B.O.N. England

Hopefully this latest post goes to ‘print’ on Christmas Eve, so firstly a very Merry Christmas, Seasons Greetings, Happy Holiday, Happy Honokaa, etc. etc. to all! Personally we are on a train to Zermatt to meet our families for Christmas and hopefully enjoy a white Christmas on the slopes. Although to be honest with you, we just boarded a train that we’re not 100% sure will take us to Visp to facilitate said trip to Zermatt…

For those of you not up with my poor French title, Bon England is French (well bad French, because yes I know it should be Bon Angleterre, but that would be even more confusing!) for good England, and this post happens to cover Bath, Oxford and Newcastle. So let’s get started…

Day 54

After picking up an absolutely lovely Peugeot 3008 from down Putney way, it was off into the unknown with only a little old GPS to guide us. To be honest with you I don’t know how people don’t use one of these in foreign countries, even with English road signs it is so much easier and less stressful for the driver (me) and I could not begin to estimate the amount of fights it avoided! We had a vague list of things to do in 3 days, Stone Henge, Bath, Oxford and Windsor.

We arrived at Stonehenge to some very threating skies and a howling wind that ripped across those rolling hills so violently I thought it would raise the dead from one of the many burrows that pocketed the countryside. Despite this and only having the one chance we braved it and wandered around the site, audio guide in hand. There really isn’t much to see except for a more close up view of what you can see from the road, however the heritage society do their best to pad out the guide with interesting theories/myths etc. about how and why the henge exists. Cool rocks, and amazing that they are so old and how they got there without the tools even the medieval builders would later use is amazing, but still… just rocks.

The "rocks"... with rainbow

Back to the warmth of the car and it was on to Bath which has been on Katrina’s to do list since the inception of this trip, but when questioned as to why, she had no idea! Arriving in the afternoon we scored a very nice B&B in the centre of Bath for two nights. Dinner at the oldest house in Bath including old school ‘trencher’ bread did well to remove the cold that had seeped in to our bones at Stonehenge!

Our B&B ...

Day 55

Waking to our first morning of snow, however brief, was quite a treat, with the small square where our B&B was located, briefly hidden behind some large white snow flakes! Unfortunately it wasn’t to last and quickly turned to rain/sleet which made our walking tour that morning all the more brisk! The Mayor of Bath runs free walking tours everyday of the year except Christmas and New Years and are run by old retired people to stretch the legs I think. Our guide was good and we covered all the big ticket items, the outside of the Baths, the Circus, the royal crescent and my personal favourite, Bennett St! It gave us a good orientation for an afternoon spent wandering and shopping.

Royal Crescent

... Obvious ...

The river

But not before an audio tour of the inside of the Roman Baths, complete with every little detail you could possibly want to know. Please note if your interested in these details, allow yourself a day to do this tour, we spend about an hour and a half there and glossed over the ‘additional information’ sections!

The Roman Baths

Dinner that night was a treat at Jamie Oliver’s Italian, in Bath. Jamie himself wasn’t there unfortunately, but the food was simple, good, Italian and the wine was red (we’re not fussy!). The chefs definitely did Mr Oliver’s name justice and I highly recommend a table if your in Bath. They don’t take day time bookings so you can just rock up of a night time, have a drink while you wait for a table. Although we didn’t have to wait at all, and the only people who did were groups of 4+ from what I could see.

Day 56

Wanting to check out the ‘Cotswolds’ we headed north(ish) and called in at Castle Combe which we discovered was nothing other really than a photographers dream. Apart from that this tiny village was pretty dead at this time of year with us sharing the main ‘street’ with a few telecom crews being the only highlight.

The happening city of Castle Combe...

Next stop was Malmesbury where after visiting the church we stopped at the tourist information centre where the guy told us that the only thing to do here was visit the church. Easy, done, back on the road!

On toward Oxford we drove but detoured to Cirencester where we stopped for lunch and a wander through their little village. Lunch was a beautiful pub meal located next to an awesome little private book store where Katrina finally bought something not shit to read that will last her more than a week! (sorry had to get that out!) Shantaram…great read if anyone is looking for a new book!

Arriving in Oxford we scored yet another lovely B&B by turning up at the tourist office and seeing what was available. We were too tired really to do much else so we had dinner at the local pub and had an early night. I thought my Man Flu was making a return so needed a good sleep!

The local...

Day 57

We had an absolutely packed itinerary to get through on our way back to London for a night time train to Newcastle so it was go go go! A morning walking tour of Oxford was really interesting and covered all sorts of information about how all colleges work and admissions etc., along with entry to one of the colleges and the main university library. Oxford University is a collective of 36(?) colleges in the town and as such are spread out throughout; they only come together for special guest lectures and at exam and graduation times. If you see someone rocking an Oxford University hoodie, they are a tourist as all the students rep their colleges in the choice of clothing. A bite to eat on the run and it was a rush to Windsor Castle before a) they shut and b) we had to return the car.

One of the colleges

The library at above college

Windsor for me is the most impressive of the tourist items in and around London, I think mainly owing to its constant upkeep at the residence of Queen Elizabeth II (and Prince Charles officially, still lives at home with his mum… no wonder people want him to abdicate!). Another site another audio tour which covers the grounds, the royal apartments (these are majorly impressive and you’ve got to wonder whether the private ones are more or less so, would they be more extravagant or would they tone it down when people have to live there?) and the cathedral. A recent (early 90’s) fire has led the refurbishment of a large part of the royal apartments and this only ads to their appeal as they have been very recently restored/improved.

Windsor gate

Getting my revenge for sending my relatives to Australia for petty crime... oh hang on... thanks for that!

The honeymooners outside the chapel

Heading back into London we got major traffic jam, but not on the main freeways. It took us nearly an hour to go about 4km’s from the exit to the Europcar depot at Putney, one lane two way streets causing absolute chaos! All that was left then was a short 3 hour train ride to Newcastle…

We couldn’t of been more wrong, whilst I’m sure it was only 3 hours, it felt like 3 days with a group of 8 young Celtic fans making their way back from a Europa league game/bender who regaled us with such hits as “If you’re not topless you’re not Celtic, ole ole!” at the top of their drunken lungs for the whole journey. After that it was almost a relief to stand a cab line at Newcastle station for 30 minutes with all the other quiet drunks, including the ‘Emirates co-pilot’ in front of me who mistook me for his mate. “where are we going?” don’t know mate, “what are we waiting for” it’s a taxi rank, you’re waiting for a cab, “I’m f&%king sick of this S%$t, where are we going seriously?” It’s a cab rank, I suggest you get a cab home, “I don’t know where I am or where I’m staying”… luckily to ladies took him off my hands and put him in a cab home. Just like being at home in Newcastle…

Day 58

Having spent the night in the comparative luxury (compared to our standard hotel choices) of the Staybridge suites, it was a wander of the quayside and a visit to the new-castle (the toon’s namesake) before heading to the game! This time the game won’t get its own match report due to a) my laziness and b) a reasonably frustrating game which finish nil all.

The river and one of many bridges

The new castle...

Top of the castle with St James Park in background

A few highlights in lieu, Coloccini’s header missing narrowly wide (see photo), total domination by Newcastle for much of the game winning a phenomenal amount of corners and limiting Swansea to one half chance late on, an awesome bicycle kick from Demba Ba and the amazing pre-match tribute to Gary Speed. Our tickets were also great, good view of the game and also access to the “Platinum Club” before, during half time and after the game where you can actually have a real, alcoholic beer! A disappointing result, but better 1 point than none, and some good football none the less.

