0 ɔʇʌ 9 ǝuɹnoqlǝɯ ɥʇnos - pǝʇɔǝdxǝ sɐ

˙ǝsol ʎlqɐqoɹd ll,ǝʍ ˙ƃɹǝqlǝpıǝɥ ʇsuıɐƃɐ ʞǝǝʍ sıɥʇ ʇuǝɯuƃıssɐ ɹǝɥƃnoʇ ɥɔnɯ ɐ `ʎɐʍʎuɐ

˙sʍoɹɥʇ lnoɟ ǝɥʇ ɥʇıʍ sʇnu ƃuıoƃ puɐ plǝıɟ ǝɥʇ uo sƃuıɹɐǝq sıɥ ƃuısol pǝʇɹɐʇs ǝɥ ǝɹoɟǝq `ʇuıʇs sıɥ ɟo ʇɹɐd ʎlɹɐǝ ǝɥʇ uı lnɟǝsn uǝʌǝ sɐʍ ǝɥ ˙unɟ ǝɯos pɐɥ `sɥƃnɐl ǝɯos pɐɥ ǝʍ ʇnq




˙oƃ ʇǝƃ ǝɥʇ ɯoɹɟ ʇɥƃıɹ `uǝddɐɥ oʇ ƃuıoƃ sɐʍ ʇı ʎɐʍ ʎluo ǝɥʇ ʎllɐǝɹ sɐʍ sıɥʇ `ʇsǝuoɥ ǝq s,ʇǝl ¡ʇɥƃıɹ ooʇ ¡ʎddɐɥ ʎpoolq ʎllɐǝɹ sı ǝuıʎɹǝʌǝ ʎlʇuǝɹɐddɐ puɐ ʞɔɐs ǝɥʇ ʇoƃ ʎlʇuǝɹɐddɐ oqnɾl ¿ɹɐǝɥ noʎ pıp

Clarendon Corner rails against our recent poor form by viewing the game upside down. Thankfully their banner is still the right way up, and hence quite readable. Photo: Cindy Nitsos.

˙ɹǝqɯǝɯǝɹ llıʍ ǝɥ ɟı ɹǝpuoʍ ı ˙ƃuıʞɐʇ oʇoɥd ʎʇılɐnb ɹǝɥ ɹoɟ ǝsıɐɹd ʎɯ uo ssɐd oʇ ɯıɥ ploʇ ı ˙sɐlıɯ ɐʇıuɐ ɹǝɥdɐɹƃoʇoɥd llɐqʇooɟ lɐɔol ɟo puɐqsnɥ `sɐlıɯ ʎɹɹɐɥ uɐɯsǝuıl ɥʇıʍ ʇɐɥɔ ǝɔıu ɐ pɐɥ oslɐ ǝʍ ʇnq ˙,ǝuoɥd ɹıǝɥʇ ʇɐ ʞool oʇ noʎ oʇ ʇxǝu uosɹǝd ǝɥʇ llǝʇ, puɐ `,punoɹƃ ǝɥʇ ʇɐ noʎ ǝɹɐ, `ǝʞıl ˙sllɐɔǝuoɥd ǝƃuɐɹʇs ʇoƃ ı puɐ ˙ploɔ ʎpoolq oslɐ sɐʍ ʇı

˙ʇooq ɹǝɥʇɐǝl ɐ ɟo sʇuɐuɯǝɹ ǝɥʇ ƃuıʍǝɥɔ ʇ,usɐʍ ı ʇsɐǝl ʇɐ ʇnq `ǝɹǝɥʇ ʎɹoʇɐlǝʌǝɹ ƃuıɥʇou ˙ıʞɐlʌnos uǝʞɔıɥɔ ǝɥʇ ɹoɟ oƃ oʇ pǝpıɔǝp puɐ ǝɯıʇ sıɥʇ ɥɔıʍpuɐs ʞɐǝʇs ǝɥʇ pǝpıoʌɐ ı ˙ǝlqɐlıɐʌɐ sɐʍ oɥʍ ɟo pɐnbs ɥʇƃuǝɹʇs llnɟ ɐ ʎlʇsoɯ

˙uıɐƃɐ ƃuıʇsǝʇoɹd ǝɹǝʍ ʎǝɥʇ ɹo ʇɐɥʇ ɹǝɥʇıǝ ˙ssǝnƃ ı pɐǝɹ oʇ ɹǝısɐǝ ǝɹɐ sɹǝuuɐq uʍop ǝpısdn ʇɐɥʇ ʞuıɥʇ oɥʍ `ɹǝuɹoɔ uopuǝɹɐlɔ uɐǝɯ ı `spıʞ looɔ ʎq puɐ - sʎɐp ǝsǝɥʇ ʇı ƃuıop ǝɹɐ spıʞ looɔ ǝɥʇ llɐ ʎɐʍ ǝɥʇ ʎlʇuǝɹɐddɐ sı sıɥʇ ˙ʇ,uop `uʍop ǝpısdn sʞool ʇxǝʇ sıɥʇ ʎɥʍ ƃuıɹǝpuoʍ ǝɹɐ noʎ ɟı

Change of date for VTC game

It has been moved to Tuesday May 31st, 8:30 kickoff, at SS Anderson Reserve, Port Melbourne.

Highlights from win over Springvale White Eagles

This time a win. Hooray.

But just because we won, doesn't mean that Eddie Krncevic gets to do the press conference at the end. Can you even call it a press conference when's there's only one person asking the questions? Should I be making more use of my media pass to gain access to these things and making a nuisance of myself?

Pay attention also to when Jesse Krncevic gets cleaned up by the opposition goalkeeper. The commentator makes the assertion that the keeper was lucky not be sent off, which I would have to disagree with, based mostly on an anecdote shared back in the day by former South assistant and goalkeeping coach Phil Peladrinos, aka Pirate Phil.

