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What is sport's dirtiest act?

Written By Unknown on Selasa, 23 April 2013 | 22.07

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Hallf of shame ... Luis Suarez, Zinedine Zidane, Danny Williams and John Hopoate. Source:FOX SPORTS

Luis Suarez just seems to court controversy wherever he goes, and his bite on Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic saw him hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons again this week.

It was the second time the enigmatic striker has bitten an opponent in his career, and got us thinking: what are the dirtiest acts seen in sport?

We've picked eight, from John Hopoate's bizarre way of unsettling opponents to a headbutting Frenchman.

Let us know which is the worst by voting in our poll below.


22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Eels sign English pair to NRL deals

Parramatta bound ... English international forward Lee Mossop. Source: EMPICS Sport / AAP

Parramatta have confirmed that English international forwards Gareth Hock and Lee Mossop will join the NRL club next season on two-year deals.

The Eels, who had been negotiating with their Super League club Wigan for some time, released a statement on Tuesday night stating the pair had agreed to join Ricky Stuart's side from the start of 2014.

Experienced second-rower Hock, who is currently on loan at Widnes, and 24-year-old prop Mossop will add grunt to an Eels side that has shown promising signs this season after picking up the wooden spoon last year.

The 29-year-old Hock has played a total of eight Tests for England and Great Britain and is renowned as one of Super League's most aggressive players.

"Playing in the NRL is the biggest challenge you can have in rugby league, playing against the best week in week out,'' said Hock, who has made 135 appearances for Wigan.

"Adrian Morley is a good friend of mine and he has told me Ricky Stuart's coaching style will suit the type of player I am, so I am really excited about coming on board."

Mossop is regarded as one of the rising stars of the Super League that led to him earning his first three Test caps for England last year against France and Wales.

"I have always aspired to one day playing in the NRL and the fact that my dream has become a reality with a team with such a rich history like Parramatta is an added bonus," said Mossop.


22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Scott pledges to stand by Menzel

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Support ... Daniel Menzel has the full backing of the Cats.

The shattering news about Daniel Menzel's knee injury made Monday the toughest day of Geelong coach Chris Scott's time in the AFL.

Scans have confirmed the worst, with Menzel suffering a rupture to the LARS surgery graft in his left knee.

It means he faces a fourth reconstruction.

"Without wanting to exaggerate, I think it was the hardest day I've ever had in footy,'' Scott said.

"It's devastating for all of us.

"Right at the moment, we as a football club are all for one.''

While Scott stressed the club's support for Menzel, it is unclear whether he will try to make another football comeback.

"It's really hard to comment on what's going to happen from here, because we've got to do all the investigations required and sit down with Dan and go through the pros and cons of every option,'' Scott said.

He added that would happen over the next few days.

Menzel, 21, has played 21 senior games since his 2010 debut and is probably the most talented of the Cats' strong crop of young players.

His first reconstruction came after the 2011 qualifying final win over Hawthorn and he has not played senior football since.


22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Mariners grab famous ACL victory

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Mariners ... secure a famous Asian Champions League victory in South Korea. Source:AFP

Central Coast Mariners celebrated for the second time in three days on Tuesday night when a Michael McGlinchey goal earned the A-League champions a 1-0 Asian Champions League win over Suwon Bluewings in South Korea.

The result put the Mariners on course for a spot in the next round of the ACL with one match remaining in Gosford next Tuesday.

Substitute McGlinchey slipped an 80th-minute shot under Suwon goalkeeper Jung Sung-Ryong to give his side their first away win in the competition just two days after Sunday's breakthrough 2-0 grand final win over the Western Sydney Wanderers.

Group H P W D L GD Pts
1 Kashiwa 5 3 2 0 7 11
2 Central Coast 5 2 1 2 -1 7
3 Guizhou 5 1 2 2 -1 5
4 Suwon 5 0 3 2 -5 3

The Mariners could now advance to the knock-out stages for the first time in three attempts even if they lose their final Group H match against already qualified Japanese side Kashiwa Reysol, who drew 1-1 with Guizhou in Tuesday's other match.