A very happy Toons fan!

Collocini heads wide

Dinner consisted of happy hour cocktails at the local Latin restaurant before a curry and bed. This bed courtesy of Michael Barwick and Stephanie Jasper which we were most appreciative of, thanks again guys!

thanks Bob and Steph! 

Day 59

Not having enough Toon action it was back to St James’ Park for the stadium tour and a spot of shopping. Despite still being dirty from match day, the tour was really interesting with a personal guide who was an employee of the club taking us around the facilities and through the sheds etc. I didn’t realise it is the 3^rd largest league ground behind Old Trafford and the Emirates, and one of the largest conference centre’s in England. They rely heavily on corporate sponsorship although there is still some bitterness towards those who jumped ship when they dropped to the Championship, our guide was one of the many Geordie’s who was ecstatic that we were able to bounce straight back, saving further money and job losses! Definitely a ‘people’s’ club and this was evident from the way the tours were run, to the friendliness and knowledge of our guide.

The same happy Toons fan!

Many pounds later we left the Toon shop and headed back to the Latin restaurant for lunch (we couldn’t get a table the night before). Then off to board the DFDS ferry to Amsterdam. I was a bit apprehensive about an overnight long haul ferry ride, but apart from eating too much at the buffet dinner and making myself ill, there was really no down side. It served as our night’s accommodation in small but comfortable bunk beds and dinner and breakfast were ok without being amazing. So it was we arrived in Amsterdam on the morning of Day 60…

(and by the way, it was the right train!)

All our Love

M&K

The first and Final Jets Post for the Year!

That's right folks, the Sometimes Football Soapbox is back and this year will really live up to the name of sometimes Football! (but more on that later)

To the first round of the Jets campaign for the year. Unable to make it up to Newcastle, Lee and I watched from the comfort of Quest North Ryde. My memory fails me on the details but I distinctly remember Griffo's brilliant free kick (would've won me a substantial amount of money if Heart hadn't already scored!) and his follow up probably of equal quality but from open play. It was refreshing to see the passing game we love so much finally producing some goals rather than the last few years of playing well with no final product. The second half was more of the same and I honestly believe the Jets deserved their win but agree that the nature of the winner was more than a little fortuitous. I don't think we have a new crowd favourite like Song, in Byun but at least the enthusiasm and excitement is there, not sure whether you can claim that goal though mate...

Overall round 1 was a solid performance and showed the work of a long off season. Which at the risk of inciting some anger can only be credit to Cullina Snr. Regardless of your feelings on the matter the performance in round 1 could of only been his (and the players) doing. Players don't organise themselves that way in 4 days, and there was no way Craig Deans could've developed that understanding off the bat! I am one (of a minority?) that is sad to see Branko go. We most likely will never know the full story but you can reasonably assume that it had something to do with knowledge of Jason's injury. I wish the Cullina's all the best, and Jason in particular a speedy recovery, it would be sad to see such a great career ended on these terms.

If round 1 was solid, round 2 was as a soft as the extra kilos I've piled on since the wedding (no I won't try and convince you they're muscle tone). I don't buy in to the whole a trip to Wellington is hard so it's OK argument. I'm sure if I turned up to work and under performed a comment like "It's a long drive through traffic to Botany" wouldn't go down well with the manager! I will premise this by noting that I'm not a huge Craig Deans fan, but don't for a minute consider it coach bashing. HOWEVER, when you trade in one of your defensive midfielders for an attacking option further up the pitch, leave your back four as exposed as the Jets were, AND not produce any attack of meaning or quality, you've got to admit defeat and reshuffle. Wehrman worked hard and was probably the best player in gold (sorry memory lapse, in blue and red) out there, but what he provides in commitment and strength he unfortunately gives up in pace. He was over run all day and unable to provide adequate cover to the back four. Additionally the more attack minded players up the pitch gave up the ball to easily to compound this problem. I cannot for the life of me figure out how Kantarovski wasn't pulled back to help screen the back line. It wouldn't of helped the attacking stocks, but lets be honest the attack wasn't solid all day anyway, but may of shored up the chances that kept flowing from the Phoenix midfield.

Against the Mariners this weekend another performance like the one across the ditch on Sunday will be crucified by the Jets faithful. A lot has already been written this week about the players not being 'up for it' only they can answer those comments. All I would ad is that if your not up for the F3 Derby, you're going to struggle all season... Good luck this weekend Jets, Round 1 showed what you were capable of, Round 2 showed a performance not to be repeated, I'm sure the challenge of the Mariners will bring out the best in you all!

ASIDE: as alluded to above, the Soapbox will be dedicated to holiday travels for the rest of the 2011 year. I would appreciate somebody posting the Jets results as replies to our travel posts if they don't mind. Starting this weekend as we will be en route to Singapore during the game. Stay tuned...

Delayed Season Wrap up!

Better late than never I spose. But prompted by Bob, who asked me to do the season wrap up for the club newsletter thingo. So happy reading.

The season started with new faces and new hope (like Star Wars). Whilst we lost a few experienced (read: old) heads at the back we recruited well with the draw of last season’s minor premiers (in AA7’s!). (Of course the ever green Dave Bassett went around for another year.) Early promise turned into early results and an opening round victory of 9-0 at LH Waud got us off to a flying start. Some may point to the fact that we played against a 9-man side for this result, personally I’d point to good recruitment, a hard off season and commitment from all the boys! The opening few weeks culminated in a hard fought win over league leaders, and eventual minor premiers and Grand Finalists, Normanhurst, 2-1. It was a great game and really showed our mix of good passing, patience in defence and not giving up against a technically better, fitter, taller side.

Unfortunately we didn’t finish the opening round the way we started with our only 4 losses coming back to back in matches 5 to 8. These losses can generally be contributed to a lack of numbers both at training and on game day and probably were a sign of our only weakness, but one that was to plague us all season. On our day we were an equal match for any of the teams in our competition. Heads were down after match 8, but in true Rovers spirit we “fired up” and got on with the job of securing a top 4 place with 5 wins and a draw to finish the season. Whilst our top four spot was sealed with an opposition forfeit, we came out in the last round and proved we deserved it, to finish 3rd in the regular season with a 3-1 victory!

With the first week of round robin washed out it really hurt our chances with the curse of availability hitting us hard again. Losing our first game in a heart breaker which should of been a draw (if football was fair, not the cruel mistress that we love so much), conceding late to go down 3-2 to eventual champions North Ryde. It took two individual goals from their best player to break us. Knowing that we needed a clear 2 goal win margin in our second round robin game wasn’t helped by only having 10 at kick off and 11 soon after (our weakness struck again). But full credit to all that played we never said never and fought well to go down 3-1 to the other grand finalists Normanhurst.

Lot of positives out of a season of promise for the AA10’s! My personal highlights (not the views of the team) were our win against Normanhurst, Kevin getting the most ridiculous two yellow cards, one for dissent and one for jumping in front of a player trying to take a throw in (within 2 minutes for his red!), Jarrod trying to claim his goal going wide which took a deflection, and my own saved (not missed) penalty which re-affirmed my status of centre back!


Stay tuned for my a-league rants starting as I could be bothered shortly!

See you at the back stick, defending it most likely.
Peace

Back by popular demand!

