Melbourne  Heart coach John van’t Schip is currently scouring his European networks for new players to replace a core of experienced players who’ve either retired or moved on.

Skoko, John Aloisi, Gerald Sibon and new Sky Blue Michael Beauchamp have all left  leaving van’t Schip with a tricky task, as Skoko explained.

“I think we should’ve made the finals last year," he told au.fourfourtwo.com. "I see no reason why they shouldn’t be aiming for the finals this year.

“I think they have learnt a lot but some players have gone out and some have come in and it depends on if they can get another couple of players in and go to that next step.

“It’s always difficult when you lose a lot of experience – you don’t know which way it could go.

"You could bring fresh legs and a more competitive thing on the field but you’re losing out on the experience side.”

With the salary caps and ceilings on squads, van’t Schip now realises that getting off-season recruitment right is far more crucial in the A-League than in other competitions.

Ange Postecoglou is a good example. Unheralded signings Thomas Broich, Erik Paartalu and Kosta Barbarouses proved key in Brisbane after their off-season recruitment.

Skoko joined the chorus of voices wanting new strikers for the red and whites.

"We need strikers good enough to score goals in the A-League," he said. "It’s what we lacked a little bit last year.

“We did have some injury problems last year which didn’t help… The core of the team has already been there for a year now but with one or two strong additions should bolster the club.

“It’s going to be hard for them to get massive signings. I just think they’ve got to concentrate on signing good solid footballers.”

Skoko is coaching juniors in North Geelong and assisting his brother who is a local coach.

North Geelong recently played against Melbourne Heart in a friendly.  And while he doesn’t have an official role with Heart, Skoko may continue his association with the A-League franchise in a youth coaching and ambassadorial capacity.

 “It was a fantastic experience to be part of a new club," he added. "You don’t often get a chance to do that. On the park whilst we didn’t make the finals the football we played was really good.

“And some of the games like the derbies against Melbourne Victory matched some of the games I played overseas.

“I enjoyed it quite a bit, it was an eye-opening experience>