Transfer Gossip

- Former Chelsea striker Soloman Kalou is linked with a return to England with QPR. Although a return to the Premier League is favoured it is unlikely it will be with struggling QPR.

- Wigan are lining up a move for Leeds striker Luciano Becchio, he will come in to replace Liverpool bound striker Franco Di Santo.

- Andrey Arshavin will move to struggling Reading on loan for the rest of the season when the window opens up in January.

- Harry Kewell will look to the MLS for a new club as no club in the A-League can afford the former Leeds and Liverpool star.

- Rival A - League clubs are keen to poach impressive Japanese striker Ryo Nagai who is on-loan to Perth Glory, for next year's  A- League season.

                                   THE ONE CAP WONDERS: PART 2.

Part Two of our Three Part series looks at the One Cap Wonders who left a brief, but memorable stamp on the World Game.

                                                                 CHARLIE MILLER:

The Glaswegian first got his start in a Rangers side that had, at that point, been dominating the Scottish Premiership. After impressive performances in the Midfield between 1994 and 1999, the Scot made his move to England where he was signed by newly promoted Premier League side Watford FC (following a brief stint with Leicester City FC). After an abysmal season (which saw the club finish dead last) Miller returned to Scotland to play for Dundee United. It was during this time, he received his first and only cap for Scotland in 2001, in a match which ended 1-1 against Poland. After leaving Scotland in 2003, Miller played for various clubs like  SK Brann and Lierse before making the long trek over to Australia in 2008 to play for the Brisbane Roar. Having impressed in his early days, with a healthy goal scoring ratio despite being a Midfielder, it seemed no matter how hard he tried, the Roar (then coached by Farina) could only manage to gain a Third place finish at season’s end. Miller also enjoyed a brief stint at Gold Coast United (then owned by Clive Palmer) the following year in 2009. However the Scotsman could not replicate the form once shown in a 14 year strong career and was thus forced to look elsewhere for a club. Miller is currently a Free Agent, having last played for Scottish Second Division outfit Clyde, who released the Midfielder after only 5 matches with the club. Miller will also be peculiarly remembered as the player who missed out on those David Beckham boots. David Beckham instantly stamped his name on the Football World, after a stunning 50 yard goal against Wimbledon in 1996. What some people may not know is, the boots worn by Beckham that day, were actually intended for then Rangers Midfielder Charlie Miller. A classic case of what might have been perhaps?

                                                                 EUGENE DADI:

 Eugeni Dadi would have perhaps been a bigger/better name had it not been for the untimely death of his father in the Early 1990’s. An incident which made him walk away from the game for two years. A True Football Nomad, It is hard to pinpoint which club or time period was his best. The Ivorian played for 15 different clubs over a 20 year period, in countries like France, England, Scotland, Austria and Australia. Like all Football nomads, Dadi found himself in Australia at the tail end of his career, playing for both Perth Glory and Wellington Phoenix. While the 39 year old’s career has come to an end, It doesn’t seem to be goodbye just yet, as we may see the Former Footballer in another sphere at some point in the future. Dadi has his finger in quite a few pies. Not only does he own a fashion label, he can also speak three different languages (English, French and German). In addition to this, he spent a year as an actor in Austria. While his name may be forgotten in the future, no thanks to the fact his name sounds like a 1970’s Porn Star, one thing cannot be taken away from the man. He was an International player. The 6 foot 2 Stallion like Striker received his first and only cap for the Ivory Coast back in 2000.

                                                                   MATT HORSLEY:    

   

Most Football fans would be unfamiliar with the name Matt Horsley. The Woolongong native had a modest but fulfilling career, playing a solid 15 years in the old National Soccer League (NSL). He started his career with The Woolongong Wolves in 1990 and later on was part of the back to back premiership winning side in 2000 and 2001. His career highlight is perhaps scoring the decisive consolation goal in the thrilling 2000 Grand Final against Perth Glory. Trailing by 3 goals to nil at half time, The Wolves made a spirited fight back throughout the second half with goals from Scott Chipperfield, Matt Horsley and Paul Reid. With the game all square at 3-3 after Full time and Extra time, the game went in to a Penalty shootout. After several minutes of back and forth goals and misses, the Wolves secured victory at Subiaco Oval after winning the shoot out 7-6, in what was, in this writer’s opinion, THE GREATEST Grand Final in Australian Football History. Horsley’s career ended, ironically, with Perth Glory in 2005. He is now working as a Police officer in Perth and also finds time to coach Junior Fooball. He is currently the head coach of Kalgoorlie Club “The Hannans Celtic Club”. As a player, Matt Horsley received his first and only International Cap in 2000. In 2001 he was awarded the Joe Marston Medal (An award which is given to the Man of the Match in a Grand Final). On a sidenote, for any fans interested in seeing a highlight package of that famous Grand Final, there’s a link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZoiSP7juwP8

Written by Alex Stilianos.