On that occasion, Pirate Phil was talking about his career as a youth keeper back in the day at Panathinaikos. The first choice keeper in the seniors was a tall bloke, who also tried to coach and instruct the others keepers. Which was all well and good, but as Phil noted, there are different rules for short and tall keepers.

So the second choice keeper, who was apparently closer to Pirate Phil's height, told him words to the effect of, 'look, what he's (the senior keeper) telling you is good, but you're short like me. So what you've got to do is when the striker goes up to challenge for a header, when you punch the ball you should stick out your knees and your elbows, make sure the striker thinks twice next time about challenging for a ball against you'.

In some respects it's not the most sporting advice, and it might anger those who think goalkeepers get too much protection these days - you know you used to be allowed to barge the keeper into his own while he had possession? - but equally there'll be those who will claim that the keeper had every right to go for the ball in the manner that he did, and that it's a man's game after all.

Deflated - Bentleigh Greens 1 South Melbourne 0

Controlled the first half hour, then Bentleigh went up the other end, won a free kick, scored from it, and that was mostly that. We struggle to break down teams that play defensively and with a counter attack focus, but this is not new. It has been an essential element of the side for some years now.

We had more than enough of the ball, plenty of freekicks in reasonably dangerous spots, and the odd occasion where if the ball fell to a different spot to where it did, might have scored. But that's all hypothetical.

It took me about two hours to get home last night. It was a miserable sort of journey, but upon waking up this morning, I did not feel the sense of dread that I felt last night about the team's chances. Sure, I wasn't over the moon that we had lost, but I couldn't fault the endeavour of the side.

No doubt there will be much disagreement with that view however, and why not? Injuries or not, the side is under performing, and the side will be feeling under the pump going into this week's games against the VTC and Heidelberg, and the probably Mirabella Cup fixture against Port Melbourne the week after. It's not exactly a happy time to be a South fan.

Jake Vandermey off to Hobart Olympia, and that's not the end of it!

From Walter Pless's blog. It looks like we're heading in the direction of building an actual sister club relationship with Olympia, by letting them sign a player a year and going over there on a yearly basis for pre-season training and matches, and even to play a home game. Can't say that I'm at all happy with playing a home game in Tasmania, and I'm not sure the team that will drawn to play us away there will be that stoked either unless they get their expenses paid.

Do we all of a sudden have more money than sense? Not that we ever had much sense as a club anyway I suppose. And do they think they'll be able to find one player a year to make the move? And really, Jake Vandermey should have been given more of a go ahead of the ring ins that we've bought ourselves. I suppose more senior football for the kid is a good thing, but why couldn't he get it at South?

Good luck to Jake anyway, hopefully it's a worthwhile stint and he comes back to South better for the experience, but I can't say I'm sold on the concept of sister club relationships as it is, and the way this whole thing seems to have been done. Just concerned that it's part of a trend to get rid of our young players. It's not Ange Dallas' motives that I'm worried about. Whether he's right or wrong, I believe he has the best interests of the club and players at heart. But as for Eddie - I don't have nearly the same confidence in him as I would like.

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Olympia Warriors have signed 19-year-old defender Jake Van der Mey from South Melbourne Hellas in the Victorian Premier League.

He was cleared by South Melbourne and signed by Olympia today in time for the club’s Forestry Tasmania Southern Premier League showdown with Glenorchy Knights at KGV Park on Friday at 8pm.

Van der Mey was a member of the South Melbourne squad that played South Hobart at South Hobart in January’s Hill Street/Thrifty Cup.

The signing comes following a visit to Melbourne this week by Olympia president George Mamacas and senior coach Franco Previdi, where they had discussions with South Melbourne’s coach, Eddie Krncevic, club president Leo Athanaskis and football director Ange Dallas.

“From watching him training, he’s a good player,” said Previdi this afternoon.

“I had some very good chats with Eddie [Krncevic] and he basically said he’s a good kid who has played three or four games in the seniors.

“He needs a little bit more development and playing in senior football. South Melbourne are obviously aiming to win the league and they’ve just signed three or four players aged about 24 with a bit more experience.

“He’s a really good player and a few of our players played against him when they went over there to train with South Melbourne. They remember him.

“He’s a good kid. He’s 19 years old and I’m sure he can stand on his own, but I don’t want to put him under any more pressure.

“He’ll most likely play in defence, but we’ll wait and see our resources.

“In the next few weeks, we’ll probably sign another one.”

Olympia president, George Mamacas, sees this signing as part of a developing relationship between the Warriors and South Melbourne Hellas.

“Our club’s vision is to set up a pathway for youth players of the Olympia FC Warriors to attain a higher level of football on the mainland,” Mamacas said today.

“The South Melbourne FC facility, Bob Jane Stadium, is currently under construction and there is a projected 90 million dollars of refurbishments.

“We are aiming to set up a pilot program whereby fringe Victorian Premier League players of South Melbourne FC would be identified and spend one season with the Olympia FC Warriors in Tasmania on a yearly basis.

“South Melbourne FC would also make an annual visit to Warrior Park for pre-season training with the Olympia FC Warriors, and this would also include practice games.

“There would also be a scheduling of a South Melbourne FC Premier League home game during the season proper here in Tasmania to coincide with an Olympia FC Warriors home game as the curtain-raiser.

“Our club is now ready to embrace what will be a fruitful and everlasting relationship with South Melbourne FC.

“We see many benefits for our club and the football community throughout Tasmania.

“South Melbourne FC coach and former Australian international Eddie Krncevic will come down in a few weeks’ time and take a training session and be a guest at one of our home games.

“It is worth noting that the club’s vision was always to talk to South Melbourne in regard to players on their list that may be available.

