Nearpost Football

Friday, 11 May 2007

Football at record levels in Australia

The Sweeney Research group released its March research.

Levels of participation (11%), attendance (15%) and television viewing (46%) are at record or equal record levels for football in Australia.

What sports are Aussie interested in?

Here are the main results:
Cricket – outdoor 59 (%) Swimming 57 Australian Rules football 56Tennis 56 Football 51Rugby league 42 Rugby union 40 Motor car racing 35 Cycling 34

Football levels had stagnated or dropped on Radio and in Print media.

Interest levels still not reflected by FTA print or radio across Australia. But we've come along way, and we haven't stopped yet.

What do you think?

Thursday, 10 May 2007

Lucas Neill has a $80 million game coming up.

"Its an $80 million game, " said Lucas speaking from London tonight.

West Ham play champions Man Utd at Old Trafford on Sunday. A point for West Ham is enough to ensure their survival.

"It's probably a good time to play them. They may be focused on the FA Cup now they've won the title. I want to be a Premiership player at 5pm on Sunday night, and then we can put the Chairman's plans into place for next season."

And then Lucas is looking forward to the AFC Asian Cup 2007.

"It's a massive tournament, one we want to win. It's not often you get the chance to win an international tournament. To win one with Australia would be fantastic."

"The young guys that game in and played in China did really well. Its strange because I'm used to the old guys, and now we have some young guys who I've heard of but never met. They did really well."

"We've been through a transition period since the World Cup but there are a lot of young guys playing at a good level. They look to me as the one of the older guys, and I'm only 29. I don't feel old. But if I can give advice, and I hope its good well that's nice. It's funny to think that this was how I was not so long ago, asking the older guys for advice. Now I've got the responsibility and that's okay."

Sally Shipard's weekly article

Hi I'm Sally Shipard.

I'll be writing each week bringing the latest news from the Matildas.

Just to let you know my injuries are improving. I've done a series of fitness tests today and if I pass them I'm clear to join full training with the girls next week.

Eamonn asked me where I started playing football.

Well, I grew up in Wagga, NSW. My three brothers were all into soccer and I wanted to be just like them.

So, at the age of five I played my first game for Wagga PCYC. I've always been a midfield player for as long as I can remember.

For now I'm concentrating on getting fit and back in the starting eleven for the North Korean games.

I'll give you an update every wednesday, so bye for now and see you next week.

Wednesday, 9 May 2007

Adam Casey plays in the Asian Champions League

Canberran Adam Casey came off the bench tonight for Sydney FC against Shanghai Shenhua at Aussie Stadium, Sydney.

The game ended 0-0, and Ufuk Talay missed a penalty.

Last game May 24: Away to Urawa Reds

Crowd: Expect a sell-out 63,000

Result needed: Anything but a win and Sydney are out.

Will Total Football work in Asia?

Dutch Coach Rob Baan brings Total Football to Australia. Will this style work in Asia?

Want to read my article on this then go to www.netfa.com
My weekly article is always just below the fold.

Carl Valeri in crucial game.

Socceroo and Canberran Carl Valeri is in involved in a crucial game on the weekend.

His Italian Serie C team Grosetto needs to win its final game of the season away to Padova to win the league and secure its place in Serie B.

p pts diff
GROSSETO 33 59 18
SASSUOLO 33 58 14
PISA 33 58 13
CITTADELLA 33 53 12
VENEZIA 33 51 11
Monza 33 51 9
Padova 33 50 11

If Valeri's team finishes second or lower, it will join four teams for the play-off rounds for the second Serie B place. Involvement in the play-offs may mean Valeri could miss selection for the Uruguay game in Sydney on June 2nd.

Winning would ensure Valeri would be available for selection for the Socceroos game against Uruguay. With Vince Grella likely to be involved in relegation play-offs in Serie A, Valeri could be the obvious man to take his place for the Uruguay game after his strong performance in the recent friendly against China.

Good luck Carl Valeri.