     

       

        
                                                                                                          

                                              

     

 

Sydney vs Mariners 3,2,1.

Sydney have picked up their first home win of the season with a brilliant effort to topple league leaders Central Coast. Here's our 3,2,1 player of the match awards.

3. Rhyan Grant

Spurred on by his two year contract extension Rhyan Grant was fantastic tonight. Grant didn't stop running on a humid Sydney night and was unlucky not to score a goal after beating Matt Ryan only to be denied by the post.

2. Ali Abbas

Maybe seen as a surprise pick, but the former Iraqi international had his best game for the Sky Blues since joining from the Jets. His touch and passing game was a class above and combined well with ADP.

1. Trent Sainsbury

Only Mariner to make the cut, solid display and stood up in the absence of Patrick Zwaanswijk.

Wellington vs Heart 3,2,1.

Incredibly hard game to pick the 3,2,1 man of the match awards after so many tireless and impressive performances, but after much debate here is what we have come up with.

3. Leo Bertos

He might be seen as a surprise pick by some, but Leo Bertos was immense tonight and is our Man of the Match. Worked tirelessly up and down the right flank and changed the game when he saved the ball from going out of play then crossing the ball perfectly that led to a penalty to square the game up 2-2.

2. Jeremy Brockie

One of the most undervalued players in the competition purely because he scores goals, and scoring goals wins you games. Brockie could had easily gone down in the box but decided to stay on his feet and slot home the winner.

1. Louis Fenton

Fenton completes the hatrick of Phoenix players in the 3,2,1 man of the match awards. Showed great poise in finishing the Nix's first goal and threw his body on the line throughout the match showing maturity beyond his years.

Stars of the Local Leagues - Rhys Meredith

Theres no doubt of the quality in the Hyundai A - League this season but too often we miss whats on offer in our local leagues. The Brisbane, New South Wales and Victorian premier leagues are filled with many talented young and old footballers that just havent been lucky enough to crack the big time. Ultimately if the A - League had more clubs a lot of these players would find a home in the national competition, so here at inside we have started a new feature called "Stars of the Local Leagues".

Our first player featured is Brisbane Premier League's top goal scorer Rhys Meredith. Rhys is a former Rugby Union winger who has excelled since his switch back to childhood sport football in 2009. After a stellar 2011 season with Redlands United, Rhys was handed several trials in Serbia but no deal eventuated. After his good form continued into this season, Rhys caught the eye of Western Sydney Wanderers coach Tony Popovic when he scored a hatrick against the Roar in a pre-season friendly which led to a week trial earlier this year. According to sources Rhys was very unlucky to land a deal with the A - League newcomers after Popovic decided to go with Joey Gibbs instead. A move interstate is mooted for Rhys after he has proved himself in the Brisbane league, and who knows maybe an A - League club in the future.

Rhys Meredith

Age: 24

Position: Striker / Attacking Midfield

Foot: Right

Check out Rhys You Tube highlights below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGS3tywIHm0

Transfer Gossip

- QPR are ready to sign West Ham hot shot Momo Diame, although it is unlikely Diame would leave the Hammers for a relegation dogfight.

- AC Milan striker Pato has been linked with a loan move back home to Brazil, with Corinthians.

- Former QPR manager Mark Hughes is expected to return to Blackburn Rovers.

- Arsenal are looking at a shock swoop for Barcelona striker David Villa.

- Rio Ferdinand will see out the rest of the season with the Red Devils before moving to the MLS in the summer.

- Spurs are interested in Montpellier striker Younes Belhanda.

- Former Newcastle Jets flop Francis Jeffers is targeting a move to the MLS, after cutting ties with his Maltese club.

