ON THE COUCH WITH JACOB TIMPANO.

Jacob Timpano was once touted, and widely tipped, to be one of Australian Football's brightest future prospects.With a career spanning back to the old NSL (National Soccer League) days, his career highlights include stints at Woolongong Wolves, Sydney FC and the now defunct North Queensland Fury FC. Although injuries and club financial troubles curtailed this promising career, Timpano has found a new lease on life as he embarks on a new journey, which aims at bringing the game of Football to young kids. Inside the Box FC caught up with the former Olyroo defender to chat about his life in and out of Football and what he's been up to as of late.

You were fortunate enough to be part of the inaugural A-League season, tell us what it was like, how did u get noticed?

It was a privilege to be part of the first ever A-League season. I played in the old NSL as a youngster before it died and there was a big question mark as to whether and when National League football will become alive again, so it was special to be involved once it started.
I was in the Young Socceroo side preparing for the 2005 youth world cup while the A-League was being put together and Ian Crook who was in charge of recruiting players for Sydney FC was actually assisting Ange Postecoglou with our aussie team. With Crooky involved with our squad he offered me a deal with Sydney and it turned perfect by going on to win the inaugural A-league.

Did you know what to expect?

I was only 18-19 when it all began so I was a little unsure of what to expect having not been involved in a professional club set up. I had played in the National League with the Wollongong Wolves but we were only part time. Once we started signing players like Steve Corica, David Zdrilic, Ufuk Talay and of course Dwight Yorke, I had an idea I was going to be involved with something special.

What was it like to have Dwight Yorke in your team?

I grew up watching him bang in goals for Man United so it was obviously unreal to be in the same change room as him. He was a top pro and awesome to have in the team both on and off the field. On the pitch he was a great leader and an unbelievable player.
I’ve been fortunate to play alongside some legends like him, Kazu, Juniho and later on Robbie Fowler at Fury. All have been great blokes.

Looking back then did you ever think it would turn into what it is today?

With Football being the most popular sport in the World, I always thought eventually it had to grow and compete with the AFL and Rugby League and Union. It has just gone from strength to strength and by attracting marquee players back then and still now I think has definitely helped it become what it is today.

You had a great first season with the sky blues winning the championship with you individually receiving many accolades including the next big thing, you must've felt that the world was at your feet?

It was amazing winning the first ever A-League and playing a big part in it. Everything was going right for me, leading up to the A-league I had captained the young Socceroos in the 2005 world youth cup, I then went on to play regularly all the first season, won the title, and then was the captain of the Olyroo squad aiming to qualify for the 2008 Olympics. I don’t think I really looked at it as having the world at my feet, I was just happy to be doing what I love and doing well. I think luck plays a big part in football and unfortunately luck didn’t go my way and injuries started to creep in.  

We see a lot of young players getting hyped up these days what's your take on these sorts of things, is it reckless to label a young player the next big thing ?

I don’t think it is reckless, I think people just need to be aware that until a player has actually really established himself that’s when you will have more an idea of where a player can end up. A lot of things can go wrong in football, injuries, illness, going off the rails and other issues can ruin a career very quickly.

The next season started a horrible run of injuries for you which ultimately lead to your exit from Sydney was it hard to leave the Sky Blues?

I had been at Sydney since season one and apart from the first year I spent a lot of time on the sidelines with injury. It was difficult to leave but I was offered a 2 year contract at Fury and I was looking for a fresh start so NQ was a good option. It was sort of going into the unknown but my good Wollongong mates Justin Pasfield and Brendon Santalab had also agreed to go up there so we were all looking forward to something different. Life in Townsville as a footballer or person in general was awesome. From great weather and great people along with the relaxed lifestyle made it a special experience. Specifically as a footballer it was great also, Townsville is a very small town and they love sport up there. All the players were welcomed with open arms and as an athlete along with the footy and basketball boys we got looked after very well. Coming from Wollongong which is similar, I loved being part of the small community and made some friends for life. 

Can you compare the two clubs as you were both there in their first season of existence?