You can follow the online text reports at the Grosseto site, (game is Sunday 11pm AEST time) but you might have to know a little Italian!
http://www.usgrosseto.com/portal07/home.htm

Canberran Joe Simunic

Canberran Joe Simunic gets an early end to his Bundesliga season

Siminuc was sent-off on the weekend and will be suspended for the final two games.

"I did not see the player and did not mean to kick him," said Hertha Berlin's Simunic. "The important thing is no serious injury has come of it."

Simunic phoned Schulz to personally apologise to Schulz earlier in the week.

The best players from Canberra? Do you know any more?

Here's is my list of ACT players, who used to run around the Canberra ovals for their junior clubs, who are now playing at the elite level of football, including a couple at the Australian Institute of Sport.

Carl Valeri Socceroo (Grosetto, Italy)
Sally Shipard (Matildas)
Joe Simunic (Hertha Berlin, Croatia)
Caitlin Munoz (Matildas)
Matthew Kemp (Melbourne Victory)
Lydia Williams (Matildas)
Ned Zelic (Dinamo Tbilisi, Gerogia)
Peter Buljan (SV Eintracht Trier 05)
Lindsay Wilson ( Currently PSV, Holland?)
Nikolai Topor-Stanley (Sydney FC)
Kaz Patafta (Melbourne Victory, Portugal)
Adam Casey (Sydney FC)
Shaun Ontong (Adelaide United)
Dominic Giampaolo (AIS Scholarship)
Dane Milovanovic (AIS Scholarship)
Amy Chapman (AIS Scholarship

If you have any other information, I'm sure to have missed a couple please let me know.

Who do you rate as the best player from Canberra?

Category 1. Currently playing
Category 2. Ever, including past players.

Tuesday, 8 May 2007

Coaching

A front page report in the Sydney Morning Herald today highlighted the behaviour, yet again, of coaches coaching young teams. Screaming at players is not on.

Listening to the coaches at my local club it seems to me intentions are good across the board. After all who would put in training time and game time on a weeknight and weekend unless your heart is in the right place.

However, some coaches seem to find coaching children, boys and girls, a big challenge.

Surprise, surprise players love to play but don't want to follow coaches instructions in training.

To the coaches I say, don't be too hard on yourself, or the kids. Fun, fun, fun is the most important thing. Laughing with the players is a good thing to do.

Get the ball out in the warm-up and put at away at the end of the day. 1,000 touches a session for each player!

For young kids, maybe under 12's down, the tactics, the result doesn't matter. We want the kids to enjoy the game, we want you to come back again.

It's fun, it's football. Let's all have a great season and don't expect too much of yourself or your players.

Asia to lift the bar for all Asian Leagues

The Asian Football Confederation have appointed Japanese Football Association president Saburo Kawabuchi to conduct a study into the professionalism of all leagues in Asia. Kawabuchi changed the Japanese J-League into the modern professional operation it is today.

In 2009 only teams from professional leagues can enter the Asia Champions League.
AFC President Mohamed Bin Hammam told Reuters."What we are looking for is 32 teams playing in top competition. Even if those 32 teams come from just six or seven countries, that is still the way to become successful."

"Television and sponsors only pay for top products, that is a reality," he told reporters in the Malaysian capital.

Seems to me slowly but surely the AFC are moving forward. This can only be good news for the future of the game in Australia. Is the AFC moving in the right direction?

Who will Sydney FC sign as their marquee player?

Dwight Yorke is back in town. Can't see Yorke lasting 38 games in the Premiership..maybe a new club beckons.

Phillip Cocu, Jay-Jay Okocha and John Aloisi are all being mentioned.

It's getting interesting. Would John Aloisi be a bigger draw card than the three above?

Here's my order of preference.

1. Jay-Jay
2. Dwight
3. Aloisi
4. Cocu

I'm going for entertainment factor over achievements. I want a player who'll get me out of my seat, and that's Jay-Jay for me.

What do you think?

First fanzine mag in Australia out tomorrow.