Premier League Multi

Here at inside we've had a look at this weekend's English Premier League games and come up with a multi that we think stands the best chance of winning.

Fingers Crossed and happy punting.

Liverpool and Fulham - both teams to score
                           into
Everton and West Ham - both teams to score
                           into
West Brom to beat Norwich

Paying - $5.40

The answer to Melbourne Heart's crowd crisis

This might be seen as a big call within the football community but in my opinion the player that Melbourne Heart should be looking to sign to increase crowd numbers is not David Beckham but Angelos Charisteas.  Angelos according to a Greek friend is the most famous person in Greece. If you do not remember Angelos  he scored the famous header that won Greece the European cup in 2004. Even with no Greek background that moment he scored that header will remain with me forever, as Im sure it also will for the 150,000 or so Greek Australians living in Melbourne.

Charisteas is currently a free agent uncontracted to any club, and with the big name arrivals of Del Piero and Heskey in the off-season plus the massive Greek population in Melbourne this would have to be an attractive offer for Angelos. With alot of Greek clubs struggling to pay their players there is also the point of job security on offer. The Heart do have three to four strikers already on the books but there is always room for someone of Charisteas's quality. Call me crazy but I honestly believe that Angelos would bring an extra 5-10 thousand people to home games maybe more, and just maybe he might pinch a few fans from crosstown rivals Victory.

Relive that magical goal below by clicking on the You Tube link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPw69FzmA7Q

Daniel Coote.

   THE ONE CAP WONDERS: PART 1 


Their backgrounds, careers, post careers and hobbies vary. But one thing these Footballers all have in common, is they hold the proud distinction of representing their country at International level. Even if it was only for a day. Here is a list of some of the most memorable one cap wonders.

 ESTEBAN FUERTES:

A real Football Journeyman, Fuertes played across many clubs in Argentina throughout the 1990's before making the big move to England in 1999. Signed by then Derby County Manager Jim Smith,  Fuertes’ English Premier League career came to an almost immediate halt after British Customs officials found his Italian Passport was forged. This forced Smith to sell Fuertes to French Club Lens, where the Argentine stayed for no more than a year. After spending a year in Spain, Fuertes returned to his native Argentina in 2002. He was handed his first and only cap in 2009 by then Argentine coach Diego Maradona. The selection was unique as, not only was he the oldest debutant for the National team at age 36, but the starting 11 team was comprised of players from the Argentine League. Fuertes retired from the game in June 2012 and, in true fashion, scored a double in his final match.

2) JOEY BARTON:

 












What can’t be said about this guy that’s already been said. Rough around the edges, Hot headed, Red Card King. All of these things have surely limited the Ex Manchester City man from receving further call ups to the National team. He was handed his sole cap for England back in 2007 during a friendly match against Spain. But he will perhaps be remembered as the player who would constantly court controversy. In 2005, his Brother Michael was sentenced to life in prison for the racially motivated murder of Anthony Walker. Joey was praised for having helped turn his brother in to  the Police over the vicious and heinous crime. Barton received a 12 match suspension on the final day of the 2011/12 FA Premier League season following a Red Card offence which saw him lash out at Manchester City player Sergio Aguero. This incident also involved kicks and headbutts to Manchester City teammates, of which the FA was not happy about. Now playing in France, only time will tell what the future holds for Joey Barton.

3) FRANCIS JEFFERS:














A product of the Everton Youth System, Jeffers made his Senior debut for the Toffees on December 26 1997, at the age of 16 years and 11 months which (at that time) made him the youngest player to debut for Everton. Jeffers' good form attracted the attention of Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and in the Summer of 2001, he was signed by the club for a fee of 8 Million pounds (one of the most expensive Arsenal signings at that time). Injury and irregular First team appearances meant the young Jeffers would see most of the action from the dugout. Though he did manage to receive a call up from Sven Goran Eriksson in February 2003 for a Friendly match against Australia. Although England lost the match 3-1, Jeffers still managed to find the back of the net. The only comfort in an embarrasing match for the England team and it’s supporters. The last 8 years has seen Jeffers drift down in to the Lower Leagues, playing for clubs like Charlton Athletic, Blackburn Rovers and Sheffield Wednesday. This was followed by a 2 year stint in Australia, where the Liverpudlian failed to live up to the hype. He was recently (as of October 2012) in Malta playing for Floriana F.C. Jeffers left the club after 1 goal in 2 matches after the club couldn’t afford to pay him anymore. Jeffers has recently stated the Maltese League was the worst he’s ever played in. Despite the downfall of one of England’s most promising young strikers way back when, no one can take away his 100% Goal scoring record for the national team. Even if it was only achieved in one match.

