Entries Tagged 'Transfers' ↓

Archie Thompson has re-signed with the Melbourne Victory for another two years.

Archie has been the club marquee since its inaugural campaign and with him re-signing today, it seems he may continue to be the marquee for the next two years.

As with most things, some fans are happy with the news, while others aren’t quite so pleased. Many don’t consider Archie to be worthy of the marquee role, preferring to use the money to attract a bigger name. But it’s worth remembering that Archie remains the league’s top scorer. And he’s impressive off-the-bench performance against the Newcastle Jets last week was another reminder that Archie, on a good day, is a powerful asset to have on your team.

The rumours started yesterday, and the Herald Sun and Age were both reporting today that Michael Theoklitos may be moving to Everton.

But news from the UK is that Everton have signed Carlo Nash as their back-up ‘keeper instead of Theoklitos.

Seems Theo isn’t going anywhere just yet.

The Melbourne Victory announced last Friday that it has buoyed its defensive stocks by signing Michael Thwaite. The Socceroo joins Melbourne on a one-year loan from his Norwegian club, SK Brann.

Gary Cole, on Thwaite’s signing:

“It’s very pleasing to be able to bring another Socceroo home, albeit for only a short time at this stage.”

“He’s big, quick and will do a great job for us in defence.”

Meanwhile, mystery still surrounds whether Costa Rican defensive midfielder José Luis López has signed with Melbourne. The Costa Rican press seems quite certain of the deal, but the club hasn’t made an announcement yet.

The Newcastle Jets have turned their eyes to Melbourne in search of new players to add to their title-defending squad.

Joe Keenan is on a three-day trial with the Newcastle Jets, according to The Herald:

The 25-year-old has a season to run on a two-year deal in the Victorian capital, but coach Ernie Merrick has opened the way for him to move on.

Keenan’s departure will pave the way for Melbourne to sign another foreign player, likely to be Costa Rican defender José Luis López.

Antun Kovacic is also on trial with the Jets. Some Victory fans may remember the Richmond defender for his brief addition to the squad in season 1 as an injury replacement.

Newcastle have also been touted as a possible destination for Kaz Patafta, who has severed ties with Benfica FC.

And just to round things off, another former Victory player has been talking with Jets coach Gary Van Egmond. Ljubo Milicevic, it appears, has not been able to find a new club since he parted ways with the Victory in February.

Hey Gary, you want to check out Leandro Love as well?

It’s been two weeks since news hit that the Victory were looking at Costa Rican striker Windell Gabriel. Since then, a slow visa process has kept Gabriel from being able to come to Melbourne for a trial, according to the Herald Sun. With the Costa Rican league just started, time’s running out for Gabriel to get out here.

The Herald Sun article also mentions that Nathan Elasi’s contract has been extended to a two-year deal. Gary Cole is reported to say: “He’s a cracker. We’re really happy with him.”

Is that so, Gary? Does Ernie think so?

Melbourne’s recruitment so far this off-season hasn’t been inspirational. Elasi signed, never played. Pondeljak signed, never played. At least Celeski has managed to become a regular fixture in the squad.

With Archie Thompson set to miss the rest of the Asian Champions League group stage, Gary Cole has turned his attention to finding a replacement striker, fast. And a report in the Herald Sun today indicated that the Victory are looking to Costa Rica for their salvation.

“Encouraged by Hernandez’s form late in the A-League season, Victory is poised to trial a Costan Rican striker, perhaps as early as next week, with a possibility he could play in an exhibition game against Adelaide United.” Continue reading →

Melbourne boy Tom Pondeljak has signed a 2-year deal with the Melbourne Victory.

Pondeljak’s move from the Central Coast Mariners had been rumoured several weeks ago, but clearly the club and player were waiting till after the Grand Final to finalise any agreement.

While Pondeljak’s signing comes too late for him to be added to the preliminary squad list for the Asian Champions League, he could be drafted in as an injury replacement. Considering Grant Brebner’s persistent injury, this may be more likely than you’d think.

When I wrote about Pondeljak possibly signing a few weeks ago, most of you were quite sceptical. As I mentioned then, Pondeljak is a somewhat risky addition to the squad. Not only is he 32, he is also injury prone. But if he manages to avoid injury, I still think he could be a useful addition to the midfield.

Stefan Moore has gone back to England after a two-week trial with the Melbourne Victory. While he certainly made his case by scoring twice against the Whittlesea Zebras last week, the club has not yet decided whether to sign him. And it looks like they won’t make a decision until June.

According to the club, they want to trial several other foreign players before putting pen to paper. While this is definitely a much more thorough approach then last year’s “watch a DVD and sign him” method, it is also risky. Suffice it to say that Moore won’t be sitting around till June hoping that Melbourne decides to sign him.

The Herald Sun indicated last week that the Central Coast’s Tom Pondeljak is currently in negotiations with the Melbourne Victory.

Responses on the Melbourne Victory forum have been quite mixed. Pondeljak is a technically gifted player, but one who, at 32, is in the twilight of his career. In short, signing him would be risky and potentially wasteful if he should succumb to injury.

Sydney FC signed 34-year old Juninho but were unable to reap the benefits of their investment for much of the season. And Pondeljak is no Juninho.

On the other hand, if Pondeljak were to avoid injury, he would certainly be a valuable asset for the Victory. Granted, he has some competition in the attacking midfielder role, but with Kaz Patafta and Nick Ward both doubtful members of the squad for next season, Pondeljak may be a useful player to have on hand.

How do you rate Tom Pondeljak? Should the Victory sign him?

MVFC Awards close tomorrow. Vote now if you haven’t already.

After weeks of speculation and rumours, it’s been confirmed: Adrian Caceres has left Melbourne for the greener grasses of Gosford.

The Central Coast Mariners have added the attacking midfielder to their squad list for next year. Caceres will, however, be available for the group stage of the Asian Champions League.

I’m sad to see him go. Caceres is a player with flair and creativity; a player who proved to be instrumental in the Victory’s late resurgence this season; and a player who deserved more game time than he was given. No doubt many fans will blame Caceres’ move on Ernie Merrick’s refusal to play him more, especially in the early stages of this season.

Source: Sydney Morning Herald