Thou Slighteth Portuguese One is tearing up the A-League, let's hope for more of the same!!
^ what Walter said!
Plus, Kewell is more intellectual than I'd expect...
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This story is not dead! I have been absent for about a week but do not fear, I am still well and truly committed to making this a huge story and with the save already into it's 7th season I can assure you it will be a great ride. Due to the fact I have been absent, coupled with the fact I am 6 seasons ahead, I will be going on somewhat of an update frenzy. I will be writing and posting as many as I can to catch up, but I prefer just reading updates in blocks anyway
Also, on a completely unrelated note but on a pathway for me, I am happy to announce to this community that I am openly and comfortably bisexual. I know a lot of you won't really give a shit, but it's kind of a progression for me to being completely public about it so just bear with me.
Kind regards, Feliks
Announcement
This story is not dead! I have been absent for about a week but do not fear, I am still well and truly committed to making this a huge story and with the save already into it's 7th season I can assure you it will be a great ride. Due to the fact I have been absent, coupled with the fact I am 6 seasons ahead, I will be going on somewhat of an update frenzy. I will be writing and posting as many as I can to catch up, but I prefer just reading updates in blocks anyway
Also, on a completely unrelated note but on a pathway for me, I am happy to announce to this community that I am openly and comfortably bisexual. I know a lot of you won't really give a shit, but it's kind of a progression for me to being completely public about it so just bear with me.
Kind regards, Feliks
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April was the biggie; the biggest month in the club's history. Poised in 1st position with just 4 games to play, we had a massive chance to take out our first ever premiership - but we needed consistent performances throughout. Could we deliver? Let's find out.
Hyundai A-League
WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS 0-0
Redmayne, Germano, Wielaert, Kisnorbo, Smith, Paartalu, Mooy, Koren, Retre, Dugandzic, Hoffman
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None
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Mate Dugandzic
I really questioned my players after this performance as it was a game we lost ourselves, 17 shots to 6 and we could only get 2 on target. The Hoff had a tough day at the office whilst Mate Dugandzic would have been fuming after carving up the Wanderers full back all day but not seeing any of his crosses converted. A disappointing draw on the run-in.
Hyundai A-League
WELLINGTON PHOENIX 1-2
Redmayne, Germano, Chapman, Kisnorbo, Smith, Paartalu, Mooy, Koren, Retre, Dugandzic, Hoffman
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Hoffman
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Jason Hoffman
In what was perhaps the biggest game of the season, even bigger than the FFA Cup Final, we lost in disappointing circumstances, at home, and gave up our title lead to 2nd placed Wellington. Tricky customer Nathan Burns scored for them early in the first half, but as usual Jason Hoffman came to the rescue with an equaliser and it looked like we could hold on for the point. However, the defence lapsed and in the 84th minute Burns struck again, taking our title hopes with him.
Hyundai A-League
PERTH GLORY 0-2
Redmayne, Hoffman, Wielaert, Kisnorbo, Smith, Paartalu, Mooy, Koren, Retre, Duff, Kennedy
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None
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Erik Paartalu
We had our chance to bounce back and give us a shot for the title but we blew it away from home in a game where we once more paid for our poor finishing. We outshot the Glory but they were far more efficient and we paid the price. Richie Garcia scored early and in the 81st minute Redmayne scored an own goal, a real kick in the teeth as it meant our title dreams were over.
Hyundai A-League
ADELAIDE UNITED 0-0
Redmayne, Germano, Wielaert, Kisnorbo, Smith, Paartalu, Mooy, Koren, Retre, Duff, Hoffman
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Retre
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Brad Smith
I had hoped we could at least finish the season with a win but our poor finishing stopped us once more, registering 21 shots and 11 on target but unable to get the win. Paulo Retre got us the point just before half time but we really should have won this one; too many draws this season.
So despite winning the premiership, there is some hope for us in the finals as our 2nd placed finish means we get the first week off and advance straight into the semis. I'm hoping for a Newcastle game as I know we can beat them; what I don't want to happen is another Victory match.
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Brad Smith
It wasn't a good month but nonetheless Brad Smith impressed me, working hard on that left flank. He's a great Aussie prospect who I believed has benefitted well from his loan spell at the club. His contract is expiring in the summer (Aussie winter) so I'm hoping I can persuade him to stay at the club on a permanent basis.
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Well it certainly was a disappointing month but I guess we shouldn't dwell on it too long. Yes, we could have won a few of those games and we've let ourselves down with just a 2nd placed finish. However, we shouldn't forget that before this season the club had never even made the finals, let alone challenged for the title, so looking back on this season we shouldn't judge it from the last month. It's time to forget the regular season anyway - finals time, baby!
