Fan Focus: SKY'S THE LIMIT FOR THE BLUES.

In the past several weeks, Inside the Box FC has caught up with fan bases across the A-League. Having gone from the Western Suburbs of Sydney to the Sunny city of Brisbane, today we will look at the fan base of Sydney FC. In this article we chat to Die hard Sydney FC fan John La Scala about the small beginnings of the club to where it is today and what to expect in the future.


                                    

                   

Welcome John. First off, Your club secured the biggest transfer in A-League history. How does it feel to watch Alessandro Del Piero run out for the sky blues?

When I first heard that Sydney FC were in talks with Del Piero about a possible transfer to the club I was over the moon that a player of his quality and stature could be coming to play for my club. Being of Italian decent, it was even more of a thrill to know that a legend of the game in Italy would be coming. Watching him every week is a joy; he is a legend of the game, not only in Italy but all around the world. Even at the age he is, he does things on the football field with such grace and ease that other players can only dream of being able to do, to be able to witness this first hand is worth the admission price into the ground.

Looking back is that your favourite moment in the clubs history or do the clubs 2 championships out shine ADP's arrival?

The best feeling for a supporter of a club is seeing them lift a trophy, there's no denying that. ADP's arrival is up there with the two championships though. His arrival brought a sense of excitement around the club after a couple of dower seasons that came after winning our second A-League title. Lets hope we can see the A-League trophy in Del Piero's hands come the end of this season.

Ian Crook's tenure was a disaster was he the most unsuccessful coach for FC or was Butcher worse?

You can't deny that Ian Crook's time at Sydney was unsuccessful; I don't think he was the right man for the job to start off with. The club was after Tony Popovic but he chose to go to the Wanderers and when you're the second choice for anything in life, you're already not off to a great start. Ian said himself that he wasn't fully committed and lacked passion for the job. His passion is the young kids and their development.

Terry Butcher got the club to the finals in his year in charge at the club, but coming off the club winning the inaugural championship, yes, you could consider his time in charge unsuccessful.

To answer the question in short after all of that, I think neither of those managers were as unsuccessful as Branko Culina was when we was in charge of Sydney FC.

Frank farina was Crooks replacement were u happy with his appointment/ are you happy with his performance so far?

Yes, I was happy with the appointment of Frank. I think people were quick to judge him on his personal life in digressions and forgot to have a look at his footballing CV. He knows the game very well and I think he can do well this season with the coaching staff and players he has at his disposal.
After the start we had to last season, it was always going to be hard to turn things around, whoever the manager was going to be. I don't think its right to judge Frank on the performances from last season. In saying that, he did a great job to give us a fighting chance of making the finals. I think we had a run of 6 or 7 games unbeaten at home, that's the kind of form we had in 09/10 that saw us win the double.

Owner David Tratkovenko has recently showed his commitment with proving some funds for Del Piero bid - are you happy with him as a fan?

First and foremost, Mr Traktovenko is a football fan; I think that is so important to the club to have an owner that is passionate about the sport. Secondly, he has been apart of the club from day 1 as a shareholder, and then three years ago become majority shareholder. To me, this shows he is loyal to the club and wants to see that the club does well.
He wants the club to succeed, not just in the A-League, but he wants the brand of Sydney FC to enter the Asian market, and with the signing of ADP he is fulfilling this. He's doing a great job off the park with promoting the clubs stature around the world and the club is lucky to have a man of his riches and caliber overseeing things from the top.

What would you like to see change?

I think we need stability in the manager we have at the club. We have chopped and changed too many times, I think we need a coach who can stay for a few years and given time to implement and get right the style of play they want. Hopefully Frank and Rado can become the pair to do this.

What about CEO Tony Pignata. Are you happy with his involvement?

I think Tony is great for the club. His appointment to the club was well received and he hasn't let anyone down with what he has done. Tony is a fan as much as he is the CEO of Sydney FC. It is easy for fans to interact with him through social media and there is even a page on the SFCU website where fans can ask him questions relating to the club and in return he will do his best to answer the fan's questions. I don't think we would have ADP in a sky blue jersey if it weren't for Mr. Pignata.