Written by Alex Stilianos.

Transfer Gossip

- Seattle Sounders MVP Osvaldo Alonso is training with West Ham with a possibility of a loan move in the MLS off season.

- Fiorentina starlet Stevan Jovetic has stated that he will only leave the club for the right offer.

- AC Milan have now entered the race to sign Didier Drogba.

- Daniel Sturridge has all but agreed to join Liverpool in January.

- Newcastle and Spurs have entered the race to sign Blackpool starlet Thomas Ince.

- The board not the players were behind the Roar management shake up that happend yesterday.

Blast from the Past - Teddy Sheringham

Today's Blast from the past is former Manchester United and Spurs goal scoring machine Teddy Sheringham.  Teddy had a very successful career spanning 10 clubs over a 25 year period. Teddy payed for two of England's biggest clubs but also spells at West Ham and Portsmouth shouldn't go unmentioned. Teddy was a noted goal scorer which prompted Sir Alex Ferguson to buy him to replace the iconic Eric Cantona in 1997. It was at United where Teddy was most successful winning the treble in the 98-99 season. Sheringham also represented England on 51 occasions scoring 11 goals, other honours included being awarded MBE in 2007. Sheringham is considered abit of a cult figure in England with his ability to bed lots of younger women especially beauty queen Danielle Lloyd.

Enjoy your retirement Teddy.

Transfer Gossip

- Nicholas Anelka is pushing to have his contract terminated with Shanghai Shenhua to link up with Harry Redknapp at QPR.

- Fulham will make a bid for QPR striker Jaime Mackie in January.

- Swiss National team coach Martin Andermatt is considering coaching the Montreal Impact next MLS season.

- Zenit St. Petersburg striker Hulk is looking for a move away from Russia after being constantly racially abused in the Russian Premier League.

- Hull City are set to sign David Stockdale on a permanent basis from Fulham, pouring cold water on Matt Ryan's proposed move to the Championship club, a move as No.2 will be likely.

- The owners of the Wellington Phoenix are becoming frustrated with boss Ricki Herbert. If the Nix miss out on a finals place Herbert will be sacked with New Zealand u/23 coach Neil Emblem replacing him.

Transfer Gossip

- QPR are set for a double purchase in the striker department with LA's Robbie Keane joing the R's on loan and Arsenal Flop Chamakh on a permanent deal in January.

- Arsenal are the latest team vying for the signature of Toon striker Demba Ba

- Frank Lampard with join his uncle at QPR at the end of the season after they offer him a 2.5 year deal.

- AC Milan are interested in former Rangers and Manchester City player Vladimir Weiss.

- Sunderland and QPR are desperate to have Tim Cahill at their respective clubs on loan in the MLS off season but the player is reluctant to play for any other team in the premiership other than Everton.

Our Top 5 Most Underrated players in the A - League

Following Pedj Bojic's dominant display for the Mariners in last night's 2 - 0 win over Melbourne Heart, we thought we would conjure up our top five most underrated players in the A - League.

5. Luke Brattan

Luke might be seen as strange choice in our top 5 most underrated players in the A - League, but we feel he deserves his place. A one Erik Paartalu is keeping Luke out of a place in Brisbane Roar's starting line-up but when Erik leaves for China we feel Brattan is up to the task of filling Paartalu's boots. If you get a chance to watch him live, take note of his touches and passing, its beautiful to watch. Luke if Rado doesn't give you a go soon, for the sake of your career seek a move away to another club.

4. Pedj Bojic

As Arnie said in last night's press conference  Pedj spends hours after training working hard on his game, and this is not easy when you are running a personal training business as well as being a professional football player. His work rate and fitness is one of the best in the league and although we are fans of Michael Marrone, we feel Pedj should have been picked for the East Asian Cup qualifiers recently.