April 2015
April was the biggie; the biggest month in the club's history. Poised in 1st position with just 4 games to play, we had a massive chance to take out our first ever premiership - but we needed consistent performances throughout. Could we deliver? Let's find out.
Results
Hyundai A-League
WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS 0-0
Redmayne, Germano, Wielaert, Kisnorbo, Smith, Paartalu, Mooy, Koren, Retre, Dugandzic, Hoffman
None
Mate DugandzicI really questioned my players after this performance as it was a game we lost ourselves, 17 shots to 6 and we could only get 2 on target. The Hoff had a tough day at the office whilst Mate Dugandzic would have been fuming after carving up the Wanderers full back all day but not seeing any of his crosses converted. A disappointing draw on the run-in.
Hyundai A-League
WELLINGTON PHOENIX 1-2
Redmayne, Germano, Chapman, Kisnorbo, Smith, Paartalu, Mooy, Koren, Retre, Dugandzic, Hoffman
Hoffman Jason HoffmanIn what was perhaps the biggest game of the season, even bigger than the FFA Cup Final, we lost in disappointing circumstances, at home, and gave up our title lead to 2nd placed Wellington. Tricky customer Nathan Burns scored for them early in the first half, but as usual Jason Hoffman came to the rescue with an equaliser and it looked like we could hold on for the point. However, the defence lapsed and in the 84th minute Burns struck again, taking our title hopes with him.
Hyundai A-League
PERTH GLORY 0-2
Redmayne, Hoffman, Wielaert, Kisnorbo, Smith, Paartalu, Mooy, Koren, Retre, Duff, Kennedy
None Erik PaartaluWe had our chance to bounce back and give us a shot for the title but we blew it away from home in a game where we once more paid for our poor finishing. We outshot the Glory but they were far more efficient and we paid the price. Richie Garcia scored early and in the 81st minute Redmayne scored an own goal, a real kick in the teeth as it meant our title dreams were over.
Hyundai A-League
ADELAIDE UNITED 0-0
Redmayne, Germano, Wielaert, Kisnorbo, Smith, Paartalu, Mooy, Koren, Retre, Duff, Hoffman
Retre Brad SmithI had hoped we could at least finish the season with a win but our poor finishing stopped us once more, registering 21 shots and 11 on target but unable to get the win. Paulo Retre got us the point just before half time but we really should have won this one; too many draws this season.
So despite winning the premiership, there is some hope for us in the finals as our 2nd placed finish means we get the first week off and advance straight into the semis. I'm hoping for a Newcastle game as I know we can beat them; what I don't want to happen is another Victory match.
Player Of The Month
Brad Smith
It wasn't a good month but nonetheless Brad Smith impressed me, working hard on that left flank. He's a great Aussie prospect who I believed has benefitted well from his loan spell at the club. His contract is expiring in the summer (Aussie winter) so I'm hoping I can persuade him to stay at the club on a permanent basis.
Manager's Thoughts
Well it certainly was a disappointing month but I guess we shouldn't dwell on it too long. Yes, we could have won a few of those games and we've let ourselves down with just a 2nd placed finish. However, we shouldn't forget that before this season the club had never even made the finals, let alone challenged for the title, so looking back on this season we shouldn't judge it from the last month. It's time to forget the regular season anyway - finals time, baby!
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Ex-Socceroo turned pundit Brett Emerton has heaped praise on his former teammate Harry Kewell, commending the young manager's thrilling first season in charge of Melbourne City. Once renowned as the easybeats of the A-League, City have turned into one of the best defensive units ever seen in the league and Emerton attributes it to Kewell.
"Harry has done a super job, a wonder job, at the club this season. No doubt the Manchester City purchase will have had an impact, but you need the right man at the helm to get results where it matters and Kewell has done over and above what was required.
After some shaky seasons, you'd expect maybe a 5th, 4th placed finish at the most would be the expectation from Marmwood. Kewell has done a lot better, almost got the title in the end and almost won the cup as well. I back him to take the side further in the finals and turn the almost into a definite."
Despite a disappointing April, City ended the regular season in 2nd position, 8 points behind winners Wellington Phoenix. Performances from the likes of Jason Hoffman and Paulo Retre have been the backbone of City's season and Emerton applauded the efforts of such previously fringe players.
"It's a hallmark of a great team, it really is, when you've got players like Hoffman, Retre, Chapman who were all considered fringe players coming into the season, they turn out to be your best players. Doesn't mean your good players are playing badly; it means the average players have become great because they're playing in a great team atmosphere. I'm gonna come out and say it - Jason Hoffman should be winning the Johnny Warren Medal and when he gets it, he can split it with Paulo Retre. Those two have been monstrous."
