It’s been two weeks since Sydney FC’s 2011/12 season ended with the dramatic 3-2 loss to Wellington Phoenix in New Zealand and the planning for 2012/13 season has begun.
It-s been two weeks since Sydney FC-s 2011/12 season ended with the dramatic 3-2 loss to Wellington Phoenix in New Zealand and the planning for 2012/13 season has begun.
Everyone at Sydney FC understands that we need to improve and that is the major factor in our planning for the 2012/13 season, including the Player Roster.
At this stage Sydney FC has 16 players contracted for the 2012/13 season. That includes 13 from the 2011/12 squad and three players who were promoted from the National Youth League team earlier this season.
The players contracted are: Terry Antonis, Mark Bridge, Pascal Bosschaart, Nick Carle, Joel Chianese, Brett Emerton, Hagi Gligor, Rhyan Grant, Mitch Mallia, Terry McFlynn, Hirofumi Moriyasu, Ivan Necevski, Daniel Petkovski, Dimi Petratos, Sebastian Ryall and Nathan Sherlock.
It is always sad to see players leave Sydney FC. Departing players, coaches and staff form a part of the history and evolution of a Football Club and their contribution will always remain a part of our DNA.
Last week a decision was made by the Football Department (Football Director Gary Cole, Assistant Coaches Steve Corica and Ian Crook and Goalkeeper Coach Zeljko Kalac) not to renew the contracts of Juho Makela, Bruno Cazarine and Jamie Coyne. Karol Kisel had previously stated he would be returning, as planned, to Europe.
Shannon Cole, Michael Beauchamp and Scott Jamieson, have also not yet been offered contracts but the door is not closed on them.
The beauty of football is that everyone has an opinion. Those opinions are respected, especially the opinions held and voiced by the Sydney FC Members.
With that in mind, Sydney FC needs to improve as a team and we need room within the A-League squad size regulations and the Salary Cap to be able to do that. There are also restrictions on the number of foreigners, which for next season will be five.
Hyundai A-League clubs are allowed to contract between 20 and 23 players (at least two of which need to be goalkeepers), which leaves us adequate room to improve the squad and return Sydney FC to the top of the A-League. We also only have two foreigners contracted for 2012/13.
The next step is the most important step. We need to contract a Coach for the 2012/13 season as any in-coming coach would want to have a say in finalising the squad, taking into consideration the style of play and selecting players to fit that style.
Despite that, the Sydney FC Football Department have been busily identifying available players both in Australia and overseas.
Initial discussions have also taken place with a wide range of players but no contracts will be offered until the Coach is in place but rest assured that the appointment of a Coach is the Number One priority at Sydney FC.
Sydney FC sincerely thanks you again for your support in 2011/12 and will keep you updated with any major developments. We look forward to a vibrant and fruitful off season before we charge head-long into season eight of the Hyundai A-League.
Regards
Stefan Kamasz
Sydney FC Acting CEO
Sydney FC is taking expressions of interest from fans keen to register their support for the 2012-13 season. Simply log onto sydneyfc.com to update or add your information.
