WHILE it is not yet confirmed, it is growing more and more likely that Queensland Roar foundation player Hyuk-Su Seo has played his last game in the orange and maroon strip.
The plucky Korean has been a loyal servant of the club for four seasons but it appears that time has finally caught up with the midfielder come defender. Seo has spent the past season struggling with hamstring and calf injuries and it would seem Frank Farina is tempted to replace the 35 year old with a younger and, quite probably, cheaper player.
After 73 appearances, it will be hard to say goodbye to Seo but it is something that I am afraid must be done in order for the club to go forward and build upon the results of the previous two seasons. The fact of the matter is that Seo hasn't fitted into the Queensland tactical approach since Frank Farina took charge some two and a half seasons ago.
While he is dependable at right back, it has been glaringly obvious that this is not his natural position. Throughout Miron Bleiberg's tenure as manager, Seo anchored the midfield and was a true box-to-box player. His outrageous stamina and creative passing made him far more dangerous in this role than he has been at repelling the raids of opposition wingers in the back line where he has often appeared a touch flat-footed.
Seo was at his best when he let his cunning come to the fore. Lurking outside the box in that first season, he managed two wonder strikes in successive weeks against Central Coast and New Zealand Knights. His through balls to pacey strikers Alex Brosque, Michael Baird and Jonti Richter were top notch. In defence he regularly took opposition midfielders unawares, cheekily taking the ball from right under their noses, allowing for some potent counter attacking raids.
This initiative however, has been stifled by Farina's insistence on playing Seo at right back. Earlier this season, I found it incredulous that Farina would continually persist with David Dodd in the centre of the park, rather than relying on the experience and proven performances of Seo. If the gaffer is not going to play Seo in his preferred and best position then I can see no reason why he should keep him on the books at all.
While it pains me to say it, perhaps it may be better for the club and for Hyuk-Su Seo that his contract not be renewed for next season. Providing an opportunity for a younger, dedicated defender will pay dividends for the future of Queensland Roar. And, hopefully, Seo can find another club in the A-League that allows him to show his obvious talents in the middle of the park.
Even if he does sign with another club, I am sure that the crowd at Suncorp Stadium will still welcome him. Whereby Sasa Ognenevski and Alex Brosque are jeered by the Roar faithful when the starting XIs are announced, Queensland fans should still be able to cheer on a player that took a chance on our fledgling football club all those years ago. Hyuk-Su Seo we will miss you.
