If only we could have kept Damian Mori for the whole season.”

“The biggest problem we’ve had, in the first two years, is knowing which players you are going to put on the park. Sometimes last season we had nine players injured, so there isn’t too much you can do at training with a squad of twenty. We’ve never whinged about the size of the A-League squad as that’s the rules, but continuity is very difficult from week to week. However, it becomes very easy to pick a team, whoever is fit gets to play, and the less fit go on the bench!”

So is the winner of the A-League merely the last team standing?

“Well, if you look at Melbourne in season two they had the least injuries of any team. That’s not to say it’s purely down to that, that they won the competition, but it certainly helps,” says Ex-Socceroo and Mariners Development Coach Alex Tobin

The focus is forward.

“We’re going to be very strong in Season 3. We need to score more goals. With the guys we’ve got for next season we can score from all over the park. Sasho Petrovski has signed. He’s had his ups and downs at Sydney but he was top scorer the last two seasons. Nicky Mrdja is a new player, he’s fit (He’s missed most of the first two season due to injury) Adam Kwasnik is the best finisher in the club. I know he missed a lot of chances and the supporters gave him a bit of stick, but he’s one of the best natural finishers in the game. He’ll benefit this year with the other proven goal scorers around him. Greg Owens has signed from Adelaide, he’s a proven goal scorer. John Hutchison and Tom Pondeljak all get goals. And we’re still hopeful we’ll get Heff (Dean Heffernan) back from Nurnberg as technically he’s still our player, but it depends on what offers he gets. He could be good enough for the Socceroos, if he gets playing. The Socceroos need a left-sided player and a good-looking one, and he fits both criteria. He’d be a hit with the female fans!”

“We’re always looking at players. We won’t fill the twenty-three-man roster, I don’t think any club will. They’ll be using the money to buy a little bit more in terms of quality, or they may not spend the salary cap. It depends on the finances of each club. We’re okay at the Mariners, we’re well set-up.”

“We’ve got ten days of pre-season training then we’re off to the Hong Kong Sevens again, on 26th May. Then we’ve a game in Canberra against Belconnen United and then the pre-season cup starts.”

“We’re taking a young side to Hong Kong next week to play Celtic, Arsenal, PSV Eindhoven, and Urawa Reds, including a couple of boys from the local club, Central Coast Lightning. We played Celtic two years ago and beat them 2-0. Fergie (Assistant Mariners Coach and ex-Rangers player Ian Ferguson) wasn’t happy I wouldn’t let him play against Celtic!”

McKinna had a desire to be involved in football from an early age. He played part-time for Kilmarnock in Scotland, before coming to Australia twenty-one years ago said, “As a kid, I always wanted to earn 100 pound a week and play for Rangers. I was going to give my mum 95 pounds and buy a Hillman Avenger with the rest. How I was going to buy the car, I don’t now know, but that was the dream.”

“I managed to stay involved in the game for a long time, even through the dark, dark days of Northern Spirit in the National Soccer League when guys weren’t getting paid. It was pretty depressing.”

“But now people stop you in the street to talk football and in Melbourne, when the Mariners were there, we had TV crews chasing us down the street. The game has changed. The fans singing, jumping in the stadiums bring a great atmosphere in Sydney with The Cove and Melbourne. Which other codes, Union, League or AFL have that. We’ve got a great family atmosphere at The Mariners. It’s a great time to be involved in football.

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Lawrie McKinna wanted a Hillman Avenger

Central Coast Manager Lawrie McKinna had a dream when he was a wee boy back in Scotland.

"I wanted to play for Glasgow Rangers. I wanted to earn $100 a week, give my mum $95 and buy a Hillman Avenger with the rest. I now know it was impossible, but that was my dream."

He never fulfilled his dream! He did play at Ibrox but only for Kilmarnock.

As a sixteen year old he would follow Rangers all over Europe. A true "Blue-nose" his words not mine, McKinna is still happiest when his beloved Gers are giving Old Firm rivals Celtic a good pasting.

As a bloke who followed Celtic all over Europe, my interview with Lawrie was an interesting little meeting! And it all ended peacefully as you'd expect.

McKinna telling me how Rangers manager Walter Smith and Assistant Ally McCoist are going to bringback the glory days to Ibrox. Me, walking away, asking "Who are the current Scottish Champions?"

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Alex Tobin football to be number one sport in Australia

Ex-Socceroo Alex Tobin was in town recently. Football in the Capital caught up with him at Gloria Jean's in Belconnen Mall!

Interestingly, as football was discussed, teenage boys were seen to be lingering, ordering coffee, looking and staring.