Pretty incomparable especially in terms of location - big city to small town so it obviously was going to be a smaller club than Sydney FC. Training Facilities and stuff like that was probably better than what we had a Sydney Fc and the stadium was great. Different pressure than playing with Sydney and we had less crowd support up there. Both had huge Marquee men in its first year, Fowler and Yorke. It’s very much so a rugby league town but as time went on the locals got heavily behind us as Queenslanders are passionate and love their sport. So there’s just a few comparisons.

You didn't see much game time up north do you feel you were hard done by?

Again I struggled with injury early on in the preseason and that put me behind the 8 ball. Unfortunately we didn’t have a youth team up there so once I was ok it was very hard to get match time and be ready to go for first team football. At the end of the season I got loaned out and played for the NQ Razorbacks in the QLD state league and started to get match practice and fitness back ready to go for my second next season at Fury. After the first season though Fury was left to be run by FFA and all players contracts held with the previous owner were cancelled. I wasn’t re-signed and unfortunately for me I didn’t get the chance to spend my second season there.

Where did it all go wrong for the Fury?

I’m not too sure. Probably financially is was not backed enough with sponsors etc which eventually lead to the club losing their license.

Did they deserve to lose their license?

I don’t think they deserved to lose their license but at the end of the day if there is no backers and not enough money to run a club there’s no choice I suppose.

In your opinion is there still a chance for A-League football to return to Townsville?

Definitely. I think one day it can return to Townsville. It’s a great town and as I’ve mentioned they love their sport. We were getting crowds of in-between 5 and10 000 which is more or equal to what teams are getting now so I think the support would be there and it would only grow.

Let's move onto where you are playing now, back in your hometown of Wollongong with South Coast Wolves, it must feel good to be home?

Of course it’s good being home playing for my home town. I played my juniors here and went on to make my NSL debut for wolves when I was 16 so it’s always been close to me. I would still love to be playing professionally but very much enjoying playing here at home.

What's the level of the nswpl these days, how far the gap between it and the A league?

It is a good standard and a good stepping stone for players to move on to A-League as we’ve seen. I do think there is a reasonable gap in standard though as you’re not in a full time environment and players are working long days before going to training etc.

Wollongong is often touted as a expansion city for the A - League. What are your thoughts on this?

Very similar to Townsville as I believe we could definitely have a team one day here in the A-league. Again I think financially would be the biggest hurdle. It’s hard to find the $dollars to run a club. We have always and still are producing good players, we have over 10 000 junior players in the area and we have the facilities. Hopefully one day it will happen.

Would you bring them back the Wollongong wolves or South Coast?

I’m big on the Wolves brand as it has so much proud history and is still recognisable around the country.

You now have your own soccer academy business called soccerman can you tell us a little more about it?

SoccerMan is a fun soccer program designed for boys and girls aged 2-5 years old within preschools and at a venue. I and my brother who is a qualified childcare worker started the program about a year ago in the Illawarra area. Our Mum has owned a Childcare center for 15 years so we have grown up in that environment. When I used to visit the school all the children would call me ‘SoccerMan’ because I’d always have a kick around the yard with them. So with my brothers early childhood education and my soccer background, we decided to start the venture.
Our sessions are focused on children having fun while improving their coordination, balance and movement. We incorporate simple learning concepts such as numbers, colours, letters, shapes, animals and music.
We also run programs in primary schools for the elder age group. The SoccerMan program encourages a fun and happy environment while promoting an active and healthy lifestyle for children.


Are the participation numbers in football with young kids still high?

Very much so. It’s the most participated sport at junior level for boys and girls and I think that will only continue to grow.

Where can we find out more about soccerman ?

You can visit our website at http://www.soccerman.net.au/ . Or you can visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/soccerman4kids



You then moved on to the expansion franchise the NQ Fury, describe life as an A-league footballer in Townsville?

TIME TO SAY GOODBYE.