We all know the success story of your rivals west Sydney wanderers, what can the sky blues do to compete with the boys from the west?

The arrival of the Wanderers into the completion is one of the best things the A-League has done. As much as I hate to admit this, their fan base is unbelievable, especially for a club as young as theirs.
I think that all clubs, not just Sydney, can learn from them on how they are recruiting members to their club. Yes, its easier because of their success last season, but I believe that all the clubs can take a leaf out of the Wanderers book to see how they engage their supporters to sign up and become a member.

Are they a threat to Sydney fc fan base?

Of course they are. I personally live and have grown up in the west of Sydney, and according to some of my friends, I should be supporting the Wanderers. I know many people who were once Sydney FC supporters who are now Wanderers fans. In saying that, I also know a lot of fans from the west that have stayed loyal to the sky blue jersey.

For fans of the game in Sydney it's a matter of choice between the two clubs but whomever they choose, it can only help grow and be a good thing for the game.

Lets look towards this season farina had made the most signings of the off-season you must be happy with that?

I think that any person who has knows about the A-League would have said that Sydney had one of the best squads on paper last season. This season is no different. The club has recruited well and the return of Nikcy Carle will be a massive boost to the squad.

There is a good mix of young exciting players in the squad with the likes of Gameiro, Grant, Jurman, Ryall, Warren and Chianese all impressing in the couple of preseason games we've already played. Throw in the experience of Del Piero, Emerton, McFlynn, Bojic, Bosscharrt and Carle and I think that the club has got a very good balance within the squad this season. I think most fans are excited to see what the squad can achieve this season.

Your defense really needed some adjusting and that's happened are you satisfied with the reinforcements farina has brought in in that area?

Frank and the club have recruited well all over the park but the first signings that were made were all defenders. Its one area on the pitch that the club was openly critical about last season and I think they have targeted the right players in Bojic, Warren, Jurman and resigning of Tiago. Last season Bosschaart was injured all year, he was a massive loss to the team; having him back will be like another signing as well. Hopefully whoever plays in the four positions at the back can do the job for the club.

Rado vidosic is now on board as farina's assistant what do you expect to change now that he is involved?

Rado's appointment as assistant coach, I believe is a good one. He knows the game very well and together with Frank will improve the way Sydney plays which can hopefully entertain the fans but most importantly bring results.

By all accounts Frank and Rado want to play a different style of football this season. More passing on the ground, playing out from the back and with a new formation that will compliment the players we have in the squad. From the couple of preseason games played here and the one in Japan, all reports have come back very positive and the coaching staff is happy with the way the squad is progressing.

What will the 2013/2014 a league be classed as a successful season?

There's no reason why Sydney FC can't finish top of the table come the end of the season. We're one of the biggest clubs in the league, if not the biggest and its what is expected of the club. I'd be happy with a top four finish.

Prediction where FC will finish?

Third, behind the Victory and Mariners.
Melbourne will be better off this season after already having a year under Postecoglou and the Mariners are the Mariners. They are always strong and will be up there again this season.

In 10 years Sydney FC will be.....?

...the most successful A-League club and also have a very high profile all around the world with ADP in charge.

UNITED PAINT THE TOWN RED.

ANZ Stadium has hosted some memorable matches in the last few days. First there was the gripping State of Origin decider which Queensland won by 12 points to 10 on Wednesday night (the match also featured the infamous streaker) then there was the Machester United v The A League All Stars match just 3 days later. Collectively, over 160,000 fans turned out for both of these games, making the Stadium quite a busy venue. Fans were treated to nothing less than pure excitement last night in the United v All Stars clash as the Red Devils trounced our A-League stars 5 goals to 1. In what proved to be a one sided match, United's goals came from Danny Welbeck (2 goals), Jesse Lingard (2 goals) and Robin Van Persie (1 goal) while the A-League's solitary goal came from Besart Berisha. Although it hasn't been a great week for Sydney fans, no thanks to the fact there local team has been defeated twice in one week, the spectacle of last night's game was truly amazing.

