NPL Discussion 2022

[Paul01]

23 hours ago, MartinTyler said:

I don't think that Sydney based A-League Womens/girls teams was ever on the agenda for 2022.

That will only be confirmed if the girls academies are maintained.

This was really the chance to add them to competitions. Perhaps, that would have spelt the end of the Football NSW Institute Teams.

[MathyouWSW]

https://mens.nplnsw.com.au/2021/10/21/sydney-olympic-snare-roy-odonovan-in-huge-coup-for-the-club/?fbclid=IwAR2AwTRonoavDMq6m11rcDxmdFhyayF6luS6ThDzPfooJn7-yrrtpeiVdJI

SYDNEY OLYMPIC SNARE ROY O’DONOVAN IN HUGE COUP FOR THE CLUB

Labelled as one of the signings of the 2022 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s season, former English Premier League and A-League star sharpshooter Roy O’Donovan will be wearing the Blue and White kit of Sydney Olympic starting off with the FFA Cup clash against Sydney FC in what’s been seen as a massive coup for the club and competition.

The 36-yer-old Irishman made the move ‘down under’ in 2015 when he signed for the Central Coast Mariners and spent two seasons there before moving off to the Newcastle Jets, then linking up with the Brisbane Roar for the 2019-2020 season. He then made the switch back to the Jets for the 2020-2021 season and it was there he spent his final season in the A-League before agreeing to terms with the Blues.

O’Donovan was looking forward to joining Sydney Olympic Football Club as well as linking up with his new teammates.

“I am as willing as ever to play and support this great Club in both the upcoming FFA Cup match against Sydney FC and the 2022 NPL season,” the prolific striker said in the club’s official press release.

“There are few Clubs like Sydney Olympic in Australia, a great tradition and history, supported by passionate fans that want success for this Club.

“I will be trying my best to contribute to the team and help bring success to this Club to make the fans proud, I like the look of our squad, many young aspiring players combined with some experienced players, I can’t wait to join them on the park.”

Head Coach Ante Juric was confident Roy would make an immediate impact on the playing group.

“Roy is a great addition to our squad.

“He brings experience, and he is a proven goal scorer at the highest of levels.

“Roy is another important piece to our team as we look to succeed as a team and club this season and beyond. We are looking forward to him joining the team in training.”

O’Donovan will commence training from next week ahead of the upcoming FFA Cup Round of 32 match against A-League heavyweights Sydney FC at Belmore Sports Ground on Wednesday 24 November.

Well, that squashed the rumours of him going to Adelaide United.

Edited October 21, 2021 by MathyouWSW

[mack]

The NPL team is back in training.

Draw has been released. Round 1 is set for Saturday 12th of March.

[MartinTyler]

11 hours ago, mack said:

The NPL team is back in training.

Draw has been released. Round 1 is set for Saturday 12th of March.

Club website site still has Patrick Zwaanswijk as head coach plus Grozos, Lesiotis and Auglah as listed players.

Edited January 10, 2022 by MartinTyler
grammar

[MathyouWSW]

Lawrie McKenna is now appointed on the board of directors at Sydney Olympic: https://mens.nplnsw.com.au/2022/01/11/gardiner-and-mckinna-appointed-as-sydney-olympic-fc-directors/?fbclid=IwAR0ZDtL2GMxPXFOhvc7VYcuC6U1UaqG5J_dtvMmF_BNuV53pMpcdWqf_wgc

And ex-Mariners player Jaden Casella has gone back to playing for Rockdale: https://mens.nplnsw.com.au/2022/01/10/casella-pens-deal-with-rockdale-ilinden/

Edited January 11, 2022 by MathyouWSW

[MathyouWSW]

Looks like the club has lost Ruben Awaritefe. He is signed for St.George City FC.

https://footballnsw.com.au/2022/02/14/st-george-city-aim-to-fire-with-reuben-awaritefe/?fbclid=IwAR3H_-6s1Y7sOs4bDrKvNVMVfh5ZsASswZP7TGytZeUZ7NptuJ-FtW2iH18

ST GEORGE CITY AIM TO FIRE WITH REUBEN AWARITEFE

14 February , 2022 By Football NSW

How does a club replace Jason Romero? That’s a question Football NSW League One Men’s club St George City hope to have answered with the signing of Reuben Awaritefe.