The Mariners now have seven points and another win would ensure progression given they're two points ahead of third-placed Guizhou Renhe, the Chinese team who host Suwon in the last round.

Central Coast were reasonably untroubled at Suwon World Cup Stadium despite the drain of a second game in three days, with North Korea striker Jong Tae-Se blazing his side's best effort over the bar with about 15 minutes left.

Central Coast vs Kashiwa

Bluetongue Stadium

All times are listed in EST

Nick Montgomery, one of just four changes to the Mariners side, chased tirelessly in the defensive midfield role usually occupied by captain John Hutchinson.

Mile Sterjovski, Patrick Zwaanswijk and McGlinchey were also omitted but all made it onto the pitch in the second half despite their exertions in Sydney on Sunday.

The only real sign of tired legs was the occasional late challenge such as the ankle-high foul by Pedj Bojic just before halftime.

Fitzgerald had an opening at the start of the second half after being put through on the left of the area but hit the side netting with a shot from a narrow angle when a pass across the box looked to be a better option.

The game breaker eventually came with 10 minutes remaining, McGlinchey racing onto a pass out to the left and carrying the ball into the area.

Jung Sung-Ryong got his hands to McGlinchey's right-foot shot but couldn't prevent it going in.

The Bluewings, who can no longer qualify for the next stage, offered little despite a line-up featuring Jong, well-travelled Australian defender Eddy Bosnar and Macedonia striker Stevica Ristic.


22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Ref suing over testicle attack

Written By Unknown on Senin, 22 April 2013 | 22.07

A Kenyan referee is suing the national football federation, saying he was left impotent after a coach grabbed and squeezed his testicles in a pitch invasion.

Referee Martin Wekesa said he was seeking $US240,000 ($A235,000) in compensation from Football Kenya Federation (FKF) after the alleged assault in a game in September last year.

He claims he was kicked and hit by members of the Sparki Youth team before being "attacked in my private parts" by one of the coaching staff.

Wekesa said Daudi Kajembe came onto the field and assaulted him after a decision to send a Sparki player off.

"He pulled my testicles. He actually pressed them and I was hanging on him when he was pulling me. I was crying and could not get myself out from his hands," Wekesa said. "I remember Kajembe told me, raising his hand, 'I can kill you in a minute,' and came directly to my testicles."

Wekesa was rescued by a police officer, he said, but slumped to his knees in pain on the pitch before being taken to the hospital. He is now unable to have sex with his wife, he claims, saying it is "impossible."

"It is so painful, painful, painful in my areas," he said.

Kajembe is due to appear in court in Kenya's coastal city of Mombasa on Thursday on a charge of assault and causing grievous bodily harm, while Wekesa is claiming the 20 million Kenyan shillings in compensation from the federation for his expensive medical bills and the problems the assault has caused him and his wife, Mary.

"We used to live as wife and husband. Nowadays we don't, so that's how the life has changed," Mary Wekesa said.

The referee said he had sent a letter to the Kenyan federation to demand the compensation, but had not yet heard back.

Kajembe pleaded not guilty to causing grievous bodily harm.


22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Suarez bites, Liverpool say fine

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Future uncertain ... Liverpool fine striker Luis Suarez. Source: Peter Byrne / AAP

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has been fined and will donate the money to the Hillsborough Family Support Group following the Uruguayan's shocking bite on Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic.

February 2007

Makes international debut for Uruguay against Colombia but is sent off late in the game after receiving a second caution for dissent.


November 2007

Having joined Ajax from Uruguayan club Nacional, he is suspended after a half-time changing room row with team-mate Albert Luque.


July 2010

Sent off in Uruguay's World Cup quarter-final with Ghana for preventing Ghana from scoring a last-minute goal by handling the ball on the line. Enthusiastically celebrates Asamoah Gyan's subsequent penalty miss from the sidelines before Uruguay go through to the semi-finals on penalties.


November 2010

Given a seven-game suspension by the Dutch Football Association and fined by Ajax for biting PSV Eindhoven's Otman Bakkal on the shoulder during a league match.


October 2011

Now at Liverpool, he causes controversy with a dive that results in a red card for Everton's Jack Rodwell in the Merseyside derby.