As the news swirled of Mark Schwarzer's retirement this week, I couldn't help but think of the song "Time to Say Goodbye" by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman. The emotional operatic song is only fitting for Schwarzer, whose career spanned over 20 years and 109 International Caps. Mark Schwarzer was a larger than life player during his tenure in the Socceroos team. His 195cm frame was a massive presence in goals, and every Australian Football fan felt at ease thanks to his professionalism and calm demeanour. He instilled confidence in his defence and got the best out of them by his professionalism, commitment and tireless work ethic. From humble beginnings in the old National Soccer League (NSL), Schwarzer went on to have one of the most successful and storied careers of any Australian Goalkeeper to play the game. Having spent nearly his entire career in England playing for clubs like Middlesbrough FC, Fulham and Chelsea, Schwarzer finished his career with 504 English Premier League appearances to his name (the most English Premier League appearances made by a Non English Goalkeeper).

What made Schwarzer even more special, was the fact that his 20+ year career remained untarnished and unspoiled by outside distractions. With Footballers making exorbitant amounts of money these days, it's easy for them to fall off the straight and narrow and be lured in to the Celebrity world of Partying and Alcohol/ Drug use. Schwarzer led a life dedicated to Football and he proved you can have a more enjoyable career without all these destructive temptations, and it's these attributes which made him a perfect role model for kids. It was perhaps his time with the Green & Gold (Socceroos) where Schwarzer enjoyed his greatest moments. Who could forget his man of the match performance in the 1993  victory over Canada, which gave Australia a World Cup play off spot against Argentina. Or the 3-1 victory over England in which Australia defeated the Three Lions at Upton Park. And finally (and quite possibly Schwarzer's career defining moment) the match against Uruguay in 2005. With the penalty shootout hanging in the balance, no thanks to a Mark Viduka penalty miss, Uruguay's Marcelo Zalayeta stood up to the spot with the hope of getting the Uruguayans back in to the game. After striking the ball hard to Schwarzer's left, Schwarzer made a great save by sticking his arm upright and getting a solid hand to the ball to deny Zalayeta and Uruguay of a 2006 World Cup spot. Although replays will always show John Aloisi's final penalty as the clincher and the one that got us there, one cannot deny Schwarzer's tireless effort and input in to that game, which ultimately got us to Germany 2006. As Mark Schwarzer prepares for life on the other side of a Football career (retirement), he leaves behind a career which will never be forgotten and possibly never replicated again by an Australian Goalkeeper. Thanks for the memories Mark.


Written by Alex Stilianos.

BRISBANE'S SUPERB FORM ONLY THE BEGINNING.

With 4 Rounds now complete in the 2013/14 A-League season, there's already been Blockbuster games and memorable moments. If this is the action we can expect week in and week out, than it will be a very exciting season ahead. Leading the chase at the top of the A-League ladder is Brisbane Roar FC, who took top spot yesterday with an emphatic 3 nil victory over Melbourne Heart FC. With some tantalizing football and solid wins under their belt, it looks as thought the Brisbane side won't be relinquishing top spot on the ladder any time soon. Having scored 9 Goals in 4 matches and conceding just 2, Brisbane have staked their claim as the team to beat this season. It's scary to think how easily The Roar disposed of Sydney FC during there 4 nil victory over the Sky Blues. After playing nearly the entire match without star Striker Besart Berisha, the Roar managed to put 4 goals past Sydney courtesy of goals from Matt Smith, Henrique, Jade North and Thomas Broich . This was also the case yesterday when the Brisbane side comfortably beat Melbourne Heart 3 nil at Suncorp Stadium, again without Berisha.

Like former Roar coach Ange Postecoglou (who is getting ready for his first game in charge of the Socceroos), the Roar seem destined to move on to bigger and better things. With delightful Football being served up every week by the likes of Broich, Henrique, McKay and Berisha, the Roar are showing flashes of the Brisbane team of old. What's even more exciting is the introduction of young gun Dimitri Petratos, who is already showing promising signs as a player for the future. Between 2010-11, the Roar enjoyed a 36 game unbeaten strike which set a national record for the longest undefeated streak by any Australian Football club. Although the Brisbane side suffered a 1 nil loss at the hands of the Melbourne Victory 10 days ago, It wouldn't surprise anyone if the Brisbane side embark on another series of matches where they remain undefeated. While their is still plenty of Football to be played between now and April 2014, this may well be the season which sees the Roar take their rightful place as the top dog in Australian Football.