3. Jeremy Brockie

Our only Kiwi on the list, Jeremy Brockie is a striker and he get's paid to score goals and boy does he deliver. This season he has scored some important and cracking goals. Some smart bit of business by Ricki Herbert to persuade him to come home to New Zealand. We think the Wanderers could do with someone like Jeremy this season.

2. Adama Traore

We say this every Victory game through our twitter page, Adama Traore does not get enough credit through the media for his performances. He was out injured in last week 4-2 thrashing at the hands of Adelaide and boy did Ange and the boys miss him. Ivory Coast born Traore has stated that he would love to represent the Socceroos and we think he deserves the chance.

1. Josh Rose

Josh Rose is one of the most consistant players in the A - League, he turns up every week works hard and plays out of his skin. He's a no nonsense professional, theres no bling no big time attitude just hard work. Since his return from playing in Romania the Mariners defense has been one of the best in the competition, how he has not been capped at Socceroos level is beyond us especially in the recent East Asian Cup qualifying games. Although we are fans of Aziz Behich, Josh Rose deserves his chance. The left back position has been a problem for us ever since Scott Chipperfield retired and with David Carney nowhere to be seen, we see "Rosey" as our number one left back in the country.

Transfer Gossip

- Juventus will make a play for Manchester City fullback Alexander Kolorov in Januaray

- Real Madrid legend Iker Casillas has dropped a hint that he would be open to a move to the MLS

- Everton scouts are watching PSG bench warmer Kevin Gameiro with a possible switch to the Liverpool club in January. Gameiro has been frozen out of the starting side by Zlatan Ibrahimovic

- Manchester City are planning another move for Liverpool centre back Daniel Agger, the deal would only go through if City got Joleen Lescott off the clubs expensive books.

- Western Sydney Wanderers are ready to make a play for Melbourne Heart defender Mitchinson.

- Brisbane Roar are set to lose Erik Partaluu in the January transfer window, China and the UAE has been mooted as possible destinations for the midfielder.

THE BATTLE OF MANCHESTER

As we reach the end of another year, the FA Premier League title is once again looking like a battle between the two Manchester clubs. What a match it was this past weekend, two great sides battling it out for 90 minutes straight only to end in triumph for the Reds and heartache for the Blues. Robin Van Persie is continuing to show his worth for the Red Devils this season, as a 91^st minute Free Kick gifted United with all 3 points. Wayne Rooney, as always, put in a solid box to box performance, proving he’s quite capable of dropping back in to the Midfield when needed. Take nothing away from Man City though, after trailing by 2 goals early in the second half, they managed to level the score within 15 minutes. However, it was the Red side of Manchester who were left cheering when the final whistle sounded. It may well have been a great end to a great derby match, if not for the ugly incidences which occurred deep in to extra time.

United defender Rio Ferdinand was soon being attended to by medical staff after a City fan had pelted the 34 year old with a coin from the grandstand. This put the match further in to stoppage time as Rio could be seen by TV viewers at home, receiving medical treatment on the touchline. The guilty Manchester City supporter was soon escorted out of the ground, which TV cameras also captured. Shortly thereafter, a pitch invader was the next culprit, putting the match further in to Extra time. After he was detained by Police the match finally came to an end and Sir Alex Ferguson’s men had secured an important away win at Etihad Stadium. If you weren’t one of the die hard fans watching this match, those last few minutes, as a viewer at home, was like watching the bad old days of Heysel and to a much lesser extent Hillsborough. In an age where English hooliganism seems to be a thing of the past, it’s big moments/matches like these which remind us that incidences like this could pop off at any minute. Thankfully, those three or four fans were dealt with and the match was able to finish in a prompt manner. Commendations should also go to the Ground/Security staff at Etihad stadium, who were able to diffuse the situation promptly and efficiently. Let’s just hope, for the future of football’s sake, incidences like these are a rarity.

Blast from the Past - Ufuk Talay

Today's Blast from the past is former Galatasaray , Sydney FC and North Queensland Fury midfielder Ufuk Talay, Ufuk had a great career both Locally and Internationally. Ufuk had 10 years in Europe with arguably the highlight of those years was being signed by Turkish giants Galatasaray in 1995. Ufuk didn't have the best of times at Gala with him only making 28 appearances in 6 years for the Istanbul club. Ufuk was loaned to nearly a different club every season before finally sealing a switch to Super league rivals Gaziantepspor in 2002. It was here Ufuk made more of an impact but was ultimately moved on again to second division side Mersan Idmanyurdu. After being tired of  moving around Turkey in search of game time Ufuk was offered the chance to return home to join Dwight Yorke's glamour club Sydney FC.  It was at the Sky Blues where Talay really shined and made a name for himself back here in Australia, Sydney went on to win the A - League that year with Talay proving pivotal in Sydney's success.