“We, as a club, believe having players within our squad who are playing at a higher level will advance the development of our youth and give the younger players aspirations to take the next step.

“Also, it will give them a perspective and an insight into what is required to make it to the next level.

“The player we have signed for the duration of season 2011 is 19-year-old Jake Van der Mey.

“Playing in the centre-back position, he has made appearances at senior level this year.

“Eddie Krncevic has a high opinion of him and wants him to play senior football before seeing him push for a permanent starting position in 2012 with South Melbourne FC in the Victorian Premier League.

“Olympia FC Warriors want to be seen to be raising the bar and improving football both on and off the field.

“The reality is that this is great news for football in general and Olympia FC Warriors are playing their part at helping the game grow in our island state of Tasmania.”

Kiss of Death, Round 14, 2011

Scotch Watch
Bentleigh have been undefeated since Johnny A took over, but it's been mostly draws, including last week. South finally ended its winless streak against Springvale to extend its lead to six points, which was cut back to three after the Greens managed to squeeze past the VTC midweek. The Greens and South meet this week, and South play the VTC next week. Two wins over those sides for South could just about seal the Scotch Watch Cup.

• South Melbourne, 5th place, 24 points, goal difference -2
• Bentleigh Greens, 7th place, 21 points, goal difference +1

Springvale White Eagles vs Oakleigh Cannons
11th v 1st. Springvale have improved heaps since the introduction of Bojo Jevdjevic as senior coach three weeks ago. They were unlucky not to get at least a point from the game against South Melbourne last weekend. Oakleigh is sitting pretty on top with a pack of teams chasing them. They are coming off a 1-1 draw away at Gully, and are most likely looking to get three points out of Springvale. I’ll be tipping a draw on this one as Springvale might surprise this weekend like they did last. SWE 2 – Oakleigh Cannons 2.

Green Gully Cavaliers vs Melbourne Knights
8th v 10th. This will be Green Gullys fourth home game in a row. How this works in a ‘home and away’ competition, no one knows (their ground probably wasn't ready in the early part of the season, ed). Either way, they will be too good for the Knights. The Knights are coming off a 2-2 draw at home to Northcote, and seem to have steadied the ship out of relegation. Green Gully 2 – Melbourne Knights 1.

Northcote City vs St.Albans Saints
6th v 13th. After last weeks loss to Dandenong, St.Albans are most likely destined to drop back into State 1. They made a handful of signings midweek, including Danny Tiatto (so I’ve been told), but I can’t see this being enough to overcome a resurgent Northcote City. Northcote should really have an outing this weekend, and Rixon will most probably run riot on the St.Albans defence. Northcote City 5 – St.Albans Saints 1.

Dandenong Thunder vs Richmond
4th v 9th. The question on everyones lips is, “will the lights go out”. I do not believe that the FFV is allowing Dandenong Thunder to continue playing under lights out at George Andrews. There is an obvious electrical problem out at that ground and until it’s rectified and independently examined and tested, there should be no night games allowed. Nonetheless, they will beat Richmond and beat them well, if the lights stay on. Dandenong Thunder 3 – Richmond 1.

Heidelberg United vs Hume City
3rd v 2nd. Osagie copped four weeks from the tribunal midweek for his indiscretion against Bentleigh. Hume on the other hand clobbered Richmond as predicted. This is a tough one to pick as both teams seem to have hit some form. However, since I must pick, I’m picking an exciting draw. Heidelberg United 3 – Hume City 3.

Bentleigh Greens vs South Melbourne
7th v 5th. The little side wager I have going, looks like it’s on track, for now. This can all change if South was to lose at Bentleigh. Bentleigh was good against Heidelberg last week, but only in the last 35 minutes of the second half. In the first half they were a bit all over the shop defensively, and Heidelberg had the majority of the play. Bentleigh depended on counter attacks. A less than impressive South against Springvale has everybody asking questions. To be frank, we were terrible. We struggled to beat the second last team 1-0 at home. They had the better chances, but thanks to poor finishing, we were able to get the three points. But that’s what the VPL is about. Who cares how you play as long as you get the three points, which is what matters at the end of the day. The new boys looked like they fit straight in and that wasn’t an issue. The issue was our transition from defence to midfield. Balls were sprayed all over the park early on and we seemed to lack that pass out of the back. The midfielders were asking for the ball numerous times, yet the ball was switched across the backline, when really they should’ve gone forward. When this pass finally happened, it was at the wrong moment. This needs to be addressed and I hope it’s being addressed at training. From midfield to attack we looked good, except for the final pass. I still think the ground at Northcote does not suit us due to the non-width. We are a wide playing team who like to stretch opposition defences rather than go through the middle. We just cannot achieve this at Northcote. When we have a paddock to play in that’s very wide, like Green Gully, then we look like the Hellas of old. Either way, not every ground is made to our liking, so minor tactical adjustments should be made prior to game day. Injuries and suspensions have cost us points this season, but with our mid season recruiting I think we have patched up a few holes. Bentleigh Greens 0 – South Melbourne 3.

Depressing - South Melbourne 1 Springvale White Eagles 0

Springvale White Eagles may feel hard done by today's result, but really, they have no one else to blame but themselves. They botched several good chances with particularly wayward shooting, and conceded the only goal of the match courtesy of a chaotic defensive error.

A cross from the right by new signing Daniel Dragicevic should been dealt with easily, but the two men marking Jesse Krncevic failed to make contact with the ball, allowing Krncevic to cleverly nod the ball over the top and into the empty net - White Eagle's keeper having got himself stranded in no man's land.

While South had the lion's share of possession they rarely looked threatening. For whatever reason, they were content to play a series of seemingly endless backwards and sideways passes, the lowest point of which were the occasions where we reached the 18 yard box, only on several occasions to press the retreat button and end up back at Zaim Zeneli in goals.