Here you had 83,000 men, women and children out in full force to catch a glimpse of this amazing Manchester United side take on our A-League all stars. The sight of every Australian (whether they be young or old) getting behind Football in such an enthusiastic manner was something to cherish. It's hard to believe it's been 14 years since Manchester United last came out to Australia to play an Exhibition match . On that occasion it was the Socceroos who hosted the Red Devils, going down 1 nil to United thanks to a Dwight Yorke goal. Last night's game (although a loss for the Australian side) proved that all is well within Australian Soccer. For 83,000 fans to turn out for such a historic Sporting event, is further proof of how far reaching the game is in this country. It should also serve as a reminder to FIFA that Australia is quite capable of hosting a World Cup some time in the near future, as we have the numbers, the fan base and the stadiums to adequately support such an event (The FIFA World Cup).


Written by Alex Stilianos.

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM.

Australian Rugby Union great Ben Tune's startling admission just 2 months ago that he had attempted suicide whilst in a massive state of depression was a shock and stark reminder of just how fragile our Sporting Heroes can be. A 1999 World Cup Winner, Tune seemed to have the fairytale Rugby Union career, one that any Australian kid who follows the game would love to have some day. Tune's brave decision to step forward and share his story was courageous to say the least. Not only did he go in to personal detail about his ordeal, but he helped many sufferers of Depression by sharing experiences that sound all too familiar for anyone who is plagued with this mental affliction. Tune also sent out a message to the Sporting world that, no matter how superhuman you might be on the field, Sportsmen and women are only human. As we (society) take giant steps forward in learning more about this thing called "Depression", we must also understand that not only is it common and prevalent, but that it can happen to anyone. Annual events like Movember, Mental Illness Awareness Week and National Depression Screening Day, go along way in bringing the human race together on the topic of Depression and, as time goes by, the Taboo will slowly get lifted like a giant weight off one's shoulders. So next time you're out with mates or a family member, take the time out to see how they're doing and how they're feeling in life. Even if it's only for 10 minutes, it can go a long way and potentially save a life. It's staggering to think there are nearly 50 Footballers who have committed suicide in the last 120 years or so, some have been high profile players while others kept a low profile. Although we tend to be quite upbeat and known for larrikinism here on Inside the Box, today we will do something very different and take a look at 5 Footballers who tragically died as a result of Suicide.

1) Dave Clement:















Dave Clement was an integral part of the Queens Park Rangers side of the 1970's which nearly won the title in the 1975/76 season. In a team which boasted the likes of Stanley Bowles, Terry Venables and Gerry Francis, Clement had just as much to do with the success of the club as the aforementioned players. He even picked up 5 caps for England during his time at QPR. Sadly in 1982 (after suffering depression), he died aged 34 after poisoning himself with Weedkiller.

2) Agostino Di Bartolomei:

 













Famously touted as "One of the greatest Italian players never to have been capped by the national team", Agostino Di Bartolomei had a distinguished 18 year career which included a Serie A title, 3 Coppa Italias and a European Cup Runners Up Medal. All of which were won with his hometown club A.S. Roma. An elegant playmaking Midfielder, Di Bartolomei often drew chants from the home crowd for his ability to find the back of the net. The famous chant being "Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, Agostino, Ago, Ago, Ago, Agostino gol!!!". Having scored 7 goals in his 8 Caps for the Under 21 side, it's a shame (and a crying shame at that) he never got to represent the National team. After a fulfilling career, Di Bartolomei retired from the game in 1990 aged 35. Just 4 years later, after suffering from clinical depression, he committed suicide by shooting himself. Agostino Di Bartolomei was just 39 years old.


3) Robert Enke:

Robert Enke had a fulfilling career as a Goalkeeper. Having represented Germany at nearly every level (Under 21's, Olympic Team, B team and National team), he also had an impressive club career, having played for clubs like Barcelona, Benfica and Hannover 96. After solid performances for Hannover 96, Enke was widely tipped as the man who would be Germany's goalkeeper at the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Sadly on November 10, 2009 Enke committed suicide by diving in front of a Regional express train in Neustadt am Rubenberge. Enke was only 32 years old at the time of his death. At club level, he was at the peak of his powers, though in his private life he had been battling with depression, (many believe it was the death of his daughter which drove him in to a deep state of depression).


