Weekly Wrap (1/5)

By: Kieran | May 1st, 2009

Ok, well, firstly a quick apology. I was away on holidays last week, and when I got back I was really busy, so apology for the lack of articles. But I swear that I will have to A League review part 2 done by the end of the weekend. (Barring me getting Swine Flu) But moving on, a big week and a bit in the A League with a few ACL games, some movings in the transfer market, the release of the draw for next season, and the arrival of the new Sydney FC coach.

But firstly we’ll start with the two games:

Central Coast Mariners 1-2 Kawasaki Frontale
Now this was a while ago, so I’ll keep it quick. CCM fought back from there 5-0 mauling from Frontale, but still lost to the ACL front runners. The Mariners managed to keep Frontale out until the 47th minute, and in the 59th Matt Simon equalised and it looked as if they might get a point out of the encounter. However a late winner from substitute Carlos Renatinho in the 89th minute ended the hopes of a point for Central Coast. The Mariner’s still have a chance to come second and progress, however they would have to win their two remaining games, away to Korea’s Pohang Steelers and at home to Chinese side Tianjin Teda.

Newcastle Jets 0-1 Nagoya Grampus

Newcastle fans will be coming away very disappointed that they couldn’t even get a point out of this game, after missing a late penalty. A controversial goal to Nagoya midfielder Yoshizumi Ogawa in the 57th minute left Nagoya with a lead, but the Jets had a chance to equalise when Sasho Petrovski was brought down in the box. However Petrovski failed to get it past the keeper, and the score remained at 1-0 for the rest of the game. Like Central Coast, Newcastle remain within reach of going through to the second round, but will most likely need to win both of their remaining games.

Vitezslav Lavicka has arrived!
Sydney FC new coach Vitezslav Lavicka has arrived in Sydney, and his new team has begun pre season training as of Monday. According to Sydney midfielder Simon Colosimo

“The training schedule is going be quite heavy and I think with (Lavicka) coming from Europe, the intensity – not only in the amount of time you train – but in every session, it’s going to be there,”

Well good luck to Lavicka, I personally think he has his work cut out to get Sydney were they need to be.

Football Federation rescue Roar
FFA have agreed to buy 51 percent of the financially troubled Brisbane Roar, in order to ensure it’s short term survival. After a three-and-a-half-hour meeting between A-League boss Archie Fraser and Roar directors, the FFA’s controlling share was finalised. Director Claude Baradel said after the meeting “We’re very happy with the outcome of the meeting…The FFA are willing to help for as long as it takes for us to find some new investors.” So that’s good for the Roar, good luck guys.

Gold Coast to host Fulham
New glamour club Gold Coast United will host English Premier League club Fulham on July the 9th. Fulham with then complete their Aussie tour with a game against Melbourne Victory two days later. It is reported that it will be costing Gold Coast up to $300,000 to host the game. So, anyone know any cheap flights up to the Gold Coast I can get?

Wellington Phoenix buy English striker to replace Smeltz
Wellington Phoenix have found a replacement for Shane Smeltz in English striker Chris Greenacre. He has accepted a two year deal that will see him arrive in Wellington in early June. The Tranmere striker has previously played for Stoke City, Mansfield Town and Manchester City and he has said that he was looking forward to his stint at the Phoenix. “It wasn’t a tough decision at all, certainly not from a football perspective,” the striker said. However, he’ll have his work cut out for him to successfully replace Smeltz, who won the Johnny Warren Medal this year.

News in short:

Next season’s A League draw released
Mariners Seek Simon Extension

Gold Coast United announce major sponsorship deal with WAECO
Glory to play English clubs in pre season friendlies
Sydney FC names new board

Ex-Celtic stopper Gould joins Phoenix as assistant manager

So thats all, and watch out for part 2 of the season review, and if its not on here by Sunday night, feel free to start yelling insults at me