Club level:-   The mid season breaks around Europe are now concluding and the leagues in Asia are starting the new season, meaning we are seeing more and more players seeing game time.   In the EPL, Fulham have had a strong month in both the domestic and Europa leagues.  After briefly flirting with the lower half of the table, Fulham are back chasing a spot in Europe. At Championship level, Reading performed well in both the league (pushing out of relegation) and have progressed in their Cup run. Conversely, Crystal Palace have sunk into a relegation battle and been eliminated from the Cup, could be a tough few months for Nicky.  Our Aussies boys at Huddersfield (League One) and Chesterfield (League Two) have seen their respective teams become serious contenders in the promotion race over February.  While in Italy, Mark Bresciano's Palermo has moved to fourth while Galatasaray still hold the position at the top of the table in Turkey.  Finally in Greece, a renewed charge from Kavala has see them return to the race for a spot in Europe while also remaining alive in the Cup.  On the injury front, players are slowly getting back on the pitch (Grella, Chipperfield, Holman). We have a host of others due back in March – Kewell, Carney, Cahill and Rhys Williams. Unfortunately Aaron Downes and Scott Guyett suffered season ending knee injuries .

during the month.

 

National level :-    The final hurdle for the 2011 Asian Cup is Indonesia.  An interesting mix of  HAL and Asiaroos have been named, sure to be plenty of interest.  The FFA are busy organising pre-World Cup games for the Socceroos, will be a fascinating few months in the lead up to South Africa.

 

Additions/changes to database:     

Anthony Carter (31 Aug 1994) – transferred to Vicenza, Italy

Chris Gaitatzis (6 Aug 1985) – transferred to Visaltiakos, Greece

Daniel Ireland (15 Dec 1990) – loan to Forest Green Rovers, England

Daniel Leach (1 May 1986) – loan to Dover Athletic, England

Stephen Maselli (09 Feb 1991) – transferred to Vicenza, Italy

Nick Modaffari (25 Nov 1991) – transferred to Vicenza, Italy

Jade North (07 Jan 1982) – transferred to Tromso, Norway

Riccardo Spano (29 Oct 1989) – transferred to ASD Athletico Torino, Italy

Nick Terezakis (24 Jan 1993) – transferred to Hellas Verona, Italy

Removed from database:-

Anthony Bran (02 Mar 1991) – transferred to Melbourne Knights, Australia

Ante Cicak (03 Jun 1990) – transferred to Melbourne Knights, Australia

Adam Griffiths (21 Aug 1979) – transferred to Adelaide Reds

Antun Kovacic (10 Jul 1981) – whereabouts unknown

Jamie Pitt (11 May 1989) – whereabouts unknown

Kasey Wehrman (18 Aug 1977) – whereabouts unknown

 

Total Aussies Abroad (Male Outdoor) -    148 Players

 

Socceroos Player of the Month:     Mark Schwarzer.  The main stay in a great month for his club in both domestic and European  competition.  Plenty of clean sheets and has certainly marked himself as one of our most important players leading in to South Africa. 

February – Schwarzer, January – Cahill, December – Kewell, November – Kewell, October – Schwarzer, September – Kennedy

 

Youth Player of the Month:    Francesco Stella.   Extremely early days in his career in the Primavera, but a debut goal followed by a start the following week is a pretty good start to your overseas career.  The reason of the season will be fascinating cutting his teeth in a tough league 

February – Stella, January – Visconte, December – Bouzanis, November – McGrath, October – McGrath, September – Ucchino

 

Under the radar:      Oliver Bozanic.    A loan period in League Two has seen a great amount of game time and a sprinkling of goals.  Turning out to be a great experience, with his loan extended to season end. Illustrates the value that is placed on his output.

February – Bozanic, January – Burns, December – Kilkenny, November – Kilkenny, October – R. Griffiths, September – Santalab

 

As usual, any and all feedback would be appreciated

 

Kind regards

Damian Davies. damiandavies@ymail.com