4) Justin Fashanu :

Justin Fashanu is perhaps remembered more for his personal life than his Football career. Fashanu started his career with Norwich City in 1979 and, after some impressive performances, made the move to Nottingham Forest in 1981 for a fee of 1 Million pounds. There were great expectations of Fashanu as he became the first Black Footballer to sign a 1 Million Pound contract. Forest had also won a European Cup just one year prior to that in 1980. Sadly his time at Forest was brief and unmemorable as rumours began circulating of Fashanu's sexual preference (to this day Justin Fashanu is one of only a few Footballers who have come out as being Gay). Playing under the tough and uncompromising tutelage of Brian Clough didn't make things easier either. Clough once gave Fashanu a "dressing down" in the change rooms about his sexual preference, something which was very Taboo in the Early 1980's (Homosexuality). After leaving Forest in 1982, Fashanu had several loan spells with various clubs throughout the 1980's and 90's before eventually retiring in 1997 with New Zealand club Miramar Rangers AFC. Shortly after this, a sexual assault allegation was filed against Fashanu by a 17 year old American boy by the name of "DJ" in March of 1998. After years of family tension (brought on by media coverage of his personal life) and an impending arrest warrant (at least in the mind of Fashanu), Justin was found hanged in a deserted lock up garage in Shoreditch, London. Justin Fashanu was only 37 years old. In the aftermath of his death, an inquest was held in London just 6 months after his death about the incident. American officials made no request for Fashanu to be found or arrested even when the charges were laid and Fashanu was still alive. A sad irony in the wake of such a tragic loss.

5) Gary Speed:

Undoubtedly one of the greatest Footballers to ever come out of Wales. His career (which spanned 21 years) boasted 534 English Premier League appearances, 85 caps for Wales and a Premier League Championship from the 1991-92 season. Not a lot needs to be said about Gary Speed, as his career speaks for itself. Having played for clubs like Leeds United, Everton FC and Newcastle United, he was a stalwart in every team he played in. Whether it be leading the Midfield in attack or defence, Gary Speed was a no nonsense Footballer whose career seemed to go from strength to strength. Having retired from the game in 2010 at the age of 41, he made the inevitable switch to coaching and became Manager of Wales in early 2011 (a position he held right up until his death in November 2011). Tragically on November 27, 2011, The Football community went in to a state of shock as Gary Speed was pronounced dead at the Age of 42. Many football fans were left stunned to learn it was a Suicide which claimed the life of the 42 year old Welsh manager. Whatever is written or said about Gary Speed in years to come, one thing will always remain true about this man, he is perhaps the Greatest Midfielder Wales has ever produced.


Written by Alex Stilianos.

Fan Focus: NEW KIDS ON THE RED & BLACK BLOCK

 The Western Sydney Wanderers capped off a memorable maiden season with a Minor Premiership (albeit a disappointing Grand Final loss). Even more memorable was the sight of the Wanderers fans filling nearly every seat to capacity at Parramatta Stadium. The Wanderers boasts some of the most die hard fans in the A-League, and this was surely one of the reasons why the team was so successful during there first year in the competition. The introduction of the Wanderers to the A-League last season was just the injection the competition needed, as the sight of the Red and Black Block was enough to strike fear in the hearts of any opposing teams. Hopefully these impressive crowd attendances are a sign of things to come for the A-League, as Australian Soccer crowds need to expand. In this Interview Inside the Box will chat to die hard Wanderers fan Steve Mortada on the key to the club's success and what's in store for the Wanderers in their second year of existence.

1. First of all congratulations on being part of the fasting growing team in Australian sport, how does that feel?.
Truly amazing!! Put it this way, I don’t think there has been an off season for myself and many fans as we still chant and talk about the wAnderful inaugural season we had.

