IT IS again the time of year when football supporters begin getting very excited.
The pre-season preparations are in full swing, European mega clubs are splashing cash around like K-Rudd in a Global Financial Crisis. The new Galacticos are preparing to line up to face the new Primera season with a 3-1-6 formation, and it looks like Real wannabes Man City will also being running with a similarly aggressive approach.
Shay Given will be busier than a pig on ice unless John Terry agrees to bolster his retirement fund by also coming across to the Eastlands, which is looking increasingly likely. I don't know about you, but Tevez and Robinho running off Adebayor is a pretty mouth watering proposition.
In any case, that's all Europe and closer to home we are busily analysing our own ‘player movements'. The A-League is set for a ground breaking season five with the addition of both the Fury and Gold Coast United. The latter particularly fire the imagination, given the quality of many of the signings. None more so than Jason Culina, who, quite rightly enjoys almost universal respect and admiration for his substantial footballing talents in this country.
Also looking particularly ‘tasty' (a Harperism I like to use from time to time) are Perth Glory, who have made a clear declaration of intent with the acquisition of Mile Sterjovski, Jacob Burns and Chris Coyne. When you also consider the experience and steel Andy Todd is likely to bring to the team, Glory look a completely different proposition from recent seasons, and on paper at least, they look very strong.
Adelaide and Melbourne have not really done much to get me excited, but then they did not really need to, they are both very good sides. Roar haven't caught my attention either, but they importantly, they haven't been noticeably weakened as some other teams have.
Sydney FC have wisely resorted to their talented youngsters to bolster a depleted and ageing squad. I'm sure the Blues will be competitive, and field one of the more technically proficient sides in the competition, however whether they are a genuine title contender based on the core playing group, (i.e. Corica, Aloisi, Brosque, Colosimo, Musialik, and Bolton) I'm not so sure. Keeping Colosimo fit for a full season will be very important to their chances, as will Aloisi's goal scoring form.
Newcastle... well if I wasn't a Mariners supporter I would probably feel sorry for their fans. Just nothing to say here that has not been said before.
Phoenix, like the Jets, are weaker than last season, particularly without the highly effective Smeltz.
Finally, the Mariners... and after copping quite a bit of criticism from many quarters about a perceived lack of ambition, I am beginning to see some signs that Lawrie's shrewd eye for value may yet be coming to the fore.
Be assured, there will be the annual rush of expert opinion that places the Mariners firmly at the ‘also ran' level of the competition. Many will even predict the wooden spoon in some kind of manic determination to be proven wrong five years in succession. I'll refrain from picking on any particular SBS or Fox Sports Sydney FC fanboys here, they know who they are.
However, early predictions of the Mariners demise following their horror end to last season, and the ACL debacle, appear premature. The fact remains McKinna has been adept at delivering consistency for much of his long reign at Bluetongue. The Mariners have only missed the finals series once in four seasons, and have two grand finals and a League Championship to their name (Just remind me of Sydney's record again?, oh that's right one Premiership and about 24 coaches since wasn't it?).
This season's signings/prospects may not get many of us really excited, at least on paper, however their effectiveness in early pre-season outings, is encouraging. Importantly, their fit, both culturally and stylistically into the squad also looks promising.
Doig will add much needed steel and depth in defense, although I'm not sure he will compensate for a lack of pace at the back. He may not be a high profile ‘former' top flight player, but remember we are talking about a centre back. He needs football brains, toughness, and to be able to tackle. As a proven long term lower league professional I'd suggest he'll possess these things, and add some value.
Nicky Travis (Midfielder), who appears to be a strapping young lad who has suffered from injuries in his time in the Sheffield United youth system, looks very capable, and I guess replaces the ‘box to box' hole left by Gumprecht. I see him as pressing John Hutchinson to perform more consistently this season.
As yet unsigned Gary Wales (Striker), a veteran former SPL and lower league player has impressed in a few run-outs, although really seems to only fit into the squad if McKinna perseveres with three men up front.
Probably the most interesting of all four however is young Michael McGlinchey (Midfielder), who debuted for Celtic at 15 years of age (yes I read that here). McGlinchey is only 22, and having been released by Celtic, is looking to re-start his career here. All reports have been very positive, with him seeming to possess the ability to provide the creative spark that the Mariners have sorely missed of late.
The most recent performance against the Cold Coast would appear to indicate that preparations are on track.
Season five is only days away, and I'm thinking its time to upgrade my Foxtel subscription. It's going to be huge!