Accused of racially abusing Manchester United left-back Patrice Evra during a Premier League match, for which he later receives an eight-match ban and a fine.


December 2011

Handed a further one-match ban after making an offensive hand gesture towards Fulham supporters.

February 2012

Sparks controversy again after refusing to shake Evra's hand as United and Liverpool line-up prior to kick-off in a game at Old Trafford.


October 2012

Celebrates a goal against Everton with a comedy dive in front of Toffees manager David Moyes, who had claimed "divers'' like Suarez were turning people away from the game.


January 2013

Handles the ball prior to scoring the winning goal in Liverpool's 2-1 victory at non-league Mansfield Town in the FA Cup third round.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers warns Suarez could face punishment from the club after admitting he dived to try to win a penalty against Stoke.

March 2013: 

Suárez appears to punch the Chilean defender Gonzalo Jara after tussle in a World Cup qualifier for Uruguay. Still could face retrospective action.

 

Suarez sunk his teeth into Ivanovic's right arm during Sunday's 2-2 draw at Anfield.

The ugly incident has sparked widespread condemnation of Suarez and both the player and Liverpool were forced to apologise, while Reds manager Brendan Rodgers claimed his star forward's actions were unacceptable.

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Suarez is likely to face a lengthy ban from the Football Association for his actions, but Liverpool have already punished the 26-year-old with a fine, which he will give to the families of the 96 Liverpool fans who died in a terrace crush before an FA Cup semi-final at Hillsborough in 1989.

Last Monday's 24th anniversary of the tragedy was marked by a memorial service at Anfield which Suarez and his teammates attended.

"For my unacceptable behaviour yesterday the club has fined me today,'' Suarez wrote on Twitter on Monday.

"I have asked the club to donate the money to the Hillsborough Family Support Group for the inconvenience I have created to the Liverpool fans and to Ivanovic.''

As referee Kevin Friend missed the incident, Suarez is likely to be punished with a retrospective Football Association suspension, but some pundits, including former Liverpool captain Graeme Souness, believe it could be time for the club to cut ties with Suarez as he is damaging their reputation.

Suarez's latest controversy has forced Liverpool's managing director Ian Ayre to cancel a trip to Australia and the Far East to deal with the fall-out.

But Ayre is adamant Liverpool will not bow to outside pressure to sell Suarez at the end of the season.

''It affects his future in the sense that we have to work with him on his discipline, but Luis is a very important player to the club,'' Ian Ayre said.

''He's a very popular player with his teammates. As we keep saying, he signed a new four-year contract last summer and we'd all love to see him here throughout that contract.

''He's a fantastic player, top scorer and everything we'd want in a striker, so there's no change there. This is more about getting him back on the right track.''

Suarez has a long list of previous misdemeanours even before joining Liverpool from Ajax in January 2011 and it is not the first time he has been in trouble for biting.

But, responding to calls for Suarez to be kicked out of English football, Professional Footballers' Association chief executive Gordon Taylor revealed the players' union would offer anger management counselling to deal with his temper.

''There is no doubting his football ability, that's why it is so disappointing and embarrassing when he lets himself down,'' Taylor said.

''We have to work hard on anger management now. We have trained counselors in this field and we will be offering their services to Liverpool and the player to try to improve matters.''

In November 2010, Suarez was banned for seven matches and dubbed the 'Cannibal of Ajax' after biting PSV Eindhoven's Otman Bakkal.

In December 2011, he was banned for eight matches and fined 40,000 euros ($A58,000) after being found guilty of racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra.

Then just a few weeks later he received a one-match ban for making an offensive gesture to Fulham fans and in February 2012 he refused to shake hands with Evra when Liverpool faced United at Old Trafford.

[View the story "World unites in Suarez mockery, Luis fined by Reds" on Storify]


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Cotchin laments Tigers' intensity

Lacking ... Trent Cotchin says training standards slipped before Pies' game. Source: Mark Dadswell / News Limited

Richmond skipper Trent Cotchin says the Tigers didn't have the required intensity at training in the lead-up to their disappointing loss to Collingwood.