Written by Alex Stilianos.

A NEW HOPE FOR THE GREEN AND GOLD.

                                                                                                                                     

A lot can change in a year (or 18 months). After leaving his post as Brisbane Roar coach in April 2012, Ange Postecoglou kicked off last season's A-League season (2012-13) as coach of the Melbourne Victory FC on the back of stinging criticism from a contingent of Roar supporters. After guiding the Brisbane club to back to back premierships, the Roar fans felt betrayed as Ange jumped ship almost immediately after the 2012 Grand Final win. This lead to a backlash from some supporters who felt Ange had left for the money and that his heart was not in the club. Some (fans) went so far as to say that the Roar's success was down to Roar's Assistant Manager Dario Vidosic and not Postecoglou. After the Melbourne Victory received a 5-0 drubbing at the hands of the Roar this time last year, it seemed Ange's successful coaching record had begun to sour. Who would've thought then that 12 months later, Postecoglou would be our new Socceroos coach.

It's quite a remarkable rise for Postecoglou, as his rise to coaching prominence has been many years in the making. Many fans would agree that Ange's coaching career has been years of small and steady steps, which has gotten him to where he is today. This time 4 years ago, Ange Postecoglou would have been the furtherest name linked to the Socceroos coaching job. In October 2009, Postecoglou emerged from obscurity when he returned to Australia to coach the Brisbane Roar. Having spent 9 months in Greece coaching 3rd Division side Panachaiki, Ange took over the Brisbane side from outgoing coach Frank Farina. It wasn't the first time Postecoglou and Farina had crossed paths as coaches. When Farina was coach of the Socceroos, It was Postecoglou who was coach of the Australian Under 20's side, and the two worked closely over the coming years. Although Postecoglou's time as Under 20's coach was shaky, it was this solid 7 year stint (coupled with his many years as South Melbourne coach) which eventually secured the Brisbane Roar coaching job for him.

2 and a half years after his appointment as Brisbane coach and it was the Roar and Postecoglou who were reaping the rewards and spoils of the A-League. With back to back premierships under the club's belt and a historic 36 game undefeated streak, Postecoglou had well and truly stamped his name on Australian Sporting History. As the Socceroos battle with poor results and disunity, I couldn't think of anyone more qualified and ready for this position than Ange. Having been there at the International stage with the Under 20's and winning back to back premierships on home soil, this appointment as Socceroos coach is the only positive thing to come out of such an uncertain year for Australian Football. It'll be a tough road ahead in the lead up to Brazil 2014, but if anyone can do it, It might as well be Ange Postecoglou.


Written by Alex Stilianos.

OH CAPTAIN, MY CAPTAIN.

                                                                                              


What do Lucas Neill and the IBM 5110 Computer both have in common? They're 35 years old, Obsolete and have limited capacity. The Current Socceroos team is in a state of Disarray after suffering back to back 6 nil losses at the hands of Brazil and France. Whilst Australia has taken baby steps since then by firing Socceroos coach Holger Osieck and gaining a 3 nil Victory over Canada in a Friendly match, it's merely a temporary solution. It seems odd to me that Osieck was fired 4 months after getting them to Brazil 2014, as I can't recall any other National team coach being sacked after getting there Country to a World Cup. The problem lies in the Socceroos team and its lack of depth. Having grown up as a 90's kid, I witnessed one of the strongest eras of the Socceroos when the starting 11 team comprised of players like Harry Kewell, Mark Viduka, John Aloisi, Stan Lazaridis, Paul Okon, Robbie Slater, Alex Tobin, Ned Zelic, Craig Moore, Tony Popovic and Mark Bosnich. To compare that Socceroos team from the 1990's to the current Socceroos team, would be like comparing Barcelona FC to Macclefield Town F.C.

