Can we do a Ferreira swap? :lol:

What happened to Elsey's loan to Kitchee? Im stating the obvious when i say I guess it collapsed?

Look to next week if you're expecting a result basically. For some reason I'm really quite excited by the prospect. If we can match Brisbane at all with such a barebones team I'll be very happy!

We need YOUR help!!
We are looking for as many RED, YELLOW or BLUE streamers as possible for our Tifo on Sunday

I MENTIONED last week about the inconsistency of performance I see in teams across the league this season ... not only from week to week but during the course of a game.

This was borne out during last week's match between the Reds and the Roar in Brisbane.

The home side just wasn't in the same space in the first half that it was in the previous week when it took Victory apart at AAMI Park.

Just as the Victory was a different side when it beat the Wanderers last Tuesday night at the same venue.

Adelaide's form has fluctuated from week to week as well.

This can be put down to the way it is, or rather, was trying to play.

Coach Josep Gombau was initially going to play out from the back no matter what and so the Reds did - with limited success and too often a loss of possession in their own half of the pitch, which had its own inherent problems.

They were going to play a high line and they did, but got exposed much too often with the space left in behind a relatively slow central defence.

They were going to press opponents high up the field with numbers around the ball for quick transition when it was won back, but this caused problems when the opposition played around or through the press and took advantage of the space on the other side of the pitch.

So now, just past the halfway mark of the season and not without some grief, the Reds have brought, through necessity, some balance and, more importantly, realism to their game.

Yes, they still play a "possession-based" game but so does everyone else.

The philosophical fantasy that was the game-plan has been changed because it wasn't working effectively and the results that were being sacrificed in the name of "style" have suddenly become important ... finally.

All the world loves a winner. All the propaganda about style and revolutions - football, cultural or otherwise - eventually means nought if you don't or can't win!

I'm a pragmatist. The game for me has always been about players and coaching has been about playing them to their strengths to get the best outcome ... for the team and the club regardless of the shiny paper the propaganda machine want to wrap it in.

Speaking of players, it would be remiss of me not to mention Brett Emerton, who this week made the difficult decision to retire mid-contract because of ongoing injury.

"Emmo" is one of the most humble Socceroos of the recent era and by far the best athlete I've come across.

He has eked out a wonderful career that many can only dream of. That he chose to retire and not try and squeeze the extra games out of his ailing body for all the wrong reasons is indicative of his character.

He is the consummate professional has truly been a great servant to the game and a great representative of the country.

Watson got a start in front of Lustica,; Which by my reckoning means Lustica must have a niggle that the coach wanted to pack in cotton wool.

United's play ground to walking pace as Watson imposed his will on the others and, for some inexplicable reason, they began following his lead of; stop> look up>choose the option of passing backwards so as to give the WSW time to run back and present an orginized defense.

The first 15 minutes yesterday were great . quick slick through balls FORWARD and with a touch of luck Adelaide would have had the buffer of a two goal lead, and I'm sure Lustica would have kept it going.
When 34yo Grffiths replaced, he that should not be there, AU began to assert itself again, and but for a good save from Covic would not have had to sweat for that final whistle.

Watson got a start in front of Lustica,; Which by my reckoning means Lustica must have a niggle that the coach wanted to pack in cotton wool.

United's play ground to walking pace as Watson imposed his will on the others and, for some inexplicable reason, they began following his lead of; stop> look up>choose the option of passing backwards so as to give the WSW time to run back and present an orginized defense.

The first 15 minutes yesterday were great . quick slick through balls FORWARD and with a touch of luck Adelaide would have had the buffer of a two goal lead, and I'm sure Lustica would have kept it going.
When 34yo Grffiths replaced, he that should not be there, AU began to assert itself again, and but for a good save from Covic would not have had to sweat for that final whistle.

You're nuts. Watson was great and played exactly the way Lustica has been, linking from box to box, carrying the ball forward and working as a foil for Carrusca. His positioning is excellent and I think that's part of what Gombau sees him bring to the team.
In particular he was very effective at shifting the ball laterally, a lot of the switches of play went through him. Passing backwards? That's part of his role, he can bounce the ball back between the split CB's or to a fullback. I have no idea about the stats but I would be surprised if he had misplaced many passes at all.

You're nuts. Watson was great and played exactly the way Lustica has been, linking from box to box, carrying the ball forward and working as a foil for Carrusca. His positioning is excellent and I think that's part of what Gombau sees him bring to the team.
In particular he was very effective at shifting the ball laterally, a lot of the switches of play went through him. Passing backwards? That's part of his role, he can bounce the ball back between the split CB's or to a fullback. I have no idea about the stats but I would be surprised if he had misplaced many passes at all.

That's one of the things I like about this game, there are so many differing opinions.
I happen to think Lustica or Griffiths are on another level to Watson, but that's just my opinion. :d

Any news on Zullo will he play this week?

