Hello friends and it’s a great feeling to bring you the inaugral update from my new club Sydney FC of the Hyundai A-League. We will pick the story up in January 2016 which is about half way through the season with The Sky Blues finding themselves towards the bottom end of the ten team table. We will go right on through to the end to see how things played out for Sydney so my apologies in advance for a longer than normal post.
Current Standings:
Post season action contains Major and Minor semi-Finals as well as a Final Series. I’m not sure what all that is but I’ll deal with it as the season progresses.
I’ve arrived in Sydney with an upcoming transfer window though the rules that govern this situation are going to make things interesting as I can’t by players from other teams in the league? There’s only one league in the game so getting “other” Aussie players of quality could be challenging!
“Moneyball” Down Under
As with Vancouver I’ll be implementing my Moneyball system with Sydney, using stats as the main driver for recruiting new players and scout reports as secondary. Squad registration looks somewhat similar to the MLS though the maximum squad size is only 23 players as opposed to 30. However, it looks like I can use Under 20 players who don’t have to be registered and Sydney do have an abundance of those.
Finances:
Well I don’t like the look of this though I’ve been in this situation with Vancouver so hopefully I can turn things around here as well.
**Those of you who know me well realize I’m a bit of a budget freak both in real life and in the game so I focus on the finances quite a bit.
Facilities:
The stadium itself holds just over 45,000 so that’s twice as many as with Vancouver but with an average attendance of just over 8,000 this season there’s a lot to do to fill this puppy up!
Behind the scenes some improvements could be made also but with money tight and bad results on the field upgrading is not a priority right now. Winning and bringing revenue into the club is.
***Authors Note
I won’t bore you with endless screen shots of players but will highlight individuals that have an impact on the story. Just click on the names you see underlined.
January 2016
Our first game of 2016 saw us take a flight to New Zealand where after a very tentative first half we quickly took the lead through a well worked goal by AMR Scott Tesoro. Immediately Wellington pegged us back as a nervous looking back four conceded an own goal but redeemed themselves as a long searching pass found Tesoro who clinched the win with three minutes to spare.
That defensive error against Wellington was further highlighted in two back to back losses at the Sydney Football stadium as my Vancouver 4-5-1 tactic was proving difficult to embed in the Sydney framework.
My philosophy for the past few seasons had been to build from the back and when offered Belgium GK Wouter Biebauw by Anderlecht I snatched him up — the transfer window having opened mid-January. Australian free agent Scott Neville added some much needed steel to the right back area and so we were good to go at home to the Brisbane Roar
A slight change in the tactic moving one MC into a more attacking position and a slightly off-centre anchor man seemed to transform the team into a more cohesive unit. The arrival of James Brown, also a free agent did wonders to our passing game and that set things up for a very nice victory to end the month.
February 2016
February began away to Melbourne’s other team The Victory who were topping the table. A fantastic start saw two goals in the opening 6 minutes both masterminded by Brown whose shot deflected off a Melbourne defender for an own goal and the second a superb pass setting up AML Jared Lum. The lead held until half time after which Melbourne took over scoring two second half goals and we were lucky to hold on for a point.
We followed up that draw with two tidy back to back wins over Perth, who had turned me down and Gold Coast United, with midfielder Joel Chianese player a starring role in both including a cracking long range shot to secure the 2-1 win over GCU.
Chianese though wanted an improved contract elevating him to “Marquee player” status which we could not simply afford and we already had the maximum one Marquee in defender Bryan Bran. Therefore we had to put him on the market and he was sold to Lillestrom for $180,000.00
A short month ended with a trip to league leaders Adelaide who dominated possession yet we held firm securing a valuable point to keep us in the play-off picture.
Standings:
So with four games left to play we have to hold on to 5th place the best we can with Brisbane who have a game in hand are right on our tails.
March 2016
A come from behind win over Central Coast set the tone for the end of the regular season as we won three out of our four remaining games including a crucial victory over Melbourne Hearts that secured a place in the Hyundai Final Series. After a bit of struggle in January we’ve found our footing and roles to be comfortable in and that’s produced results.
