Oliver Bozanic on football at home, away and at London 2012
MILE TIME
The rise and rise of Jedinak at Cystal Palace
100 days of
OLYROO OLLIE
In London with Coach Popovic
of the A-League fifa12 and Fm12 Reviewed and rated
itys contents / issue six
p.10
pg 3 Editorial Harrymania pg 4
Early doors
The Socceroos Defensive Midfield Poll So pg 6 Txt Msg Interview with Scott Neville pg 7 180degrees with our very own Kieran Pender pg 7 Inside the Football Twitterverse FEATURES
pg 8 Olyroo Olly Oliver Bozanic pg 12
Slowly but surely - Mile Jedinak & Tony Popavic pg 20 100 Days of Harry - Inside the Socceroos star's first three months in the A-League THE ZONE
pg 18 In the Zone Games, Bluray, Books,
Cars, Music and more The a-z
2
pg 26 The A-Z of the A-League
ITYS MAGAZINE
editorial
The Way Of The Jedi www.twitter.com/markvanaken PREPARED FOR GGARMY.com by
GGARMY.com 14 Risley Street RICHMOND VIC 3121 AUSTRALIA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Mark van Aken mark@ggarmy.com +61 (0)3 8415 8413 EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Michael Tarquinio SENIOR CONTRIBUTOR Kieran Pender CONTRIBUTORS Paddy Higgs, Sebastian Hassett, Dr John Bonacci, John Iannantuono, Eli Pfefferberg art director Carmela D’Alesio PHOTOGRAPHY
ADVERTISING & PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Mark van Aken mark@ggarmy.com +61 (0)3 8415 8413 0433 10 10 32 Andy Gusman andy@ggarmy.com +61 (0)3 8415 8413 ŠGreen and Gold Army Pty Ltd 2011. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be used or reproduced without the permission of the publisher. All information contained in this magazine is for information only and is, as far as we are aware, correct at the time of publication. Green and Gold Army Pty Ltd can not accept any responsibility for errors or inaccuracies in such information. Readers are advised to contact manufacturers and retailers directly with regard to the price of products referred to in this magazine. If you submit unsolicited material to us, you automatically grant Green and Gold Army Pty Ltd a license to publish your submission in whole or in part in all editions of the magazine.
What a start it's been to the A-League season, helped in no small way by the hype surrounding Harry Kewell and Brett Emerton. And while neither have set things on fire on the field just yet, their presence has rejuvenated the entire league. It was interesting to observe the thinking of fans as the whole Kewell saga went on before eventually signing for the Victory. Blue and white fans were excited, then a little angry and finally fully pumped to have our most decorated Socceroo call AAMI Park home. This issue Kieran Pender tracks the first 100 Days of Harry at home in Australia, connecting the dots on the roller coaster ride. Regular contributor Paddy Higgs heads to England to chat to Mile Jedinak, who's quietly gone about building a career at Crystal Palace, without the fuss of some of his Socceroos teammates. There's also a meet and greet with Tony Popovic who's cutting his coaching teeth with the London club. With the Olyroos front of mind right now, we also sat down with Oliver Bozanic, a player who chased the European dream and has come full circle, plying his professional football trade on home soil. As we've said each issue, ITYS is a living breathing magazine and we continue to perfect the formula. We're taking a break as the year winds down and will be back in 2012 with a new format that we're sure you're going to love. 'Til then, see you on the terrace.
Mark van Aken Editor-In-Chief
DON'T MISS ISSUE seven! ITYS MAGAZINE
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Early doors editorial Former Italian President Silvio Berlusconi’s has set fan sites abuzz with his comment “Maybe I’ll be the president of A.C again”.
the Survey
Q: What's the best defensive midfield strategy for the Socceroos?
1st Just valeri 68%
the txt msg interview w. Scott Neville ITYS: Hi Scott, r u ready for an ITYS txt msg interview? B4 we move 2 the funny stuff, I should probs ask a serious Q or 2. How r u finding the new HAL season? Scott Neville: It’s very tough and competitive but there has already been some great games + great crowds, and also some great new additions to nearly every team which makes the league stronger as a whole. ITYS: How was ur time over in ENG with Pompey? SN: Obviously cos of the long off season it was important to still be playin football and 2 b playing football at a club like Portsmouth was a great experience for me. ITYS: Sounds good. What would you do 4 a living if u weren’t a footballer? SN: I wanna say I’d be doin something cool like surfing or being a photog, but I’m no good at either so probs struggling away at uni whilst working at a coffee shop slacking off... ITYS: Haha! Who’s the biggest joker in the Glory dressing room, and what’s their funniest joke? SN: Biggest joker wld have to be Billy Mehmet closely followed by Steve McGarry. I think cos they have both lost their hair they deflect that fact by taking the mic out of every1 else... ITYS: Fair enough! Ur usually a defender, but do u fancy yourself upfront? SN: Yeh defs. We always do finishing at training and the defenders rarely get to join in but when I do I just try n hit it as hard as I can. Haha and celebrate when I score!
Jedinak & Valeri 17% Just Jedinak 0% One holding midfielder ‹ but neither of these two 15% 4
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ITYS: Nice! What do you do when ur not playing or training? SN: Sleep! No Im starting a uni course which will keep me busy but other than that just relaxing at the beach, catching up with friends, bit of pool and golf where I can... ITYS: Thanks for talking to ITYS. by Kieran Pender – Senior Contributor
http://www.betstar.com.au/landingpages/soccer.htm
THE JOHNNY WARREN
SUMMER SEVENS Looking for meaningful pre-season game time for your team? The Johnny Warren Summer 7s is a seven-a-side tournament open to all Premier League and Super League teams (and their reserve grade sides) throughout Football NSW
HURRY! PLACES ARE LIMITED
25th & 26th of February, 2012 University Oval, Macquarie University
www.jwff.com.au (02) 8116 9746
editorial Early doors Central Coast Mariners’ captain Alex Wilkinson claims the depth of Melbourne Victory’s squad is “frightening”.
WHERE WE GRILL FOOTBALL’S LEADING PUNDITS.