Melbourne City will await their semi final combatants when Melbourne Victory and Newcastle United clash at AAMI Park this weekend.
Emerton Praises Kewell Wonder Job
http://videocdn.sbs.com.au/u/video/SBS_Production/99/453/Brett_Emerton_640x360_2250710131-640x360.jpgEx-Socceroo turned pundit Brett Emerton has heaped praise on his former teammate Harry Kewell, commending the young manager's thrilling first season in charge of Melbourne City. Once renowned as the easybeats of the A-League, City have turned into one of the best defensive units ever seen in the league and Emerton attributes it to Kewell.
"Harry has done a super job, a wonder job, at the club this season. No doubt the Manchester City purchase will have had an impact, but you need the right man at the helm to get results where it matters and Kewell has done over and above what was required.
After some shaky seasons, you'd expect maybe a 5th, 4th placed finish at the most would be the expectation from Marmwood. Kewell has done a lot better, almost got the title in the end and almost won the cup as well. I back him to take the side further in the finals and turn the almost into a definite."
Despite a disappointing April, City ended the regular season in 2nd position, 8 points behind winners Wellington Phoenix. Performances from the likes of Jason Hoffman and Paulo Retre have been the backbone of City's season and Emerton applauded the efforts of such previously fringe players.
"It's a hallmark of a great team, it really is, when you've got players like Hoffman, Retre, Chapman who were all considered fringe players coming into the season, they turn out to be your best players. Doesn't mean your good players are playing badly; it means the average players have become great because they're playing in a great team atmosphere. I'm gonna come out and say it - Jason Hoffman should be winning the Johnny Warren Medal and when he gets it, he can split it with Paulo Retre. Those two have been monstrous."
Melbourne City will await their semi final combatants when Melbourne Victory and Newcastle United clash at AAMI Park this weekend.
Ouch, that last month was probably very hard to take for you. Despite that, you've done a good job. Good luck in the finals!
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The A-League elimination finals have been played, and it is no surprise to see that Melbourne Victory have progressed to the semi final stage. It is also no surprise that they will come up against local rivals Melbourne City in the penultimate match of the season for one of the teams. The clubs have already played 5 games against eachother this season, with 2 draws and 3 Victory wins, and the boys in blue will be looking to win once more in the upcoming decider.
Despite his team's form against the Victory, Harry Kewell is adamant they can do the job on Friday. "Sure, if you look at the results, you could say they have the upper hand, but every single one of those games has been close, too close to say one team had the upper hand. In my eyes, we are very, very equal teams and it's going to come down to who can win mentally. And that will be us."
His counterpart Kevin Muscat dismissed the claims with his own mini press conference this morning. "Kewell can go on all he likes about merit, and who played best, but the object of the game isn't to necessarily play better, it's to get the 3 points and we've proven we can do that better than them. We proved it in the FFA Cup Final, and we'll prove it again on Friday night."
The last clash between the 2 clubs ended at 2-2 thanks to some second half heroics from Archie Thompson, who is sure to be a feature in the game this weekend. Alongside Besart Berisha, Guilherme Finkler and Fahid Ben Khalfallah it is certainly a formidable line up. Melbourne City meanwhile will be hoping their less exotic but no doubt hard working players can get them home; the likes of Jason Hoffman, Paulo Retre and Erik Paartalu will be crucial to any plans of City.
The match is to be played at Etihad Stadium this Friday night in what will be the biggest game of both club's seasons, playing for the right to compete in the A-League Grand Final - and assert themselves as the best team in the competition.
Local Derby Once More For Semi
http://images.performgroup.com/di/library/A-League/4c/d5/melbourne-victory-tackle-melbourne-city-fc-for-a-spot-in-the-grand-final-on-friday-night_vi8c1r20zuub1aqwu4qv7415k.jpgThe A-League elimination finals have been played, and it is no surprise to see that Melbourne Victory have progressed to the semi final stage. It is also no surprise that they will come up against local rivals Melbourne City in the penultimate match of the season for one of the teams. The clubs have already played 5 games against eachother this season, with 2 draws and 3 Victory wins, and the boys in blue will be looking to win once more in the upcoming decider.
Despite his team's form against the Victory, Harry Kewell is adamant they can do the job on Friday. "Sure, if you look at the results, you could say they have the upper hand, but every single one of those games has been close, too close to say one team had the upper hand. In my eyes, we are very, very equal teams and it's going to come down to who can win mentally. And that will be us."