It was timid stuff to say the least, and the competent but unlucky team of last week looked frightened of taking on the third bottom team. Much improvement (but from where?) will be needed to deal with Bentleigh Greens, who've been unbeaten since Johnny A took over.

Jesse Krncevic on the ground, after collecting his 2nd of two heavy collisions. Photo Cindy Nitsos

Kiss of Death, Round 13, 2011

We are just over the half way mark of the season this week. We hit Round 13, which leaves us 9 rounds to the season proper. A total of 27 points up for grabs for all teams (plus the VTC matches, ed). 

It’s been a mixed season so far, with the FFV docking points, coaches being thrown out of the dugouts, controversial red cards being handed out and I’d say that crowd numbers have been higher than last year.

Scotch Watch
South lost again last week, but Bentleigh could only manage a draw to the lowly Springvale White Eagles.

• South Melbourne, 6th place, 21 points, goal difference -3
• Bentleigh Greens, 8th place, 17 points, goal difference +0

Bentleigh Greens vs Heidelberg United
7th v 2nd. Friday night down at Bentleigh will be bloody freezing, but I’ll be there to keep tabs on my little side wager I have going. Bentleigh was held at 1-1 at Springvale last week while the Bergers were convincing 3-1 winners over Richmond. Bentleigh has lost Tom Matthews to South Melbourne in the midweek transfer window, which will leave them exposed defensively. The Bergers have recruited the Sadik brothers from some state league club. This will be an exciting game with both coaches going for the win. The Anastasiadis v Katsakis battle will carry over from Johnny A’s coaching days at South. I’ve got this one down for a draw. Bentleigh Greens 2 – Heidelberg 2.

Richmond vs Hume City
9th v 3rd. A Saturday afternoon clash which sees Hume City travel to boring Kevin Bartlett Reserve. Hume will be too good for them unfortunately. Hume had a 4-1 home win against St. Albans last week and I see them continuing this four game lossless streak against a pretty bad Richmond. Richmond 1 – Hume City 3.

Green Gully Cavaliers vs Oakleigh Cannons
7th v 1st. How lucky was Gully last week against Deroune of South Melbourne? Seriously, any other keeper and South would’ve come out of there with a 0-2 victory. Oakleigh pays them a visit this week after their 3-4 come from behind victory at Northcote City. Green Gully didn’t impress me at all last week with their sloppy play. Yeah, yeah, they got a win, but South played without a keeper. Oakleigh hasn’t impressed me either but they are on top I suppose. Green Gully 1 – Oakleigh Cannons 2.

Melbourne Knights vs Northcote City
10th v 5th. The Knights have drawn three games in a row, not including the game they have in hand after the lights went out (again) at Dandenong Thunder last weekend. Northcote are still licking their wounds after Oakleigh stole three points from them last week. The Knights have lost a few players in the transfer window which will hurt them. However, I believe the Knights will step up to the plate and start moving away from the relegation zone with a win over Northcote. If there was a time to start winning, with nine games to go, this is when they need to do it the most. Northcote is Northcote. We know their game, and we know how they constantly full press their opposition. It won’t be good enough, with the Knights coming up eventual winners. Melbourne Knights 2 – Northcote City 1.

St Albans Saints vs Dandenong Thunder
13th v 4th. The Saints are the only winless team of the VPL. Dandenong are still waiting on the outcome of their appeal at the tribunal hearing, at the time of print. St Albans have been woeful. Their poor recruiting at the start of the season, and their lack of teamwork and guidance from the bench has put them in this position. There are still 27 points up for grabs and if they can get 15 of those then I reckon they’ll live to fight another day. If they can’t, then it’s back to State 1. Dandenong is coming off a “lights off” match last week. The lights went out again! The FFV needs to do something about this, because it’s getting a bit ridiculous. Make them play day games. Who can be necked travelling all the way out there for a night game anyway. St. Albans will get their first win of the season this weekend and will have everyone saying, “that KOD person knows his shit”. St.Albans 2 – Dandenong Thunder 0.

South Melbourne vs Springvale White Eagles
6th v 11th. Possibly the shittiest game of the round. South Melbourne has been losing the plot lately, and Springvale are just the shittiest of the shit. Last week I was disappointed to see a one Abdelhadi Deroune in goals for South. Am I angry about this? Yep. He is a muppet. This keeper couldn’t catch a cold, in winter! He cost us five goals at Northcote, and three goals at Gully. How the coaching staff didn’t drop him after the Northcote game is something I cannot answer, but I shit you not, if he hasn’t been shown the door after last week, then the coaching staff will have a lot to answer for. I don’t want to see him on the bench, hell I don’t even want to see him at the ground. He is persona non grata at South as far as I’m concerned. I expected better from Eddie and Joe to see that this keeper is not one for South. Only Stefaan and Zaim are entitled to battle it out for the no.1 spot, and not some clown with nothing to offer us.

The wheels have fallen off over the last month. Granted we have had our injuries and red cards, but for fuck's sake, we are South Melbourne, pull your socks up, your fingers out and fucking play. If we lose to Springvale this week then we should just shut the doors and close the club. A win and nothing but a win. I don’t care if it's two goals or twenty, but three points is a must. South Melbourne 12 – Springvale White Eagles 0.

Hilarious - Victory and Heart forced out of Mirabella Cup

First the article from Michael Lynch on the matter.

Clubs told not to play in state cup
Michael Lynch
May 19, 2011

VICTORIAN state and lower league clubs' hopes of taking on Melbourne Victory and Melbourne Heart in an FA Cup-style knockout competition have been shattered after the game's governing body forbade the A-League clubs taking part in the inaugural Mirabella Cup.