Well not really, but you can blame Chief and James for asking me about my lack of blog at training tonight! That's enough to claim popular demand in my mind! At least two people read it, or read it once!

Just as an aside first up, I couldn't bring myself to write a Socceroos Blog on the Germany game. It was just too painful for me. The only thing I think I can say which hasn't already been said is this; chin up boys, if Pim tries something stupid again, put your heads together and sort it out. The definition of stupidity is doing the same thing over and over but expecting a different outcome. I think for professional footballers to be guilty of this is a crime. Good luck boys, smash Ghana! then Serbia!

Back to the real winners of the weekend, THE ROVERS! I must say I was as concerned as anyone about how we would all handle the force 2 week lay off. Turns out we should take 2 weeks off more often. A bright first half by all involved saw the Rovers firing on all cylinders, despite early injuries to Chief, and Sasha we simply dominated. Whilst the Redbacks tried the long ball, we kept our heads, ball on the deck and good possession. Special mentions to James for his cameo up front for the first 15, and Sasha for his absolute brain snap and subsequent yellow card. For a moment you must've thought you were playing in the NBA finals mate, rejected the keeper? Or as mentioned at training, maybe it was that netball drill Bob had us do at training last week!

Despite long periods of domination we didn't manage to snatch a goal in the first half. Second half more of the same, and more of the Rovers curse of dominating but not scoring. Then as if Karma finally was a real force in the world, not the myth of hippies everywhere, Nahid knocked in a superb long range effort... Well... He hit a cross and it snuck in at the back stick! But to be far, we deserved our goal, although the manner left a bit to be desired! It had the desired effect and the flood gates opened!

Leo was the next on the score sheet, the positive side of him not turning up until well after half time was that he was full of running! after beating the offside trap and heading towards goal he hit what can only be described as an inch perfect pass to the back stick. Just enough to give their defender a glimmer of hope of keeping it out. But that glimmer faded as the ball, and the defender, rolled across the line. 2-0. Pete then chimed in with a brilliant run from beside me at the back which started with the comment "random run forward?" to myself, to which i replied, "go for it." Not 30 seconds later he was cutting in on his right foot and smacked home into the bottom corner. 3-0.

Armyn's goal and the Rovers 4th was controversially ruled offside. But it didn't matter the day was one. Of particular importance was a clean sheet and a good team performance across the park, it made the 3-2-1's very difficult!

Onto Normanhurst this weekend, it will be another tough game, and I'll be doing all i can, including staying of the grog at Nahid's to keep another clean sheet. (I also promise i won't go near the penalty spot this time around!) Fire up Rovers! Let's go back to back and restart our season!

See you at a TV somewhere, bleary eyed watching the World Cup!

B!

P.s. Well done to New Zealand, for showing the Socceroos what they could of, nay should of done against Germany. Ok it was against a 'weaker' opposition but the game plan was spot on, the attitude was spot on, and they got the point they needed!

White, Red and a sprinkling of Gold!

I was honestly expecting to see a headline today "WHITE OUT!" and i suspect that had the much criticised Brett Holman not popped up to seal the result i probably would've. So even though the stereo type is 'a game of too halves' I'm going to write this in terms of colours! I believe it's the artist that I've been hiding under my outer engineer finally getting a run!

WHITE - The all whites dominated, it's the simple truth. Before Bertos was nearly killed (see red below) he was brilliant. Perfectly illustrated by the fact that the two challenges in question happened while he was breaking down the right wing, and then tracking back in the centre of defence. Despite this and the Killen dude popping up to latch on to a good through ball which Craig Moore could of done better with (watch the replay, he ducks under the ball as it comes over as he is not challenging Fallon who flicks it on, he's standing flat footed waiting for the ball to come to him) I honestly don't think NZ were that impressive. Rather i think they just had the calm heads required to take advantage of a dis jointed and unfamiliar Socceroos team. Add to this a seemingly bobbling pitch, which either was remarkably slow (from the coverage) or slowed down the passing so much it was noticeable and it was definitely an ALL WHITE first half. Well done NZ, I think your calm heads will stand you in good shape for SA. Good luck to you.

RED - Much covered in the media today already so i won't Andy Harper on it, but Grella's challenge had intent and was a straight red, and Cahill's had no intent but was still a straight red. I wish Pim had of done what he said post game and substituted them immediately to make it clear to the world that it's just not on! Once again i will congratulate Bertos as if someone had of nearly put me out of a world cup i wouldn't of been as calm as he has been reported to be today!

GOLD - There wasn't much of it really. Let's be honest. I'd forgotten Jason Cullina was even on the park until the second half, Grella i only noticed because of the challenge (see above), apart from one good knock down and blocked shot from Cahill it was pretty terrible. The second half was a world ahead of the first but not a world beating 45 minutes of football. No surprises Macdonald got dropped, if that 65 odd minutes were his last chance it wasn't really good enough, although it does beg the question why there weren't any other strikers in the provisional squad (brosque, Griffiths x2, that south american/australian young guy etc). Vidosic did well to be quickest to react to a deflection from a Cullina pass and did what he should have hammering his shot into the ground and across the keeper (did anyone else have flash backs to a Kewell goal against Croatia?? Or was that just me?). Hollman did well when he came on, and i won't join the numerous critics accept to say i think their are better options available, and scoring a goal at international level should not be sneezed at! My biggest concern was Neil and Moore, I'd be interested in watching a replay and running the numbers, but i would guess that they won less than 10% of the balls in the air, for a CB pairing, that's not good enough. I hope they were just having an off night, but I'm not convinced Moore is ready to go at this stage. Add to this the removal of Jade North already and another defender (at least by my count) to get the chop and defence could be our biggest issue in SA.

So it was a bit of a ramble, but i think it expresses my views on the subject at least. And it's not like anyone reads this anyway! Good luck Socceroos, I will echo Pim's comments that if the world cup was in 3 days I'd be worried, but with 3 weeks to prepare i think there was enough in the second half to suggest we'll be competitive!



See you at the art convention...

B!

Injury - double the pain!

So, with myself and chief out through injury, Bob OS, Nits likewise gallavanting, Shiraz with a dodgy hammy, Tony with a suspected fractured ankle, Dusko nearly dead, and probably someone else I've missed it wasn't exactly the best preparation for a game. Having said that we started reasonably well as everyone settled into new positions and came to terms with a few different styles of play. Unfortunately as we are making a habit of in recent weeks after a 15 or 20 minute opening domination of possession and play, we gave one of their guys a bit too much room at the top of the box, and whilst i wouldn't say his shot was blistering it did enough for Rusty to have to play at it, and unfortunately just took enough off it to see it under the bar and in. 1-0.

We've (well I in particular) have been harping on at training about having better talk on the field, I've noticed that were good at talking when we want the ball, but apart from that there is a resounding silence. Unfortunately again after a good 10 minute play straight after their goal we were guilty of just this. No call of man on for Al at left back, no call between Al and Rusty, and a strikers foot in resulting in the ball sneaking in at the back post somehow. 2-0

At half time Chief and i really couldn't pick too many faults with the play, we were actually playing quite well, just conceded two soft goals. Heads up boys, we're still in it!