Kieran Pender Deputy Editor of ITYS Magazine/ggarmy.com Favourite Interviewee? I’ve enjoyed most interviews, although sometimes it can be hard to get a player to give you more than bland generic answers. Young Australian Theo Markelis, formerly of Spanish giant Valencia and
now of Vicenza, was my first every interview, and I really enjoyed that. While it’s always good to speak to the big names, I think the best stories come out of the young or lesser known guys, or the explayers. People like Ryan McGowan (Hearts) and Shane Lowry (Aston Villa) were really interesting to speak to, while Socceroo stopper Nathan Coe (SønderjyskE) is one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met. In regards ex-players, Zeljko Kalac would definitely be the stand out. He’ll talk and talk and talk if you don’t cut him off, and provides some great content, even if not all of it is on the record! What does the future of Australian football hold? I’m very excited about the new A-League season, and I look forward to a
burgeoning domestic competition and the continued success of the Socceroos. Long term, I can’t wait for Brazil 2014 (if we make it that is!), along with the Asian Cup in 2015. If the A-League can keep attracting stars, building memberships and viewer numbers, and increase the overall standard of the league, good things will happen. With that said, there is still a long way to go, but at the moment I’m looking forward to a bright future for the round ball game in Australia. We are football! Hardest part of the job? While I love my job, the never off duty attitude needed to operate a news website can be tough. When you’re looking forward to a quiet night and suddenly there are five new stories to put up and
promote, it can be a bit of a downer. Budget and time constraints are never fun. Every day you think of great ideas for interviews and features, but the realities of the industry mean most of them will never come to fruition. Top tip for aspiring journalists? It sounds clichéd, but never give up. I was really excited about my first major pitch, but received a grand total of zero replies from the various magazines and websites I’d contacted. But persistent is key, and after a work experience stint at the sadly now defunct Soccer International I was a regular contributor with the magazine, and am now the deputy editor of this publication. Ohh and, editors never reply to emails. ITYS
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@adampeacock3 (Adam Peacock) So long Des. Thanks for the memories. But can we all move on now, and not turn it into a Gotye song? TheRealBozza Mark Bosnich@Ausbait fobbing them [Melbourne Victory FC] off with dismissive legal jargon-not a winnerwith players or fans. Regardless of whether it's written in the rules. @sebth (Sebastian Hassett) I wrote on Friday that Nicky Carle was very happy in Sydney...but some big Asian clubs must be thinking of making a serious bid to lure him @Craig_Foster (Craig Foster) This is good that LA are in the MLS Cup Final, will be a good guide of 2 leagues when they play MV in a month's time: bbc.in/s6fuq @ArchieFraser (Archie Fraser) has to b mix of FTA & Fox 2 grow the game & need $3m per Yr per team shld have building HAL & content ITYS MAGAZINE
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Oly Ollie
If you want an example of the importance of the A-League, look no further than Oliver Bozanic. A young man whose chased the bright lights of European football, before settling into the professional confines of Australia’s ever-improving national league. However, whether or not this represents a full circle in the Central Coast youngster’s career remains to be seen. By Kieran Pender I Images by Getty Images
22
year-old Oliver Bozanic started his professional career at the Central Coast Mariners, before joining English club Reading. The dynamic midfielder then spent several years in England, including numerous loan spells, before he was released by Adam Federici’s current club and returned to the Central Coast. While in the past he may have fallen down the English leagues, the opportunity to revive his career in Australia has reignited the Sydney-born youngster, and he has starred for both club and country. Now the captain of the Olyroos and a vital cog in the Mariners engine, Bozanic racked up 33 games last season, with two goals and five assists. If he can lead the under 23s through qualification, the youngster will be heading back to play in the country he left only last May after failing to cut it. So with his sights firmly set on another impressive club season, and taking the Olyroos to London, Bozanic sat down with I Told You So Magazine and explained his remarkable turn-around. The Central Coast Mariners star played all 120 minutes in last year’s season finale, and scored the side’s second goal. With the loss to Brisbane still raw, it seemed like an apt place to start the interview. “It was a very good campaign for us. To finish second and make the Grand Final, for a team that consisted of a lot of new faces and a new coach. So I think Graham [Arnold] did a very good job to gel us together.” Alongside Bozanic in that match were the likes of Mustafa Amini, Mat Ryan and Bernie Ibini-Isei. Such a youthful line-up was a key reason for the Mariners success last season, and the midfielder is quick to praise the approach of many A-League clubs. “It is really good. It’s great to see young players get the opportunity. Teams in the A-League do play young players and give local players a chance.” As well as starring for the Mariners
in his debut season back at the club, Bozanic has been named Olyroos captain, and charged with leading the side to the 2012 London Olympics. Chatting to ITYS, Bozanic spoke of his pride in taking on the skipper role. “Being made Olyroos captain was a really great experience for me, and it’s a great honour. So I’m really happy to do that and hopefully continue that in the future.” The Olyroos easily dispatched Yemen to progress to the main qualifying stage for the Asian confederation, where they will face a number of tough challenges in Iraq, Uzbekistan and the United Arab Emirates. But before looking ahead, Bozanic firstly reflected on the 7-0 aggregate victory.
“I was very happy [with the games]. It’s sometimes hard to play against a weaker team. They sat back a lot and we just had to play our game and get the result we needed to go to the next stage.” However, the hard work starts now. The Olyroos will be up against some of the best Asian youth teams in unhospitable climes, but the 22-year-old was confident his side could progress. “Definitely. We’ve got a very good team and we’re confident we can progress to the Olympics.” Sharing Bozanic’s faith is manager Aurelio Vidmar, who maintains that "They're not easy games, it's a very, very difficult group ... but I'm very confident that this [Olyroos] group can qualify." However Bozanic and Vidmar will likely have to rely on a ITYS MAGAZINE
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From little league to bright lights Bozanic isn’t alone in his boomerang efforts abroad. Here’s four more who’ve done the overseas thing only to find themselves back at home in the A-League. Mark Milligan. Milligan left Sydney FC after the 2007/2008 season to trial for English and French clubs. At the time he’d enjoyed a successful A-League career, but after visa troubles the defender was forced to return to Australia for a season with the Newcastle Jets. Now Milligan enjoys reasonable success at J-League Division 2 side JEF United. Adrian Leijer The Melbourne Victory youngster signed with EPL side Fulham in 2007, playing for the reserves Consistently. Leijer returned in 2009 with a wealth of experience, now playing as club captain. Ruben Zadkovic Zadkovic started his career with English side QPR prior to the A-League’s inaugural season. After playing for Sydney FC from 20062008 he returned to England with Derby County. However, after an unsuccessful stint there he returned to Australia with the Newcastle Jets, minus much of the fanfare he left with. James Troisi Signed to the Newcastle United youth squad in 2005 at the age of 17, Troisi played for the club until 2008, receiving several reserve grade appearances and one first team call up. Troisi has since successfully settled into the Turkish Super Lig with Kayserispor. Breanna Holden
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predominantly A-League squad, given the match days don’t fall on FIFA-sanctioned international dates. Nonetheless, the Central Coast Mariners star is confident in the quality of the players. “There are some very good players in the A-League, so it’s always going to be a tough decision choosing between players here playing regularly and overseas players who aren’t playing often. So at the end of the day it would be a tough decision if they were available, but it will be a great experience for all the players to play in these qualifiers. In different countries, different weather conditions.” Vidmar has been touted as a future Socceroos manager, with suggestions the Football Federation Australia are fast tracking his rise. Having now spent some time under the former Adelaide United boss, Bozanic believes it’s certainly a possibility. “Definitely. He plays a great style of football, and we’re still learning to play it. But we’ve done very well in the games we’ve played so far. He’s a very good coach and I could see that one day.” The midfielder was actually included in the Socceroos squad for a friendly against Ireland in 2009, and although he didn’t make the pitch, Bozanic was overjoyed with the call up. “Yeah that was great, it was amazing. It was my first call up to the Socceroos, and all the big names were playing. So that was an unbelievable experience and it’s something I’ll always remember.” Since then the Mariners creative dynamo hasn’t returned to national team fold, but he’s not giving up hope. “Maybe I’ll get my chance sometime this season!” With a number of the Socceroo veterans on the brink of retirement, Bozanic and his other young team mates may be in the squad sooner rather than later. And the midfielder certainly wouldn’t say no to that.