Ufuk had spells at Japanese second division side Avispa Fukuoka and North Queensland Fury before finally calling time on his career. It could be said that Ufuk was probably one of the unluckiest players of his era having never represented his country. Socceroos legend Josip Skoko famously declared that Ufuk Talay was the greatest player never to represent Australia, and here at inside we agree with Josip.

Unlucky Ufuk but congratulations on a stellar career.

Transfer Gossip

- Martin O'Neil will be sacked if Sunderland lose again this weekend.

- QPR are favourite's to sign LA Galaxy striker Robbie Keane on loan in January.

- Xabi Alonso wants to return to Liverpool next season.

- Former Chelsea boss Avram Grant will move to China to coach for next season's Chinese Super League, Shanghai are the frontrunners.

- Blackburn defender Scott Dann is set for a January move to Southampton.

- Former Socceroos defender Craig Moore will sign with Sydney FC as a defence coach under his old boss and good friend Frank Farina.

- Former Roar, Mariners and Glory striker Michael Baird is set to become the next Australian to move the India's I - League.

Wellington vs Sydney 3,2,1

Sydney have finally grabbed their first win in 4 matches in windy Wellington of all places.  We've come up with our 3,2,1 man of the match awards from the game.

3. Sebastian Ryall

Man of the match for us, not only did he score the opening goal but his work rate on the right hand side was amazing. That display doing his starting chances no harm with that performance.

2. Jason Culina

Although he didn't play the full match, Jason was fantastic on the ball today and marched the midfield around. His trademark passing was evident when crossing for the opening goal, Sydney will reap the benefits of a fully fit Jason Culina in the coming weeks.



1. Jeremy Brockie

Yes he was on the losing side today, but worked hard again and deserved to score the Phoenix penalty, Brockie looks to be one of the buys of the season.

Blast from the past - Fernando Rech

Following Adelaide's impressive win over Melbourne Victory last night we thought we would celebrate today's blast from the past with a former player, Brazilian striker Fernando Rech. Back in the NSL days Fernando was considered one of the competitions best players and this was confirmed when he took out the Johnny Warren Medal in 2001. After a stop start career in both Brazil and Japan, Fernando moved to Australia with Brisbane Strikers in 2000 which is where he most flourished scoring a career best 10 goals in a season. When the NSL flopped Fernando was quickly snapped up by Adelaide United to lead their attack with Carl Veart. It was at Adelaide where Fernando called a time on his career, in 35 appearances for the club he scored 13 goals.

Obrigado Fernando!.

Adelaide vs Victory 3,2,1.

Another cracking game tonight in the Hyundai A - League, here at inside we have come up with the 3,2,1 man of the match awards.


3.  Fabio Ferreira

Man of the Match by a long way, hard to believe that Ferriea was playing 2nd division in New South Wales last season.


2. Evan Kostopoulos

Outstanding game for a 22 year old, showed great pace and poise beyond his years. Next big thing in the A - League.


1. Bruce Djite was great tonight and did all the hard work that alot of fans don't see. Work rate was second to none it will be interesting to see if he starts next week.

Transfer Gossip

- Liverpool are interested in buying Keisuke Honda from CSKA Moscow in the January transfer window.

- David Beckham has been offered ownership of a Miami based franchise in the Major League Soccer.

- Zenit St Petersburg are the latest club linked with a big money move for Everton forward Marouane Fellaini.

- Everton and Liverpool are targeting the 'next Joe Hart' young England keeper Jack Butland.

- Sydney FC are set to make a play for out of favour ex Socceroos defender John Mckain in January. Bruce Djitie may also follow Mckain to the harbour city.

Take 10 with Griffin McMaster

Following the news of his injury replacement deal with the Wellington Phoenix, we decided to catch up on a blast from the past in former Roar goalkeeper Griffin McMaster. Since leaving the Roar Griffin has been successfully plying his trade in the VPL winning keeper of the year last season. 