His counterpart Kevin Muscat dismissed the claims with his own mini press conference this morning. "Kewell can go on all he likes about merit, and who played best, but the object of the game isn't to necessarily play better, it's to get the 3 points and we've proven we can do that better than them. We proved it in the FFA Cup Final, and we'll prove it again on Friday night."
The last clash between the 2 clubs ended at 2-2 thanks to some second half heroics from Archie Thompson, who is sure to be a feature in the game this weekend. Alongside Besart Berisha, Guilherme Finkler and Fahid Ben Khalfallah it is certainly a formidable line up. Melbourne City meanwhile will be hoping their less exotic but no doubt hard working players can get them home; the likes of Jason Hoffman, Paulo Retre and Erik Paartalu will be crucial to any plans of City.
The match is to be played at Etihad Stadium this Friday night in what will be the biggest game of both club's seasons, playing for the right to compete in the A-League Grand Final - and assert themselves as the best team in the competition.
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"Well. Well, well, well. We're here. I'll be honest with you lads; I didn't expect us to be here when I signed up. I didn't expect to see the determination, the drive, the PASSION, that I have seen from you lot this season! I didn't expect Hoffie, or Paulo, or Connor, to step up, and be the leaders I crave. I didn't expect to see us be so solid in defence, looking at you Patrick. I didn't expect fireworks up front. I didn't expect to see us in the finals, I'll be honest. But you have exceeded. You have excelled. You have done everything I have asked of you, and then some. But now I'm not expecting average from you. You have proven that you are not ordinary, you are exceptional. You are not ordinary, you are extraordinary, AND YOU CAN PROVE IT. YOU WILL PROVE IT. THIS IS OUR YEAR. THIS IS THE YEAR OF THE CITY. AND WE WILL NOT STAND FOR MEDIOCRITY ANY LONGER! NOW GET THE FUCK OUT THERE AND KICK THEIR ARSES!"
This is the one. God, how I have waited for this. I was being honest with the players; I did not expect this whatsoever. I was hoping for a finals finish, the bookies reckoned I would finish 5th and most of Australia, including me, agreed with them.
I watched the last of the players leave the changerooms and sighed. This was going to be a game which defined me as a manager, I thought. Forget the FFA Cup, that is still an infant competition. This, for me right now anyway, is the big time. No turning back.
I took my place on the bench as the teams lined up. We had been lucky with injuries and were essentially playing our first team. Redmayne in goals, Germano, Wielaert, Kisnorbo and Smith in defence, Paartalu, Mooy and Koren in midfield, Retre and Duff on the wings, and Jason Hoffman up front. Velaphi, Clisby, Brown, Kennedy and Dugandzic sat with me on the bench and I heard Josh muttering under his breath, praying maybe, as Besart Berisha rolled the ball to Connor Pain and the game was underway.
"Literally nothing. I didn't come to this ground to take a nap boys, I came to win a game of football, and we didn't create a single chance out there tonight. You're lucky they didn't either. But if youu were hoping for a snooze, you're out of luck now. There is no such thing as a boring penalty shootout. Now, you guys got yourself into this mess, and you're sure as hell gonna get out of it. 120 minutes and not a single highlight, my god...
Get ready boys, because there's nothing in football like a penalty shootout."
First penalty taken by Broxham... 1-0! Tucked into the bottom left, Redmayne went the right way but not quick enough.
Josh Kennedy steps up for City... 1-1! Bottom left again, and again the keeper goes the right way but to no avail.
Leijer next... 2-1! Redmayne dives left again but this time it's been rocketed into the top of the net right of centre, great penalty.
Koren now.... 2-2! Bottom left again! So far the players are favouring that bottom left corner in the shootout.
Galloway steps up... 3-2! Bottom right this time from the full back, nails it to the back of the net.
Germano with a crucial spot kick... 3-3! Through the keeper's legs! Thomas didn't get down quick enough and Germano gets away with a cheeky nutmeg!
Gui Finkler now.... 4-3! The master of deadballs drills home the penalty for the Victory, the keepers are having no luck today.
Rob Wielaert is next, they say he's the best at City when it comes to penalties... and it shows! 4-4, stunning strike, Thomas had no chance!
Cristaldo can give Victory a chance to win here... and he does! 5-4, Redmayne dived too early, too fast and Cristaldo got it over his legs.
Kisnorbo must score to keep his team in it... 5-5!!! That would have been a nerve wracker, but he's done it. Top right corner and it's going to sudden death!
Every kick counts, and Makarounas has made his count, 6-5! Redmayne once more failing to keep it out.
Damien Duff must score... and he makes it look easy, 6-6! The Irish veteran waltzed into that one, easy as you like!