“That’s always the plan. You always want to play for your country and play at the highest level. So hopefully that can happen soon.” Moving back to his time in England, the Sydney-born youngster has only good things to say about the side he spent several years at, Reading. “The first two seasons I was there we were in the Premier League, so it was an unbelievable experience. It was great to train and play with those players, and to be involved in a club that was playing against Manchester United and Chelsea and all the big clubs.” But ultimately it didn’t work out and Bozanic headed back to the Mariners. However when asked whether, if he had to make the decision again, he would have stayed in Australia, the midfielder defends his choice. “You can never really answer that question. At the time it was the right move for me, the A-League was very young and there wasn’t a lot of opportunities for young players back then. Now there are a lot of opportunities to break through. But you can always go overseas, I could go back overseas, or you can play for a few seasons here and then go over.” As the interview wraps up, ITYS queries Bozanic about his father Vic, who made four appearances for the Socceroos and scored two goals. If Bozanic junior was to overtake Bozanic senior in regards national team caps, how would the father feel? “He’s always happy with what I’m doing, so I’m sure he’ll be excited and happy for me when it happens.” After developing his football in England, Bozanic has returned to Australia and instantly had an impact with both the Mariners and Olyroos. If he can continue to impress, and lead the under 23s to the Olympics, a move back to Europe certainly wouldn’t be out of the question. ITYS
Slowly, but surely
Just five years back, Mile Jedinak was plying his trade in New South Wales' state league. But that was then. Now he’s a veteran Socceroo, plying his trade in England’s Championship, the world’s fifth richest competition. ITYS caught up with midfielder in London, as he was settling into his Crystal Palace digs. Words by Paddy Higgs I Pictures by Getty Images
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here is never a harsher critic than the terrace fan. After 27 minutes of his first home start on August 27, Mile Jedinak lobbed an angled pass over the Blackpool defence and onto the waiting foot of team-mate Sean Scannell. Deservedly, it won Crystal Palace’s new number 15 applause in Selhurst Park’s home end. Jedinak repeated his effort again soon after, but then ducked under a floating header when he seemed to lose track of a teammate’s positioning. Having earned praise just minutes earlier, it was now scorn that was hurled down on Jedinak. If there was any further need to demonstrate how a footballer can go from prince to pauper in a matter of mere terrace seconds, it came shortly before the final whistle. Labouring hard to finish his first 90 minutes for his new club, Jedinak began to cramp up badly. One onlooker in the stand – who had probably never completed 90 minutes himself – turned to his companion: “That kangaroo b******’s done his legs.” It showed that winning over the terraces in England’s uncompromisingly Championship will not be easy for Jedinak. But the 27-year-old, of course, has been changing people’s opinions his whole career. A rangy midfielder often identifiable by a shaggy mop of curly hair, Jedinak cut his footballing teeth at Sydney United, first tasting life as an overseas player at NK Varaždin (then Varteks) in Croatia’s top flight. Still possessing the rawness that would characterize his game for some seasons, Jedinak failed to make his mark in Croatia and returned to United in time to win the New South Wales Premier League title in 2006. But Jedinak had seen the interest surrounding the A-League’s debut season in 2005/06, and had talked 14
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his way into being permitted to train with the Central Coast Mariners during the campaign. Fired by the disappointment of missing out on an initial contract for the A-League’s inaugural season, Jedinak’s two-hour drives from Sydney to train at Gosford ensured he was turned to first when manager Lawrie McKinna twice needed short-term injury replacements.
“After watching the first year of the A-League and seeing what a buzz it was, it made me even more hungrier, to be honest” And Jedinak’s persistence inevitably paid off when he was handed a full-time deal in time for the 2006/07 season. “After watching the first year of the A-League and seeing what a buzz it was, it made me even more hungrier, to be honest,” Jedinak said. “Finally, when I did get an opportunity to go and train with the Mariners, I thought, ‘Let’s give this a go’.
“I knew what it could do, I’d seen what had happened for some players in the A-League, how they had got chosen for the Socceroos. “That was a little bit further ahead, but I was just seeing how it had promoted them and done well for their careers.” It did not take long for Jedinak to muscle his way into a starting role in the Mariners’ midfield, making 22 appearances in his first full season and being rewarded with a debut Socceroos cap in a largely A-Leaguebased team against Singapore in March 2008 under then-manager Pim Verbeek. Jedinak’s transformation from A-League aspirant to Argonaut was confirmed in the first half of the 2008/09 season, and it seemed only a matter of time before he was offered the chance to again move overseas. When the opportunity did arrive, it came from Gençlerbirliği, who had already invested in fellow Australians Bruce Djite and James Troisi. Jedinak spent two-and-a-half seasons with the Ankara-based club, scoring a memorable debut goal against heavyweights Fenerbahce in February 2009. Losing his place under manager Thomas Doll, he then had an industrious 11-month loan stint at Süper Lig rivals Antalyaspor during the 2009/10 season, scoring seven goals in all competitions. It helped cement Jedinak’s position as a regular Socceroos squad member, even if he was forced to bide his time behind the likes of Tim Cahill, Brett Holman and Jason Culina for a spot in his country’s midfield. But Jedinak’s physical presence and strength in the air were deemed useful enough for Verbeek to include the then-25-year-old in Australia’s 2010 World Cup squad, though he was to make his only appearance in the Socceroos’ ill-fated Group D opener against Germany.
