life hard in Russia, most 30 year old guys, look 35 years old, and have grey hair :lol:

Would you believe Guus Hiddink recommended this guy to Everton when he was @ Chelsea and he signed 4 years for 9 million 3rd most expensive signing in history of the club., crazy shit .. scored 8 goals in 59 appearences

Edited by highkick05: 9/4/2015 04:45:22 AM

anyone who believes bilyaletdinov was a poor signing is insane. Quality player that could play in either defence or midfield, quality delivery from wide areas and pretty good from the dead ball. Been far worse signings than him over the years

anyone who believes bilyaletdinov was a poor signing is insane. Quality player that could play in either defence or midfield, quality delivery from wide areas and pretty good from the dead ball. Been far worse signings than him over the years

Google translate doesn't always give the best picture, but apparently Lazio are appealing the four match ban for Ikon, which was extended by his Socceroos callup, but surely it's almost over by now anyway. I guess it's the principle.

Any news on why Sainsbury isn't playing of late, Funny how the leading goal scorer in the side failed at the brisbane roar :lol:

according to This it will be Hollands 100th appearance in the Austrian Bundesliga this week. Pretty good since being a no name at AZ. It looks like he will be leaving at the end of this season I hope he can find a good club and stay in Europe. He dropped down to get game time and has done well in Austria. Unfortunately the last 2 seasons haven't been great but the way he plays I think 27-32 could be his prime and we may still see him collect a significant amount of socceroos caps. This (European) summer is likely to decide that though.

THE STATS THAT SHOW SOCCEROOS CAPTAIN MILE JEDINAK IS A MUST FOR PALACE

Australia captain Mile Jedinak has saluted the impact of Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew as he bids to reclaim his first team spot this weekend after almost three months out of club football.

Sidelined through a combination international duty, injury and suspension, Jedinak is competing with the likes of Joe Ledley, Jason Puncheon and James McArthur for a starting place at Sunderland on Sunday (AEST).

And if Pardew needs any help making up his mind, he could check out stats released by fantasy game developer Oulala, which weigh heavily in Jedinak's favour as he returns from a four-game ban.

With nine victories in 14 games since taking charge in January, Pardew has Palace purring, and Jedinak is an avid fan - whether he is selected at the Stadium of Light or not.

“It’s been great for the club (since he came); really positive and we've had some really good results and good performances also," Jedinak told The World Game.

“All round, we've upped our game… the boss has come in and tested us and the boys have responded, which is no big surprise because they have always had the right attitude.”

In comparing Jedinak to Ledley, Puncheon and McArthur in eight key areas, Oulala - which bases its findings on official Opta performance statistics - found him winning out in seven.

Though he has played far less games than the trio, Jedinak remains his side's joint top goal scorer - tied with strikers Glenn Murray and Dwight Gayle on five.

He has also amassed more assists (two) than both Ledley and McArthur (zero), but is behind the more attack minded Jason Puncheon (seven).

Jedinak, 30, has accrued more successful passes per game (26.9) than the others and has also completed a far superior percentage of take-ons (60 per cent).

Renowned for his combative qualities and uncanny anticipation, Jedinak leads in tackles won per game (2.84), duels won (55.2 per cent) and clearances per game (four).

He also boasts an average of 3.74 interceptions per game, the best average of any English Premier League player with more than ten appearances this season.

With Palace showing far more adventure under Pardew than predecessor Neil Warnock, Jedinak added: “There's been a little bit of change in the playing style and the boys have taken to that which is really great to see.

“You can tell the boys are 100 per cent focused on the job at hand and that’s really important. We’ve had a good run and some really top performances… and that’s no coincidence.

"The boys work at it all the time, and with the group that we have they are all pushing each other.

“There are a lot of strong characters in the squad.

"It’s all headed up by the gaffer – and you see how determined and passionate he is and how hard he works at it.

“The lads are putting into place what’s been asked of them – and in a working a relationship that’s fantastic.”

Jedinak hasn’t ruled out picking up the coaching baton himself in his post-football life, explaining: “I have done some of my coaching badges already and I did enjoy it.

“It’s definitely a different way of looking at the game and it's something that interests me, but that doesn’t mean necessarily that I will pursue it after I finish playing.

“But you never know. If you were to stay in the game in some capacity and coaching was the path chosen for you then I would do that the best way I could.

“Would I rule it out? Not a chance. You would be silly to do so, having not really experienced it.”

Jedinak qualified for a UEFA B coaching badge two years ago along with several Palace team-mates.

“I’ve had a little taste of it. It was something quite different but something that I enjoyed,” he added. http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/article/2015/04/09/jedinak-hails-pardew-stats-support-palace-recall

Does he stay in Europe or come back to the a-league. He has dropped down the order in terms of socceroo midfielders behind a-league based players such as Mackey, mooy, Milligan, antonis. Unless he is gonna step up a level form Austria, I'd say come back to the a-league and try and outdo the players I just mentioned.

Any news on Babalj, it seems like he's stay at PEC Zwolle won't be long given he hasn't featured in the last couple of games on the bench. I guess hes a bit un-lucky with Necid's move to Juventus falling though in the last minute.

Maybe a move back home might help turn his career around?

Hes only on loan though. Back to AZ next season

Staffordshire academy graduate Anthony Laus forging a career in Portugal
By Staffordshire Newsletter | Posted: March 24, 2015

Anthony Laus
Anthony Laus
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STAFFORDSHIRE academy graduate Anthony Laus is taking Portuguese football by storm.

After 12 months with Pro Player Development (PPD), Laus, 19, was offered a contract at União Desportiva Vilafranquense, and managed to agree terms with the Portuguese outfit – with the promise of first team football.

He has made an instant impact, scoring five goals in in his first five games as he was drafted straight into the first team.

Australian-born Laus was offered a trial with Sunderland before he made the decision to move base down to the Stoke-based academy to work on a daily basis with PPD head coach Andy Matthews.

Matthews said: "I still communicate with Anthony, he's doing well and it was a pleasure to work with him.

"He understood the importance of hard work, his ability was never in question but we felt like giving him the level of training that we provide would mean that he'd leave our institution a better footballer."

Laus is reported to be catching the interest of the top teams in Portugal – with scouts from three of the country's clubs having been to see him play already.

Laus thanked PPD for the work they had done with him, saying: "The structure under which I worked developed me physically, technically and most crucially of all it developed me mentally.

"After scraping the surface of a potential football career in England, I needed the help that Andy provided to really grow and enhance my skills.

"The philosophy at PPD is second to none, it's all dependant on player attitude – the only promise they made to me is that I'd leave a better footballer and I'm happy to say that I did."

Pro Player Development is an independent football institution based in Stoke, whose bespoke programmes offer elite football development for all ages as well as a scholarship programme for those wanting to further their education.

Fifteen per cent of players that come through the PPD set-up sign with professional clubs.

Awesome find once again Moofa.

if stay 0-1 for Ingolstadt, and Darmstadt stay losing...Ingolstadt would be virtually home

it be 7 pts ahead of 3rd, and only 6 games

Well they've only won 1-0 in the last couple games then. It's not outstanding form but it'll do.

Must be the end of season doldrums, if they get another goal I'll be happy

the coach is over the moon, winning .. Darmstadt gottthe draw, so it 6pts a head of 3rd place, with 6 games to go

Leckie had a couple good open shots, straight at the keeper. 1-0 Ingolstadt. Managers juming up and down hugging the players. Leckie got a couple hugs..

curently 6 points clear again will be so sick seeing Leckie in the Bundesliga 1