This article is not a beat up of how bad the Socceroos are, it's just the way the Cookie crumbles. Once Australian Football fans accept the fact that it's not the Coach who's at fault, it's in fact lack of depth, then we'll all be much better off. The Scotland National Team experienced it's Golden Age of Football in the 70's, 80's and 90's when the Country qualified for 6 out of the 7 World Cups between 1974 and 1998. During that time the Scots produced quality players like Denis Law, Kenny Dalglish, Graeme Souness, Gordon Strachan, Ally McCoist and the list goes on. Since 1998 however, Scotland have failed to qualify for a Major International Tournament (Euros and World Cups). This is not down to poor coaching and disunity, it's down to the fact that there's simply not enough talent in the National team at the moment. When talking about Scotland's abysmal 1986 World Cup campaign, Former Scottish Footballer Gordon Strachan famously said "People want answers as to why things didn't work out, but at the end of the day we were just Crap."

Although there's nothing much that can be done to revamp this current Socceroos side, one thing is blindingly obvious, LUCAS NEILL MUST GO. Neill is a deadweight in the side who passed his use by date years ago and is a detriment to team morale. His recent attack on the younger players of the squad (which saw Neill questioning how bad these youngsters really want to play for the Green and Gold), it's clear Neill is not the captain or player the Socceroos need anymore. And it's not the first time Neill's had a less than memorable moment with the Socceroos. Rewind the clock to Germany 2006 for the Italy v Australia match and it was his sliding tackle which cost Australia a penalty and, inevitably, the game. People can say what they like about the incident, dive or no dive Neill should never have made that tackle. He committed the cardinal sin of defending by  making that tackle and, in doing so, cost Australia a place in the Quarter Finals. Had he been playing under a coach like Bill Shankly, Alf Ramsey or Alex Ferguson, he would have had a Crockett & Jones Imprint on his arse for the rest of his life.

After Australia's abysmal month of football, you'd think Neill would have had a big dose of humble pie; Unfortunately this was not the case. He proved yet again why he shouldn't be Socceroos captain after lashing out at Former Socceroo Mark Bosnich following comments Bosnich made calling for Neill's retirement as captain. For a player who had the turning capacity of  the HMS Queen Mary, Neill should heed the call of Bosnich (and the Australian public) and retire. His ship sailed long ago and it's now time for a new era of Australian footballers to take the helm of this once proud Socceroos team.


Written by Alex Stilianos.

Melbourne Derby 3,2,1 Man Of The Match Awards

The most eagerly anticipated match of the opening 2013/14 A - League season fizzled out into a boring stalemate. The Melbourne Derby is notoriously a drama packed match but tonight the script writers decided for write the opposite. In a game where both sides gave debut's to new signings its funny that two out of our 3,2,1 man of the match awards go to two players wearing their colours for the first time.

3. Paddy Kisnorbo

By far the best player on the pitch, if he stays fit he could just be the help the Heart need to get back into the top 6 come finals time. Made his physical presence known on a number of occasions and was largely responsible for keeping Archie Thompson quiet. Showed his experience in making the professional foul on the latter who was well on the way to scoring a goal on the counter attack.

2. Jason Hoffman

Often "Hoff" gets harsh reviews for his performances in a match, especially over the past few season but tonight he was very impressive. Keeping the energetic Connor Pain quiet is a tough job, one which plenty of specialty right backs have struggled with last season but makeshift right back Jason Hoffman did his job tonight. It looks to be a career saving call from John Aloisi because we dare say this year is make or break for the Hoffinator.

1. Mitch Nichols

Rounding out our awards for the Melbourne Derby 3,2,1's is former Queenslander Mitch Nichols. Linked up well with Archie Thompson and this threesome will be complete once Kosta Barbarouses returns from national duty with New Zealand. Well done Mitch it seems you have settled in to you're new home.

THE LJUB MOBILE HAS TAKEN OFF.

Last week's news that former Socceroo Ljubo Milicevic had left Perth Glory before the start of the season was surprising to say the least. On the eve of the 2013/14 A-League season, Milicevic seemed destined to don the Purple and White Colours for Perth this season. That was until last Thursday (October 3), when Perth Glory announced that the club and Milicevic had parted ways. While it may seem quite peculiar to join a club then leave without ever playing, this sort of thing is not uncommon and has happened quite a few times in Football. Today, Inside the Box FC will look at the Top 5 Dud Signings who were never given any game time.