Sydney FC fan group The Cove have published the first football fanzine in Australia. It's name will be unveiled tomorrow

The Cove will give away the first addition before the game against Shanghai tomorrow.

You may need to get in early. I reckon it will be the old hot cakes scenario myself.

Come on Melbourne Victory fans, the challenge is clear. You might be the best fans, you might even be the noisiest, maybe even the ones that spend most on billboards.

But can you write? Lets see you do it!

( I should point out I have a couple of items in the Cove mag.)

Channel 9 to host A-League next season?

Big rumour doing the rounds is that Channel 9 will host one A-League game next season.

Could be a big wind-up but would be great for the 70% of Asutralians without Fox...and while there at it they should get access to theAFCAsia Cup 2007 as well.

Wind up or truth, what say you?

Breaking news: Matildas star Sally Shipard to write weekly for this blog

Matildas star Sally Shipard will write weekly for this blog starting next week.

She'll give us her insights into the Matildas preparation for the North Korean games, all the Olympic qualifiers, the build up to the World cup and much more.

If you love your football, it will be great to get the news and views from one of Australia's top footballers.

Sally is completing her media and communications degree and is already a published sports writer.

See her work at the Matildas page at www.footballaustralia.com.au

Great to have you on board Sally

Sydney v Shanghai Shenua on tomorrow

Great, midweek football, live on the telly tomorrow (Wedensday).

Sydney FC v Shangahi Shenhua at Aussie Stadium tomorrow. It's going to be big. Sydney must win to set up a humdinger of a tie away to Urawa Reds in Japan on the last day of group matches in two weeks.

Urawa may come unstuck in Indonesia against Persik Kediri, lets hope so.

Can Sydney win? You bet.

They won 2-1 in Shanghai, and Shanghai are out with only pride to play for.

Come on Sydney, come on Sydney.

Prediction: Sydney to thrash them 2-1:)

What say you?

Monday, 7 May 2007

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

Matildas 3 Ex-Socceroos 3

Kate Gill, Jo Burgess and Collette McCallum scored against a Coaches all-star team at the Matildas camp at the AIS on Saturday.

Ex-Rangers star Ian Ferguson , Socceroo Captain Tony Vidmar and Queensland Roars Stuart MacClaren all took the field.

Matildas Coach Tom Sermanni was pleased with the game, "it was great. The Matildas really enjoyed themselves, to test themselves against real quality players. The guys see things so early in a game, many of them are still playing at a high level. The speed and distance which the guys can kick the ball was a noticeable difference. But we have a good structure and physically the girls did well. It was a great football test."

Lawrie McKinna loves the A-League fans

Central Coast Mariners manager Lawrie McKinna spoke to Football in the Capital on Sunday.

He was delighted with Rangers win over Celtic. McKinna knows a thing or two about football passion having followed Rangers from the terraces all over Europe.

Having experienced the dark dark days ofhte old National Soccer League, McKinna is delighted with the success of the A-League.

"The fans are great, The Marinators have done a great job for the Central Coast. The Cove in Sydney, and the Melbourne fans are creating a spectacle that no other sport in Australia has. At one other code, Union. Leage or AFL, do you get a few thousand people, singing, waving scarves, jumping up and down. It creates an a great atmosphere."

Alex Tobin's most memorable match

Football in the Capital caught up with former Socceroos captain Alex Tobin at the Belconnen Mall on the weekend.

The Central Coast Mariners development coach was in town for an Asia Confederation coaching course held at the Australian Institute of Sport.

Most memorable games Alex?

"It has to be the World Cup qualifiers, the away games. The Iran game in Tehran in 1997 had 120,000 polite fans. They were nice people cheering for their team. But the Argentina game in Buenes Aires in 1993 was just bedlam. It was an amazing, amazing experience."

Sunday, 6 May 2007

Daniel Lins Cortes signs for Phoenix

au.FourFourTwo.com are reporting Daniel Lins Cortes has signed for the Wellington Phoenix. He has played most of his career in the Brazilian Campeonato, including time with Juventude and Botafogo. He also played for Dutch first division side FC Twente and Videoton in Hungary.