Tobin, who played all his football in Australia, sees a bright future for the game.

"Look where we've come in the last two years. I think with numbers playing in junior football we will be the number one code in this country in ten or twenty years. It's only a matter of time. The kids playing today are our next players and administrators."

Is Alex Tobin right? Can football be the number one sport in Australia? What do you think?

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CEO of Canberra football speaks to FourFourTwo

Read about the state of football in Canberra

They want an A-League team, but they're not ready yet..see full article at:

http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/51447,capital-football-united-under-reid.aspx

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Nikolai Topor-Stanley

Playing in the 2010 World Cup for Australia is now the focus for all Australian footballers and Sydney FC’s Nikolai Topor-Stanley could be a man in the right place at the right time.

Topor-Stanley, 22, is a left-sided defender with the Olyroos and Sydney FC. He recently signed a two-year deal with Perth Glory for season three of the A-League.

“The deal with Perth Glory gives me a secure future and allows me to focus on developing my game. Things are really taking off in Perth,” said Topor-Stanley.

Perth Glory have new co-owners in Tony Sage, Brett McKeon and John Spence and the biggest shirt sponsorship deal in the A-League with Chinese company Delong Holdings pumping in $750,000 in a one-year deal.


FAST RISE

Topor-Stanley has risen quickly after a slow start. Like Socceroos Mark Viduka, Brett Emerton, and Vince Grella, Topor-Stanley had a scholarship from the Australian Institute of Sport.

“Once I went to the AIS I became immersed in football.” The 191cm, 85kg defender said.

“They teach you how to be a footballer. You live and breathe football. Coach Steve O’Connor was a great help.”

In 2004 he joined local Canberra club Canberra Deakin and helped them secure the National Youth League title.

Canberra Deakin secretary Matin Radic said, “Nikolai played for us in the National Youth League. He was strong, comfortable on the ball, a fantastic player. Without him we would not have won the league. He was easy going and a great guy.”

“We’ve seen Ned Zelic, Joe Simunic, and Carl Valeri go on to play international football from Canberra Deakin. I hope Nikolai does the same.”

However, when Topor-Stanley graduated from the AIS, the death of the National Soccer League in 2004 meant there was little professional football on offer in Australia.

Topor-Stanley waited for the A-League to start - only to find he wasn’t required. Having already tried out for German side Borussia Munchengladbach he could have gone overseas again, but he joined New South Wales Premier League club Manly United, and waited.

A-League season two saw a long-term injury to Sydney FC’s defender Jacob Timpano and Sydney FC coach Terry Butcher gave Topor-Stanley his chance.

Sydney fans loved his rugged energy.

In a pre-season game in Canberra the call Hyphen was heard from the Cove supporters group and the nickname has stuck.


HECTIC SCHEDULE

The A-League season may be over, but with the Olyroos currently involved in qualification games for the Beijing Olympics and Sydney FC disputing Group E of the Asian Champions League, Topor-Stanley’s schedule is hectic. He’s been to more countries since February than some of us get to in a lifetime.

Topor-Stanley has played in Iran, Chinese Taipei, and Hong Kong with the Olyroos, and China and Indonesia with Sydney FC. By the end of May he will have played in Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Japan. Not to mention the Olyroos home games in Adelaide and Sydney FC’s at Aussie Stadium. No surprise then that he’d like a few more days’ rest.

“I’m living the dream really and I love it, although I don’t get much time off,” Topor-Stanley said.

“So much flying, I recently had to fly back from Iran via three connecting flights, pick up a visa and go straight to China. I use my new play station a lot!

“I never take playing and the lifestyle for granted. The guys at Sydney FC all help each other. You learn so much from guys like Steve Corica. I love playing against guys desperate to succeed from all over Asia. I sometimes have to pinch myself.”

His goal is clear.

“Like all Australian footballers I want to make the Socceroos squad for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.”

With the World Cup still three years away and a two-year contract with Perth Glory secured, Topor-Stanley could be a man in the right place at the right time. There is a dearth of left-sided defenders in Australia football. Scott Chipperfield is 31. Recent Socceroos debutant Shane Stefanutto is playing in the Norwegian League.

Topor-Stanley is aware of his opportunities. Softly spoken, his determination to succeed is high.

“If I can keep fit, learn from each game I have a chance.”

With Australia joining the Asia Football Confederation in 2006 a new path for Australian players has been created. A-League, Olyroos and Asian Champions League now provide a route to International football that few Aussie boys could have imagined just two years ago. For Nikolai Topor-Stanley playing his football in Australia may bring the highest reward.

This article was first published at www.netfa.com

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