Almost the forgotten man of Australian football right; he was such a disappointment when he came back to the Roar the season before last. Again another injury plagued season but he's still best remembered for his impression of a doormat in the ACL. Couldn't see him getting game time at BR but maybe under a good coach elsewhere, jets maybe?

You know what, I wouldn't mind Sarota at Roar. I don't think his stint with us the other year was a fair reflection on his abilities. He could play a role for us for sure, very technical player, would give us cover and options on the right side of midfield which is where we need players. If we could get him cheapish, I say we go for it.

Wish i was because we need a real football club in Qld.

Article on him a few days ago that said hes still recovering from injury. When he recovers, Go Ahead Eagles were going to give him a trial.

We agree on that. The continued crisis (5 years now?) dames the whole competition. But to your points:

1. Roar have to sign several more players as they are below minimum cap spend and the minimum number of players. They could fill up with "second rate" players but there won't be a cost saving in doing that but if it subsequently dropped average crowds by only a thousand it would drop revenues by $300k so why risk it?

2. This ones debatable, the debts were paid off in January and a further $2m dropped in June. That should be enough to cover everything.

3. It's a bigger mess than ever - I won't agree with you on this one but at the same time I won't disagree. It could be. And until we see some evidence to the contrary many fans will remain sceptical sadly.

According to Foxsports Coronas replacement is close to finalised.....






BRISBANE Roar are set to unveil their replacement for departed Spanish midfielder Corona as early as next week, with the deal close to completion.

The Courier-Mail this week revealed the Roar were in talks with a European midfielder of international pedigree following silky Corona’s return to Spanish second division club Almeria.

It’s understood the expecting signing ¬ who last season played in the top-flight Dutch Eredivisie ¬ has had his medical.

The Roar are hoping to announce the deal next week and have not ruled out using the player in their FFA Cup round-of-32 clash against Perth Glory at Ballymore on August 10.

The club’s return to Ballymore for training and administration operations is taking longer than the Roar expected.

Coach John Aloisi had hoped to already be training on the first-class Ballymore surface but the squad continue to go through their paces at Griffith University’s Nathan campus, where the ground is not up to the required standard.


Negotiations are continuing between the Roar and Ballymore owners Queensland Rugby Union, with the deal expected to be finalised early next month.

The Roar’s youth team is in NPL Queensland action tonight against competition leaders FNQ Heat at the Cleveland Showgrounds.

“The side this weekend is going to be relatively inexperienced but I’m still confident that the boys will go out and put on a good show for the club,” Roar youth coach Josh McCloughan said.

Schaars or Kristensen won't be an improvement on Corona, if anything I expect them to flop. The Dutch league is overrated as it is, and these lads were warming the pine for there respective clubs last season. Corona was a regular starter/captain in the La Liga.

They absoloutly need to be an upgrade on corona if Roar are to improve on last year and compete again in what is likely to be the most competitive HAL season ever with both the smurfs and Victory expected to come flying back in to contention. I agree with you on the Dutch JesgueLeague being over-rated but don't be surprised if a torrent of comments follows disputing that lol. However it is like any other marquee signing, until they get here and play we never really know. The last import we brought in from nowhere was called a journeyman, benchwarmer, euro-flop and he's now banging in goals for your lot. The upgrade on corona we need is the DM piece, not a natural position for corona and it cost us several times last season.

These reports from the Mail have been getting more specific each time so you'd expect Marco is being spoon-fed the story from someone within the club. If that's the case then the signing should happen next week.

Both have international experience, would be surprised if they flopped

Schaars in particular only played his last game for holland in 2014. (However let's remember there's no official link to the named players just a bit if guess work on this forum)

Imagine if he turned out to be like Engelaar (minus the injury) [-o<

I watch a lot of the Dutch League, he has dropped off considerably since the World Cup in 2014.

2 seasons in football is a long time.

it is. Not that we know it's him but either way, it's time he changed club. If he comes to the HAL he should do okay.

Anyone ever find out what the extra $2m was for ? Did they still owe FFA the License ?

The FFA got their licence money by deducting it from the tv money being paid to Roar, instead of insisting the Bakries stump up the full amount for the remaining 30% stake Fong agreed a pro-rata deduction in the $2.5m tv money. That in turn started the last cash flow crisis. On this latest $2m it was never really said what it was for or why it was needed. Usual stuff around "recapitalisation" but since it's arrived Riar have hired several more admin staff and advertised for 4 more. Make of all that what you will.

They dont necessarily need to be a better player, just better suited to the role i.e. a defensive mid.

Totally agree. Wish corona had stayed but I'd still want us to sign a specialist DM

Roar to play Wanderers behind closed doors at Cbus on Friday. Should be a good hit out. DeVere is out for two months following knee surgery though.

Youre kidding?

We won't be getting Stijn Schaars, he's off to Heerenveen apparently.

Found this on Twitter too though:

From ADO Den Haag fans:

Thomas Kristensen takes a look at the training of #adodenhaag. He leaves presumably to club in Australia.

How'd you hear about Devere? Why is it happening now?

It was in the Courier Mail:

http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/football/brisbane-roar-ramps-up-ffa-cup-preparation-with-closed-match-against-wanderers/news-story/c728220e1e1eeb7518883054f2b9b330

Not sure why now. Leaves us short at the back.

DeVere is surely done and dusted.
When you are constantly injured maybe your body is telling you something.
Tearing muscles off the bone now a knee.I hope he has a plan B.
Maybe one of those Perth backs could be tempted.

I have no confidence in North and Bowles for the season let alone throwing in multiple cup comps. We need a heap of players in pronto. This Donachie stuff up could really cost us.

It looks that way sadly. CB has to be a priority signing but the speed at which new signings are being made is alarming which isn't filling fans with any confidence the worst is over

Certainly time is not on our side.

two months isn't so bad
lots of injury prone aussie players