DURING Terry Butcher’s largely unpopular spell as Sydney coach the Scotsman once claimed: “Every manager in the A-League would love to have Kevin Muscat, I’m no exception.”
Neither apparently is Ian Ferguson, who told the Townsville Bulletin Muscat, once dubbed by Martin Granger as the "most hated man in football'', was one that would definitely be on top of his wanted list. Ferguson's reasons for wanting the 35-year-old former Socceroo are ones surely only known to Ferguson himself, unless Ferguson is keen to take away the title of the A-League's most hated side from Sydney FC or as many may now argue GC United.
The latest twist in the story came yesterday, with Ian Ferguson revealing an offer of a post-career coaching position may give NQ Fury the edge over the other four A-League clubs interested in signing Muscat. Not that it should make too much of a difference as Muscat already holds a player/coach role at the Victory and as much as Ferguson would like to see Muscat in Fury colours, the chances of it actually happening are slim to none. It must be asked why Ferguson would bother chasing a player so close to retirement.
In no way am I questioning the abilities of Melbourne Victory captain Kevin Muscat, but what exactly does North Queensland Fury have to gain out of the potential signing? With only two senior positions in the team remaining Muscat is surely not one needed, with NQ Fury's squad-list already containing an experienced defender capable of taking up a leadership role at the club in Scott Wilson.
Muscat would also demand a large wage (A-League-wise) to leave his hometown club and it's unlikely he would play beyond the 2009/10 A-League season. What's stopping NQ Fury from trialing someone like, say Karl Dodd, who would offer much more in the long-run than Kevin Muscat and would come at a much more affordable price.
In no way am I suggesting Karl Dodd is a superior player to Kevin Muscat, simply that Dodd would be more beneficial to Fury in years to come than a Kevin Muscat who is close to hanging up his boots. At this point, you may be wondering where the name Karl Dodd came from, if so take a look at FourFourTwo's recent 'Who's In, Who's Out' article, highlighting every A-League club's signings and departures. Of particular interest to North Queensland Fury should be those released and still looking for a club.
The 'released list' contains Karl Dodd, Robert Younis, Isyan Erdogan, Hyuk-Su Seo, Jesper Hakansson, David Tarka, Nick Rizzo, Adrian Trinidad, Amaral, Josip Magdic, Hayden Foxe, Mark Lee, Adam Biddle, Andre Gumprecht, Greg Owens Mike Enfield and Greg Draper. Bar any international players, any one of those players could be on NQ Fury's playing roster next season. Granted the only keeper currently contracted to the club is Justin Pasfield it leaves only one senior spot for potential signings from the list above, paving the way for youngsters like Adam Biddle and Robert Younis.
On the topic of youngsters Adelaide United starlet Osama Malik has been handed a 10-day trial along with 20-year-old Matt Smillie and 17-year-old Jacob Borg. The club has confirmed a number of talented young players will trial with the club in the hope of securing a contract with the Fury. Of those currently trialing, Osama Malik has got to be the pick of the bunch, a player who was barely recognised before his pulsating debut in the Club World Cup. Along with the likes of Adam Biddle, Robert Younis and possibly Robbie Kruse, Malik is exactly the type of player NQ Fury should be signing to fill its under-23 positions. Michael Petrillo, formerly of Adelaide United and the man responsible for setting up the trial, said Malik had thus far been impressive.
"Osama's been training well for us," Petrillo said. "Osama's been doing gym work for two days with the rest of the squad, but yesterday it was his chance on the pitch.
"(Coach) Ian Ferguson will make the decision on whether we sign him but so far Osama's been impressive."
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33-year-old Daniel Beltrame, who not so long ago retired from football, has been appointed North Queensland Fury's goalkeeping coach.
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For more news and views regarding NQ Fury go to www.nqfuryfcthejournal.blogspot.com