Final Standings:
Notice Perth Glory didn’t make post season action :)
Hyundai Minor Series Semi-Final
We had home field advantage going into the semi-final which we took full advantage of as midfielder James Brown hit the back of the net after just 8 minutes. We struggled to capitalize on that good start and even though we pegged Brisbane back a second goal was found wanting. That soon changed after the interval with stunning curling free kick from Petratos but Brisbane pulled one back minutes later through a give-away pass by our left back. We weren’t shaken and 15 minutes later Brown hit his second from distance that was out-done by DMC Christer Hatlestad who hit his first of the season from 35 yards out to seal the deal and send us through to the final.
Hyundai Minor Series Final
The final matched us up away to the Central Coast Mariners but after 3 minutes we had the ball in the back of the net with Brown driving the ball in hard and low for the opening goal. An horrific back pass by RB Scott Neville allowed created the equalizer for the home side but he redeemed himself with a long searching ball that found striker Angus Bennett who beat the offside trap and smashed home the go ahead goal.
The second half was end to end stuff but Central Coast finally found a way through to get the equalizer and send the game to extra time. Midfielder Evan Karanikos gained the lead once more for us with yer another goal from distance before GK Biebauw bundled the ball into his own net from a very harmless looking cross to make it 3-3 and so penalties. With the shoot –out tied at three a piece Central Coast missed their second and final penalty and up stepped James Brown to coolly strike the ball home to send us through to the Preliminary Final.
Adelaide United beat Melbourne Victory over two legs in the Major Final (1st v 2nd) and so go through to the Grand Final. We now have to beat Melbourne in order to make the Grand Final. Wow, complicated.
Hyundai Preliminary Final
A fantastic crowd of over 37,000 (our best of the season) witnessed a great performance that stifled the Melbourne attack whilst at the other end goals from Brown and Petratos either side of half time ensured passage into the Grand Final and knocking out last seasons winners. Unfortunately Hatlestad will miss the final having got sent off and that could prove crucial as he’s been a solid anchorman.
Hyundai Grand Final
It was off to the Grand Final which was being held in Adelaide so a huge advantage for our opponents. The early battles favored Adelaide as they took control over the midfield and created several chances mostly from long range but kept GK Wouter Biebauw busy enough. Our first real opportunity came from a corner, Petratos spotting Brown unmarked at the edge of the area and his cross met Brown perfectly and he drove the ball home for the opening goal.
We were still celebrating when from the kick off five passes made it 1-1 just like that. Fortunately our heads didn’t drop and we searched for the go ahead goal before half time but in never came. We controlled most of the ball for the second half though Adelaide came up with the better chances but the deadlock couldn’t be broken and into extra time we went.
Six minutes in and a corner – Brown swings the ball into the box and youngster Richard Woodhouse rises above the pack and heads home our first goal from a corner all season and that would turn out to be the winning goal to. After a campaign that looked to be falling apart back in January we had turned things around and had won the Grand Final.
The victory meant we had qualified for next seasons Champions League. Nice compliment by the media as well.
Finances:
After the euphoria of winning the Grand Final was over the reality of running a club brought us all back down to earth. Despite being awarded $42,500.00 we continue to lose money on a steady basis. I guess I shouldn’t expect any transfer budget next season?
Lack of funding also meant our Facilities were downgraded by the league which along with the finances means this job is a huge undertaking to get the off-field problems sorted out.
Well that’s where I’ll leave things off for this season. Thanks a lot for taking the time to read this extra- long post and have a great weekend!
Alex Murray
30 июня, 2012 at 00:03
I have been reading your story over the last few months (albeit quickly) but now I’ve finished my A-Levels I’m reading it properly and it’s fantastic. You seem right at home in these leagues with complicated restrictions and the money-ball system looks to be working wonders too. I am surprised by the quality of some of your players, I thought Australian football was a lower standard than that. Incredible first season, turning it around to win the grand final. I look forward to the next update. (Although I would have preferred it if Perth Glory had appointed you as half my family live there having emigrated a while ago.)