Moving on UP Plenty of Australia’s ‘Golden Generation’ have returned to home to take up a myriad of manager roles. Tony Popovic is one who’s taken his skills back to the UK to further his coaching credentials. As the latest in a long line of Australian players to join Crystal Palace, Mile Jedinak is treading a well-worn path. Craig Moore, Craig Foster, Nicky Carle, Carl Veart and Kevin Muscat remain familiar names to most Palace fans, while Steve Mautone, Nicky Rizzo, Shaun Murphy and Anthony Danze also spent time at Selhurst Park during their careers. Long gone they may be from Palace, but Jedinak did have one familiar face when he first arrived at the club’s Beckenham Training Ground in first-team coach Tony Popovic, himself a former Eagles captain with over 120 appearances. Jedinak’s arrival at the Championship is no coincidence Popovic was the one that alerted Palace manager Dougie Freedman to the midfielder’s availability. “That was one that I recommended to Dougie to have a look at,” Popovic said. “He obviously had a look at him and trusted the judgement I gave and we took it further from there.” Former Socceroos defender Popovic understands the history Australian players have at the club better than most: “I think that helps in terms of trying to bring a player to the club, in terms of the owners and CEO and so forth (with) their experiences of having Australians here previously,” he said. “They know the character of the Aussies and they know we’ll always give everything we’ve got. “It helped in terms of pushing to get Mile here. We’re more than pleased to have him.”
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Jedinak revealed Popovic had a ‘big part’ in his move, and that the tradition of Australian players at the club made it easy to choose Palace. “They know what they’re really going to get, in terms of the professional attitude and stuff like that,” Jedinak said. “It doesn’t harm anyone, so to all the boys that had been here beforehand, thanks for instilling that. Hopefully I can justify that and move on and establish and maybe even add a few things to the Australian name.” Popovic re-joined Palace in February after serving as assistant coach under Vítezslav Lavicka at Sydney FC following his retirement from playing in 2009. He has completed his UEFA A and B coaching badges, and – with ambitions to be in a top job one day – intends to take his FIFA Pro licence.
He is delighted to have played a part in bringing another Australian to Palace, even if he could not avoid a good-humored dig at Jedinak from their time on the pitch as A-League opponents. Popovic requests that ITYS gently remind former Central Coast midfielder Jedinak of a set piece when Sydney FC took on the Mariners in season 2007/08 of the A-League. Jedinak recalls it well: “He hasn’t mentioned it to me before,” he said with a laugh. “He got half a yard on me and I thought my younger legs would have caught him, but he got his big frame in front and got the goal and all credit to him. “I don’t know how many he got after that, (but) by all means – there you go – he can have it.”
Perhaps it was his time with his Australia teammates – playing their club football in all corners of the earth – but Jedinak returned to Gençler with the feeling that it was almost ‘time for me to move on’. “The different culture in Turkey was good. It was kind to me and my family,” he said. “But then again, we wanted a change.” But Jedinak learned very early in his career that things do not simply fall in a footballer’s lap. The best way to earn his move was playing, and playing well. He returned to the Gençler first team under new coach Ralf Zumdick, and it was his positive performances in the Süper Lig outfit’s midfield that led to new Socceroos manager Holger Osieck turning to Jedinak for Australia’s 2011 Asian Cup campaign. With Vince Grella and Marco Bresciano missing and Jason Culina ruled out of the tournament from Australia’s second group game, responsibility fell on the likes of Jedinak, Matt McKay and Carl Valeri. Having made a career out of taking his opportunities when they finally came, Jedinak was not going to let this one slip from his grasp, either. Despite regularly scoring for his various clubs, Jedinak had gone 20 appearances without finding the back of the net for his country. But he nodded in the equalizer against South Korea in the Socceroos’ second group game, and then showed his prowess from distance with the winner against Bahrain a match later. One of the success stories in Australia’s run to the final, the tournament was Jedinak’s belated break-through for his country after years on the periphery. “The sort of belief was always there, but it reaffirms that,” Jedinak said of his Asian Cup campaign. “(But) you never take your positions for granted in the Socceroos. “I’m not one to say, ‘I’m there and
I’ll be a starter’. I’m just going to work as hard as I can to maintain my position in there, because I know that the boys that are waiting or the boys that are thereabouts… We’re all testing each other, which is great.” Jedinak’s strong performances in Australia’s midfield also had the desired effect for his club ambitions. With Gençler indicating he would be free to leave at the end of the 2010/11 season, interest in Jedinak was high. He toured Scottish Premier League giants Rangers before finally signing for Championship outfit Crystal Palace on July 11, who had been tipped off to Jedinak’s availability by first-team manager and former Socceroo Tony Popovic. Jedinak has labeled his 2011 ‘a big year’, but adds that it is ‘not over yet’. It is too soon for him to decide on the differences between Turkish and Championship football, but Jedinak is enjoying life at Palace. “It’s always been a big thing for me, to play in the UK,” he said. “London as well, it speaks for itself, doesn’t it?
“I’m just really enjoying my football here at the moment and just trying to get in the rhythm and get involved and play as big a part as I can.” It has not taken long for Jedinak to gain manager Dougie Freedman’s confidence, already making doubledigit appearances for his new club. The terraces may take a little more time to win over, but Jedinak has beaten the odds before. For every challenge Mile Jedinak faces, he simply recalls the many trips from Sydney to Gosford on nothing more than a chance for proof of what is possible. “Anyone who says I’ve had it easy or it’s been a quick ride…,” he said. “Luckily for me, it all fell into place, so I’m not going to look back on it too much. “But I definitely will never forget the times when… I didn’t have it so easy, when I (had) to worry about getting to training with a two-hour drive or will I get a contract? “It’s great to have that security (now), in a sense, but in saying that it still makes you hungry for more.” ITYS
THE ZONE edited by andy gusman editorial Wellington Phoenix has re-signed Coach Ricki Herbert until 2015, providing the club with ‘stability and a plan for the future’.
fifa 12 - ea sports
sports
football manager 2012 - sega
The latest instalment to the FIFA franchise has hit the shelves, this year experiencing revolutionary gameplay innovations. While many of us FIFA enthusiasts may have been a little sceptical towards changes released during the development of the game, improvements to precision dribbling, tactical defending, and the player impact engine, have done the unthinkable… and improved gameplay for the better. The biggest change comes in the form of tactical defending. Modifications to the tactical defending component mean positioning and pass interceptions are now more important than tackling, while tactics and the timing of challenges must be precisely executed. These alterations also mean that when not in possession of the ball your defenders must be carefully positioned to draw any errors from your opponents. Overall this feature alters the games tempo and allows you to construct passages of play that more closely resemble the real thing. Realism is further improved from FIFA11 with the introduction of Precision Dribbling. This feature, which can be activated by manually pressing L1/LB, gives you more time on the ball and can provide the time required to unlock a defence. Additionally, the computer AI has been dramatically improved. AI opponents will now move into smarter positions and exploit any holes in the defensive line. Overall FIFA’s latest edition is simply outstanding. After spending time exploring the game I can say that FIFA 12 is the best to date.
sports
Football Manager 2012 is back and better than ever – allowing you to be the manager and take control of any club in over 50 nations. While it is a definite improvement on its predecessor the series has managed to improve year after year with minor tweaks and fixes. Today we have a game with so much depth that it would require an entire textbook to detail each and every detail. One of the great additions to the title is the ability to manage anywhere, anytime. You can now add or remove playable nations and leagues at the single click of a button, no longer tied being to the leagues and nations you originally selected. The transfer and contract systems have been slightly reworked and they will provide fewer headaches when you are wheeling and dealing. If your budget is tight, you now have the option of “locking” certain parts of the contract. This basically alerts the agent to the fact that the terms are non-negotiable. Agents will then be forced to find another way to get money out of you through loyalty bonuses and appearance fees. The introduction of the tutorial systems is a real bonus for it gives the novice player the ability to learn the tricks of the trade. It also helps the veteran player who may have lost his way. Overall the inclusion of this system adds a great deal to the title.
