A-League Transfers and Rumours

[Paolo]

...or they may not have won anything.

 

[serious14]

...or they may not have won anything.

 

[Razorback]

North could be off to turkey

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,24154720-5000940,00.html

I know I posted this on another thread but i wasn't sure what catagory it fits into...

But if its true Adam Griffiths needs to have a huge season for the scum to make the semi's

 

[Andy]

Bloke on the Gypo's forum says that it's a done deal.

If so, leaves them in a bit of trouble defensively especially with them looking to use their final foreign spot on another striker

 

[marinersman]

They will seriously struggle without North. Along with Moore, he's the best defender in the HAL. If sack wacker doesn't fire this year like last year, it could be a long season for the scum.

 

[priorpeter]

VanStratten for GC?

Gold Coast in for Vanstratten

Former Juventus back-up goalkeeper Jess Vanstrattan is set to be confirmed as Gold Coast United's first signing of note within days after jumping ahead of Ante Covic and Mark Bosnich on the club's hit-list.


Vanstrattan, released by the Italian giant at the end of June after making just one competitive senior appearance, is a free agent and determined to return home to press his bid to win a spot in Pim Verbeek's World Cup master plan.

The 25-year-old spent seven years in Italy, first at Verona for whom he made just eight appearances and then Juve where he toiled in the shadow of World Cup winner Gianluigi Buffon.

On Tuesday night, United officials refused to confirm that a deal was all but done with the keeper who was last seen on Australian soil at the Telstra Dome in May, playing for the 'The Old Lady' in a 4-1 friendly win over Melbourne Victory.

United's head coach Miron Bleiberg is a long-time advocate of the former Northern Spirit shot-stopper and believes his acrobatics could would be well received by supporters of the A-League new boys when they enter the competition in 2009.

Vanstrattan's agent, Sydney based Leo Karis, declined to confirm that talks were at an advanced stage saying only: He's exploring his options both in Australia and elsewhere. He's uncontracted and the key for him is to be playing football week-in week-out wherever he goes, that's imperative at this stage of his career.

Vanstrattan was a part of the class of 99 the Joey's side that stormed to the final of the U-17 World Cup in New Zealand, only to lose to a belligerent Brazil in a penalty shoot-out.

That Australian team included the likes of current Socceroos Scott McDonald, Josh Kennedy and Jade North and it appeared Vanstrattan was marked for stardom when he joined Verona in 2001 after a spell in the defunct national league with the Spirit.

But Italy proved a tough nut to crack with the custodian describing Verona as a prison' from which there appeared no escape.

He nearly joined the Newcastle Jets a little over a year ago but Verona blocked the move before Juventus stepped in to bring him to their star-encrusted squad.

Vanstrattan sought to break into Australia's Asian Cup squad in July last year but it was a case of out of sight out of mind for a keeper who believes a move home will enhance his chances to catch the eye of Verbeek.

The ambition is to get back in the spotlight with the national team. I love playing for Australia, he said earlier this year.

He is believed to have fought off competition from Bosnich, whose short stint with the Central Coast Mariners will soon expire, and Newcastle Jets Socceroos understudy Covic for the gloves at United.

Bleiberg, however, was giving nothing away, saying only: I can't confirm or deny any interest in him.

http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/a-league/gold-coast-in-for-vanstratten-138699/

 

[Razorback]

Lucky bastards if its true. Regular game time and Pim would have no choice to seriously look at him...really strengthens Australia's goalkeeping stocks

 

[mariners4ever]

good signing

 

[kevrenor]

THE BIDDING WAR

Who's available from today (1/10/08):

A total of 96 players across all eight clubs - with 2 new clubs coming in.

Newcastle Jets have the least number of players coming off contract at the end of HAL 4 ('8'), Perth Glory the most ('18').

Who's going to be in demand:

Joel Griffiths, Ante Covic, Jade North, Adam Griffiths (Newcastle),
Shane Smeltz, Tony Lochhead, Glen Moss (Wellington Phoenix),
Cassio, Diego, Angelo Costanzo (Adelaide United),
Sasho Petrovski, Danny Vukovic, Alex Wilkinson (Central Coast Mariners),
Michael Thwaite, Carlos Hernandez, Matthew Kemp, Michael Theoklitos, Rodrigo Vargas (Melbourne Victory),
Michael Zullo, Tahj Minniecon, Robbie Kruse, Craig Moore (Queensland Roar), Shannon Cole, Alex Brosque, Brendon Santalab, Iain Fyfe (Sydney FC

 

[rosko]

Be nice to keep Sasho, even though he is getting on.
Santa would be a great pick up!
Everyone would be chasing Smeltz.