2. Sitting in those fan forums ( several fan forums were held by the FFA to get fans say on how the club was to run) did you ever picture the club to be such a success on and off the field?
 I think for all who were involved in the forums they did dream and envisage that their club could do well in years to come, but certainly the rapid success in which the WSW rose to the top truly was stuff DREAMS are made of. The culture within our fans is strongly attributed to the RBB and the passion they bring, I would say this has put pressure on all A-League active support to step up.

3. The fan forum was a success should they become compulsory for all A - league club owners?
100%!! Imagine if the A-League was filled with teams that had this passion and support from its fans because they had been involved with the club from inception….oh what an atmosphere it would be.

4. What was last season's highlight for you?
So many to list but I would have to say the night we defeated CCM at Blue tongue to take the #1 spot. That night it poured down rain on us as we marched from the Settlers tavern to the stadium and brought our boys home. Magical.

5. You have the best travelling supporters in the league, considering australia's geographical landscape it must cost you a fortune?
Off season is a great way to save your pennies lol. Personally last season I did all the NSW away games but no interstate games, will be different this season though, I guess it’s the love you have for your club that you are willing to travel. 

6. You were previously in the Bay 67 supporters group but will switch to the Red &Black Block this year, explain the difference to our readers?
Quite simply if you have the desire to chant, sing and jump for 90minutes, the RBB is where you need to STAND. Round 1 as the rain fell, I looked over from bay67 to the RBB and watched the passion they expelled, I knew where I had to be the following season. It’s the active support that brings the atmosphere to our games and its as addictive as any drug, the more you give the more you feel rewarded. Win or lose you sing, win or lose you give for your colours.

7. How does one become a member of the Red & Black Block, is there an initiation process?
You fill in an application form with the WSWFC and pay your $195 to be part of the best active support in the southern hemisphere, initiation yes, every game is an initiation as you may get showered with beer lol

8. Do fans regularly meet up?
Our club has a very diverse fan base. Being the west you find we are everyday knock about people who love to have fun and keep it real. Many fans do meet up outside club games and during the off season the fans along with the RBB have been supporting the Wanderers powerchairFC with lots of active support too. The fans will also be gathering on 21^st July for a fan day to have lunch/drinks and sing together. One of the club members Dougie actually organised this as a way of therapy during the lull.

9. Come game day, talk us through the day of a Western Sydney Wanderers home game?
Hmmm Game day … the holiest of hollies. It starts with many fans gathering at the Woolpack where many come to hydrate and get into the festival spirit(for me though it starts with ironing my black undies for luck). Fans talk and discuss anything and everything Red and Black, When our Band La Banda arrives and the drums start beating and the chants start vocalising you know the party is about to begin. Everyone gets involved and we all start the game day ritual of the march down church St. The streets flood with Red and Black as the band fills the air with beating drums and trumpets. Onlookers are excitedly captivated and applaud the progression. Once the whistle blows time on its 90 mins of solid chanting and getting the entire stadium on their feet responding to our call. Who do we sing for….

10. Lets talk about the infamous flares, with Australian Sporting venues being tame with rules & regulations do you think having flares and confetti is good for the game or should we embrace the south American / European style of the ultra fan base?
I recall Ante Covic saying that the Flares are exciting and bring great atmosphere to the game and that in Europe its accepted. I think confetti and streamers are great I mean when a team lifts the finals trophy the entire stadium is showered with confetti so what’s the difference.

11. Is it safe for a family to sit with or near the RBB?
Why wouldn’t it be? 

12. Its season 2 for the Wanderers, do you fear the dreaded second season syndrome?
I believe that the team will march on much the same way they did last year. If for whatever reason they hit hurdles than as our words echo in our chant “Win or Lose we will always follow you"

13. Will their be more members this season?
As we speak, we currently have in excess of 9000 members, almost 2000 more than last year.

14. With the new Parramatta stadium upgrade being announced last week as a fan of both the Parramatta Eels and Wanderers would you like too see more Red and Black around the stadium.
Most definitely!! We play 13 home games there as opposed to the 6 or 7 the Eels do, so of course lets paint the stadium in Red and Black permanently.


Written by Alex Stilianos.