Congratulations on your short term deal with the Phoenix, how did it come about?.

It came out of the blue. I received a phone call from an agent (Tony Belica) about the prospect of going to the club. I put my hand up and was very keen to exploit the option.

 As you said on your twitter page you were getting ready for Stereosonic Music Festival any regrets about not being able to go to that?.

Not really. I ended up getting a friend to sell the ticket for me. It would’ve been fun however in my realm football comes first. Jumping at the opportunity to get back into the A-League was far more important. (GM)

Its your second stint with the A-League club can you give all of us an insight into the club - we dont seem to hear that much about them here in Australia?. (inside)

It’s a club that goes under the radar big-time unless of course the club is winning games and is in finals contention. It was nice of Ricky Herbert to think of me again. I had a stint in 2010 and enjoyed my time there. Not much has changed since I was their last time. They train out at Newtown training complex. Chris Greenacre is the assistant coach – it’s his first year and he’s been superb in the role to date. Jonathon Gould is a very good keeper coach and is also a assistant coach. I’ve learnt a lot off him in the last week or so and in my last spell with the club. The club also fields a team in the NZ national league which is a great idea. It gives players who aren’t playing regular first team football a chance to get game time in the reserves. Is also benefits the youth players in their development. (GM)

Ricky Herbert has done a fantastic job with the Phoenix - do you think hes a little underrated as a coach?. (inside)

Ricky Herbert in my opinion has always been highly rated as a coach and with what he’s got to work with in terms of resources and so forth he does a fantastic job. He’s a great man manager and also likes to have a laugh and put a smile on someone’s face. He’s got a high level of presence and everybody in the dressing room gives him the respect he deserves. (GM)

 You are seen to be a fan favourite with the Yellow fever, they seem to be a very active and influential supporter group as a player can you describe the impact they have on the squad?. (inside)

To be honest I haven’t had much to do with the Yellow Fever and it would be nice to meet some of the supporters and get a feel for their passion for the club. It’s always nice to have the supporters on your side and not on top of you giving you stick. They are the hard-core element of the club and it’s great to have a high level of passion through the gates every home match. (GM)

They are partly responsible for finding Marco Rojas so they know what they are doing. (inside)

Well that’s good sign, I hope they can help unearth some more talent into the Phoenix. (GM)

 Can you compare the Phoenix with your first club Brisbane Roar?. (inside)

I enjoyed my time at Brisbane. Gold Coast was home for me and the fit personally was great, being a Queenslander I was proud to wear the shirt. I was their when Frank Farina was in charge and allowed the time for me to develop my skills at the club and I got my opportunities. I was at Brisbane when we went to two preliminary finals. It was a real shame we couldn’t go one better and get an appearance in a grand final. Phoenix has been a club with a bit transition with the old owner having to hand the license in and new owners coming into the club. The new owners are all have businesses in Wellington which goes to show the passion for the city and I hope they can help grow the brand. (GM)

Were you disappointed to not stay on with the Roar, being a Queensland boy and all?. (inside)

I had a lot to offer for Brisbane however things didn’t end up the way I would have liked. I’ve put it all behind me, it wasn’t meant to be. Leaving Brisbane then gave me an opportunity to move to Melbourne. I certainly haven’t regretted that. I’ve loved my time there that’s for sure. (GM)

 Following your release from the roar you joined VPL club Oakleigh Cannons, there has been some great players to come from the VPL can you describe the quality of the competition. (inside)

There’s plenty of players going around in the VPL that are good enough to hold a spot in the A-League. There are a tonne of players that have played VPL then gone onto the A-League. The VPL and the NSWPL are the second best tier football in Australia. Most teams train 3 times per week and you cannot underestimate the level of the players abilities. (GM)

You were named VPL keeper of the year last year will you return their if no A - League contract eventuates?. (inside)

I will keep playing and I’m only 29. That age for a keeper is pretty good and I still have life span left provided I look after my body in which case I will. Coming from A-League to VPL can always turn a players motivation levels to very low, in fact it’s done the opposite for me. Its driven me and given me more hunger to perform in the VPL and try to get an opportunity to get back into the A-League. (GM)

You played in the Brisbane competition can you campare the two?. (inside)