Sounds like a positive signing, 27 years old, could have the influence of a Fred?

Muscat and McKinna enjoy Gers win in Canberra

Melbourne Victory's Kevin Muscat and Central Coast Manager Lawrie McKinna joined Rangers fans at the RSL club in Canberra last night to watch the Old Firm game live from Ibrox Park, Glasgow.

A big cheer went up when the ex-Rangers player Muscat and Gers fan McKinna entered the room.

"Where's Fergie, " said one fan, referring to McKinna's assistant coach ex-Rangers star Ian Ferguson.

Muscat and McKinnna were in town for a AFC accredited coaching course.

Rangers won 2-0, but Celtic won the league.

Okay, Okay, I'm a mad keen Celtic fan, but at least I reported the story!

Defence prepare for North Korean summit

Matildas CoachTom Sermanni said, "Defence is the key to our success in North Korea."

The Matildas have two vital Olympic qualifiers coming up against North Korea in June.

Speaking to me at the Matildas training camp at the AIS in Canberra yesterday Sermanni said, "The Matildas are looking forward to the games, it will be tough, very tough, the Koreans are one of the top sides in the World."

Sermanni had the squad working hard on defence over the last four days. The camp ended with a game between the Matildas v Coaches Eleven. The Coaches eleven included three former Socceroo captains, Kevin Muscat, Alex Tobin and Tony Vidmar.

The Matildas play North Korea on Sunday June 3

The return leg, in Coffs Harbour, will be shown live on SBS at 3pm on Sunday June 10.

Harry's back but no Cahill

In games overseas last night, Socceroo Harry Kewell came off the bench for the last thirteen minutes of Liverpool's game against Fulham. Liverpool lost 1-0.

No sign of Tim Cahill yet. With only two English Premier League games to go Cahill is still out with injury.

So Harry, here we go again. Three years and three returns to football after long injuries just before the glamour games start.

Kewell has started a previous Champions League final, FA Cup final only to walk out injured early in each game.

Here's hoping Kewell gets through to the AFC 2007 Asian Cup, and perhaps more importantly for him is fit to start with Liverpool, Man City, Bolton or anyone else he is rumoured to be going to.

Only hope he doesn't suffer an injury during the AFC 2007 Asian Cup or the Liverpool fans' will lose whatever faith they have left in him.

Saturday, 5 May 2007

Sally Shipard, Matilda and Media Student

Did you know that Matildas midfielder is not just building a career in football.

She is also a media and communication student in Canberra.

If you'd like to see her work check out her work at

http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/default.aspx?s=womens_news_feat_feature_feat_item&id=10629

I reckon there is room for some women football writers, she could be the first..if she isn't already.

Junior football season is back in Canberra

"Pixies."
"Unicorns."
"Pixies."
"Unicorns."

Dickson Oval is alive and well. The kids are playing, referees blowing and the trees singing.

Have you ever seen the Sound of Music. You know the bit where the urchins are climbing the trees, and the bride-to-be drives past and turns her nose up at the kids playing, singing from the trees.

The junior football season kicked-off in Canberra with a touch of the Sound of Music.

As the games were been played, the trees next to the ground were singing. First the left tree, then the right. All you could see were legs, little legs, but you could hear them.

"Pixies."
"Unicorns."
"Pixies."
"Unicorns."

Interview: Newcastle Jets Mark Bridge

Mark Bridge is a man who loves his football. I caught up with Mark Bridge at this week's Olyroos camp at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra.

It’s always great to see someone enjoying their job. In the highly competitive world of football it’s rare to see a player smiling in the middle of a game. Olyroos and Newcastle Jets forward Mark Bridge is a man who plays with a smile on his face.

Bridge was a vital player for Newcastle Jets in their push for a Grand Final place last season. He has pace, and energy and scores vital goals.