The match was billed as a possible 'coming-of-age' moment for previously unbeaten Richmond had they won, but Cotchin told On The Couch on Monday night that their review revealed the team's preparation hadn't been up to scratch.

"It was a big build-up, we thought we were ready, (but) even looking back to our training we probably didn't have the standards that we'd had leading into other games during the season so far," Cotchin said.

"That was disappointing and that was something that we reviewed as a leadership group.

"During the game we just didn't feel like we controlled the game when we had opportunities to.

"You question whether we were exactly needed to be … that's just as a result of a loss – if we had have won we probably wouldn't have reviewed it in the same way.

"That's footy and we have learned our lessons.

"A lot of the key figures that we wanted to go into the game and dominate in we didn't, so it was a disappointing result for, not only us as a football club, but our fans as well."

Cotchin also said young Tiger Nick Vlastuin was doing everything right in the VFL and would get his opportunity at AFL level soon.


22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Blatter neutral in Asian election race

FIFA has dismissed claims that Sepp Blatter supports Yousuf al-Serkal's bid to be elected Asian Football Confederation president next week.

FIFA says its president is neutral and "has at no time provided his backing to any of the candidates."

Al-Serkal, the United Arab Emirates Football Association president, reportedly told regional media he "definitely" felt he had Blatter's blessing to replace Mohamed bin Hammam of Qatar.

Al-Serkal faces Sheik Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa of Bahrain, Hafez Al Medlej of Saudi Arabia and Worawi Makudi, a FIFA executive committee member from Thailand, in a May 2 poll in Kuala Lumpur.

Before meeting Blatter in Zurich last month, Al-Serkal told The Associated Press "if he chooses to announce (support), I will appreciate it. If he chooses not to announce, I will understand."


22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

'Cloke, Selwood simply inspirational'

Written By Unknown on Minggu, 21 April 2013 | 22.07

Inspirational ... Joel Selwood and Travis Cloke are match-winners. Source: FOX SPORTS

Fox Sports AFL expert Julian de Stoop reviews round three in the AFL and discusses his likes and dislikes.

It was another big weekend in the AFL with some gusty wins and unlucky injuries, we bring you the best and worst from the week that was.

Do you agree? Tell us what you liked to disliked from the weekend by leaving a comment at the bottom of the page.


Likes

Travis Cloke
There were some who suggested during Travis Cloke's protracted contract negotiations last year that he wouldn't be a huge loss for Collingwood if he decided to head west to Fremantle or link up with his former coach Mick Malthouse at Carlton. What a load of rubbish. Cloke is arguably the league's most valuable key forward and he showed exactly why against Richmond. In one of his finest ever performances Cloke finished with a career high seven goals and 14 marks. His third quarter was one for the ages – six disposals, six marks – four of those contested and four goals turned the tide the Pies way. His battle with rising Essendon defender Jake Carlisle will be fascinating on Anzac Day

Joel Selwood
Last week we sang the praises of Hawthorn skipper Luke Hodge - this week all the accolades are with a man who mirrors him in so many ways - Cats captain Joel Selwood. He was the key to the Cats' win over the Hawks in Round 1 but against the Swans on Friday night he was inspirational. The skipper had 30 disposals, nine tackles, seven clearances and a goal only tell part of the story. He was the man that orchestrated the Cats' match-winning third term where he had a hand in all seven of their goals. The triple premiership player is leading a team that deserves to be premiership favorites. Geelong has beaten both of last year's grand finalists in the opening month and remember they play seven of their last 11 matches at Simonds Stadium, a ground they have lost just three times at since the beginning of 2007.

Melbourne
Quite rightly, the Demons have copped it from all quarters after an insipid opening three rounds and when they trailed by 19 points at three quarter time against the Giants many thought time was nearly up for coach Mark Neeld. But instead of wilt his charges delivered the highest scoring quarter in the club's history. The Demons kicked 12.2 to 2.2 to charge to a 41-point victory and take the heat off - temporaily at least - their under siege coach. Big bodies Colin Sylvia, Nathan Jones and Nathan Jamar got it started in the middle with Michael Evans (three goals), Jeremy Howe (three), Aaron Davey (two) and Max Gawn (two) finishing the job up forward. Melbourne were well led by young captains Jack Trengove and Jack Grimes but it will all be in vain if they reproduce the same effort against Brisbane Lions next week.

