Saturday, February 06, 2010

Adelaide 2 v Brisbane 0: McKay may have played his last Roar game

Matt McKay was given a second yellow card late in the second half. He had given a soft foul against Floures - or Flower boy. Flower Boy begged for the 2nd card from the green ref. Flower Boy and McKay had been arguing through the second half and it is clear how the South American plays his game. Pity he won't come up against Pantelides or Muscat who would show him what a real yellow card looks like.

Brisbane were embarrassing. Right from the start they were unable to get their passing right. Many just didn't have enough power to reach their intended, others seemed to be to no one in particular.

So much for having a specialist striking coach. Brisbane had no shots in the box. And only one from Tommy Oar from way outside - looked like it could go in.

Twice the defending was shockingly bad. And that was enough.

While for Adelaide Lucas Pantelis had a great game, it would be very disappointing if he is the best Brisbane can do for new local players.

A great, great shame. I didn't think that Brisbane would make the finals. However, they needed to give their fans a clear reason to return next year. McKay did not deserve - in the tackle or his service to the A-League - to go out this way. And unfortunately as one of the few local boys, looks set to look like just another in the precession of fan favourites out of the club.

Classic

""The FFA are worried that we will win the major semi-final and then enjoy hosting rights for a match they don't want to see in Queensland," Palmer said.

"It's all about getting the game to Victoria and NSW, despite the fact we have the best team in the league.

"They are getting very nervous and this whole things smells of corruption and undue influence to me." from the Gold Coast Bulletin via Courier Mail.

Friday, February 05, 2010

Mrdja's going back to CCM next season - meanwhile Adelaide buy a dud

What a joke. Melbourne - from 1st place - gets to cherry pick the league. Who wouldn't do all they could to get a premiership medal and possible ACL shirt.

Meanwhile, bottom placed Adelaide have been told they can't play Adam Griffiths in this season's A-League nor in the ACL. Ooops - I wonder what they will get for their money since it was only a short term deal.

'Griffiths transferred from Gold Coast United to Al-Shabab earlier this season before he was released by the Saudi club at the end of last year. He played just one game for both clubs but it is enough to rule him out of action for the rest of the A-League season.

The FFA are still investigating if he will be eligible to play for the Reds in their Asian Champions League campaign, although that also looks unlikely under FIFA's strict rules.' Four Four two Australia.

Melbourne 2 v NQ Fury 0

Nik Mrdja's move to prop up a depleted Melbourne is not a good look. If you want to spit in fans eyes, this is the type of cynical move that will do it.

Meanwhile, CCM looks very depleted. How will convince their fans that next year will be better? The rich are starting to look richer and Melbourne and Gold Coast devour class players from other teams.

Thursday, February 04, 2010

Roar brilliance

At last Brisbane have hit on a rich vain to build a positive and lasting relationship with loyal members. The exclusive Patrick Kluivert training sessions for youth members is a fantastic initiative and on the track to building life long members.

ABC1 covers the Brisbane story

The great coverage on the Roar and Ange from ABC1 stands in contrast to the anti-Brisbane performance of the Courier Mail this year - where any story - today Moore's pending retirement is turned into jaded coverage of the club.

Fixing the Courier Mail relationship needs to be a priority.

Wednesday, February 03, 2010

Amazingly, Muscat charge stands (2 weeks)

I must say I am surprised - given the leniency of the referees this season.

The impact on Melbourne's season will be played out Friday against the Fury and next week in the big one against Sydney.