Not long into the second half we got our just reward. To be honest with you i can't even remember how it came about but i remember some good passing through their relatively slow back line and the score was looking a lot better at 2-1. Too good to be true right, despite numerous changes immediately after, they countered. The ref didn't give a blatant free kick to them, so decided that when Kev got hacked from behind, he'd reward it the other way! (probably the worst of a series of bad decisions from our friend with the whistle. From the resultant free kick James mis-qued a header into the cross bar, everyone stopped, except their striker who nodded home for 3-1. 3 soft goals.

Full credit to all involved we didn't give up and were rewarded again with a brilliant build up through the mids which put Chris through onto goal and he made no mistake with a neat finish into the bottom corner. 3-2.

Unfortunately the clock was our enemy and we ran out of time to equalise. It was a tough one to take for all i believe. I hate watching from the sidelines, especially when I'm injured (hence the double pain), and i can only imagine how hard it was for the rest of the boys who played so bloody well for 3 lapses in concentration and a bit of bad luck to ruin our chances!

We need to stay switched on for 90 minutes this week, tighten up, but generally play the same style as we did on Saturday. A victory on the weekend will be enough to keep us in the title race as we're playing Kenthurst who we are equal 5th with! come on boys, come on Kenny keep sending your inspirational emails and random facebook messages! Fire up Rovers!

See you on the sideline...
B!

(Just kidding, I've been cleared to play this weekend, woot!)

Things that make you go....... hmmmmmmmmmmm

Well, this weekend seems to have been the moment when the footballing gods reminded us that the game we love can be a bitter sweet mistress sometimes. Just ask ourselves, the Goblins (losing a heart breaker 1 nil with 10 men), Wigan (say no more) and Harry Kewell's groin (hmmmmm)... I only have first hand experience on one of them, and no it's not H.Kewell's groin! So that is the one i will attempt to discuss in depth.

Buoyed by our hard fought victory last weekend we assembled with confidence, however knowing that Armyn and Nahid had to leave early we took a gamble on one young Kevin lacing up the boots in anticipation of that dual loss late in the second half. We also knew that we needed to make hay while the sun shone, or in this case, make running while the bench was full! Unfortunately the game started similar to last week, we conceded early to an excellent through ball, latched on to by their striker. I stepped up to close down the player with the ball, who succeeded in beating me and Tony with his delivery, from their neither of us were likely to chase him down. 1 nil. We didn't put our heads down and concentrated on playing our own game, which we did quite well, knocking the ball around and making some very good passages of play. Unfortunately we didn't really create any clear cut chances with the ball. Roughly 10 minutes before the break nearly a carbon copy, I again stepped forward in the line to close down, failed, and a perfect through ball, another chance taken for them. 2 nil. Someone once told me that making one mistake was to learn, and to make the same mistake again was a fuck up... hmmmmmmmm i must not of listened!

We spoke at half time about being right in the game and sticking to much of the same. Which we did, we proceeded to dominate completely, I'd say in the second half we would've had close to 60% of the ball. But despite our best efforts we couldn't break down their scrambling defence. Again probably guilty of not taking our shots early enough and hindered by Shiraz's hamstring injury after the boys had left reduced us to maybe 10.5. Despite the hammy, Shiraz managed two or three decent long range shots just off target. Bob had a header lacking power on target, and countless other people had opportunities high wide and not too handsome. But it definitely wasn't for lack of trying. Full time and it had stayed 2 nil, I'm proud that we tightened up at the back in the 2nd half, but it shouldn't of taken that long, and the boys through the centre and up front toiled extra hard for no reward.

There was one passage of play in particular that even Fozzie and Barca would've been happy with, a short goal kick and passed all the way to the goal (but once again resulting in nought!). I won't harp on the fact that their striker pushed me as i stepped off my left foot to avoid Dusco, resulting in me hitting him hard with all 94kg of my frame, neither of us came off too well i don't think. The ref summed up his ordinary performance with by arguing with me that by not giving the guy a card, even though he'd seen me get pushed in the back, that he was playing the advantage... hmmmmmm... Despite me and Dusco both rolling on the ground with the wind and the shit knocked out of us. Sorry D, I'm working on losing some weight, maybe it'll only be 90kg next time! ... hmmmmmmm...

So what to do, i don't think much really, some much needed shooting drills will be on this Wednesday. Apart from that we just need to keep our heads up, concentrate on not making mistakes at the back, and will welcome back some squad members this weekend to bolster our overall numbers. Heads up and lets do more of the same, except with a tighter defence and some more goals! ha ha, easy right?!?!?!

Although i think my medical staff (me) will rule me out for rest on my injured ribs and shoulder (thanks Dusco ;) ) I will still make an appearance at training either way.

See you at the back stick (probably defending a corner!) ... Things that make you go hmmm!

B!

That was it!

Well that was it boys! It was the performance that we needed to galvanise our season. Even though we were undefeated to date, it was fair to say we weren't really firing on all cylinders. That all changed on Saturday against the Eagles from Normanhurst.

Frankly, the game couldn't of started worse, James and I got caught too high, (and too slow) and they put one of their first touches straight between us, to be run on to by their very quick striker. Slotted even though Dusco got a couple of fingers to it. Like James Bond's martini's, we were shaken not stirred. Luckily that was all about to change, and we pulled our fingers out. The defence sat a bit deeper and cleaned up and we knocked the ball around well. Probably even better than well given the poor condition of the pitch. Fortunately for us, but not for the poor guy, the quick man up front did a hammy about 10 minutes in.

After having the lions share of possession we were rewarded with a penalty from a hand ball. Shiraz asked Tony to take it, Tony was on the bench injured, Bob told Shiraz to take it, then Shiraz told Bob to take it. Full of misplaced confidence after practising at training i put my hand up. Placing the ball down i thought, fuck this keeper is massive. Maybe that, or my complete lack of ability was my undoing. Always going bottom right, i managed to miss hit it straight at the keeper, saved, devo, dickhead!

Again we passed the ball around and Kevin was ruled to have been pushed in the back for our second penalty of the game, (and about the 1000th for the season I'm led to believe!) Kevin, taking my lead, smacked his penalty straight at the giagantour keeper! You ever see that show, saved by the bell, well Kevin is the new star of a spin off, called saved by the lino! Flag up, keeper off his line, have another go Kev! Slotted, 1 all!

Second half, more of the same really, i honestly believe we weren't really threatened the defence finally gelled, the mid field did everything we'd asked for and more, and the boys up front pushed hard. We just couldn't find that goal. Kenny sacrificed his shin for the cause after he was absolutely smashed to win a free kick right on the edge of the box. Up steps Shiraz to smack a screamer on target, giagantour could only fumble it, and Bob was on hand to push it in with his knee, or shin, or knob... 2-1...

Just when we were reasonably comfortable in front, Kevin had a brain snap, well two brain snaps in quick succession, yellow for impeding restart of play from free quick, yellow for impeding a throw in, results in red, bye bye Kevin. Despite the extra man, the Eagles didn't threaten too strongly, we absorbed a lot of pressure for the last 10 minutes and could of sealed it late with 2 or 3 chances on the counter. They looked dangerous from set pieces, but this was more to do with their combined height which if stood head on shoulders would've reached the moon!

Well done Rovers, apart from some dickhead who had his penalty saved, it was a dominate performance even at the end with 10 men. Rest up this weekend Kev, you've earned your weekend off! Everyone else, remember that form, and continue it!

See you at the penalty spot (if anyone lets me near it ever again!)

B!