5) Steve Horvat





















The name Steve Horvat wouldn't immediately ring any bells for the vast majority of Football fans out there. In an era of Great Australian players like Mark Viduka, Harry Kewell, Paul Okon, Robbie Slater and Mark Bosnich, it's easy to see why Horvat's name was forgotten over time. Having been a mainstay in the Socceroos side between 1994-2002, Horvat played for various clubs like Melbourne Knights (1994-95) Hadjuk Split (1995-96) and Carlton FC (1996-98) before making the big leap to England after signing with Crystal Palace FC. After a year of sitting on the bench, Horvat left Palace in 1999 to return to Australia where he would ultimately finish his career. During his time at Palace, he failed to register a single appearance for the club. One must wonder what on Earth enticed the London club to sign Horvat, as they clearly had no plans to play him in the Starting 11 side.


4) Ljubo Milicevic





















Ljubo Miliecevic (like many other successful Australian Footballers) came through the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) as a Teenager. He got his start in Professional Football after signing for Perth Glory FC in 1999. A year later he featured (and scored) in the Thrilling 2000 Grand Final match between Perth Glory and the Wollongong Wolves. After leaving Glory in 2001, Milicevic made the move to Switzerland, where he would stay for 6 years, playing for clubs like FC Zurich, FC Thun and BSC Young Boys. After returning to Australia in 2007, Milicevic played for various clubs like Melbourne Victory FC, Newcastle Jets and South Melbourne FC. After spending 2 years as a Free agent, Milicevic signed with his old club Perth Glory FC on August 19, 2013. Less than 2 months later it was announced that both Milicevic and Glory had parted ways.


3) Besart Berisha






















Besart Berisha spent the early years of his career in countries like Germany, Denmark and Norway, usually in the First or Second Division. Whilst playing for German side Hamburger SV in December 2006, Berisha created history by becoming the first Albanian Footballer to score in a European Champions League match. Just 5 months after this personal milestone and it was Berisha again who was making a name for himself. After turning in an impressive performance for Albania against the England B team, scouts were on the lookout and it wasn't long before Berisha was snapped by Burnley FC (who at the time were competing in the Championship). After suffering a serious knee injury during an International match against Malta, Berisha was sidelined for a year. Worse was to follow as, after spending 2 years on the sidelines, he was eventually sold off to German club Arminia Bielefeld without registering a single competitive match for Burnley.



2) David Unsworth





















Englishman David Unsworth spent a large part of his career playing at Centre Back for Everton FC throughout the 1990's and 2000's. Following a succesful season with West Ham United in 1997-98, Unsworth was approached by Birmingham club Aston Villa FC with a 3 Million Pound offer during the 1998 off season. Although he initially accepted the offer, the deal lasted barely a month as Unsworth was back at Everton FC just 4 weeks later. The Urban Legend surrounding Unsworth's failed Villa signing was down to Unsworth's wife, who told her husband if he stayed at Villa, he can expect to find his Dinner in the Bin every night. Whether or not this is true, It's surely one of the quickest and most obscure releases from a Transfer Deal in the History of Football.



1) Jason Culina





















As a Second Generation Footballer, Jason Culina was given all the breaks to become a Professional Footballer. His father Branko (who played Professional Football in Australia during the 1970's) coached young Jason at Sydney United then later on at Sydney Olympic. After enjoying a considerable amount of success as a Footballer in Holland for 9 years, Culina returned home in 2009 to play for newly created A-League glamour club Gold Coast United. Following a successful 2 year stint as United captain, Culina was lured by (wouldn't you know it) father Branko to join Newcastle Jets FC. Jason was purchased by the club on February 22, 2011 and while it seemed a Father/Son reunion was on the cards, this was laid to waste after it was revealed (several months later) that Branko had prior knowledge of Jason's long term knee injury, even before signing him. The Culinas were dealt with a double blow as Jason's contract was terminated before the start of the 2011/12 A-League season and Branko was stood down from his position as Head coach.


Written by Alex Stilianos.