After stints at both A-League academies in Central Coast Mariners and Western Sydney Wanderers. Awaritefe, son of NSL great Francis Awaritefe has made his return to Sydney’s South and with a full season on the horizon, we caught up with him to chat about his experiences and what he hopes to bring to a side who surprised us all last year.

On his time at both A-league academies, Awaritefe told Football NSW.

“Being in an A-League academy was a huge step in my improvement as a footballer and taught me what it takes to become a professional footballer.

“I first went to Central Coast Mariners and that was a huge learning curve from day 1. I was coached by Nick Montgomery and Sergio Rai. They held the players to the highest possible standard at all times and always pushed players to be training and playing at 100% every time we stepped on the pitch.

“My next academy was the Western Sydney Wanderers. I was bought into the club by Patrick Zwannswijk as he had previously coached me.

“I had a rough start to the season as I had pulled my hamstring during preseason, then only a couple of weeks later during a game I dislocated my shoulder, and I was out for another 3 to 4 weeks.

“Once I came back from recovery, I was featuring off the bench and I thought I did very well considering the amount of time I played in the goals and assists I had accumulated. I learnt a lot during my time at the Wanderers and talking to the senior players in the A-League squad helped me realise the kind of hard work that I would have to put in to get to that level.”

It’s been a busy off-season for Awaritefe who had the opportunity to go on trial at both English League two club Salford City and the Championship’s Millwall FC in their under 23’s.

“I got some very encouraging feedback from both teams, and I’ve been told I have the tools to become a professional footballer if I can match my ability with hard work and improvement within the next couple of months/years.”

Looking ahead to this season, Awaritefe has eyes on a good campaign at his old club St George City.

“I was at St George City about two years ago now and I really enjoyed my time at the club so when I had the opportunity to return, I was more than happy to be back.

“Pre-season for me individually has been a bit up-and-down. I have had a few niggling injuries here and there but as of now I’m starting to play more regularly and get the game time that I need to be prepared for the season ahead.

“As a group, we have some very good individuals and I believe the club has recruited extremely well but now it is up to the players to perform on the pitch. We are as a club are pushing for promotion and I think we have all the tools to achieve that if we can all work hard and put in the performances that I needed to achieve this goal.

“I believe I’m surrounded by a really good club with a lot of support and infrastructure that can allow me and the team to do our best and achieve our goals. While becoming better footballers is in the process and I can’t wait for the season to start.”

Joining Awaritefe at the club this season are a mix of youth and experience. With Alex Malfara and Nicholas Kalogerou recognizable acquisitions from SD Raiders and Northern Tigers alike. While young striker Mark Moric will look to compliment Awaritefe in their attack.

St George City kick off their season with a trip to Pluim Park to face Central Coast Mariners, Sunday March 13.

[MartinTyler]

So is there any news about which players are still with our NPL squad and who's coaching? The official site still lists players and coach who we know have long gone.

[mack]

1 hour ago, MartinTyler said:

So is there any news about which players are still with our NPL squad and who's coaching? The official site still lists players and coach who we know have long gone.

We apparently have a trial game vs Sydney United at Blacktown this Wednesday. Might get some info out of that.

[Paul01]

On 14/02/2022 at 8:00 PM, mack said:

We apparently have a trial game vs Sydney United at Blacktown this Wednesday. Might get some info out of that.

Any news?

[mack]

2 minutes ago, Paul01 said:

Any news?

Haven't heard anything.

[Taurus]

The production line at our academy took a massive hit when Popa coaxed Arthur Diles into leaving WSW & joining him at Xanthi in Greece. 