Do you think Elrich works well at LB? I ask because that's a potential problem position for us. We can't count on Cassio to be there (and fit) forever, and Zullo is only on loan. Golec was another who played there last season but he's gone now. If we can get Zullo on loan again, then it helps us for another season. What other prospects are there?

Not much i guess but if we qualify for asia will bring alot more players wanting to play for united. Would people welcome back jamieson next season ?

Do you think Elrich works well at LB? I ask because that's a potential problem position for us. We can't count on Cassio to be there (and fit) forever, and Zullo is only on loan. Golec was another who played there last season but he's gone now. If we can get Zullo on loan again, then it helps us for another season. What other prospects are there?

Not much i guess but if we qualify for asia will bring alot more players wanting to play for united. Would people welcome back jamieson next season ?

Jamo's 25, he will be 26 in Oct, so still a few years left.
I was just impressed with that kid WSW had at the back on Saturday and that man mountain kid? that the 'Nix have got at the back & I reckon youth is the way to go.
I mean when Jamo played for us he was a youngen and I think his best days are behind him, but then there's Cassio - but he's Cassio!

After ALP kicks an own goal, Liberals launch 'soccer diplomacy'

SHERADYN HOLDERHEAD SUNDAY MAIL (SA) FEBRUARY 01, 2014 9:05PM

AS their political opponents kicked an own goal, the Liberal Party has brokered a deal it hopes will score it favour in Asia.

Taking a leaf out of British Prime Minister David Cameron's book, Liberal leader Steven Marshall will use "soccer diplomacy" as a way to break into the Asian markets at a different level.

If the party is elected in March, it will use Adelaide United as a secret weapon on trade missions into east Asia.

The team would play a match against a top side in both Hong Kong and Chinese province Shandong as the highlight of business meeting itineraries.

"It's not something that's new it's something we should have already been doing already. It's a door opener, a conversation starter," Mr Marshall said.

"We need to think creatively about ways to increase our exports because SA was the only state that recorded a decline in exports last year."

Soccer diplomacy harks back to the ping-pong diplomacy of the 1970s between implacable enemies US and China started rapprochement through table-tennis.

In December, Mr Cameron included the English Premier League in his delegation to China where it agreed to help nurture the sport in an effort to strengthen relations between the two nations.

Mr Marshall said he hoped that business delegations from the centres would make a return trip, increasing the opportunities for local businesses to sign deals.

He said a Liberal government would pay for the team to join business leaders on an annual trade mission to east Asia as part of an extra $16.4 million he committed to invest in new initiatives to increase exports if elected.

Adelaide United, which has been crippled by debt, could also be use the opportunity to attract sponsorship, he said.

"The state's finances are in a very difficult position so you have to look at win wins, you have to think laterally," Mr Marshall said.

"We think this will be great for jobs, great for exports and great for Adelaide United."

http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/after-alp-kicks-an-own-goal-liberals-launch-soccer-diplomacy/story-fni6uok5-1226815779837

Great to have people in politics acknowledging the power of football and how the game can be utilised to better connect with Asia. Many of us have been waiting, hoping this would happen, for sometime and now it looks like the politicians are catching on.

Adelaide United chairman Greg Griffin - the man with Fridays on his mind
Richard Earle - The Advertiser - January 31, 201411:33PM

ADELAIDE United chairman Greg Griffin has emerged from a tumultuous 12 months with a high impact manager in Josep Gombau and Friday on his mind.

Former Reds coach John Kosmina resigned a year ago this weekend, leaving the club in turmoil. Assistant coach Michael Valkanis assumed the head coach role but the Reds ultimately unravelled in the finals.

"It was regretful what happened, we were disappointed at the time but have moved on," said Griffin.

"It derailed badly the remainder of the season but was the catalyst for significant change.

"If Kossie had not quit he would still have been the coach this year but it would have meant we wouldn't have developed the way we have."

Kosmina suspected Valkanis had undermined him and coveted the top job at Hindmarsh. However, Griffin indicated Valkanis never considered or sought the head coach role.

"The club had opportunity for change. Michael wasn't considered for the role and to say otherwise was incorrect. I think everyone is better off, John has his media roles," said Griffin.

Instead, a blueprint for sustained success employing a new and pure football philosophy was targeted by the Reds board.

All roads led to Barcelona and Gombau who - for better or worse - would shape an enduring Reds brand.

"Josep came in and told us, this will take a while to work, please don't expect us to put smiles on faces until at least after Christmas because I have to bring in a new playing style and method," said Griffin.

"Most of the players in the group were unaccustomed it. He never oversold anything. We have seen development week in week out.

"We are pleased we have a team that is competitive and playing highly attractive football.

"The board will continue a process they have started which is to develop a first-class club and world class style of football."

The Reds entering Saturday's clash with Wellington Phoenix in sixth spot and on course for a finals spot that was a distant hope after one win in nine rounds.

In Gombau's inaugural season, the team's possession style was to take priority with finals participation a bonus.