The competition was launched this year to replace the Dockerty Cup, with around 150 clubs statewide looking to pull off the ultimate giant-killing act against the A-League sides, who were given a bye until the quarter-finals.

That stage of the tournament has yet to be reached, but Victory and Heart will not be there after Football Federation Australia ruled that they should not be involved.
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The peak body fears that its own efforts to set up a nationwide FFA Cup - modelled on the English competition - next year could be compromised by the Victorian tournament. It doesn't want the Victorian competition to erode its chances of gaining significant sponsorship revenue and media coverage.

Football Federation Victoria went ahead with its concept after initially being given the go-ahead to include the two local A-League teams, but an FFA spokesman yesterday said that the situation was now different.

"Since the initial discussions about Victory and Heart participating in the Mirabella Cup, the landscape has changed significantly," he said.

"Having one state and two A-League clubs pre-empt a truly national cup competition is liable to erode the work that has been done and diminish that essential ingredient [the shock value of David v Goliath clashes].

''Many stakeholders want to see the FFA Cup come to life and we need to give the idea every chance of success."

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This is absolutely hilarious.

There are many things now to consider in regards to this tournament, many of which have already been brought up by the diligent citizens of the Victorian soccer public, and I combine many of these considerations with some of my own.

Firstly, because of the absence of these two sides, the draw is now stuffed. We currently have 24 sides left. After the next round it will be 12. Then 6. And that's where Heart and Victory were supposed to come in. How will the FFV work their way out of this one? Perhaps they will make use of a lucky loser system - but then which losers to choose? I doubt they would resort to using Western Suburbs and Richmond - the only sides from the top two divisions who didn't enter - but you never know with this mob.

From the same people who were spreading the rumours for some weeks that the Heart and Victory would pull out, come the rumours that the total prizemoney has been reduced from $50k down to $30k or $25k, but the FFV have come out and guaranteed the $50k amount will stand. But it does raise questions about the future of the tournament - Mirabella would have invested in this competition to the extent it has precisely because of the involvement of the A-League sides.

There would no doubt also have been teams who were tipped over the edge into paying the entry fees with the hope, however remote, that they might score a fixture against one of these two sides and rake in significant money at the gate and canteens. And what about those entry fees? Any chance of at least a partial refund to clubs who were promised something which will now not come to fruition?
 
And what's with the FFA using the FFA Cup line? Memo to FFA CEO Ben Buckley - the FFA Cup doesn't exist yet. So where's the interference? It also demonstrates to an extent the lack of autonomy that A-League franchises have over the running of their daily affairs and even pre-season playing schedules. In addition to that, there's also the matter of how the state and national bodies deal with each other. It would be staggering, but not at all surprising, if the FFV didn't somehow manage to get an ironclad guarantee from the FFA that Heart and Victory would participate. Maybe they didn't even check with the FFA, thinking that the Heart and Victory could decide for themselves.

Personally, I say good riddance to Heart and Victory's participation anyway. While I understand the benefits and interest that many people were looking forward to having injected into the local scene, but for several mostly petty reasons, I was never for their inclusion in such a competition, nor did I hold much hope of a regular re-introduction of a cup tournament reinvigorating much of anything, so therefore it's not too much skin off my back. I actually find this entire situation quite hilarious, just something else to add to the glorious history of Australian soccer administration.

And to be fair to the FFA, why would you want to be associated with the bloodbath that will be Preston vs Heidelberg in the next round?

Lakeside Redevelopment update May 2011

On our last update, there wasn't much to add. Things were coming together nicely, and then a report in the Herald Sun stated that there might be a funding shortfall because of the 'southern' stand being unsafe. The natural assumption would be that this was referring to the 1926 stand, but it could have been referring to our own stand, which would need a fair kit out for the upgrade to its status as being the main broadcasting area.

Whatever the case, in the 2011 state budget another $15 million was allocated towards the redevelopment, so hopefully that will cover every necessity. Last time we showed you the much hoped for blue running track. This time we can show you lines and numbers. In some respects, it isn't much, but it adds to the feeling of impending completeness, which still has ways to go. New light towers and the Athletics Victoria headquarters haven't been started yet.

Work seem to be occurring on our grandstand. The seating is mostly done, and there's been alterations done to the fencing. You can also see bits and pieces of scaffolding underneath the roof, the purpose of which I'm not exactly certain, but it'd be nice if it was to tidy up the place a bit. Also nice would be if we finally got around to officially naming the stand to add a further bit of ownership to the venue.

New turnstiles. One would assume that they're doing this all professional like, so that these will be electronic and such, allowing for the accurate counting of patrons. Not that it'll be a problem for us with our now customary paltry attendances, but it'd be nice to finally have proper modern turnstiles after the botched attempts back in the NSL days.
Hell, even just for the novelty of scanning a ticket or card at a VPL match

Work on the 1926 stand seem to be continuing as per usual, with it being it difficult for me to tell how much progress is actually being made there. I'd make the argument that it really should have bene knocked down and everything started from scratch, but I seem to share the yearning for maintaining a historical building that could be of some use, and that will add to the delightful patchwork nature of the new look venue that so many custom built stadiums lack.

While the specifics of the deal are good for our survival, despite having to give up several rights (and obligations/responsibilities), it'll be interesting of course to see how the tenants and the Trust get along with each other, as well as seeing what we do with the social club space which remains under our control. Several folks from other clubs insist that we will be a junior or disadvantaged tenant. Does this stem from jealousy, or genuine concern for the loss to Victorian soccer of what was a good venue with a lot of potential for improvement? I suspect it's a mixture of both, but for those lamenting the stadium's alteration, I would say 'well, where were you?'.