Carlton
Despite Mick Malthouse stating during the week winning isn't everything at Carlton at the moment, the cold hard facts are the Blues needed to break their duck in Perth to have any chance of playing finals this year. There are too many good sides in the competition to start 0-4 and expect to still be around in September. Malthouse spent the week talking about 'processes' and his men got it just right against the Eagles. The old master doesn't like high scoring shootouts like his team produced in the first three weeks and against West Coast his team gave up just seven goals. Although the Eagles wayward kicking 7.23 certainly helped. The move of Chris Yarran (four goals) paid dividends and with matches in the next six weeks against Adelaide, Melbourne, St Kilda, Port Adelaide, Brisbane and GWS Giants, the Blues are capable of getting on a roll.

Brendon Goddard
He isn't everyone's cup of team but one thing you get from Brendon Goddard is honesty. Some have criticised his post-match tears after his new team Essendon dismantled his old side St Kilda but it showed how tough it was for the former No.1 draft pick to leave the Saints and how much he still loves his former club. Those who branded him a mercenary should think again. Goddard also spoke out against his club's decision for airing James Hird's post-match speech following the Bombers' emotional win over Fremantle on Fox Footy's The Hangar. While I disagree with Goddard's view once again it was honest. In an industry when cliché's are the norm, we should applaud those who speak their mind.

Dislikes

Score Reviews
The concept is sound but like 2012, the execution is off the mark. The problem is the video umpire is trying to be too precise. If the ball appears to have crossed the goal line from four different angles then it's most likely a goal. Like the tribunal let's work on the balance of probabilities. Richmond midfielder Shaun Grigg and Demons forward Shannon Byrnes were both robbed of clear goals on the weekend. Let's hope an error doesn't cost a team big time at the business end of the season.

Daniel Menzel's knees
In football terms, the plight of Daniel Menzel is a tragedy. A prodigious talent the young Cat has again been struck down by a knee injury in just his second game back in the VFL and it has the Cats fearing the worst. The 22-year-old has already had two knee reconstructions as well as LARS surgery late last year but Chris Scott said two weeks ago if Menzel is struck down again he has no doubts he will fightback. Let's hope the coach is right.

West Coast Eagles
One of the pre-season premiership favorites, the Eagles have had a terrible opening month. Injuries have been a factor with the loss of Nic Naitanui the most telling but three losses at Patersons Stadium (one of those to Fremantle) is a cause for alarm. Their only win came against lowly Melbourne. This week they travel to Adelaide to take on a rampant Port Adelaide and another loss will put their top four hopes in serious jeopardy.

Brisbane Lions
What is wrong with the pre-season premiers? Belted by the Bulldogs in Round 1, over-run by the Crows at home in Round 2 and very ordinary against the Kangaroos in Round 4. Their only win was a narrow one over the Suns in Round 3. No-one thought the Lions were going to be contenders after their NAB Cup triumph but given they won 10 matches last year they looked capable of knocking on the door of the top 8 but at the moment they appear a million miles away. A home game against Melbourne next week will provide some relief but Lions fans look away now, following the Demons you play; Sydney, West Coast, Essendon, Carlton, Collingwood, Fremantle, Geelong and Hawthorn. Brutal.

Lewis Jetta and Sam Reid
The duo are two of the Swans' best young players but so far in 2013 they have both failed to fire a shot. Jetta was always going to come in for more attention following his stellar 2012 season but as John Longmire said following the loss to the Cats, the speedster isn't using his greatest asset ... his speed ... to his advantage. Reid's greatest strength is his marking but he appears to have lost confidence in the air and with Kurt Tippett unavailable until mid-year and Lewis Roberts-Thomson injured he needs to rediscover it quickly. Last year Jetta and Reid combined for 76 goals. This year they have contributed just five.