Round 3 - tough one, point

Well, let me start by once again iterating that these blogs aren't trying to criticise anyone or place blame in anyway. The whole point is to have a forum to discuss our performances, good and bad, and just have a laugh and look back on the performance from the weekend. If people are still offended after this post, and i get a direct request I will not bother posting further.

With that in mind. I think the weekend's performance was good without being great. Kevin got us off to a great start by listening to what was said at training last week, and having a shot when in range and confident. Helped by a bit of an error by their keeper, but aided by awkwardly bouncing his shot right in front, the goal went in for a 1 nil lead inside the first few minutes. We then continued to pass the ball well, moving up the field with a series of one-two's on a number of occasions.

Unfortunately lateish in the second half the first of a few defensive lapses led to them equalising. I will put my hand up, and i think the rest of the back line will as well, to say that we did not clear the ball well when required. On too many occasions we didn't clear the ball far enough or with enough urgency.

After the re-start it was more of the same really, good in attack, not so good in defence. Somebody (memory fails me) put in a good cross for Nits and Shiraz to bundle home (feel free to claim it someone, just couldn't see from my end of the pitch). Not long after there was another unfortunate defensive error, the person involved has already contacted me today to cancel dinner plans as he has been sort out by all media outlets for exclusive interviews and training sessions to teach his sublime finishing skills to the next generation! 2 all.

Kenny was rewarded for some more hard work in the box (non sexually) with being brought down from behind and having a penalty awarded. Tony stepped up to slot home to make it 3-2 with about 10 to go. The third goal to equalise, again was a result of not enough urgency at the back with a scramble and a stab home. I personally had one of those flash back moments after it went in, if i had of just gone to ground instead of just flinging out a foot i reckon i could of stopped it (or at least deflected it in! ha ha!).

So what to take from it. I'm not sure, the 4 or 5 of us interchanging out of the back line need to work together (as we have been but more) at training and talking to each other more. If we can continue to score goals and play through the park like we did (especially in the first half), but shore up the defence, another 3 points can't be too far away!

Anyone else?

See you at training on Wednesday,
Yours in Football

B!

Winter means Rovers!

Ok everyone, this a-league off season I'm donating my blog to match reports for the AA10 West Ryde Rovers. They are by no means accurate, they are simply my recount of the events. Fellow Rovers I'm not using this to judge, again it is just my recount and opinions on the games. So feel free to comment and correct me or tell me I'm being a jerk! Enjoy!

**************2 points lost, not a point gained!************************************

We started first half very poorly, even though I warned the mid field pre-game that they needed to drop deep to pick up the ball, and pass through the opposition, they proceeded to completely ignore me. No one dropped to receive the ball, no one played the easy ball when we did have it. Their first goal was a comedy of errors from myself, Dusco and the linesperson. Their striker (who was like 17, and ran me ragged all game) was no joke, maybe 5 metres off side, goal keeper finally found his boot and cleared myself. Not seeing a flag I chased hard, and then Dusco put his hand up and said he’d been called off side so I pulled up, their striker, now standing literally next to Dusco just passed the ball in. No flag, no whistle, goal. I know I shouldn’t of pulled up, even with Dusco’s call. (Unfortunately no one stuck a rocket up me but...) I stuck a bit of a rocket up Sasha about if he wanted to play at the back all he had to do was ask and I’d push forward, just before half time and had to explain after the game i was just trying to express some encouragement and got carried away! OOPPS! Chief and I also exchanged some heated words at the half time whistle (white line fever no hard feelings guys). Nits missed a penalty after being brought down in the box.

Second half was better with at least some reasonable possession, Then Kenny (I think it was Kenny anyway?) also missed a penalty from a hand ball. 30 seconds later they scored I think from a corner and resultant scramble, I can’t even remember how exactly. Heads went down, but luckily that meant that not everyone was running towards goal and we suddenly found our midfield and just played through them for the last 30 minutes. Tony slotted a penalty after another hand ball (dubious, but we'll take it) he also moved into the mids basically whilst we defended 3 at the back. Not exactly planned but given that Sasha was pretty much a CB anyway it was a good outcome because he hustled really hard and I reckon changed the game in our favour. Leo tried to fight some guy, then Kenny stabbed home to equalise. They hit the cross bar twice, both bouncing straight down (at least one looked to cross the line to me) but neither awarded. Numerous other chances on top of the 2 missed pens meant it could’ve quite easily been 5 or 6 to 2. Basically we cannot be happy with a point when we missed 2 pens. I also honestly believe we are a far better team than:
a) the way we played
and
b) the opposition, their defence in particular was sloppy and haphazard.

Need to do better next Monday. Hopefully we have more than 10.5 turn up (the 0.5 was chief (re-injured within 10 minutes) we had two U17’s fill in for us luckily).

(Once again Rovers, feel free to correct me, add your insight, and all round contribute)

See you at the back stick,
B!

When beautiful isn't working - try hard nosed

Well. I think I'm not alone when I say that I breathed a sigh of relief when at full time the Jets had managed to hold on to an initial 2-0 lead to win 2-1. It has been a long time coming, and whilst the performance left a lot to be desired, the result was certainly what the players, the club and most importantly the fans needed! Plus it is always nice to get a derby victory!

I'm going to say that it was the worst performance by the team I've watched this year (remembering that I was OS for the Brisbane home defeat). A brilliant opening 20 minutes died off into a 7 or 8 man back line that any Italian side would've been proud of. Our attacking flair died but the defense to it's credit did not once leave BK exposed. The two 'saves' he was forced to make late on were 30 or 40 yard speculators which the defense could do little about. Whilst he did deal with them well, there were still some moments where he hesitated to come of his line (or stay on his line) which does nothing to erase my seed of doubt that he his fit to play at this level.

Up front I think Branko would be mad to change the Bridges/Haliti combination unless some how we managed to sign Drogba on a guest stint. They worked brilliantly together on Friday night and were justly rewarded with a goal each! Despite an abundance of strikers now fit I would definitely be leaving them on the bench for what has to be our solid first choice combo.

Kudos as well to Ange Costanzo (or gorgeous George as we like to know him). He has struggled for game time, even struggled for a spot on the bench but has not complained and played the team line all year. He was rewarded for his patience on Friday night and I would like to think that he will retain his spot regardless of Lljubo's fitness. I think it also highlights the fact that Branko has 3 class centre backs in, George, Lljubo and T-S, and he should not thrust someone like Kanta into the back line 'a la' the week before. These guys have a wealth of knowledge and experience, read the game like it's a short children's book and barring an injury to two of them at any one time 2 out of the 3 should be on the field. If Lljubo does make a return from injury I think there is merit in pushing him into the holding midfield role and keeping the back line as is. We need to tighten up enough to maintain a clean sheet however, from my memory the last one was against the Gold Coast and that isn't good enough to win games or challenge for a finals spot!

Unfortunately for the faithful, wins to Nth Qld and a Wellington thrashing of Gold Coast (comedy gold for those who watched) does not alter the Jets position on the table. They need to back it up this weekend against the Roar who, if their game against Sydney is any indication, will be hard to break down and dangerous on the counter. Also be ware the team with a new coach! Shut down Van Djik, Mitch Nicols and Tommy Oar and you'll isolate Reinaldo (assuming his injury was only a knock). Easier said than done!

The players confidence should be back up, I know mine is as a supporter and I'm looking forward to back to back wins for the first time this season. I would like to see more than 20 minutes of beautiful football that we are capable of being played. But if it means another 3 points in Brisbane, I probably won't even mention it next week!