Kevin
30 июня, 2012 at 09:35
Hi Alex
Greetings from Canada and thansk for leaving a comment — much appreciated. A-levels are a busy time and important too. I do enjoy these unique leagues as I did get a bit bored with the English scene. I was surpised by the quality of players too especially Brown who seemd to single handedly turn the season around. Thanks again.
saltwater
30 июня, 2012 at 00:14
When I finished reading this, I was rubbing my hands together… what a brilliant story this will be!
How do you do it? 6 championships in a row. And it really was a brilliant turn-around with a mediocre-looking team that you’ve done it with, not to metion another great write up to add to the collection.
I find it incredible that despite the low calibre of the Australian footy, all your players have quite good stats. Would you call your current team stronger than that of Vancover?
Finally, you seemed to have found your own Mr set-pieces; Petratos seems made for the job :)
saltwater
30 июня, 2012 at 00:16
Oh yeah, that subtle dig at perth glory — class!
Kevin
30 июня, 2012 at 09:40
Hi saltwater
In answer to your question I’m not really sure? I’d like to think my «Moneyball» system has something to do with it plus a no frills tactic complimented by a few shouts such as get the ball forward or retain possession. I just keep it simple for my aging brain…LOL
I think Vancouver is probably stronger though I noticed they cashed in on some of my players so their team is re-shaping. I need to do a bit of that with Sydney as well.
Daniel
30 июня, 2012 at 02:27
What a turnaround! Couldn’t believe it when you actually won the grand final. Slightly disappointed that the Phoenix only managed 16 points though (I’m a Phoenix fan in real life). In terms of the quality of football down under, usually all the good prospects get snatched up by European clubs, eg Ryan Nelson, Tim Cahill, Mark Schwarzer and Winston Reid etc. The real stars of the A-League are European imports. That being said, there are some talented Aussie and Kiwi players in the A-League.
Kevin
30 июня, 2012 at 09:45
Hi Daniel
Sorry about your Phoenix. Hopefully thet rise from the ashes next season :)
Thanks for your insight on the player availabilty and what usually happens to them. I should expect to lose some players then if Sydney are continually successful?
Tegar Triemanudigdo
30 июня, 2012 at 03:07
Oh yeah, Love to see your team qualify for ACL. But the finance wasn’t look so good there. Let’s just hope your team manage to fix it in few years.
Kevin
30 июня, 2012 at 09:48
Hi Tegar
Yeah, those finaces are extremely troubling for sure. Hopefully we will bring in some income from Champions League action.
David Wiggins
30 июня, 2012 at 04:39
Fantastic stuff as always Kev! How many finals did you have to play before reaching the final?! lol
Kevin
30 июня, 2012 at 09:49
Hey David
That’s funny. You’re right though as I was thinking that myself :)
Bevan
30 июня, 2012 at 05:49
Nice work Kevin!
Keep an eye for Aussies coming off contract so that you don’t have to pay transfer fees.
Hey Daniel, I’m also a Phoenix fan!
Kevin
30 июня, 2012 at 09:50
Thanks Bevan!!
Great tip about players as I don’t think I’ll get any transfer budget next season
Frank
30 июня, 2012 at 09:21
Hi Kevin,
I can’t believe you managed to turn Sydney FC into a championship winning team in half a season. The asian champions league will be a great experience,good luck :)
Kevin
30 июня, 2012 at 09:52
Hi Frank
I was quite surprised as well. The slight change in formation seem to do wonders and everthing clicked from there. Looking forward to the ACL as that will be a whole new competition for me.
TheZiggy
30 июня, 2012 at 12:03
Well done on turning Sydney around, and winning the play-off final. You seem to have a magic touch right now.
Looking forward to seeing how the Champions League campaign goes.
Kevin
30 июня, 2012 at 12:33
Hi Ziggy
Thanks very much…I’m just getting a lot of luck right now :) I’m looking forward to that ACL campaign as well.
Robert
30 июня, 2012 at 12:22
Well done on winning the grand final, hopefully you can turn the finances around and continue your great start. It’s great to see players like Brown, Neville and Petratos develop so well. I also think you can sign players from the same league by Bosman rule (when they have 6 months or less on there contract), keep up the good work :)
Kevin
30 июня, 2012 at 12:34
Hi Robert
The finances are a bit of a worry right now and as for those players you mentioned they have all been fantastic so far. Thanks for the player signing tip as well :)
Darren Smith
30 июня, 2012 at 12:42
What a start Kevin, you couldn’t have asked for a better beginning in the field considering what you inherited. Off the field it looks rather bleak but I think you can get Sydney playing some nice Football and winning stuff to make the finances right soon enough…just like you did with Vancouver. Nice update.