This is extremely tense now, Barbarouses with a lot of pressure... 7-6! He sends Redmayne the wrong way, the pressure is back on City now!
If ever there was a time to score, this is it, the 7th taker for City, Mate Dugandzic.... THOMAS SAVES!! THAT'S IT! Melbourne Victory are through to the 2015 A-League Grand Final!!!!
The Kewell Diaries - Hyundai A-League Semi Final 2015
http://images1.aystatic.com/events/108216/157846_home_hero.jpg"Well. Well, well, well. We're here. I'll be honest with you lads; I didn't expect us to be here when I signed up. I didn't expect to see the determination, the drive, the PASSION, that I have seen from you lot this season! I didn't expect Hoffie, or Paulo, or Connor, to step up, and be the leaders I crave. I didn't expect to see us be so solid in defence, looking at you Patrick. I didn't expect fireworks up front. I didn't expect to see us in the finals, I'll be honest. But you have exceeded. You have excelled. You have done everything I have asked of you, and then some. But now I'm not expecting average from you. You have proven that you are not ordinary, you are exceptional. You are not ordinary, you are extraordinary, AND YOU CAN PROVE IT. YOU WILL PROVE IT. THIS IS OUR YEAR. THIS IS THE YEAR OF THE CITY. AND WE WILL NOT STAND FOR MEDIOCRITY ANY LONGER! NOW GET THE FUCK OUT THERE AND KICK THEIR ARSES!"
This is the one. God, how I have waited for this. I was being honest with the players; I did not expect this whatsoever. I was hoping for a finals finish, the bookies reckoned I would finish 5th and most of Australia, including me, agreed with them.
I watched the last of the players leave the changerooms and sighed. This was going to be a game which defined me as a manager, I thought. Forget the FFA Cup, that is still an infant competition. This, for me right now anyway, is the big time. No turning back.
I took my place on the bench as the teams lined up. We had been lucky with injuries and were essentially playing our first team. Redmayne in goals, Germano, Wielaert, Kisnorbo and Smith in defence, Paartalu, Mooy and Koren in midfield, Retre and Duff on the wings, and Jason Hoffman up front. Velaphi, Clisby, Brown, Kennedy and Dugandzic sat with me on the bench and I heard Josh muttering under his breath, praying maybe, as Besart Berisha rolled the ball to Connor Pain and the game was underway.
120 Minutes Later
"Literally nothing. I didn't come to this ground to take a nap boys, I came to win a game of football, and we didn't create a single chance out there tonight. You're lucky they didn't either. But if youu were hoping for a snooze, you're out of luck now. There is no such thing as a boring penalty shootout. Now, you guys got yourself into this mess, and you're sure as hell gonna get out of it. 120 minutes and not a single highlight, my god...
Get ready boys, because there's nothing in football like a penalty shootout."
The Shootout
First penalty taken by Broxham... 1-0! Tucked into the bottom left, Redmayne went the right way but not quick enough.
Josh Kennedy steps up for City... 1-1! Bottom left again, and again the keeper goes the right way but to no avail.
Leijer next... 2-1! Redmayne dives left again but this time it's been rocketed into the top of the net right of centre, great penalty.
Koren now.... 2-2! Bottom left again! So far the players are favouring that bottom left corner in the shootout.
Galloway steps up... 3-2! Bottom right this time from the full back, nails it to the back of the net.
Germano with a crucial spot kick... 3-3! Through the keeper's legs! Thomas didn't get down quick enough and Germano gets away with a cheeky nutmeg!
Gui Finkler now.... 4-3! The master of deadballs drills home the penalty for the Victory, the keepers are having no luck today.
Rob Wielaert is next, they say he's the best at City when it comes to penalties... and it shows! 4-4, stunning strike, Thomas had no chance!
Cristaldo can give Victory a chance to win here... and he does! 5-4, Redmayne dived too early, too fast and Cristaldo got it over his legs.
Kisnorbo must score to keep his team in it... 5-5!!! That would have been a nerve wracker, but he's done it. Top right corner and it's going to sudden death!
Every kick counts, and Makarounas has made his count, 6-5! Redmayne once more failing to keep it out.
Damien Duff must score... and he makes it look easy, 6-6! The Irish veteran waltzed into that one, easy as you like!
This is extremely tense now, Barbarouses with a lot of pressure... 7-6! He sends Redmayne the wrong way, the pressure is back on City now!
If ever there was a time to score, this is it, the 7th taker for City, Mate Dugandzic.... THOMAS SAVES!! THAT'S IT! Melbourne Victory are through to the 2015 A-League Grand Final!!!!