Yours in Football,

B!

Not Again... Beautiful game, heart breaking result...

Ok so I know it's been a few weeks again but I do have a life after all (including a work relocation to Newcastle through the week now!) To the Football...

Why? For the third week in a row the boys have managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. Now I know your screaming that they had a draw with Adelaide yesterday but when you play as well as they did in the first half and only walk away with a point, it feels like a loss. At least from where I'm sitting it was. So what's going wrong? I just don't know. They have a solid back line with hard nose centre halves and quickish left and right backs. A dynamite midfield anchored by D'appuzzo (who had his best game in a gold shirt yesterday) who is most probably the weakest link. 3 out of, Fabio, Abbas, Patafta and Song is just amazing. Fabio distributes and the others buzz around him like very skillful little puppies it truly is beautiful to watch. But up front.

Ok so it's not ground breaking to say that it's up front where we are not getting the results from our players. I think we have the personnel to score goals but like all strikers they just need to find some form. My new concern after watching Bridges is that we have signed not a goal scorer but yet another provider. Considering it was his first game in over 6 weeks he was outstanding. But not as a 6 yard box striker which is what we need but dropping back and picking up the ball and creating (like the assist for Song).

Ok so i kind of rambled without much of a point. I guess that's because i don't really no what to say. They are playing brilliant football but just not finishing, and because of that just not getting results. All i can hope is that one, or even better, all, the strikers hit some form and capitalise on what really is the best football in the a-league.

Keep it R, L! Yours in Football.
Peace

Bad form not just me....

Ok so my lack of posting is extremely bad form, the ACL been and gone, and the first 6 weeks of email with no posts. In my defence i didn't start on the a-league because i knew i would miss 5 weeks due to my European adventure. So I'm going to start this one with a few comments on the a-league so far and my short but exciting European football adventure. (in my defense further, if you read this, make a comment, i feel like I'm talking to myself most weeks!)

So to Europe first. Couldn't get tickets to the Serie A so that was extremely disappointing. But did make a trip to a Ligue 1 game in France Nice Vs Montpellier. THE FOOTBALL - was great, well at least from Montpellier it was. The pace was impressive, and i think the largest difference was the technical side of the players involved. And no i don't want to go on a date with Les Murray, Craig Foster, the army of Dutch coaches the FFA has locked up in their basement or the countless other people who preach the A-leagues lack of technical prowess. The issue is they are right and i challenge anyone to watch the game i watched and tell me otherwise. All the players, from the strikers to the goal keeper were just brilliant on the ball. There was rarely a poor first touch, and when players received the ball they knew what they were going to do with it before they had it. The movement off the ball was equally impressive. THE FANS - were terrible. Well i should clarify the Montpellier fans were terrible! Whilst already up 2-0 they proceeded to throuw large fire crackers on to the field which smoked, and then exploded with a huge band (enough to make a young boy sitting near us cry!) and 5 or 6 sparkler type things spread all over the field. After the 3rd one the ref called his officials off the field, 1 AR was running a line in front of said fans. after a 15 minute intermission he must of agreed to continue with the game on the basis that the police got the Montpellier fans out of there. The riot police came in, pushed them out whilst the game proceeded. The irony of it all was that they were already winning 2-0 and they continued to dominate Nice and ended up 3-0 to the good! So basically my heart was broken to have European football hooligans confirmed first hand! I also would like to go on the record to say that if that's what we have to put up with to have a 'European' style top flight football league. i don't want one, give me 8000 fans including families and kids anytime!

So a quick note on the Jets. I still managed to follow their progress online and via SMS (thanks Lee and Mikey!). Mixed start to the season topped by that victory over the Gold Coast (i nearly cried when i heard this!) but I'm not going to review the games. My two tips which i believe, if the Jets can overcome, could lead to another finals appearance are thus:

1) Squad depth - put simply they don't have enough. The current departure of the Young Socceroos, growing injury list highlights the fact that realistically Branco (or is it Branko?) only really has a starting 11, or maybe 13 or 14. They will miss the o's Fabio, Sasho and Lljubo (i just thought of that then!) as senior players whenever they don't make the 90 minutes. And the fact that the Young Socceroos world cup can cause so much disruption to our starting 11 (rooney, Kanta and even Hoffman (shudder)) is a problem not with the players but with the lack of players to replace them. I can only hope some of the current swathe of triallists make the cut!

2) The Fans - or lack there of! I know the cliche but Newcastle teams, the knights, KB united, the Breakers, the Goblins have always relied on big crowds to lift them when the chips are down. Current showings are poor and i hope the Newcastle faithful pull their fingers out and get to the ground on game days!

More soon, i promise! I love you all!
Peace

(another shout out to the Goblins who lost their GF in a penalty shoot out. I felt your pain that day even half way across the world! I love you all and there is always next year!)

Turning Chinese - I really think so??

Well. Its been a while but i just didn't really feel up to commenting on the grand final. Mathew Breeze is an idiot, has made terrible decisions all year and even though both his decisions were overruled, we will be subject to more of his shit next season.

ACL Opener. After an absolutely torrid opening 30 minutes in which Toper-Stanley conceded a goal, that's right, Toper-Stanley, not the Jets, the boys really did turn it around. They weren't great by any stretch of the imagination but they learnt from their mistakes and tightened up through midfield and started passing the ball around almost like our championship winning team that seems so long ago! Sasho was unlucky not to equalise, you can't help but think if he had of been playing against us he would've slotted both those chances. As his tendency was to do so often in the past!

I'm going to name drop and give a little shout out to Ryan Griffiths. I have some vague long forgotten connection with him (who could forget that great surf rock band The Grift Experience, i heard the bass player was amazing!). His goal was very well taken, he should of had another 10 minutes later which went a bee's penis wide of the back stick. Quite frankly he was a league above Joel. It was great to see him run around again, just a shame he had to inflict a defeat on my team!

Positives for the Jets. Ljubo (spelling?) was solid in central defence. De Groot and Vinegarette dressing were great and you can really see that technically they are well above the a-league standard. Passing in the last 10 minutes of the first half was spot on. There was enough out there to make us think that there is a good team somewhere in that squad.

Back to T-S i'd just like to point out it wasn't merely his poor decision making all night, his obvious lack of mental strength to put up with the heckling from the crowd, but his utter lack of heart once he had turn the ball over was horrible. He dawdled around the park like it was Sunday afternoon kicks with mates. It was a disgrace to the shirt.

So on to Tuesday. I'm going to make every attempt to make it up the road. GVE, bench or drop TS and put george costanza into central defence with Ljubo (something that nearly gives me an erection). I'd also like to see Jono get on the bench so i can admire his locks! There is definitely enough talent there to make a game of it and have a shot at progressing past the group stage. Good luck boys, despite the result you've definitely restored my faith in the shirt!

See you at Marathon on Tuesday!

A quickie for the week - blog that is

Just a quick one this time around. Firstly finally Jets management have delivered some signings. I'm going to hold on to my judgement to after i see them play but i think there is enough quality there for some real potential. Congrats also to Mitch Johnson, he's a friend and he deserves his chance, good luck and i hope your 6 months turns into many more.

I believe there will be enough quality to mount an ACL challenge or at least avoid embarrassment, De Groot is my pick for the stand out.