Graphics Presentation Lasting Appeal
Graphics
Gameplay
Presentation
Online Play
Lasting Appeal Gameplay
Tactical defending makes games more balanced and realistic Improved animations and injuries
Fantastic commentary from Martin Tyler, Alan Smith, Clive Tyldesley and Andy Townsend Improved Computer AI Career Mode is largely unchanged
click for more on
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available now
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eh5S_E_ysig
Online Play Ability to turn playable leagues on and off All new tutorial mode helps news players Contract negotiations are easier to handle 3D match engine is poor click for more on
n/a available now
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stoveU0utQ4
+ NHL 12 – EA Sports
sports
With the NHL season now in full swing – the latest installment in the NHL series has hit the shelves and in a big way. NHL 12 captures hockey as it is played on the ice. The innovative development of Anticipation AI takes NHL 12 to the next level. Players will now automatically determine their next move by reading and anticipating the play. In addition to this with the Full Contact Physics Engine play size and strength matters more than ever before. NHL 12 continues to innovate by giving you true-life collisions and control over the battles in the crease. Members of the NHL family will appreciate the little touches that have been added to the game. Now after a big hit it isn’t unusual to see a helmet fly off the player’s head. Furthermore NHL 12 shines in regards to how much game you actually get. There are more gameplay modes then ever before, modes include: season, playoffs, Be A Pro, Be A Legend and Winter Classic. You will spend hours playing this game and NHL 12 is a real must have this summer.
The Annual 2012 Ministry of Sound Ministry of Sound present the latest install in The Annual series; a two-disc feature incorporating the 2011’s best dance tracks from around Australia.
Mylo Xyloto
Coldplay
Mylo Xyloto is Coldplay’s sixth studio album. Front man Chris Martin stating the album was influenced by the HBO series The Wire, recording with producer Brian Eno who was one of several producers involved with Viva la Vida.
The Papercut Chronicles II Gym Class Heroes Gym Class Heroes return with their fourth album 'The Papercut Chronicles II' that includes the Top 5 ARIA smash 'Stereo Hearts' feat. Adam Levine.
Graphics Presentation
A Life Too Short: The Tragedy of Robert Enke Ronald Reng
Lasting Appeal Gameplay Online Play Large number of Game Modes Be a Legend Mode is a great addition Be a Pro Mode has been remodeled Trade system is difficult to master Winnipeg Jets have generic uniforms
Classic game
Premier Manager 97
PC
Here at ITYS we are all fans of football management simulators, and we all agree that Premier Manager 97 was one of the best of all time. Although very basic, and not as complex as modern day management games it still provided gamers with an insight into the world of football management on and off the pitch. In its day it was simply a sensational game, predictable, but still sensational. A great feature of this title was the ability to physically extend your team’s stadium, a feature which today is lacking in many modern day management games.
available now
Why does an international footballer with the World at his feet decide to take his own life? On the 10th November 2009 at 32 years old the German national goalkeeper, Robert Enke, stepped in front of a passing train. Awardwinning writer Ronald Reng pieces together the puzzle of his lost friends life and the implications faced by top flight sportsmen.
Liverpool: The Complete Record Arnie Baldursson & Gudmundur Magnusson 120 years, 18 League titles, and five European Cups, LIVERPOOL: THE COMPLETE RECORD is the definitive account of one of the world's most successful and famous clubs. Every game, line up, goal scorer, attendance and result, as well as an array of other facts and figures, a must-read book for every fan.
Scholes: My Story
Paul Scholes
Paul Scholes was one of the most revered footballers of the modern era, serving Manchester United for more than sixteen years, now the first time Paul Scholes shares his story: from his beginnings at United, to the treblewinning season, and the importance of keeping his feet on the ground. ITYS MAGAZINE
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Har 100 days of
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It has been dubbed the biggest signing in Australian football history, and if not, then certainly the grandest marquee the A-League has ever seen. Melbourne Victory’s protracted signing of Socceroo legend Harry Kewell had it all: the rumours, the denial, the outrage, and the celebrations. On arrival, the attacking icon was greeted at the airport by hundreds of adoring fans, and a crowd of thousands turned out to watch his first training session. The Kewell brand was everywhere, carefully manicured, of course, by his adviser Bernie Mandic. With the Kewell story subsiding and his action on the pitch now the media’s primary concern, ITYS Magazine has toiled through the tweets, rumours and gossip to present an intriguing timeline of what could turn out to be the 100 most important days in A-League history. Words by Kieran Pender I Picture by Getty Images
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H
arry? Really? Rumours first start to swirl in June about a return home for Kewell, despite allegedly being offered a contract by English Premier League side QPR. Cameron Houston of The Age breaks the story, exclusively revealing that: “Socceroos star Harry Kewell is considering a multimilliondollar deal to return to Australia and play for Melbourne Victory.” Several weeks later, colourful Melbourne identify Eddie McGuire appeared to confirm the Kewell to Victory story, saying on radio that a deal had been done. McGuire claimed that Kewell would be officially presented as a Melbourne player in a forthcoming friendly against Celtic. But, not all of the football fraternity were convinced. At the beginning of July, Michael Lynch writes a scathing piece in The Age, attacking Kewell for pulling out of the deal. He opens with “In the end, then, it's all about the money,” before following up with “Cash is king. Harry, Bernie, why
didn't you just say so in the first place? We would all have respected you even more....” And it appeared as if Lynch was right, and the deal was dead in the water, with Kewell apparently destined for a mega-bucks move to the Middle East. Kewell’s agent, Bernie Mandic, explained to The World Game why the “innovative proposal to bring the Socceroos star to the A-League failed at the final hurdle.” "Harry is no hypocrite and he again sticks to his word. And this is exactly what he wanted in order to play in the A-League. The money figures being thrown around are pure lies.” Mandic went on to savage the governing body, saying "The FFA refused our offer which is fair enough. However this episode proves beyond any doubt that Harry is not about money but about giving something back to the game." A lull in Kewell related gossip followed, and it seemed as if things were petering out, when suddenly…
Day 1 | 26 July
And it starts again: Rumours are once again swirling. Kewell to the USA? Kewell to the UAE? Kewell to the A-League? Where is the guy? After a short lull, the news grinders are back in full swing, and no-one seems to know what’s going on. With the star allegedly holidaying with family, the lack of definitive news only increases the gossip inches. Day 10 | 4 August
The ultimatum: Kewell and Mandic are reportedly issued an ultimatum by the Victory: sign by Thursday or else. Ultimately the deadline passes, and the A-League faithful mourn the passing of a great opportunity... Day 12 | 6 August
An extension? The star allegedly asks Melbourne for an extension to allow him more time to make a decision. The club are said to have agreed, although the new deadline again passes with no signature on paper.