They are the two most influential coaches that have walked the sidelines for WSW in the last decade. 

AD is currently the asst to Papas at the Jets.

[MathyouWSW]

NPL New South Wales Facebook page recently posted a video tonight of Mount Druitt Town Rangers. It seems they were training at the Wanderers CoE Football Park. I'm not sure if they had a trial match against the Wanderers NPL squad but during the video I can see they had a trial match against St.George Saints FC.

[alexd]

SD Raiders also training there tonight

[Paul01]

1 hour ago, alexd said:

SD Raiders also training there tonight

Is the club trying to be nice to a feeder club to the Macarthur Bullsh1tters?

[Paul01]

I was refereeing Summer Football last Thursday on the new synthetic pitch at Jamison Park (Penrith) last Thursday night. The Nepean u20 NPL and senior NPL squad trained on the pitch in a section where our  pitches are not.  

There are 2 full size synthetic pitches (side by side) at Jamison Park. These are in use Monday to Friday at the moment with Summer Football 

However, I understand that NPL can't be played there as there is no grandstand.

[alexd]

38 minutes ago, Paul01 said:

Is the club trying to be nice to a feeder club to the Macarthur Bullsh1tters?

No. Just making use of their sooooo many fields. $250 per 1.5hr.

SD Raiders is a feeder club to whoever temps the players.  They are close to the smurfs via the N.Carle connection, but latety a few have been snatched by wsw.

....Until they let them they're not good enough, like they did Volpato (now playing at Roma a.s. under no other than mourinho)

[alexd]

1 minute ago, alexd said:

No. Just making use of their sooooo many fields. $250 per 1.5hr.

SD Raiders is a feeder club to whoever temps the players.  They are close to the smurfs via the N.Carle connection, but latety a few have been snatched by wsw.

....Until they let them they're not good enough, like they did Volpato (now playing at Roma a.s. under no other than mourinho)

Tempts

[MathyouWSW]

54 minutes ago, alexd said:

No. Just making use of their sooooo many fields. $250 per 1.5hr.

SD Raiders is a feeder club to whoever temps the players.  They are close to the smurfs via the N.Carle connection, but latety a few have been snatched by wsw.

....Until they let them they're not good enough, like they did Volpato (now playing at Roma a.s. under no other than mourinho)

If this is true then I think it's a smart move by the club since there's so many fields there so you're better off using them. However, I'm interested to know where to the money goes.

[sonar]

2 minutes ago, MathyouWSW said:

If this is true then I think it's a smart move by the club since there's so many fields there so you're better off using them. However, I'm interested to know where to the money goes.

Most probably into field/academy upkeep.

[MathyouWSW]

So the NPL NSW was supposed to kick off tomorrow night between Mount Druitt Town Rangers vs APIA Leichhardt at Popondetta Park but it's been announced it's washed out. 

They released a media guide with all the teams listing here: https://mens.nplnsw.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/03/NPL-media-guide-2022.pdf?fbclid=IwAR0E7fYYIh2EQWoifi_QMw0CE16kqNiaAgWy4CdvSEPUYYDXoXsqukt0VuE

I'll name a few players that used to be at the Wanderers and are playing for an NPL NSW club.

Fabian Monge has left Greek club Xanthi FC and has returned to be signed to APIA Leichardt. He was previously playing for Sydney Olympic. 

Tristan Predergast, Mario Shabow and Jackson Bandiera will be at Blacktown City FC for another season. Jake Trew will be joining them this season. Blacktown City FC were at 1st last season before it was postponed so it'll be interesting to see if they'll do it this season.

Matt Sim departed Sydney United after being with them for about 4 seasons and has joined Manly United which is where he originally started his football career. Also joining him is Jack Greenwood who never played for the Wanderers senior squad but was a familiar name in the NPL squad before being outshined by Jack Warshawsky.