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Oh Mate. Poor, poor Mate. Was actually quite a good player for 75% of his career under my tenure. First team player for my last 2 seasons, after Retre fizzled out. He had buckets of speed, great at dribbling, good crosser. Really just a classic A-League winger. But for 2 whole years, I hated him. All because of that 1 penalty shootout.
I'll be honest, it was a little ridiculous in the first place for all 13 kicks up to that stage to have been scored. The goalies couldn't stop a single one, and it put a mountain of pressure on Mate's shoulders. In hindsight, I shouldn't have been as angry as I was but at that stage I had had enough of losing to the Victory - and in the end, it came down to Mate missing that made us lose once more, in the biggest games of the season.
To his credit, he never wanted to leave despite my disliking of him. He actually became a far better player after the game, and showed great resilience to become one of the best wingers in the country. In 2021, at the age of 31, he's still going strong as the first choice winger for Melbourne City. Maybe the penalty miss changed him. Hopefully it did. Hopefully I didn't scar him with my hate....
ALTHOUGH WHY DID HE BLOODY MISS IT!
The Kewell Diaries - Mate Dugandzic
http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/sites/sbs.com.au.theworldgame/files/styles/full/public/465822890.jpgOh Mate. Poor, poor Mate. Was actually quite a good player for 75% of his career under my tenure. First team player for my last 2 seasons, after Retre fizzled out. He had buckets of speed, great at dribbling, good crosser. Really just a classic A-League winger. But for 2 whole years, I hated him. All because of that 1 penalty shootout.
I'll be honest, it was a little ridiculous in the first place for all 13 kicks up to that stage to have been scored. The goalies couldn't stop a single one, and it put a mountain of pressure on Mate's shoulders. In hindsight, I shouldn't have been as angry as I was but at that stage I had had enough of losing to the Victory - and in the end, it came down to Mate missing that made us lose once more, in the biggest games of the season.
http://resources0.news.com.au/images/2014/12/17/1227159/844192-50a2451a-85b0-11e4-bf87-d1f7005bd55e.jpg
To his credit, he never wanted to leave despite my disliking of him. He actually became a far better player after the game, and showed great resilience to become one of the best wingers in the country. In 2021, at the age of 31, he's still going strong as the first choice winger for Melbourne City. Maybe the penalty miss changed him. Hopefully it did. Hopefully I didn't scar him with my hate....
ALTHOUGH WHY DID HE BLOODY MISS IT!
^Apologies for the coding error, I appeared to have made the edit button disappear...
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Wellington Phoenix were the team to beat this season, winning the league by an impressive 8 points over us, Melbourne City, to secure their first premiership. However, in the A-League it's all about finals!
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Just like I said, finals is everything in the A-League and regular season form is often thrown out the window. This year, the Grand Final was contested between 3rd and 5th as both Wellington and us were eliminated at the semi final stage. Melbourne Victory held strong in another penalty shootout to clinch their 3rd A-League championship and their first since 2009.
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As you can see, one of our own has won an award and it's not a player! I, Harry Kewell, have been awarded the Manager of the Season award after taking the team to a 2nd placed finish and a semi final loss in my first year in charge. Meanwhile, Jason Hoffman was pipped to the Johnny Warren Medal (POTY) by Phoenix striker Tyler Boyd, and Andrew Redmayne was runner up to Victory's Nathan Coe in Goalkeeper of the Year. Nick Ansell also got an award for the Victory with Young Player Of The Year.
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Jason Hoffman defied all of the odds to have a great season up front, becoming our top scorer over star recruit Josh Kennedy. In a defensive team, Hoffman managed 13 goals in 28 appearances and was our top scorer by a long way over Kennedy (7) and Paulo Retre (6).
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Our best, and only, signing of the campaign was Liverpool loanee Brad Smith, who had a great campaign as our main left back. Smith played 21 games in a mainly defensive role, pushing forward to get 3 assists and an average rating of 7.02.
The fans got it spot on this season with their best eleven; it's certainly my best team as well. Redmayne in goals, Smith and Germano out wide, Wielaert and Kisnorbo in defence. The midfield trio of Paartalu, Koren and Mooy were almost unchanged all season, whilst Duff and Retre became my first choice wingers and of course, The Hoff up front.
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The unanimous choice for the award, gaining over 75% of the fan's votes, and my heart, was the one and only Jason Hoffman. For most players in my squad, his performances would be good. But for a player with his attributes, and prior history, it was a joy to behold. 13 goals in 28 games, as a lone striker in defensive formation, with just 11 finishing - he blews us all away. He almost won League Player Of The Season, and is probably my favourite ever non-regen on FM - absolutely no doubt that he is my - and the fan's - player of the year.