"It feels like a short 12 months as bad times pass slowly and good times pass quickly," said Griffin.

"The decision the board made was to change the methodology of our game which has been embraced by the playing group and fans.

"The victories that come our way are a bonus but we are looking at creating something that goes years forward."

Griffin says building an attractive, trademark style - teething problems aside - has been respected by a discerning Adelaide football public.

Attendances are up 25 per cent with fans flocking to see the Argentine wizardry of attacking midfielder Marcelo Carrsuca, Jeronimo and Spaniard Cirio, Portuguese flyer Fabio Ferreira and refugee winger Awer Mabil.

"We had 15,500 for Sydney FC and 16,500 for Melbourne Victory," said Griffin, who has successfully requested a switch of the Reds next game against Wellington to the Thursday before Clipsal.

"We had one of our best Saturday afternoon crowds with 11,300 against Melbourne Heart last weekend who don't have a big following. The average crowd we get at 5pm on a Saturday is 8000.

"It shows the people have responded really positively to the style of play which we are delighted with. The fans are clapping foot skills and set ups all over the ground. The fans are rewarded by coming.

"I don't think the club has ever played better football."

Griffin says the arrival of young high calibre recruits such as Socceroo Michael Zullo on loan from Dutch side Utrecht FC was only made possible by the promise of positive football under Gombau.

Defenders Osama Malik and Jon McKain have also been revitalised after coming to grips with a revamped team structure.

"I hope Josep continues to enjoy what they are creating. A year ago we were not getting quality people interested in coming to Adelaide. Now it is amazing the quality and experienced players who are saying if there is a position we will take it," said Griffin.

"Michael Zullo is a terrific get and clearly advanced his Brazil World Cup prospects. Local blokes like Osama Malik have gone to the next stage and Jon McKain has been a rock in defence. Different players have benefited at different stages under Josep."

The retention of playmaker Carrusca is a priority for Griffin - pursued by a glamour club in Sydney FC with deep pockets.

The fight to keep Carrusca will also shine a light on United's stadium deal at Hindmarsh and ambition to become a Friday night fixture at Adelaide Oval.

The only way the Reds can bed down marquee talent and compete with cashed up eastern states rivals is to increase gate revenue.

Melbourne Victory's 40,000 crowds at Etihad Stadium have made it the most profitable outfit in the A-League.

"I know Josep and our football director Michael Petrillo are working hard to keep Marcelo at the club because he is a rare talent," said Griffin.

"We are not Brisbane, Sydney FC or Melbourne Victory. We don't have a big stadium and get 40,000 at Etihad Stadium. We have to put the team out on the park that is financially and physically possible.

"Marcelo is a great player, enjoys the camaraderie he has found in Adelaide. He enjoys the game style, plan and we think he will want to stay."

It is the move to Adelaide Oval of at least four Friday night fixtures next October/November that would cement the Reds among the A-League's power clubs.

"Clearly we need to play more big games on Friday night at Adelaide Oval. Melbourne Heart play Melbourne Victory twice as a year at home and make between $800,000 to $1m out of those home games," said Griffin.

"If Adelaide United could play the big games in the big stadiums all our problems would be met."

While the arrival of Port Adelaide and Adelaide as cohabitants in CBD is supposed to be the game changer, Griffin argues it will be the Reds. Football Federation Australia could allocate prime fixtures in Adelaide that the AFL won't to the Crows and Power.

"Part of our role is to grow the game in Adelaide and the bottom line is Adelaide Oval will be a great venue on a Friday night. The prospect of Friday night football at Adelaide Oval is much greater with Adelaide United than the Crows due to AFL scheduling," said Griffin.

"We are saying give us the lion's share of Friday night games. We have already had two sellouts at Hindmarsh on Friday nights this season. Surely that is what broadcasters want to see," said Griffin.

Moreover, the Reds home crowds at a 50,000 capacity Adelaide Oval would match that achieved by the Power.

"We will budget for 30,000 crowds at Adelaide Oval. People will stream down from the city. The restaurants in North Adelaide will flourish, that is the whole point of this.

The prospect of Adelaide coming alive on a Friday night is more likely, numerically, with us. Friday night football will work.

"It is a Chinese puzzle but if everyone goes in with great intentions to maximise the use of this facility then we can do something.

"We can make statement and showcase the Oval with the help of the Stadium Management Authority, Cricket Australia and FFA."

http://www.news.com.au/sport/football/adelaide-united-chairman-greg-griffin-the-man-with-fridays-on-his-mind/story-fndm8jzo-1226815384647

"The board will continue a process they have started which is to develop a first-class club and world class style of football."

What games would we play there? Obviously you've got Victory, maybe Sydney and Wanderers?

How about getting a decent stadium as well. It's shame this ambition is not held in the same light.

Too easily prepared to abide by the ALF government.

you mean the only purpose built football stadium in the league that we rarely sell out isn't a decent stadium?