Despite the Jets season being over, the season is far from it! I managed to catch replays of the coast game and the second half of the Melbourne game. Qld and Melbourne were both deserved winners. As per my blog a few weeks back, Coast just aren't good enough, but i would also advise Frank Farina to check out when they clawed back a similar deficit against us last year! I'm going to agree with David Lowe in the Newy Herald today and say that a Melbourne Qld final is on the cards. I don't think Coast are good enough, did i mention that? I don't think Adelaide have the attacking prowess to get back the 2 goals from Melbourne, and i think they will struggle in attack against a free attacking qld side the week after. but good luck to all parties, except the mariners, i just can't bring myself to say it.

Bring on the GF, bring on the ACL!
Yours in Football,
B!

Season Closed - ACL Open

Well. Let me just say it would be all too easy for me to write yet another article highlighting the Jets failure on Sunday, Failure this season, or failure in with the looming transfer window closing. So I won't, instead I'm going to try and take the highlights.

Tarek Elrich - What a season this young man has had. Whether it has been at left back or the left side of midfield he has excelled. It could be noted that his defensive game has suffered slightly because of the increased attacking focus. However despite this people must remember that this is what is required from him in GVE's formation both at the back as a wing back or as an attacking mid fielder. His selection in the up coming Asian Cup Qualifier is just reward for a top season, lets just hope he isn't the next player to be poached by Asia or another A-league club.

Marko Jesic - What can I say, this kid is going to be class. His technique is the best i can see out of all the young strikers (ha ha, see Matt Simon for the biggest gap in technique), he works hard and despite being seemingly injury prone he is definitely one for the future.

Ben Kantarovski - I don't think I really need to say anything. Look at any one of his performances, and then think he's only 16, enough said! Good on you Son!

Jobe Wheelhouse - I'm sure no one who frequents Newcastlefootball.net read this, but his treatment on that forum is unacceptable. Yes he has under performed in the past, but he has been outstanding in either the back 4 or in the holding midfield role. He is solid, he is a local boy and he has a heart, something the Jets have been lacking this year. Lets hope his good form continues, and the his treatment by the 'fans' improves.

The Squadron - Apart from the above mentioned treatment of Wheelhouse the Squadron have been consistent and outstanding in their support this year. There has been plenty of controversy, but like they say, any publicity is good publicity (Ian you should appreciate this). My case in point is that on Sunday, away from home, in a dead rubber, they still managed to make themselves heard throughout the SFS and it was brilliant. Even down 4 nil they gave the boys a send off and shouldn't be under estimated!

The Physical Stadium - I'm not sure when development is supposed to be finished, but even the two corners that have been completed are top quality, with the other two being done currently. This will give the Jets a home ground they can be proud of. (I could say how poorly they continue to be treated by ground management but I said only positive!)

The Transfer Fees - If your going to lose players, you should be compensated. The Jets have at least managed this much this year and with some smart investment decisions should be able to reap the benefits!

The Future - Given the terrible year, and being a loyal fan, it is hard to think it can get much worse. I'm looking forward to at least some signings, big names or not, being announced before the end of January. With the amount of young talent coming through, a few experienced names should be all we need to get back in the game!

As an aside, with more to follow later in the week maybe, I think we're looking at a Melbourne Adelaide grand final. The Central Coast aren't good enough, Melbourne are, and the Roar can't grind out results, and Adelaide can.

So to close, for now, I'd like to say, heads up Jets fans keep supporting your team even through the tough times. Hopefully some news later in the week.

Yours in Football
B!

What a week - A win, A spat and a Sale... maybe

Firstly, welcome back to you all (all 3 of you). I've been a bit absent of late, with work, moving and lets be honest not much positive news to write about anyway. I must say it was a great feeling being able to talk about a Jets win on Monday morning. Whilst all of the people i work with don't follow the A league, they are aware of my passion and can't resist having a dig after another Jets loss. My project manager must of felt my buoyant attitude as he commented on the victory to me first thing despite more pressing matters at work.

A bit of comment on that game first up. I think it has been highly underrated by the media as a performance. Yes ok the result was a non event given the spoon is coming this way anyway but the performance was solid across the park, and the scoreline flattered Perth. The Jets five man mid field dominated and the back four were solid without being totally unbreakable (I can't help but think Rukivysta's pace would've changed things if he was in the country). The lone striker in Mooy (spelling?) did an ok job of holding the ball up and the movement (both in attack and defence) from Patafta, Song and Thompson was spot on. Credit to Kovacic (again with the spelling?) for his first goal for the club, given our defensive stocks going out the door there could be a big future for this man. Anyone else you would question for milking the penalty (contact was outside the box initially) but Matt Thompson just seems like the most honest player you'll come across and it seemed just reward for his efforts (he looks good in the captains armband as well which shouldn't be lost on anyone). Great work Jets, if you spank Sydney on Sunday whilst i can watch i will almost forgive the season, or at least resign it to the history books.

On to upsetting matters. I have been a staunch supporter of Con since day one, i defend him in every argument on the basis that if it wasn't for him we wouldn't have a club at all. This week i'm not so sure. As a businessman he should know better than to let his emotions take control like they did. Abusing the most public of the Jets fan base was never a good idea regardless of the situation. I can understand the 'protests' of the squadron and really upside down signs and a wooden spoon don't hurt anyone (i'm more appalled the occasions that the players themselves are boo'ed off the park). So Con, you have a lot of bridge building to do.

And a word of advice, don't try and build that bridge with the $1m you might get for selling Joel! I personally don't think it will go through, but will be devastated if it does. It doesn't make good business sense, its not going to put you back in the black on the books and it is only going to further negatively effect crowd numbers and hence tickets and gate revenue. I don't know what else i can say...

Hopefully the end of the (well our) A league season next week will allow all involved to concentrate on some late signings for the ACL and a re focus on what is important to the club. They need to do something to address crowd numbers before the ACL games, its going to be embarrassing enough fielding an understrength side and some potential punishment from opposition, but if you do that in front of 6000 people at home then you have permanently and i feel irreversibly damaged the Jets brand in Asia, not to mention the damage to all the hard work Adelaide have done this year!

I love you Jets, that won't change, but lets just say i'll think twice about ever defending Con again, and if he sells Joel, i won't... ever.

Fallen Champions and shit house pitches

Ok, so i'm not going to harp on the Jets much this week. But i will raise a few points. We were unlucky not to go into the break 2, 3 or 4 up except for some fine goal keeping by Glenn Moss, i think the Victory have bought well there. Elrich and Griffiths were exceptional, hard working, dropping deep to defend and creating chances up front. Like so much of our season we switched off when it counted in the second half. Instead of responding to a lucky goal from Bertos with renewed intent and vigour, we switched off, conceeded again, and then gave away a silly penalty by an inexperienced young Jet. Better luck next year Jets, your just not good enough at the moment, and until GVE asks me to come up for a training session, i just can't put my finger on what has gone so horribly wrong. Just an aside what the hell are Pheonix going to do without Smeltz, its a rhetorical question... or is it...

So elsewhere. The friday night game Melbourne, Roar, and what a game! Apart from a joke of a pitch it was a most enjoyable game. Fluent attacking football from both sides. End to end pace from the two midfield units, as a neutral it was definately the game of the round without a doubt! Good goals and i think Melbourne deserved to win in the end! Tiatto and Farina are both idiots for behaviour on the field and post much comments respectively!