And I don't mean back at the AGM in 2009 which saw the membership almost unanimously approve the MOU and terms of reference for dealing with the government. I mean in the years following our disappearance from top flight football, when the club needed more than ever for its people to stick by it and not only keep it a going concern but also give it the best chance of returning to the top flight, as unlikely a scenario as that might have been. It's a bit rich for some people to complain when they've neglected the welfare of the club for several years.

Chances were that if we didn't proceed with this initiative, the club would have been turfed out when its lease ran out, a new athletics venue built somewhere else, and eventually Lakeside would have become the provenance of an A-League side or perhaps even the FFV, and we would have been genuinely homeless, not to mention penniless. At least this way, as has been argued by not just myself but other supporters of the initiative, we get a second chance to do things right and maybe, just maybe, build something bigger.

All photos sourced from the Athletics Victoria Facebook page, and brought to our attention by Cuddles. Click on all photos to enlarge.

South in Singapore Cup in 2011

Well this year the lead up to our possible participation in this tournament has been very quiet. Nevertheless, our friend PoHui at the Bolasepako blog, and a recent comment by a reader known as 'Happy' have shown us that the draw has been made, and yes, we are in it once again.

Our first round opponent for this season is Albirex Niigata - no, not the J-League outfit, but rather one its Singapore based feeder team. Typically they've been a midtable finisher, and only one occasion have they progressed further than the quarter finals in this tournament. Still, it'll be a test for the lads again who must travel over there to the heat and humidity from the early hit of winter weather we've had this year.

Defending champions Bangkok Glass are not returning to defend their title - another Thai side, Pattaya United, has been invited however. The Young Lions, a sort of Singaporean youth development side that plays in the S-League, have opted out of the tournament due to conflicts in the schedule in the lead up to the SEA Games.

Their Malaysian counterparts, the Young Tigers, have taken their place it seems. In total there are five foreign sides (not including the foreign teams who play in the S-League), with Phnom Penh Crown also taking another stab at the tournament and Burmese side Okkthar United also playing. The draw does seem suspiciously slanted towards ensuring that a local team at least makes it to the final.

Still, that's not for us to worry about so much, as getting past the first round is the main thing. Our participation in this tournament however does bring up the matter of mid-season transfers. There've been rumours circulating that South's about to splash the cash around when the transfer window opens, with several VPL big names being linked to us.

If true, it is a chickening out of giving youth players a go? Probably. Wouldn't be the first team to have ever done that, but every time it does happen it just makes the youth development/new direction line seem hollow. Desperate attempt by Eddie (or by the people who hired Eddie, or the alleged real coach Joe Montemurro. Who is the actual coach?) to dig themselves out of a mid-season hole? Or could it be blended in with going for reinforcements just as this cup came along?

What do I know anyway? The first round kicks off in the week of June 6th. The date we play though is not confirmed at the time of print, as Singaporean football tends to have a game a day throughout the week.

Shenanigans - Green Gully 3 South Melbourne 2

It was the closest to a full strength side we'd seen for some weeks - hell, we even  managed to play well, though good chances for either side were few. And yet somehow we come out of this fixture again without a win, and on this occasion without even a point which is the least we deserved.

Of the returning players, Jesse seemed to make the bigger difference, as Gully marked him tightly, which might be why there was more room for some of the play on the wing. All in all, I can't really fault anyone out there today, except for our  goalkeeper Abdel Deroune who had an absolute shocker.

It's quite possible to pin all three goals we conceded on him. Green Gully had few other clearcut chances to score, yet anytime they crossed the ball into the box I felt more and more nervous as Deroune was all over the shop from the beginning. Even regulation low powered shots and crosses where he was under no pressure were slipping out of his grasp.

Foul Throws
At this level I might get to see a foul throw called once a season. Today there were about four or five of them, all called against us, and at least two of those called on Ljubo 'Keeping It Real' Milicevic. And those I was able to see on the side nearest to me certainly looked dodgy, so good on the ref for calling them.

New Umbrella
With the weather turning this way and that, it was time to find a new umbrella. So I went down to Altona Gate Shopping Centre, saw some guy who looked like Kyle Joryeff, but didn't find anything that satisfied me in the way of an umbrella. Thankfully a random trip to Footscray Market was more worthwhile, and I allegedly got a $5 discount from the Vietnamese lady. Well, kudos to you shopkeep, as at least it managed to last longer in battle that the previous umbrella that I had.

Next Game
Next Sunday at Northcote against Springvale White Eagles. Surely we will win this game. Surely Zaim Zeneli will have to come back in for this match. Otherwise I'm calling shenanigans.

Final Thought
Who would have thought that in a game where we restricted the opposition of next to nothing of value going forward, won ourselves and scored two legitimate penalties at that ground, hit the crossbar denying us 3-2 lead, we would still find a way to lose.

Kiss of Death, Round 12, 2011

Scotch Watch 
Both teams stuttering of late. Bentleigh however somehow managed to eek out a draw against Gully, while South's goal difference has gone down the toilet.

• South Melbourne, 5th place, 21 points, goal difference -2
• Bentleigh Greens, 7th place, 16 points, goal difference +0

Northcote City vs Oakleigh Cannons
4th v 1st. Greek Derby. Northcote is on the up after a 5-0 demolition of an understaffed South last week, while the Cannons are coming off a 3-1 away loss at Dandenong. This game will be exciting, and Oakleigh will twice come from behind to grind out a 2-2 draw.

Dandenong Thunder vs Melbourne Knights
3rd v 10th. Dandenong had a big win at home against Oakleigh, while the Melbourne Knights got a great 1-1 result at Hume. The Knights will struggle big time at George Andrews this weekend. Dandenong will cut loose on them with five to take back to Sunshine. Dandenong Thunder 5 – Melbourne Knights 0.

