Rowdy
Well-Known Member
http://www.watoday.com.au/sport/perth-glory-go-dutch-in-finals-bid-20081218-714d.html?page=-1
Perth Glory go Dutch in finals bid
* Tim Clarke
* December 18, 2008 - 9:59AM
Victor Sikora
Perth Glory have gone Dutch in a bid to keep their ailing A-League finals hopes alive, signing Holland International Victor Sikora as a replacement for injured Brazilian playmaker Amaral.
Sikora, who played six times for the Netherlands, will arrive in Perth this Saturday and could be available for Glory's Boxing Day clash with Adelaide at Members Equity Stadium.
A long-term hamstring injury to Amaral severely hampered coach Dave Mitchell's plans this year, prompting the move for Sikora
Mitchell said he would assess the lively attacker/midfielder with a view to next season while his immediate contribution will also be pivotal
We have been proactive in our efforts to find quality players and there was an opportunity to bring Victor over and were delighted that it has worked out for everyone involved, Mitchell said.
It is disappointing that Amaral is sidelined but we havent just sat on our hands, Victor is someone who will definitely bring something to our squad, added Mitchell.
Sikora made name in his home country playing powerhouse Ajax, as well as Heerenveen and NAC Breda.
His time at Ajax included featuring in their 2002/03 and 2003/04 UEFA Champions League campaigns, and in the UEFA Cup.
Mitchell's observed the 30-year-old during a pre-season scouting mission and was immediately keen.
The pair remained in contact and after recently completing a stint with Major League Soccer club FC Dallas, Sikora made his move down under.
It has proved to be an ideal solution, being able to bring him in for a short space of time with the view to next season. Im sure hell be able to add an extra spark to what has been some excellent football by the lads in recent weeks, said Mitchell.
Weve worked hard behind the scenes to make this happen and Im delighted that he is able to get here so quickly.
Victor is eager to get straight into action and with a home game on Boxing Day and a big crowd expected at Members Equity Stadium it could be a great opportunity to expose him to the A-League and the Perth Glory fans, Mitchell said.
Sikoras will have five matches to find his feet.
He is a very versatile player and can fill a few holes if needs be. Hes played as a striker, in midfield and also out wide.
Victor brings experience from the highest levels in Europe and I know Glory supporters will be very happy watching him play, hes an exciting player, said Mitchell.
Perth Glory go Dutch in finals bid
* Tim Clarke
* December 18, 2008 - 9:59AM
Victor Sikora
Perth Glory have gone Dutch in a bid to keep their ailing A-League finals hopes alive, signing Holland International Victor Sikora as a replacement for injured Brazilian playmaker Amaral.
Sikora, who played six times for the Netherlands, will arrive in Perth this Saturday and could be available for Glory's Boxing Day clash with Adelaide at Members Equity Stadium.
A long-term hamstring injury to Amaral severely hampered coach Dave Mitchell's plans this year, prompting the move for Sikora
Mitchell said he would assess the lively attacker/midfielder with a view to next season while his immediate contribution will also be pivotal
We have been proactive in our efforts to find quality players and there was an opportunity to bring Victor over and were delighted that it has worked out for everyone involved, Mitchell said.
It is disappointing that Amaral is sidelined but we havent just sat on our hands, Victor is someone who will definitely bring something to our squad, added Mitchell.
Sikora made name in his home country playing powerhouse Ajax, as well as Heerenveen and NAC Breda.
His time at Ajax included featuring in their 2002/03 and 2003/04 UEFA Champions League campaigns, and in the UEFA Cup.
Mitchell's observed the 30-year-old during a pre-season scouting mission and was immediately keen.
The pair remained in contact and after recently completing a stint with Major League Soccer club FC Dallas, Sikora made his move down under.
It has proved to be an ideal solution, being able to bring him in for a short space of time with the view to next season. Im sure hell be able to add an extra spark to what has been some excellent football by the lads in recent weeks, said Mitchell.
Weve worked hard behind the scenes to make this happen and Im delighted that he is able to get here so quickly.
Victor is eager to get straight into action and with a home game on Boxing Day and a big crowd expected at Members Equity Stadium it could be a great opportunity to expose him to the A-League and the Perth Glory fans, Mitchell said.
Sikoras will have five matches to find his feet.
He is a very versatile player and can fill a few holes if needs be. Hes played as a striker, in midfield and also out wide.
Victor brings experience from the highest levels in Europe and I know Glory supporters will be very happy watching him play, hes an exciting player, said Mitchell.