 

[mariners4ever]

Santa would be a great pick up!

no thanks !!!!

 

[Razorback]

I'll trade Wilko and Sash for Roddy and Hernandez

 

[uptheguts]

NEWCASTLE Jets hero Joel Griffiths has finally signed a new marquee deal that could see him end his playing career at the club.
Griffiths has inked a a 3-year contract that will see him become the clubs marquee player from next season for a reputed $300,000 a year.

"I'm delighted to get it out way and looking forward to the marquee challenge ahead," he said today. "You have to stay with the club you love.

"I couldn't see myself signing for another A-League team."

The deal will potentially see last seasons Johnny Warren Medalist and Golden Boot Winner stay with the reigning Hyundai A-League Champions for the remainder of his career.

He added: "It's a good club, great fans and a place I want to be a part of. I can't see myself going abroad."

Griffiths, who turned 29 in August, has been a talisman for the Jets since joining the club in 2006 from Leeds United in England.

The devastating hitman also enjoyed spells with Neuchatel Xamax in Switzerland as well as Sydney United, Parramatta Power, and Newcastle United in Australias former National Soccer League competition.

His greatest success has been in Newcastle, finding the net 24 times in 50 games for the Jets, and 25 times in 46 games for the NSL's Newcastle United.

Jets CEO John Tsatsimas today welcomed the end of a protracted negotation with the star, who is believed to have been courted by newcomers Gold Coast United.

Its certainly a monumental moment for the club and for Joel," said Tsatsimas.

"Im pleased to announce that we have secured the services of such a fine player until the conclusion of the 2011/2012 season.

We believe that Joel is a superb ambassador for the sport and for this great city. He plays with pride, he plays with passion, and he wears his heart on his sleeve.

"Thats been the main reason that he has been so popular with our fans, and we are proud to have him as part of the Newcastle Jets well into the future."

He added: We believe that he will continue on with the fine form that he has shown, particularly in recent years.

 

[Jesus]

Con has told the herald that the jets are wanting to sign milligan. If he gets that desperate

 

[Bear]

They wont get him for this season, but said ACL is an option. Seriously, that kids career is looking bad

 

[uptheguts]

DANNY Vukovic will play with the Central Coast Mariners for a further three years.

In a great boost for the young goalkeeper and the Mariners, Vukovic confirmed on Wednesday he had re-signed with the Gosford-based club until 2012.

The news comes days before Vukovic makes his return from suspension when the Mariners Youth League teams tackles Melbourne at Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford, on Saturday.

Vukovic said: "I can't wait to get out and play again, it's been tough turning up to training knowing I wouldn't be playing on the weekend.

"Signing the contract is also great news, it's good to have the security of a long term contract."

Vukovic has had a tough time of it since the Mariners grand final defeat against the Jets last year. He was suspended for striking referee Mark Shield in the decider and missed the Olympics. He was able to play the first two games for the Mariners before missing a further five Hyundai A-League games.

Vukovic said playing for the club's youth team on Saturday will give him some much needed match fitness ahead of next week's stoush with Wellington at Gosford.

Mariners coach Lawrie McKinna will have a tough selection to make in goals for the clash against the New Zealanders. Star goalkeeper Mark Bosnich is also hopeful of recovering from a hamstring injury and being available for what will be his last match for the club.

"I'll take a good look at both of them at training next week before deciding," he said.

Meanwhile, the Mariners have also re-signed versatile defender Pedj Bojic for another two seasons.

 

[bulldogmariner]

Great to hear about resignings especially Bojic as he has be a standout this season.
Still think Danny will head OS sooner rather than later but we will now get a transfer fee if he does.

 

[Bear]

Great to hear about resignings especially Bojic as he has be a standout this season.
Still think Danny will head OS sooner rather than later but we will now get a transfer fee if he does.

spot on. i think danny was after the security, so he dose not fall into the position of milligan

good news on pedj, he has been epic for us so far, can only get better, one would hope

 

[Jesus]

Milligan has signed with scum for a 7 week guest starting from round 11, as well as one year next season, according to bling forum, where they are notably less than pleased

 

[loyalist]

be sacking his agent soon i would hope