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Day 49 | 12 September
Day 54 | 17 September
Kewell arrives at Melbourne Airport to a crowd of more than 200 fans who had sacrificed sleep to welcome their new hero. Amusing videos appear on the internet of travellers on the Socceroos’ flight being cheered as they entered the terminal, before the crowd realised they were not Kewell. @shereemurphy: Australia here we come!!
It is announced that Kewell will wear the no.22 jersey for the Victory this A-League season. There had been suggestions the attacking midfielder might take a more popular jersey number off another player, but ultimately he was given 22.
The homecoming
Day 47 | 10 September
Almost home time! @shereemurphy: Only a few hours till Harry jets off to Oz....going to miss him like crazy. Plenty of tears from me and the kids later :( Day 31 | 25 August
Competition for Kewell: Sydney FC may have lost the race to sign Kewell, but they hit back less than a week later, announcing the acquisition of his Socceroos teammate Brett Emerton. Moving from Blackburn to Sydney was a big step for the midfielder, and some claimed Emmo was a better signing. Only time will tell which club made the right choice. Day 26 | 20 August
The Big Day:
HARRY SIGNS! The FFA hailed the signing, with CEO Ben Buckley stating “This is a red-letter day for the A-League and Australian football.” “The signing of Harry Kewell tells the story of ambition, credibility and growth for the game in Australia. Harry is rightly acclaimed as Australia’s most gifted footballer with a celebrated record of achievement. His homecoming will be hugely popular.” “On behalf of FFA, I congratulate the Melbourne Victory and wish Harry Kewell every success in this exciting phase of his career.” @shereemurphy: Just to let you all know my family and I are moving to Australia...Harry has signed for Melbourne victory for 3 years....
The shirt:
Day 58 | 21 September
Moving home:
@shereemurphy: For those asking I'm moving to Melbourne in about 10 days! My husband is playing football there...I'm very excited but nervous! Day 60 | 23 September
The debut:
Kewell makes his debut for the Victory in a friendly against Adelaide United. Despite the match ending 1-1, the former-Liverpool star impressed for his new club, before being substituted at half time. As ggarmy.com’s match report read, “Harry Kewell was taunted by the enemy crowd as a waste of money, but his A-League debut showed he'll be priceless for Melbourne Victory and the competition. Kewell showed glimpses of upper class in his first outing for the Victory.”
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Day 100 | 2 November
The recall:
Kewell and fellow A-League marquee Emerton are both recalled to the Socceroos squad after missing out on the last round of internationals. But Holger Osieck wasn’t making any promises, saying "There's no guarantee [they'll play] at all, I'm pretty much performance-related. I ask a lot more of them other than they have produced so far.” Day 99 | 1 November
The race: Day 75 | 8 October
The A-League debut: Melbourne starts their season against Sydney FC, with Kewell and Emerton taking centre stage. The encounter finishes in a drab nil-all draw, but with more than 40,000 fans turning up, the superstar effect was clear. Day 81 | 14 October
What’s this? A loss? The Victory loses their first game of the A-League season, going down one-nil to Adelaide. Kewell still hasn’t scored, and storm clouds are on the horizon. Reports suggest disharmony in the playing group. Day 83 | 16 October
Enjoying life:
@shereemurphy: Nice lazy Sunday morning....having a late breakfast with the kids whilst Harry is out playing golf....
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Kewell and Murphy get their glamour on at the Melbourne Cup, in the first of what promises to be many gossip inducing outings. @shereemurphy: Having fun in the Myer marquee at Melbourne Cup... Day 97 | 30 October
A win at last!
The Victory finally secure a win, downing the Wellington Phoenix 2-1 in New Zealand. Kewell is subbed in the 89th minute, meaning he played the first 359 minutes of the Victory’s season. Not bad for a 33 year-old. Day 89 | 22 October
The derby:
Kewell starts in his first Melbourne derby, as the Victory and Heart play out a scoreless draw. Almost 40,000 give the game a great atmosphere, although neither side overly impressed.
CONCLUSION: He has not been in Australia for long, but already Harry Kewell has reignited the A-League. While not setting things alight on field, his media profile has ensured serious publicity – something the league is certainly in need off. The Socceroos superstar has an amazing opportunity; he could potentially go down in history as the man who took the A-League to the next level, and set it on the path to long term stability and success. But ultimately, Kewell will be judged on his performances on the pitch. No matter his long term impact on the league, regardless of the publicity and sponsorship he brings to the sport, at the end of the day fans across the competition will view attacker as a success if he performs. If Kewell and company can beat all-conquering Brisbane Roar to the A-League title, the investment of Melbourne Victory will have paid off. Until then, enjoy the show. ITYS
@shereemurphy: Just to let you all know my family and I are moving to Australia...Harry has signed for Melbourne victory for 3 years....
an { A to Z } of The A-League by Kieran Pender – Senior Contributor
A
is for Central Coast Mariners star (Mustafa) Amini, who’ll be lighting up the A-League for one last season before he links with German powerhouse Borussia Dortmund.
E
the Australian east coast is the primary A-League hub, with seven of the 10 teams calling Queensland, New South Wales or Victoria home.
B
last year’s champions, the Brisbane Roar, have lost a number of key players during the off season. Nonetheless, they’ll still be the team to beat on the back of their amazing performances during the last campaign.
C
is for the Roar’s Grand Final opponents earlier this year, the Central Coast Mariners. Manager Graham Arnold has added a number of quality signings to the team that went down to Brisbane on penalties, and will be hoping to going one better this time around.
D
is for Mate Dugandžić. The attacking threat raised eyebrows when he made a controversial switch from the Melbourne Victory to the Heart, and will hopefully help his new side match the goal scoring potential of his former club.
is for the Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin, New Zealand, which will play host to the Wellington Phoenix’s regional game clash with the Brisbane Roar.