It’s quite obvious the VPL is better than the BPL. The VPL has more money, more competitive sides and the ethnic base in Melbourne is more hard core. With more money, businesses like to sponsor clubs and bring in quality. People in Melbourne are very passionate about their sport and have a big attachment to their club. For example many Greeks sponsor clubs and really want to win. They’ll go to great lengths to do that. (GM)

What do you think the BPL needs to do to improved their standard?. (inside)

There are a lot of factors. It’s all comparable by population. Melbourne has 4 million people, Sydney 4.5 million, Brisbane about 2 million. In my mlast point with more money more sponsors come on board etc etc. There’s not enough hardcore ethnics to drive the game in Brisbane and take it to new levels. The competition has been reformed again with this new APL – 12 teams around Queensland. Im not privy to a lot of information but you have Brisbane Premier League as well. This only drains the talent in this competition and will be valued as a second tier competition. One idea could be double up fixtures at one venue, somehow the clubs can share the gate takings and this could give the crowds a good spike and give more exposure to the league. (GM)

Australia is known for producing good goalkeepers do you yourself have a idea as to why that is the case?. (inside)

It’s quite obvious that Australians produce great athletes and goalkeeping is a culmination of applying all athletic attributes in one position. Jumping, running, diving, catching, agility etc etc. Also with the two dominated sports such as League and AFL also play a big part also. I think Australia will still produce high level goalkeepers in time to come. (GM)

 Have/would you consider trying your hand overseas?. (inside)

Its not an easy market for me. I hold an AUS passport which can limit you. Asia is one place but the Asian countries don’t go for keepers, normally they go for other positions. Europe is an option but with lean visa restrictions such as Belgian or Holland. The best market for me is A-League and I have to work hard to get into the competition. (GM)

 Your grandfather was a wallaby and your dad played rugby league, why not follow in their footsteps?. (inside)

It’s an unusual one. They loved their League/Union, goalkeeping is a position I love to play and have enjoyed it since. (GM)

You have done some guest writing for Mfootball.com.au is this a post football career move for you?. (inside)

I hope to. I’m studying communications. I’ve enquired at a few radio stations – ABC and SEN about doing commentary or comment on football programs in the A-League and haven’t really heard back from them. It’s something that I’m really interested in. My grandfather was on channel 9’s wrestling back in the day and my old mans a comedian. So the entertainment industry runs through my blood. (GM)

 In three years time where do you want to be in football?. (inside)

Definitely playing professional football. A-League is my best radar. (GM)

Everyone here at inside would like to thank Griffin for taking the time to answer our questions. Good luck Griff with your future A - League ambitions.

Transfer Gossip

- The A - Leagues hopes of securing David Beckham have beeb delt a blow after a source revealed he is keen to play in the Champions League one last time before retiring.

- Thierry Henry will re-join Arsenal on loan in the MLS off season.

- Yossi Benayoun is rumoured to be heading to the MLS when his loan finishes with West Ham United.

- PSG would sack Carlo Ancelotti to beat Chelsea in the race to sign master coach Pep Guardiola.

- Liverpool are now interested in Lyon striker Bafetimbi Gomis to join Luis Suarez in the front line after  they were put off by Daniel Sturridge's huge wage demands.

- Flop Croatian striker Kruno Loverek will be released in January from Sydney FC to make room for Joel Griffiths.

Blast from the Past - Patrik Berger

All Liverpool fans should remember today's Blast from the Past, the very likeable and former Anfield fan favourite Patrik Berger. Patrick had a great career which started in his home country of the Czech Republic which saw him earn a move to German giants Borussia Dortmund in 1995. After being mainly used as a substitute for Dortmund Patrik's performances at the Euro 96 tournament caught the eye of English giants Liverpool. Liverpool purchased Partik in the summer of 1996 concluding a short stay at Dortmund. It was at Liverpool where Patrick really made a name for himself playing  from 1996-2003, making 149 appearances and scoring 28 goals and winning both the UEFA and FA cups in 2001.

Berger left Liverpool for newly promoted Portsmouth in 2003 but then moved on again to Aston Villa in 2005. Injuries caught up with Patrik eventually ending his career in 2010 after finishing with his childhood club Sparta Prague.

Anyone having troubles remembering Patrik Berger check out this wonder strike he scored whilst playing for Portsmouth against Charlton back in 2003.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UPNgiTXTRE