Kevin
30 июня, 2012 at 20:15
Thanks Darren,
After abit of a rocky start the team soon settled and then we were off to the races.Signing Brown though had a huge impact on our success.
Martin F.M.J.S
30 июня, 2012 at 12:51
Well done Kevin and a great turn around. You have proved that you are a better manager than all those teams give you credit for so well done. I look forward to your next season and how you get on in the ACL. :D
Kevin
30 июня, 2012 at 20:19
Hi Martin
Thank you for that compliment. I hope to take Sydney on a good run in the ACL
Laxeyman
30 июня, 2012 at 13:43
Good start to life in Australia Kevin, you brought in some quality players, particularly Brown who seems like a fantastic addition. Keep up the good work and I can see you right at the top next season, and also doing well in the Champions League :) Good luck!
Kevin
30 июня, 2012 at 20:21
Hey Laxeyman!
Yeah, Brown was a particularly great find and should lead us well in Champions League action.
Dan
30 июня, 2012 at 15:29
Hey Kevin,
This challenge suddenly looks a lot more difficult than I first imagined! Despite that I think you’ll be fine after all like you said this situation has similarities with Vancouver. Just like the MLS though the Australian league system seems to be very over complicated but I’ll try and keep up! ;)
Kevin
30 июня, 2012 at 20:25
Hi Dan
I think this is somewhat of a difficult league to operate in though a full season should make things a little clearer…I hope :)
Johnny Karp
30 июня, 2012 at 18:27
Congratulations Kevin, you have made an instant impact over there and we all know how difficult it is to take charge of a team in an unknown league in the middle of a season. Mighty well done mate, mighty well done!
P.S.: That minor — preliminary — grand final thing does look awfully confusing :)
Kevin
30 июня, 2012 at 20:30
Hi Johnny
Thanks very much. The acquisition of Brown and a modified tactic seemed to do the trick but we went further than I expected for a first season.
All those «finals» was confusing :)
Ana Garcia
30 июня, 2012 at 23:59
Yeah, I remember all those confusing games!!
But congrats on the title!! Will be interesting to see how you get on in the ACL Australian teams didn’t fair to well on my game but I didn’t have Australia selected so that may have something to do with it.
You should get some extra revenue from that but dont expect the same champions league money as you would get in Europe!!
Looking good so far so the best of luck. :)
Kevin
1 июля, 2012 at 09:43
Hi Ana
The ACL should be an interesting competition and thanks for the heads up about lack of prize money :(
I couldn’t beleive how many «finals» you have to play in order to win this thing!
Lye
1 июля, 2012 at 03:53
You have really transform the club Kevin. I like those three signings you brought in whom will surely increase the quality of the club. Your debut season is a great success in my opinion and i am sure there are more to come and i am looking forward to it.
Kevin
1 июля, 2012 at 09:46
Thanks Lye!
All those signings were pretty decent and I felt lucky to have gotten them, especially Brown who turned the season around for me.
vaibhavc
3 июля, 2012 at 06:55
Winners in your first season! Well done Kevin! I hope Canada will notice what you are doing in Australia! Great job! And Perth Glory failed!
Kevin
4 июля, 2012 at 17:27
Cheers vaibhavc!!
I hope Canada notice too though they seem to be doing just fine at the moment :(
CsAtlantis
4 июля, 2012 at 05:08
James Brown had a major impact on your season, great job signing him up Kevin, the finances still look a bit bleak but hopefully participating in the Asian Champions League will go some way towards improving it
Congratulations on winning the Hyundai Finals, good luck for next season! Beating Perth was a nice little bonus too
Kevin
4 июля, 2012 at 17:29
Hi CsAtlantis
Brwon was just phenomenal and I’m so happy I signed him — not so hapy about those finances which are very grim indeed.
Seeing Perth not qualify for the play-offs was very nice to see :)