Stan to Adelaide, Pierre history in Sydney
Posted by Jasper Reed in A-League, Adelaide, Central Coast Mariners, Melbourne Victory, New Zealand Knights, Perth Glory, Queensland Roar, Sydney FC | 7 May 2006
A round up of the latest (very quiet) A League happenings:
ADELAIDE; The Reds have been first to react to news that Stan Lazaridis will be released by Birmingham on 30th June by announcing that they have held talks with the wing back. The former West Adelaide player, who has business interests in the city, has attracted attention from most other A League clubs, as well as Crystal Palace.
CENTRAL COAST: Coach of the year Lawrie McKinna has signed a new deal with the Mariners to ward off speculation about the vacancy at Sydney. The Scot, who led Central Coast to a Grand Final, will now me in charge a Gosford until 2011. The Mariners face a round 1 rematch against Sydney on 27th August.
MELBOURNE: The Victory is hoping that Archie Thompson, loaned to PSV Eindhoven during the January transfer window, will return after the World Cup. It is understood the striker’s family have remained in the city, and Thompson’s opportunities in Holland have been limited.
NEW ZEALAND: The Knights have signed Jonti Richter from Queensland to add to their remodelled midfield. The 23 year old South African had an up and down year with the Roar, but is hoping to fulfil his potential in New Zealand.
QUEENSLAND: The Roar has replaced Richter with German second division player Marcus Wedau after a successful in house trial. The player contacted A League clubs whilst on holiday in Australia, with coach Miron Bleiberg impressed enough to offer a 12-month deal. Bleiberg is also hopeful of landing Cameroonian striker Patrick Suffo, who played in England with Coventry and Sheffield United.
PERTH: The battle for control of Perth Glory is now between the Singaporean based World Sports Group and a local group including Gabriel Batistuta. Submissions from both groups have now been lodged with the FFA, and include player, coaching and off field plans. The Glory, one of 3 A League clubs without a manager, hopes to announce the new owner by the end of May.
SYDNEY: Pierre Littbarski has finally cut ties with Sydney after turning down their half price contact offer. The club will now look to Terry Butcher to fill the void, the current Motherwell manager reportedly heading to Australia this week as the champions begin pre season training. Butcher is also linked with vacancies in Perth and New Zealand. Meanwhile FFA boss Frank Lowy has played down his financial involvement at Sydney, despite his family having poured over $600,000 into the club.