Heidelberg United vs Richmond
2nd v 9th. Well looky here, the Bergers are sitting 2nd. Out of nowhere with 14 goals scored in their last two games. A 9-0 home thrashing of Springvale, and a 5-0 midweek romping over the VTC. Richmond on the other hand are a topsy turvy team. The Bergers are doing well, and better than expected. Heidelberg 3 – Richmond 1.

Hume City vs St Albans Saints
6th v 13th. St. Albans are finished. They will be dropping back down to State 1. Hume is pushing to secure a spot in the top 5. A game of two tales. Hume City 4 – St. Albans 0.

Springvale White Eagles vs Bentleigh Greens
12th v 7th. Do I even need to bother writing about this one? Springvale White Eagles 0 – Bentleigh Greens 2.

Green Gully Cavaliers vs South Melbourne
8th v 5th. I will restrict this piece to only South Melbourne. Green Gully does not interest me in the slightest. South has only managed one point out of a possible nine in the last three games. OK, so we lost 5-0 to Hume after having two men sent off in the first 25 minutes, that one I can excuse you for. We drew 0-0 to Dandenong at home with five first team regulars missing. Then we cop five from Northcote, with virtually the same team that faced Dandenong the week before. Don’t tell me that Northcote are a better team than Dandenong, because they are not. We are slowly going backwards. The rotation of the goalkeepers is sorry to say, turning into a merry go round shambolic act, which would even make the Americans blush. First we start with Sardelic, then we give Zeneli a go, then we put in ‘The Cat’. Sardelic was dropped after being injured at Bergers; he is yet to appear since then. Zeneli has been good between the sticks, but he hasn’t made a senior appearance since copping five at Hume. Now we have given Deroune a go. By the way, which fucken dickhead named him ‘The Cat’? He is probably one of the worst keepers I have seen at South since our return to the VPL. He is non-commanding of his area, slow to recover, and overall probably cost us three of the five goals at Northcote. His reflexes are not bad, but other than that give me Sardelic or Zanelli any day. People put this game down as a loss or draw, because we haven’t won at Gully for who knows how long. This is the game where we need to send a message to the rest of the VPL. Green Gully Cavaliers 0 – South Melbourne 3.

Mothers Day Massacre - Northcote City 5 South Melbourne 0

In some ways, today was absolutely terrific, but only from the point of view of being able to reminisce about certain things. Like my old departed friend The Lumiere cinema which used to be on Lonsdale Street, up near Parliament Station. They used to play all the films that were due to get banned for extreme violence or sex; the kind of films that no one but the raincoat brigade and the worst kind of cineastes would go watch.

Is this still shot from a random Merchant Ivory film too ethnic? 

I refer to this because even Margaret Pomeranz would think twice about defending the right of anyone to witness the heinous and explicit scenes which were on show today. All of a sudden Larry Clark seemed like Merchant Ivory. The majority of the team looked disinterested, with the notable exception of Kyle Joryeff, who ran and chased but like the rest of the team was able to produce little in the way of quality.

What's to be done about Gianni De Nittis? I'm not sure, but after four and half seasons of mediocrity, giving him more and more chances ahead of say, Nicky Jacobs, seems utterly pointless. Kamal Ibrahim is taking over from where Yusef Yusef left off mid last year, another wide, flashy player who loves playing and scoring junk time goals against awful sides but is beyond ineffective against even half decent ones.

Credit to Northcote though. Once again, nothing particularly pretty about them, but they have enough honest toilers to complement the good attacking players they do have. While we spent the majority of the first half going round in circles, Northcote seemed to have a consistent idea of what they wanted to do and the best way of going about achieving that. At one point we had a shot on goal, and I looked at my watch anticipating perhaps 15 or 20 minutes to have passed, only to see that the game was about 37 minutes old

Sadly, the game wasn't the only thing I saw today which once seen, cannot be unseen. It was just spankings all round today, but there's no need or desire to elaborate on that front.

Under 21s
They were 2-0 up and drew 2-2. Number 13 (known to some of his associates as Gate 6½) should learn to pull his head in. Passion is good, accosting the ref and getting into needless shoving matches with opponents is not as good.

Next Game
Green Gully away. With or without our alleged 'good' players, we haven't won there in 25 odd years, and we won't again this year.

North Melbourne Bingo
During the winter time, while wearing South Melbourne gear out on the streets or especially on public transport, there's a good chance you'll get strange looks from people trying to figure out what kind of North Melbourne Kangaroos merchandise that is you're wearing.

So congratulations to 'Parliament Station Seminar Man' for making round 11 this year's winner of North Melbourne Bingo, for going to the step beyond mere curiosity by asking me and Steve from Broady what the score was, and looking perplexed when we said 5-0.

Lastly
Is it racist to call Australia 'the big brown land'?

Highlights from scoreless draw with Thunder

Highlights from Mirabella Cup mauling of Yarraville Glory

Bieber Fever Week! Kiss of Death, Round 11, 2011

Scotch Watch
Both combatants drew last week, which is probably worse result for Bentleigh, considering South's extended period of being undermanned.

• South Melbourne, 2nd place, 21 points, goal difference +3
• Bentleigh Greens, 7th place, 15 points, goal difference +0

Green Gully Cavaliers vs Bentleigh Greens
8th v 7th. Gully had a big win at a very poor Springvale last week 0-5. Bentleigh struggled at home to Northcote City 1-1. I’m tipping another big win to Green Gully, as from what I’ve seen of Bentleigh, they have holes in the back. Green Gully 4 – Bentleigh Greens 1.

Richmond vs St Albans Saints
9th v 13th. Richmond has their second Croatian opponent in as many weeks. St. Albans copped a battering from Heidelberg at home last week and will most likely go to KB Reserve with their heads down. Richmond drew to the Melbourne Knights and from what my people tell me, they should’ve won easily. This game will be awash with plenty of goals and action. Richmond will scrape through however, in a game that could’ve gone either way. Richmond 3 – St.Albans 2.