G
is for goalkeepers. The A-League has helped continue the tradition of strong Australian custodians, with Mat Ryan and Mitch Langerak two of the recent standouts.
H
Although the Victory has dominated the Melbourne scene since the beginning of the A-League, new side Heart have created a tense derby and are threatening the dominance of Harry Kewell’s side.
I
While his mate Amini may be making the headlines, expect Bernie Ibini-Isei to shine this season. The fleet-footed striker impressed last season and during the Youth World Cup, and will play a big part in the Mariners season.
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Dutch midfielder Peter Jungschläger has joined Gold Coast United after a number of successful years in the Eredivisie and Eerste Divisie.
K
is for the now defunct New Zealand Knights. The Auckland-based side struggled in the A-League and quit after two seasons.
L
Melbourne Victory captain Adrian Leijer has revived his career in the A-League after struggling to impress at English side Fulham.
M N
Despite a number of high profile arrivals, the marquee spots at a number of clubs are still empty. is for the National Youth League, the Australian youth competition affiliated with the A-League. Only a few years old, the competition has already discovered a number of exciting young players.
O
The Olyroos, Australia’s under 23 team, will head into Olympic qualification with a squad made up predominantly of A-League players, because the games don’t fall on FIFA-dates. The success or failure of Aurelio Vidmar’s side could therefore be a marker of the league’s quality at youth level.
P
is for Gold Coast United owner Clive Palmer. The mining magnate created controversy last season by capping crowd numbers to save money, which ultimately led to FFA intervention. But the implementation of a number of good club policies will hopefully see GCU have a better year, both on and off the pitch.
Q
Last season was a mixed one for Queensland, with the Brisbane Roar winning the Championship in a nail biting final against Central Coast, while the North Queensland Fury went under and Gold Coast struggled.
U
South Coast towns Ulladulla and Nowra were both represented in the South Coast for A-League bid, although Wollongong would have been the home ground. Ultimately however the bid lost.
Goalkeeper
R
is for referees. Officials have come in for sustained criticism throughout the A-League, and have made a number of notable mistakes. Nonetheless, the quality of refereeing seems to be improving.
S
is for Samba football! There are Brazilians and other Latin Americans everywhere in the A-League this season, with the Central Coast the only side not to have a South American import on their books.
After a long spell in Turkey, defender Ufuk Talay returned home and spent several season with Sydney FC. After a brief stint in Japan, Talay found his way to the North Queensland Fury.
Danny Vukovic is an infamous name in Australian football after slapping referee Mark Shield in the 2008 A-League Grand Final.
W
is for the A-League’s new slogan, We Are Football. The catch phrase and logo has caught on quickly, and will probably be an eye catching feature of the new season.
X
is for the X factor. Not the television show, but the quality needed in marquee players hoping to light up the A-League. Victory star Carlos Hernandez certainly has it. Will Harry Kewell and Brett Emerton? Only time will tell.
Y
Manchester United legend Dwight Yorke lit up the A-League in season one, with ‘All Night Dwight’ becoming a feature for Sydney FC and a number of Sydney nightspots.
Melbourne Heart youngster (Adrian) Zahra was the victim of a vicious Kevin Muscat tackle towards the end of last season, and required knee surgery. ITYS MAGAZINE
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SEEN
om making his first Premier League appearance for Aston lla, to scoring a hat-trick against the highly regarded Arsenal serves, the last few months have been pretty memorable for ung Australian Chris Herd. Add to that a new three and a alf year deal to keep him at Villa Park, and his debut against anchester City in the FA Cup, and things are looking pretty sy for the versatile midfielder.
BUT NOT
experience. I enjoyed every minute of it. I was very excited in the build-up; I just couldn’t wait to get out there. And when I did, I just did the best I could.” Before this, Herd made his first appearance for Aston Villa coming off the bench against that other famous Mancunian side; a huge stage to make your first impression. Despite only seeing a few minutes of action as Villa drew two-all with the Red Devils, Herd was still pleased with the chance.
DESPERATELY SEEKING PERFECTION
KEEPER'S SPECIAL
SPIDER,THE MAN
A legend of the Australian game, Željko Kalac is arguably one of our most decorated goalkeepers. He’s won a swag of trophies in Europe, including the prestigious Champions League, and has racked up more than 50 Socceroos caps. He’s now back in his home country, setting the record straight on Australian football, his illustrious playing career, and who, out of Mark Bosnich, when ITYS catches up Mark Schwarzer and himself, was really the best keeper.
t’s the morning after the night before with 22-year-old Australian Chris Herd. Only hours earlier WORDS BY KIERAN PENDER – SENIOR CONTRIBUTOR I IMAGES BY GETTY IMAGES he’d made his first start for Aston Villa, an FA Cup loss to used all the government money, so Western Sydney. Although a license exchanging pleasantries anchester City. While the result may not have fter favoured the now we have to fund ourselves. And was awarded for the area, the project with ITYS, Kalac is quickly how are we going to do that?” collapsed and has let AFL move into telling it how it is, and holds lans, Herd was still buzzing from the game. The A-League also doesn’t escape the district without competition. no prisoners as he discuss the stan-
A
dard of football he’s came back to after spending so long overseas. “I’ve been so disappointed since I’ve came back to Australia, I’ve been so disappointed with the whole attitude in Australia about football. I’m almost at the stage where I’m willing to walk away from the game.” While the former-Socceroo would be interested in helping out, he says the FFA isn’t interested. “They don’t want me! They said to me, ‘Spider put in your application so I can squeeze you into the goalkeeper coaching course.’ I need to be putting in an application to do the course so I can get a job. That’s the kind of respect we get for what we’ve done. That’s sad. In other countries and other teams, the Barcelona’s, the AC Milan’s, they get their ex-players coming back and coaching, because they played under the system. Here they don’t want the ex-players!” Another of his gripes with the FFA is the lack of an A-League club in
ITYS MAGAZINE
the QUIET MAN With the bulk of senior Socceroos heading towards the end of their careers, manager Holger Osieck will soon be casting an eye over his charges for a new leadership core, and possibly a new captain. As one of the most consistent performers in the national team set-up, Luke Wilkshire will likely be a key fixture in the lead up to Brazil 2014, and beyond.