He represented Australia at Under 20 level and now plays in the Olyroos under Coach Rob Baan

“Its always different with a new coach. Every coach has their own style and philosophy. Rob Baan makes us press at particular times in games. He makes us pass the ball much quicker. Its good, I’m enjoying it, he brings a different style, it’s a good style.”

Recent trips to play in Iran and Saudi Arabia are taking their toll.

“The travel is hard, it’s taken me ten days to recover from our last trip to Saudi Arabia. My body still hasn't come back to Australian time yet. But once you cross the white line it’s okay. It’s even harder for the guys from Sydney FC and Adelaide United playing in the Asian Champions League”

Saudi Arabia, Iran and Jordan are all in the middle of their season. The Australian A-League players are trying to keep as fit as possible between qualifiers.

“The Saudi’s were a little sharper in the last game, but the lads have to keep their training up. It’s down to the individuals professionalism to keep fit on their own.”

When the qualifiers end Newcastle will be back for pre-season.

“I don’t think I’ll get much of a break. My team, Newcastle, go on break for four weeks tomorrow. Maybe Duchy (Coach Gary Van Egmond) will give us a couple of weeks off when the Olyroos’ games finish.”

“I’ve got another season at Newcastle. Hopefully we can get another forward or two. We lost Milton Rodriguez and Vaughan Coveny, but the Coach is over in Brazil looking at players, so hopefully we’ll get some quality in.”

“I love playing in the A-League. I miss the week in week out build up to the games. The crowds were brilliant in Newcastle especially towards the end of the season. Newcastle is the perfect place to play football. I’m loving it”

Friday, 4 May 2007

Capital Football junior season kicks-off

16,000 registered players will kick-off in Canberra this weekend.

The young people of Canberra will take to the pitch cheered on by thousand of supporters, most of them one-eyed!

The most popular sport in Canberra will see new teams galore. The women have ten new teams, and have had to start a whole new league.

Majura Junior Soccer Club of North Canberra have doubled their under 8 girls team competition from 4 to 8 teams this year.

I'll be covering some of the news and stories from our junior clubs from time to time.

Matildas to play Socceroos

The Matildas will play a team which includes three former Socceroo captains at their AIS training camp tomorrow.

Coach Tom Sermanni said, "We will have a training session this afternoon (friday) and then a game against the Ex-Socceroos tomorrow."

The Matildas are in camp to prepare for their vital Olympic qualification games against North Korea in June.

A group including A-League players and coaches are completing the inaugural B Certificate coaching course as part of Football Federation Australia’s new coach educational structure.

Three former Socceroo captains, Kevin Muscat, Tony Vidmar, Alex Tobin are all expected to play. Queensland Roars Ante Milicic, and Central Caost Mariners duo from last season Andre Gumprecht and Wayne O’Sullivan are also likely to turnout.

Kick-off is at 10am

AIS v South Melbourne

Australian Institute of Sport play South Melbourne this weekend at Bob Jane Stadium in the Foxtel Cup.

For football fans outside of Melbourne the Bob Jane Stadium holds a special place in NSL fans memories.

Always a difficult place to play for away teams, images of Paul Trimboli probing, scheming and scoring flood back whenever Bob Jane is mentioned.

Reckon the AIS boys will find it a pretty tough venue.

Melbourne Victory’s Leigh Broxham is aiming high.

Leigh Broxham wants more game time at Melbourne Victory next year.

Speaking at the Olyroos training camp at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra this week Broxham said, “I’m realistic, I’ve got Musky (Kevin Muscat) and Grant Brebner ahead of me. But when they get injured I just have to take my opportunity and impress Ernie (Merrick). I hope we have another season like last one. I’ll be working hard get in the side.”

Broxham is preparing for the crucial Olyroos qualification game against Iran.

“The travelling for the Olyroos is hard, but what would you rather be doing? I want to be involved. Visiting Saudi Arabia and Iran has been an experience. You see a completely different culture. We get some time off, and get to have a look around. It’s different but its good to see these places.”

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