2014/15 Review - Melbourne City
http://www.a-league.com.au/di/library/A-League/3/a2/melbourne-city-fc-players-unveil-their-new-playing-strips-ahead-of-the-201415-season_8avdoddwn3np1ouxvqt41je9e.jpgRegular Season Table
Wellington Phoenix were the team to beat this season, winning the league by an impressive 8 points over us, Melbourne City, to secure their first premiership. However, in the A-League it's all about finals!
Final Series
Just like I said, finals is everything in the A-League and regular season form is often thrown out the window. This year, the Grand Final was contested between 3rd and 5th as both Wellington and us were eliminated at the semi final stage. Melbourne Victory held strong in another penalty shootout to clinch their 3rd A-League championship and their first since 2009.
League Award Winners
As you can see, one of our own has won an award and it's not a player! I, Harry Kewell, have been awarded the Manager of the Season award after taking the team to a 2nd placed finish and a semi final loss in my first year in charge. Meanwhile, Jason Hoffman was pipped to the Johnny Warren Medal (POTY) by Phoenix striker Tyler Boyd, and Andrew Redmayne was runner up to Victory's Nathan Coe in Goalkeeper of the Year. Nick Ansell also got an award for the Victory with Young Player Of The Year.
Golden Boot
Jason Hoffman defied all of the odds to have a great season up front, becoming our top scorer over star recruit Josh Kennedy. In a defensive team, Hoffman managed 13 goals in 28 appearances and was our top scorer by a long way over Kennedy (7) and Paulo Retre (6).
Signing Of The Season
Our best, and only, signing of the campaign was Liverpool loanee Brad Smith, who had a great campaign as our main left back. Smith played 21 games in a mainly defensive role, pushing forward to get 3 assists and an average rating of 7.02.
The fans got it spot on this season with their best eleven; it's certainly my best team as well. Redmayne in goals, Smith and Germano out wide, Wielaert and Kisnorbo in defence. The midfield trio of Paartalu, Koren and Mooy were almost unchanged all season, whilst Duff and Retre became my first choice wingers and of course, The Hoff up front.
Fan's and Manager's Player Of The Year
The unanimous choice for the award, gaining over 75% of the fan's votes, and my heart, was the one and only Jason Hoffman. For most players in my squad, his performances would be good. But for a player with his attributes, and prior history, it was a joy to behold. 13 goals in 28 games, as a lone striker in defensive formation, with just 11 finishing - he blews us all away. He almost won League Player Of The Season, and is probably my favourite ever non-regen on FM - absolutely no doubt that he is my - and the fan's - player of the year.
Just the Victory's year mate, 2 penalty shootout wins in a row to clinch the title!
http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t441/soccamaestro66/feliks%20banner_zpsbpw4xyac.png
Welcome back folks! With my first season as Melbourne City manager under my belt, it was time to move onwards to 2015/16. Last season, we finished 2nd and made the semi finals, so of course for us to progress we needed nothing less than 1st place and a Grand Final spot - no pressure.
Of course, we were somewhat of an overachieving squad last season so this time around I needed to have a bit of a squad overhaul to ensure we had a squad capable of winning the league. Here's how I did.
First off we'll start with the departures. 3 foreigners left the squad for pastures anew, starting with Argentinian right back Jonatan Germano who I released a couple of weeks early after complaining about his contract (or lack of it.) Dutch centre back and Irish winger Rob Wielaert and Damien Duff also left, after I felt their age restricted their impacts and their wages were better spent elsewhere.
3 home grown players also left, with David Williams' inability to play as a Target Man freezing him out of the side and also a contract. Massimo Murdocca and James Brown were both also unimpressive over the campaign and I had no troubles letting them go.
With Smith and Germano both gone, I needed to find new full backs for the side and decided to use 2 of my foreign spots to sign loanees Ryan McLaughlin and Harry Toffolo from Liverpool and Norwich respectively. The deal works well both ways, as I have acquired 2 class full backs for this division whilst the parent clubs get development of the players that they couldn't give.
I bolstered my midfield immensely with a trio of Aussie signings from big clubs, beginning with ex-Dortmund midfielder Mustafa Amini who I was initially hesitant to sign but persuaded me with his low wage demands. Jackson Irvine also joined from Scottish giants Celtic as a midfield rotation option whilst Giancarlo Gallifuoco left Swansea to join us as well.
Finally, I made signed notable ex and current Socceroos to slot into my first team, replacing Duff, Wielaert and Redmayne. Nikita Rukavytsya is my new left wing option after being released by the Wanderers, using his startling pace to blow opposition full backs away. Matthew Spiranovic was also surprisingly let go by the Wanderers, despite being a current Socceroo, and I was delighted to welcome him to the heart of my defence. Finally, Brad Jones was finally released by Liverpool and joined us for tiny wages - the quintessential A-League goalkeeper.
