Why doesn't this forum appear in the Rumour Mill section of the News website?

And as long as I am bitching, why is it that when you post a comment you go back to the start of the comments, rather than being returned to where you were?

Because THIS is the FORUMS. THAT is the NEWS. they like to keep both of them seperate.

And as long as I am bitching, why is it that when you post a comment you go back to the start of the comments, rather than being returned to where you were?

I think if you post at the article itself, it will return you to the first page of comments.

Bleiberg retains faith in Pantelidis

By Marco Monteverde
November 08, 2008

GOLD Coast United coach Miron Bleiberg isn't concerned that Skilled Park-bound Steve Pantelidis can't get a game for his current club Melbourne Victory.

Bleiberg has confirmed the 25-year-old midfielder was "in my plans" for the Coast's entry into the A-League next season.

Pantelidis, a member of the Victory's 2006-2007 title-winning side, hasn't played a minute of first team football this season and will this weekend line up as an over-age player in Melbourne's National Youth League clash with the Roar at Suncorp Stadium.

But Bleiberg remains a true believer in Pantelidis's talent and is confident he will be a major contributor to the Gold Coast's cause next season for his versatility and "unpleasant" manner on the field.

"The Costa Rican (Jose Luis Lopez) took his place in the Melbourne side . . . this happens in football," Bleiberg said.

"Teams try to go in different directions, so they bring in new players who take the place of the old players.

"But I like him as a player. When I was coaching the Roar and we played against the Victory, he was unpleasant to play against because he was strong and committed."

Another Victory player in Bleiberg's sights is Cairns product Michael Thwaite, who will attempt to foil Roar in Saturday night's A-League clash.

Thwaite, 25, is on loan to the Victory from Norwegian club SK Brann, with Bleiberg keen to entice him to the Gold Coast next season under a similar arrangement.

"Come January, we'll approach him. We'll talk to his club," the United boss said. "I'm interested in him.

"There's competition for his services from the Victory and from North Queensland, but I'm happy to fight for him."

United close in on Melbourne striker Barisic

David Lewis

November 8th, 2008

ANOTHER piece of coach Miron Bleiberg's player puzzle was revealed last night with confirmation Gold Coast United are close to sealing the signature of a third central striker, little-known Andrew Barisic from the Victorian State League.

Brawny and bustling, Barisic scored 17 times in 26 games for the Melbourne Knights last season as the club where it all began for Socceroos icon Mark Viduka reached the grand final.

He spent two years in the fourth tier of German football and was spotted by Bleiberg on a recent scouting mission to Melbourne.
Have your say on the feedback form below


According to Bleiberg, he fits the bill as a shadow for the coach's front-line favourites, New Zealand international Shane Smeltz and Joel Porter, who will join United from English outfit Hartlepool next year.

Bleiberg, who coached the Knights for a season in the mid-80s, believes Victoria is a hot-bed of talent and is confident a deal will be inked with the strapping 23-year-old Barisic.

"I deliberately targeted the area because the state competition there produces some excellent players," he said.

Not least Barisic, it seems, with Bleiberg adding: "He's a big boy and for a player his size he's got some good touches and he also scores goals."

Sun Jihai (Rumour)

Thanks martyB, does anyone know if Sun Jihai is getting game time with Sheffield Utd? He might consider a loan deal? I suspect there will be at least one big name Chinese player on board next June...

As for the total salaries, if you look at the names being mentioned there are a whole lot of midfielders, and no way they will sign ALL those socceroos. I just put together all the names I have heard seriously linked to GCU to date.

North may be joined by at least two other indigenous players in North Queensland's inaugural squad. Former Socceroos midfielder Kasey Wehrman, a Mt Isa junior, is believed to be considering returning home after eight years in Norway, while Matheson confirmed he hoped to step up negotiations with exciting Queensland Roar winger Tahj Minniecon now that the the Australian under-20s have completed their World Youth Cup qualifying campaign.

"We've approached Tahj, he's asked to be left alone during this Young Socceroos campaign, but we're not going to give up," Matheson said.

Jake's trying to put ideas in people's minds in the hope that they come true :lol:

Nice to see you worked that one out yourself after you got all excited about their 'signings' and I pointed out the vast impracticality of the cost to you. Unless both teams are getting substantial salary cap concessions to get established, not going to happen.