FIRST it was Cassio, when the Brazilian apparently agreed a deal to become the club’s marquee before rejecting the move the next day, next it was Jade North who chased the big bucks in Korea after signing on a three-year contract for the club.
Thankfully, the next to be replaced won't be star signing Robbie Fowler, rather Felipe who, if rumours are to be believed is the next to be replaced by a high-profile signing.
To Ian Ferguson's credit, NQ Fury has always come back stronger from missing out on a player that looked like being a crucial member of Ferguson's squad (barring Scott Chipperfield, who never actually signed a contract with the club or had a verbal agreement).
With respect to Cassio, Jade North was clearly the better marquee choice; a player already recognised in North Queensland, a role-model for kids all across NQ and a player on the verge of a spot in the starting line up for the Socceroos. His departure too ended up a blessing in disguise, later paving the way for the capture of Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler.
Now, it appears to be Felipe's turn to be replaced by a bigger and better player if speculation of a big-name midfield signing are to be believed. Word is that Ian Ferguson will once again use his Scottish connections to sign the player, thought by some to be Barry Ferguson. However, Ferguson ruled out his fellow countryman the last time the Rangers man was linked with the club due to his large salary and could be forced to do the same once again.
After suffering a 2-0 loss to Gold Coast United at Skilled Park on Tuesday night, Fury are desperately in need of a replacement for Felipe, with Ian Ferguson's side lacking the creativity needed to test Gold Coast all that much. Some encouraging signs though, as Roy Krishna came on in the second-half and did well, despite being pushed off the ball too much. There's undoubtedly a spot in the squad for the Fijian hopefully not as Felipe's direct replacement though and some upper-body work is also needed.
In defence, Scott Wilson played a solid first-half organising the defence well as did Paul Henderson who was very vocal at the back, something which was missing from a majority of the players on the night. Heading into the second-half it was 0-0 and saw the departure of experienced players Scott Wilson and Paul Henderson, with Justin Pasfield replacing Henderson in goals. The young keeper started off well enough saving a one-on-one, but later let two goals in one from Steve Panteledis and the other from United trialist Steve Lustica.
Ian Ferguson is likely to have concerns over his side's inability to string many passes together and consistently losing possession, perhaps of more concern though, is the side's failure to score against opposition higher than a State League level in four attempts. The sooner Robbie Fowler makes his debut the better as the excuse of it being pre-season will not be around for much longer.
Man of the Match: Van Den Brink
Gold Coast United's Dutch import was impressive at the back not once letting a Fury player get the better of him; a mention must also go to Joel Porter who was a class above many on the night, despite failing to make the scoresheet.
Announcer Comedy:
Perhaps worse than the $25 Gold Coast were charging for tickets to the trial match was the quality of the pitch-side announcer, who was later recognised to be Clive Palmer's son. He produced a lot of "ums" and "ahs" on the night, though the highlight had to be when Palmer introduced Beau Busch as "Bean Mush".
Verdict:
In a match the two sides desperately wanted to win, North Queensland Fury lacked the killer touch in the final third, while Gold Coast took advantage of Justin Pasfield's inexperience in goals to win the match 2-0. The result could have gone either way though, with neither side really dominating - a lot of improvement will have to be made by both sides before the Round 2 clash at the same venue, particularly by Fury.