22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

League plays part in Mariners win

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The witch is dead ... Arnold final lifts the A-League trophy. Source: Brett Costello / News Limited

Ding, dong, the witch is dead.

That was the late Jack Gibson's famous cry after Parramatta's drought-winning 1981 rugby league win and after Central Coast overcame the Eels' housemates from Parramatta Stadium, Graham Arnold revealed rugby league played a significant role in helping the Mariners to their maiden A-League Championship.

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The jubilant, relieved Mariners boss quoted the late Jack Gibson before revealing that master NRL mentor Wayne Bennett provided the key insight that helped differentiate this Mariners crop from others in the past.

"I've had a wonderful tutor in Guus Hiddink, and Pim Verbeek, but they're overseas," Arnold said post match.

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"I always try to learn, and learn from the best and the best in Australia is (Newcastle Knights coach) Wayne Bennett.


Re-live our live blog of the game, featuring video of the key moments.


"I went and had lunch with Wayne and he was a fantastic mentor for me with his experience.

"He basically said to me: 'I'll tell you how to win a grand final'.

"Good shoulder to lean on and to learn from a guy with a lot more experience than me.

"Even yesterday (Saturday) he said: 'don't play the game today, it's tomorrow, keep them relaxed'."

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Indeed, they looked relaxed, prevailing after so many questions were thrown at them: would they prevail after the AFC Champions League commitments? Could they handle the pressure? Could they finally get the monkey off their back – and would they get a better chance to do so?

Daniel McBreen smashed the penalty hoodoo. And the side closed out the game expertly. There would be no dramatic late twists this time. 

"It's actually very hurtful when people write we are chokers," Arnold said.

"We've played three grand finals in seven years before this.

"It's a totally different group of players, two different coaches.

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"That was the motivation.

"Thank you for that."


Miss something? Catch every tackle, foul and goal in out A-League Match Centre!


Western Sydney Wanderers might have struck the decisive blow in the race for the Premiers' Plate, but Arnold revealed the defeat forced an ironic shift in goals for the Mariners.

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Arnold has long aired his preference for the first past the post system, but seeing the premiership slip away helped the club puts its energy into what the players and the fans so desperately yearned for.

"The motivation after we lost to Western Sydney at home, we changed our goals," Arnold explained. 

"We spoke about what we really wanted ... what the players wanted the most.

"We sort of had a vote, the premiership or the grand final.

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"The players went after what the club hadn't achieved and what the supporters wanted.

"That was four or five weeks ago. We re-focused and put a lot of effort into that.

"Mile, Patrick, Hutchinson, the senior players ... had to lead and the young boys will always follow. The young boys were very good again tonight.

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"I'm very proud."


Read the match report of the Mariners grand final victory.


Arnold admits the group had a "perfect week" and it showed on the pitch with a dominant performance, with the side rising to the occasion.

A lot was said about the two fairytales leading into this clash.

But there's no doubt the Mariners have excelled from adversity to hoist the trophy, after their financial hardship earlier this season.

"I leaned a lot on the senior players to keep the group together and we used it as motivation not do derail our season.

"Thankfully, it's all sorted out.

"I wanted to be there for every player and their families to to make sure everyone was okay.

"I had a lot of faith in the PFA and the chairman that something would get sorted out. And it did."

There won't be long for the champagne to flow, with the side back on a plane to face Suwon Bluewings in an ACL clash this week.

The taste and adrenalin of victory will make that trip easier, but once there's time to reflect, this group might look back on their last achievement together as a unit, making this achievement not only special, but timely.

"I never stand in anyone's way," Arnold added.

"We have three young boys I honestly think have reached their maximum development here in Australia.

"If they want to go on and be ... very good Socceroos ... they need to go to another level.

"Playing 27 games a season is not enough.

"They've probably reached their peak with us.

"Maty Ryan is always complaining to me he's never got a save to make; young Bernie Ibini wants to do more; Sainsbury has been excellent.

"I can't answer what the older guys want to do.

"The exciting thing if I stay it will be to re-generate the squad and bring some new kids in."

It might be the end of an era, but with this club's track record, you'd be brave to bet against them being there or there abouts again next year.


22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More
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