Stefan Nikolic who was let go by Carl Robinson last season and former Wanderer Liam Youlley will be at Marconi Stallions for another season. 

Wanderers legend Tarek Elrich will give it another crack this season with Mount Druitt Town Rangers. Another former Wanderer John Roberts will also be playing for the Wanderers this season. 

Nick Suman will be on loan playing for Northbridge Bulls. He'll be joined by Moudi Najjar and  Rory Jordan  who played for the Wanderers NPL squad will also be playing for Northbridge Bulls.

Jamie Percevski who previously played in the Wanderers NPL squad has joined Rochdale Ilinden who was previously playing for NPL Victorian club Altona Magic FC 

Nick Sullivan returns to Sutherland Shark which is where is he started his football career. It'll be interesting to see if he'll be played in the right position as a midfielder compared to being used as a winger at Perth Glory. 

Mathieu Cordier has been signed to Sydney Olympic who was previously playing for APIA Leichhardt. Oliver Puflett and Marley Peterson who were former Wanderer NPL players will also be playing for Sydney Olympic this season.

Sydney United 58 FC has a few former Wanderers playing for them this season. Danijel Nizic will be the first choice keeper for the club. Yianni Perkatis, Andrea Agamemnonos, Tariq Maia are also former Wanderers NPL players that are also playing for Sydney United 58. 

And Lachlan Scott will play for the Wollongong Wolves again this season. 

[Carns]

The WSW academy is good for one thing. It's a good feeder club for future NPL players.

[MathyouWSW]

1 hour ago, Carns said:

The WSW academy is good for one thing. It's a good feeder club for future NPL players.

Unfortunately...this is true. 

I was always interested and was hoping one day Jamie Percevski would of been called up to the Senior Squad. I remember watching him play a few times and he is a top player. Pretty sure he had a trial overseas as well but was unsuccessful. 

Nikolic was another player that should of never been told they could leave the club. Same applies to Monge. Him and Mo Adam were a lethal duo when they were playing for Sydney Olympic last season. 

[mack]

2 hours ago, MathyouWSW said:

Also joining him is Jack Greenwood who never played for the Wanderers senior squad but was a familiar name in the NPL squad before being outshined by Jack Warshawsky.

Apart from his two games at the end of 2018/19.

[Carns]

35 minutes ago, MathyouWSW said:

Nikolic was another player that should of never been told they could leave the club. Same applies to Monge. Him and Mo Adam were a lethal duo when they were playing for Sydney Olympic last season. 

It's always the big question of whether they can actually make the step up though. How many bright young youth talents have had a good game or two in A-league and faded into obscurity?

[Sithslayer1991]

10 hours ago, Carns said:

The WSW academy is good for one thing. It's a good feeder club for future NPL players.

Sobering thought.... Unfortunately without domestic transfer we don't get anything out of it either.

[MartinTyler]

10 hours ago, Carns said:

The WSW academy is good for one thing. It's a good feeder club for future NPL players.

Many top league academies achieve similar results.

[Sithslayer1991]

39 minutes ago, MartinTyler said:

Many top league academies achieve similar results.

The difference is they will get a transfer majority of the time

[MartinTyler]

5 minutes ago, Sithslayer1991 said:

The difference is they will get a transfer majority of the time

Many would be let go at the end of a contract/agreement with no money changing hands if they transfer to a lower division club.

[mack]

There might be training compensation but it pales in comparison to the costs of what in some cases is a decade of investment in the player from a young teenager to leaving in their late teens/early 20's.

[Carns]

4 hours ago, MartinTyler said:

Many top league academies achieve similar results.

No doubt. The majority of players in academies in the UK either never make it at all or will only play lower league football.

Big question is, whilst it's relatively new, have we had any successes yet (as far as bigger potential than A-league)? Baccus still hasn't moved on to better things. Admittedly we've got a number of players who are comfortably in our A-league squad, which might be the only realistic goal (and not a bad achievement).