Dandenong Thunder vs Oakleigh Cannons
4th v 1st. The match of the round by a country mile. Dandenong went to South Melbourne last week and left with one point, while Oakleigh entertained Hume in a 3-3 pearler. Soccer-forum.net is reporting that this game is OPEN to fans of both teams, and there has been a stay pending results of the appeal regarding Dandenong’s alleged indiscretions in the Bentleigh game. My opinion on the appeal? You’re wasting your time. Unless you are appealing the process, then appealing the penalty would be useless. I cannot see the FFV backflipping, as appeal precedents have been set in previous hearings. I have nothing to say about Oakleigh this week. With Justin Bieber in town, I’m all pop-starred out. Dandenong Thunder 2 – Oakleigh Cannons 2.

Hume City vs Melbourne Knights
3rd v 10th. Hume did well at Oakleigh last week getting a 3-3, while the Knights played out a 1-1 draw against Richmond. I’ve picked the Knights for this one. I just reckon they can get Hume as they need a win and need it quickly. Hume City 1 – Melbourne Knights 2.

Heidelberg Utd vs Springvale White Eagles
6th v 12th. Two teams, only one winner. Bergers to do this one very easy. Would be better for Springvale to just not field a team and lose 3-0. Put your house on the Bergers. They throttled St. Albans 0-5 last week in what could’ve quite easily been more. Springvale was given five to think about from Green Gully. I cannot see Heidelberg losing this one, and if they do, I’ll run naked down Springvale Road, where the train station is. Heidelberg 6 – Springvale White Eagles 0.

Northcote City vs South Melbourne
5th v 2nd. Greek Derby down at Northcote. I was not at South's game last weekend due to protest at the FFV’s decision to allow Dandenong an appeal (lol). Well, I saw Northcote at Bentleigh, and I haven’t seen South for one week. Will this influence me? Hell no. I’m expecting South to be able to handle Northcote this week, only because they did really well against Dandy. Northcote is no Dandenong, therefore we should win this one. Northcote played well at Bentleigh, and exposed them a number of times, and were unlucky not to leave with the three points. However I'm set on South winning this on. Northcote City 0 – South Melbourne 2.

Questions that need to be asked

A suitable image stolen from a Lutheran site. 

Just kicking back today, trying to keep it real, but as always, against my will, also thinking about the big questions dealing with our existence. This was prompted in part by my bumping into an old bloke called Thanasi, a Heidelberg fan who I see at Altona East PAOK on occasion, and who loves to get me riled up about South's fortunes - apparently having two players sent off doesn't make copping five goals acceptable, or even plausible. Amazingly, he only seems to surface when South is on a lean run. Still, browsing the forums and thinking back to what's happened over the season thus far, several other questions have also come up. Here's a sample.

• Is Joe Keenan still at South Melbourne? If he is, is he ever going to come back?
• Galanos (rinse repeat)?
• What kind of idiot declares themselves both an ardent monarchist and a fan of Celtic?
• When we are we going to relocate permanently to SS Anderson Reserve?
• When are we going to finally get conned out of our forty year lease at Lakeside?
• Who is really the coach at South? Is it Eddie? Is it Joe? Is it Ange? Whose hand am I supposed to shake first in the event we win the title? Whose head do I call for in the event of a disastrous second half of the season?
• Was Simon Colosimo protesting outside John Cain Memorial Park with the Dandenong Thunder fans last week?
• Does Peter Zois still love this club? If not, which club does he love now, and are they treating him better? 
• Under which circumstances is it appropriate to throw a glass bottle at your brother's head?
• If you come from Glenroy and have a Dickie Knee hairstyle, is it appropriate for you to pay out on someone from Dandenong for having a rattail?
• Did a dingo really take Rama's baby?
• What's the difference between Harriet Tubman and the Red Hot Chili Peppers?

Depleted South scrounges a point - South Melbourne 0 Dandenong Thunder 0

The start of a series of games without several of our best players - Milicevic and Krncevic out suspended for at least one further game each, Recchia and O'Dor out with injuries, forcing us to dig deep into our pool of reserve talent. That meant Waterson at right back, Jake Vandermey and Topalaovic paired up at centreback, and Nicky Jacobs paired up with De Nittis up front, along with Abdel Deroune being used as our number one keeper.

Add to all that a Dandenong Thunder side who have looked exceedingly good this year, and who've just been docked six points for disciplinary issues, and it was all set up for a backs against the wall effort from start to finish. And indeed the visitors came out firing, applying sustained pressure across the field which scarcely let up in the first half. Our midfield was in ruin, as the Thunder came and came again looking for the opening goal. A quality performance by Deroune, as well as fine efforts by Topalovic and Vandermey, both in general play and in last ditch efforts.

The second half was better for us in general, and we had our chances to snatch the lead - Fernando fired over after a tidy pass by De Nittis, and Leigh Minopoulos waited too long to take a shot. Still, it was almost all counterattacking play, and we had few if any corners, and next to no free kicks in dangerous areas. Kyle Joryeff came on for De Nittis, and did ok - indeed, it would be hard to blame the strikers for anything today, such was the dismal level of supply to them.

It would be easy to say we lucked out a bit, and that we ground out a suitable result under the circumstances, but it would be remiss to leave out the negatives as well. Bobby Russell and substitute Kamal Ibrahim certainly have their uses and their merits - but trying to hold off bigger and stronger opponents, especially when the pass is on to a teammate? Also, we gave the ball away cheaply on a few occasions, and were stretched out numerous times by Dandenong, whose crossing let them down enormously.

Still, in many ways a draw looked a like long shot even prior to the game, so credit to the boys for sticking it out to the end, and hopefully we can ride our luck a little further until some of the big name players come back.