We began the season once again with an early FFA Cup tie against Perth Glory, and the exhausted team somehow held onto win 2-1. It was 0-0 at full time, and with the score poised at 1-1 in the 113th minute, it was 'Jesus' Kennedy who put us through to the next round.
'Proper' pre-season got underway about 3 weeks later, beginning with a trip out to the Ballarat Red Devils where we got a somewhat complacent 0-0 draw. Our annual friendly with Melbourne Victory turned out to be another loss (!) but we bounced back with wins over Werribee and Bentleigh. The loss to Altona was not acceptable however.
We then played Sydney FC in the 2nd Round of the FFA Cup, sporting our new-like side, and it was disappointing to have the extra time result go against us this time. Corey Gameiro struck the killer blow for the Sky Blues as we bow out in just the 2nd Round after making the Final last season.
To the boys credit, they bounced back well by putting 6 goals past Malvern City and a further 2 past Essendon Royals to finish the pre-season on a high.
I have actually lost the save that had all the match details, so I have no idea who exactly were my best performers. Apologies!
Pre-Season 2015
http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/sites/sbs.com.au.theworldgame/files/styles/body_image/public/novillo1.jpgWelcome back folks! With my first season as Melbourne City manager under my belt, it was time to move onwards to 2015/16. Last season, we finished 2nd and made the semi finals, so of course for us to progress we needed nothing less than 1st place and a Grand Final spot - no pressure.
Of course, we were somewhat of an overachieving squad last season so this time around I needed to have a bit of a squad overhaul to ensure we had a squad capable of winning the league. Here's how I did.
First off we'll start with the departures. 3 foreigners left the squad for pastures anew, starting with Argentinian right back Jonatan Germano who I released a couple of weeks early after complaining about his contract (or lack of it.) Dutch centre back and Irish winger Rob Wielaert and Damien Duff also left, after I felt their age restricted their impacts and their wages were better spent elsewhere.
3 home grown players also left, with David Williams' inability to play as a Target Man freezing him out of the side and also a contract. Massimo Murdocca and James Brown were both also unimpressive over the campaign and I had no troubles letting them go.
With Smith and Germano both gone, I needed to find new full backs for the side and decided to use 2 of my foreign spots to sign loanees Ryan McLaughlin and Harry Toffolo from Liverpool and Norwich respectively. The deal works well both ways, as I have acquired 2 class full backs for this division whilst the parent clubs get development of the players that they couldn't give.
I bolstered my midfield immensely with a trio of Aussie signings from big clubs, beginning with ex-Dortmund midfielder Mustafa Amini who I was initially hesitant to sign but persuaded me with his low wage demands. Jackson Irvine also joined from Scottish giants Celtic as a midfield rotation option whilst Giancarlo Gallifuoco left Swansea to join us as well.
Finally, I made signed notable ex and current Socceroos to slot into my first team, replacing Duff, Wielaert and Redmayne. Nikita Rukavytsya is my new left wing option after being released by the Wanderers, using his startling pace to blow opposition full backs away. Matthew Spiranovic was also surprisingly let go by the Wanderers, despite being a current Socceroo, and I was delighted to welcome him to the heart of my defence. Finally, Brad Jones was finally released by Liverpool and joined us for tiny wages - the quintessential A-League goalkeeper.
We began the season once again with an early FFA Cup tie against Perth Glory, and the exhausted team somehow held onto win 2-1. It was 0-0 at full time, and with the score poised at 1-1 in the 113th minute, it was 'Jesus' Kennedy who put us through to the next round.
'Proper' pre-season got underway about 3 weeks later, beginning with a trip out to the Ballarat Red Devils where we got a somewhat complacent 0-0 draw. Our annual friendly with Melbourne Victory turned out to be another loss (!) but we bounced back with wins over Werribee and Bentleigh. The loss to Altona was not acceptable however.
We then played Sydney FC in the 2nd Round of the FFA Cup, sporting our new-like side, and it was disappointing to have the extra time result go against us this time. Corey Gameiro struck the killer blow for the Sky Blues as we bow out in just the 2nd Round after making the Final last season.
To the boys credit, they bounced back well by putting 6 goals past Malvern City and a further 2 past Essendon Royals to finish the pre-season on a high.
Player Of The Month
I have actually lost the save that had all the match details, so I have no idea who exactly were my best performers. Apologies!
Awesome signings, and probably the best decision to move some of those players on. That is one hella long preseason too :o
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