Sydney Adelaide. What a disappointment. I was hoping to see a refreshed Adelaide outfit tear apart another fallen champion in Sydney FC. It wasn't too be, played on another poor pitch, too hard, too quick etc. Adelaide did what they have done well all season and ACL campaign which is sit back, absorb pressure and score when needed. Sydney weren't neccesarily bad, for once. They just don't have the attacking threat that they need to capitialise on their possession game, you know the one that Kossie keeps raving about as the best in the league ha ha! Good work Adelaide, your experience is so far beyond anyone else in the league!

In breaking news tonight apparently Elrich may be going to Turkey as well. Dear Con, don't sell, this is an example where no amount of money at the moment will compensate for his loss. Sit him down, tell him another year in the a league won't hurt his young career. For God's sake sign some players for the ACL. I can handle the embarresment of our current a league form, but will not accept as a fan an internationally recognised embarrasment!

Yours in football, despite the current heart break.
B!

A week out of blog - An improvement out of sight!

Firstly, apologies for missing a week but as you may or may not know I have recently moved houses and have not got around to transferring my internet etc. I won't harp on the loss to Qld except to say that Jobe Wheelhouse's send off was a joke.

Now on to the good stuff! Friday night, how good was it? I'll now proceed to tell you.

It was amazing, it was fluent passing football, it was clinical finishing, it was exciting attacking play from well worked build up all the way from defence, through the mid field to the strikers. If i wasn't so drunk from a work Christmas party I probably would've got an erection! I'd like to point out my highlights, i actually watched the game again this afternoon just to gather my thoughts. My first viewing of the game was blurry, i think Bob's reception is going bad on his Foxtel!

Matt Thompson, see below for how much i rate this man. He is an ever present utility who everyone should admire. He's finishing on Friday night looked nothing like the defender that he once was and looked totally like a class striker. A well earned, hard worked hat trick that firmly gives him his place in Jets folk law for my mind. It could've actually been a couple more as he created at least two other chances as well! Well done mate on a top performance!

Song. What can we say, i suppose it has been a long time coming but it was brilliant in its simplicity. He collects the ball from some hard work by Adam Griffiths, plays in Joel Griffiths, and even though its late in the game and he's been running flat out for 80 odd minutes, he continues his run. Like he deserves Joel plays it back to him and he hits the back of the net with a relatively easy finish! Well done, just reward for some hard work. Hopefully this will be the start of some more to come from this young man. His quotes in the Herald today were definately worth reading too!

Mark Milligan. As long as we can hold on to him for ACL and next year he will go a long way to replacing the massive loss of Adam Griffiths. He was solid and his passing range is just brilliant. With the news today that he gets moved to Marquee for the remainder of the season hopefully the 'China Syndrome' won't come to anything and he can go on to wear the gold for a while yet!

There were a few negatives. Adam Griffiths being so good, given the fact that he's leaving just put the back room turmoil back in full view. Conceeding two very soft goals was a blemish when Covic in particular could of used the boost of a clean sheet. They were generally from a lack of organisation in defence and i think this highlights further the need to sign an experienced defender quickly! The denail of a clear penalty at the death just again highlights the poor refs, although given the denial of Thompson's early opener for Victory i spose we'll take that one!

On to the only other game i watched on the weekend. Perth Vs Sydney. Sydney were rubbish and got what they deserved. Aloisi needs to have a good long look at himself, he missed two sitters, i'm even going to put it out there that i could've scored the second one, and thats saying a lot! I put my money wear my mouth was and got $10 on perth at $4.75. It was money in the bank. People may point out that there were two own goals involved however this does nothing to take away the fact that Sydney were woeful. Perth looked like a championship side out there running rings around a disjointed Sydney unit. If it wasn't for a former Jet, in Stuart Musalik, providing a moment of individual brilliance it would've been 4 zip. Whilst i understand the boo's i cannot tolerate real fans booing their team off the park (see an early post on this matter!). I'm going to publish one of Bob's quotes here: "We may be bottom of the table, but at least we don't pay Aloise to play!" Need we say more.

Finally, well done Jets. Whilst it is still a mathematical possibility to make the finals i think its a long shot and will just be happy for the Jets to continue the form from Friday for the rest of the season into the ACL. I enjoyed watching the boys play for the first time in a long while, and further performances will take away some of the hurt of a terrible season. Well done boys, we'll see you on Boxing Day. Merry Christmas to the three people who read this as well!

Yours in Football
B!

RIP Season 08/09

Well... I think even the most die hard Jets fan, myself included, can now admit that the title defence is over. Whilst it is still mathematically possible to make the four it is now very unlikely. I'll start with some analysis of the game yesterday but I'll also attempt to some up in a few words where it went wrong in general.

So what happened yesterday. First 60 minutes i thought the boys did very well. They showed good movement through the mid field, good one touch football at times, reasonably solid defence (except from set pieces) and a good work rate across the park. I was also impressed to see an almost total lack of stupid, mariner like, route one football. Jesic continued to shine like the future he will be, although i think Naidovski (spelling?) was a bit out of his depth and needs to be filtered back in with sub appearances now that JGrift will be back. He seems a bit behind the ball mixing it up with the big boys. James Holland played the best game since his return from extended national team commitments, maybe he has finally shaken the fatigue of his hectic schedule.

Jobe's goal was well deserved, i think he looked sharper playing in front of the back four rather than as a part of it. He does cop a lot of flak from the Newcastle faithful but he is a stayer it would seem and his performances the last month have been a breath of fresh air in a team where sometimes it seems that other players minds are elsewhere. Ditto for the ever present Matt Thompson, a better and more complete utility player i can't think of across the league. He doesn't know week to week whether he'll be part of a back four, part of a back 3, or part of an attacking 3 behind a lone striker. He handles this with an astute work ethic, unwavering commitment to the cause and he looks heaps like a friend of mines boyfriend (don't think you'll ever read this Troy but if you do, good on your look alike). I kind of got side tracked there didn't I.

Sydney's first goal was a bit lucky on their part, but if you watch the replay, Jade North lets Ian Fyfe sneak in over his shoulder at a time when he seems to be ball watching rather than marking up. Second goal full credit to young Gan, (shame on you the world game for a piss poor pun, 'Sydney's Gan derails Jets', you know like the Ghan, come on enough of the Dad jokes). However when a defensive midfielder (AGrift) pushes up (like he should) on the player with the ball (Old man Corica, speaking of dad jokes), the defence should slide to fill the gap. They didn't, Gan finished well, end of story.

Apart from that we were wasteful in front of goal, look at the shots status if you don't believe me, i don't have them handy but trust me (or check if you don't). This isn't Jesic or Naidovski's or Thompson's or any one's fault. The fact is they are either inexperienced or not recognised strikers. GVE/Con/Crook have been unable to find a replacement for Zura, have been unfortunate with injuries (Hoffman, although still has youth problem) and are paying for stupid suspensions (JGrift, Milligan I'm looking at you).

As an aside, the rubbish in the Herald today about the squadron's chants, pull your head in, support your team, don't jump off the band wagon just because the boys are struggling. It makes me so angry i can't comment further for now, go read it if your interested.

I promised an analysis of what went wrong, but I've waffled on enough for this installment. Good luck against QLD Jets, welcome back to Grift and Milligan, although I'm still unsure how long Milligan's stint will last this year, whether he gets installed as a replacement for Suspence(r) or what ever. I still love you, i hope to see some results late on the season, they need the momentum to carry into the ACL next year.

Yours in Football,
B