“The biggest club in Australia, in the A-League, will be a Western Sydney team. And the team has to be played out of the Fairfield area. Because what they’ve done is try to get rid of the ethnics, get rid of the wogs. But those people are the bread and butter of the game. And the biggest club in the A-League will have their support. But these people don’t want to listen.” While the Australian government has recently announced a new report into football in Australia, potentially a Crawford report mark two, Kalac does not see the point of the Smith Review. “What the hell do we need another report for? Report for what? We’re having teams come in and out of the A-League because we’ve got no money. Frank Lowy’s been in charge and has done a fantastic job, but at the end of the day our game is lacking one thing and one thing only from becoming a bigger and better and more concrete sport, and that’s money. But no one’s going to put into it! They’ve already
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comment from Kalac, with the formerAC Milan star not impressed by the national league. “It’s just a disappointment. It’s just a disaster. We’re lucky to have guys like Nathan Tinkler. We’re lucky Melbourne people know how to structure football clubs. But at the end of the day, how long are the owners willing to keep losing money?” So how do we fix the A-League then? Kalac is adamant that one thing will improve the standard of the league, the one thing that the FFA seems to be currently lacking. “You bring money into the game, you get better players. You get better players, you get bigger crowds. It’s as simple as that. Why do 80,000 people turn up at the San Siro every week? The Nou Camp? Old Trafford? It’s because of the players.” But getting that money is a problem. Other than television rights, the FFA will not receive any major income boost until the next World Cup
ith Socceroos right-back Luke Wilkshire destined to play an increasingly influential role with the Socceroos, ITYS Magazine thought it was time to find out a little more about the fleet footed anti-star. Speaking from his home in Moscow, Wilkshire opens the interview with a charismatic ‘G’day’ in a thick Australian accent, and throughout the chat reveals himself as a friendly and cheerful guy. Given the mid-year Socceroos friendlies, the first thing to be discussed is the team’s progression under Holger Osieck, with Wilkshire painting a positive picture of the side. “So far it’s going well. Since he’s taken over I think the transition has been very smooth, and we’ve seen a few new faces come into the team and gel well, so that’s a good sign leading up to the World Cup qualification campaign.” But before the interview moves to the future, it’s important to go into Wilkshire’s past, starting with the last World Cup. The defender was a standout in South Africa, one of the few Australians to impress, yet he had to endure the heartache that came with the Socceroos failing to progress from the group. Nevertheless, Wilkshire highlights the positive side of the tournament. “I think everyone enjoyed the World Cup both on and off the field. Personally I felt good, and I enjoy every minute I play for the national team, especially at such big occasions. I think the team performed well, apart from the first game which was a bit disappointing, but even then don’t think it was as bad as people make out. “Germany was a very good side on the night, unbelievable to be honest — but if you look at the Serbia and Ghana games, the team performed very well. We had great character, and we played some great football. We beat the Serbs and were unlucky not to beat Ghana with 10-men. So it was a really memorable time.”
the back-four. The youngster can play in the midfield or at the back, and his versatility has made him an important back-up player for Aston Villa this season. Herd also scored a hat-trick against the highly regarded Arsenal reserves, and in the same week was rewarded with a new contract. “It was a great week for me. I’d been injured, not knowing what I was doing next season, and then I got involved and did alright for the first team, and then we got a great result for the reserves. And to score a hat-trick was a bonus. And finally it finished off with the contract!”
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ORDS BY KIERAN PENDER I IMAGES BY GETTY IMAGES
I
Manchester United was a bit of a surprise, because I’d been out for four or five months with a knee injury. But then I got brought into the team, and obviously to get a chance against Man United and to make my start against City was even better.” Since the interview, Herd has made his first Premier League start in a one-nil loss to Wolverhampton, and although it ended in defeat, the Australian was one of the highlights
FOOTBALL’S COMING HOME 38
He has won everything worth winning in football and is still at the tender age of 24. But Gerard Piqué insists he wants to be remembered as being part of The Greatest Football Team of All Time. The Spaniard talks about meeting Real Madrid four times in a month, Shakira, playing like Beckenbauer, Messi versus Ronaldo and why he wants Cesc Fabregas to join him at the Nou Camp next season.
“I’M HAPPY HERE AND THE BOSS IS PROGRESSING A LOT OF THE YOUNGSTERS, SO I THINK HE’LL GIVE US ALL A CHANCE, AND IF WE TAKE OUR CHANCE WE’LL PROBABLY GET MORE STARTS.”
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Gerard, wake u yoursel Everyth is a dre your q the wo have w and do With so many highlights, it is comple unsurprising Herd is pleased with likelife ho at Villa Park, and he is confidentwanted of
making more appearances before the Real M end of the season. both in “I’m happy here. And the boss is League progressing a lot of the youngsters, so you bea I think he’ll give us all a chance,Of and coui we take our chance we’ll probably get Madrid They’r more starts.”
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ITYS MAGAZINE
( AND NO ONE’S HAPPY )
Ultimately though, Wilkshire admits the disappointment that came MAGAZINE 19 withITYS the results. “It was really disappointing in the end not to go through. We knew it was a tough task going into the Serbia game, but we believed that we could still do it. If things had gone a little bit more favourably for us, if we’d had a bit more of a rub of the green in the group games, then we could have gone through. In football, and especially at that level, you need an element of luck to progress.” With Tim Cahill sent off against Germany and Harry Kewell suffering the same fate against Ghana, the Socceroos had to cope with a pretty tough run of luck. But the Dynamo Moscow man doesn’t put up any excuses, and instead highlights the team’s response to the decisions. “You’ve got to roll with the punches, so when things don’t go your way
you’ve got to keep fighting. I think the team showed that in abundance, especially the character showed when the team went down to 10-men against Ghana. And with the criticism we received after the Germany game, the way we performed afterwards showed the team character and team spirit, and that’s one of our strong points.” Just when World Cup disappointment was fading into distant memory, the Socceroos had to undergo more heartache, this time at the hands of Japan in the Asian Cup. Tadanari Lee’s strike deep into Ka- extra Ching! time was a horrible experience for the team and the fans watching back home, but again Wilkshire focuses on the positive aspects. “It was a really enjoyable tournament. We went into it knowing that if we performed to our peak we’d be there or there-abouts. Obviously
To captain your country would be a dream. IT’S SOMETHING EVERY FOOTBALLER FROM A VERY YOUNG AGE WOULD DREAM OF DOING, AND I’M NO DIFFERENT.
KaChing!
With London’s Olympics only a year away, author Steve Menary tells of the unease associated with Britain’s participation in the games. Football’s coming home alright, but it appears, in three of the ‘home nations’ at least, there won’t be too much celebrating.
LIVERPOOL'
WORDS BY STEVE MENARY I PICTURES BY GETTY IMAGES AND DE SPORTWERELD
$100-million me
LUIS SUAR ITYS MAGAZINE
‘I go to extr
Hopes are high on Mersey Luis Suarez will replicate t world football’s biggest sta Andy Carroll. As the seaso still out on each acquisitio life in Liverpool and some
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WORDS BY KEVIN LISTER I PH
n the first Sunday of 3-1 victory over tradit Although Dirk Kuyt g Reds fans present there was Suarez. But in the mind of th glimpse of what is still yet to