Pre-season Update

Well I'll be stuffed. Seems that I was a fair way off with some of the things in my last piece. 

Starting with Chris May, who I thought the club would have retained at all costs, has parted ways after not getting the pay rise he was after. I can understand him wanting a pay rise and definitely understand the club not being able to afford it, but what I struggle to understand is why you would make a move like that before securing another club that is willing to pay you more? Who knows, maybe I'm a fair way off again with my prediction, but with the stupid systems in place in the league, it's not so easy for a visa player to pick and choose where he wants to play and how much he wants to play for.

Moving along to Tomislav Uskok who was off to Sydney United for a year before returning to the club, who has pleasantly surprised us all by securing his first A-league contract at Central Coast Mariners. I say surprised because after a few unsuccessful trials, it seemed like he was never going to be given the chance he deserved to prove himself in the nations top division. Will be disappointed if he doesn't return in 2017, but glad he will be playing at the highest level available to him.

Farewell Anth

But perhaps the biggest surprise for me is the departure of Anthony Colosimo. Playing more than 100 games over 7 odd seasons, he was the longest serving player at the club who remained loyal throughout. I'm devastated that the club has decided let him go, but at the end of the day I am sure whoever has made the decision has their reasons. I would like to wish him all the best in the future and he will always be welcome at Somers St.

Oddly enough, one goes and another returns. After getting some much desired game time and finding the back of the net a few times, Jacob has returned to the club for the 2016 season. Let's hope he can hit the same form he was in prior to his latest injury.

I'm not going touch on the other signings for now as to be honest I don't know too much about them. I guess time will tell whether they are up to it or not.

In other news;

Some much overdue improvements are being made around the stadium with the car park behind the grandstand being asphalted, as well as the fence around the pitch being torn down and replaced by a much more attractive shorter version. 

Memberships are out. Not too much has changed with the usual Corporate/Gold/Silver/Bronze staying the same. Should be available for purchase immediately after the new year.

Friendship Cup has been confirmed for Valentines Day weekend up in Sydney. I'll see you all there with your wives/husbands! We haven't done to well in the last couple of years so would be nice to take the trophy back for a change.

And finally, the Knights media team has three new additions for 2016. I'll be eagerly anticipating what Donald and the crew will have in store for us next season.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Stay safe and see you all in 2016!

Call to Arms - Rant!

In a future not too long from now, you come across an old VHS tape marked ‘NSL Grand Final 1995’. Instantly you re-call the old Olympic Park stadium, the smell of flare smoke fills your nostrils and somewhere in the background someone is blowing that long red annoying horn.

Melbourne Knights 1995 NSL GF

You gather your children around, blow the dust off the old video player and tell them about this story of a once great giant of Australian football, Melbourne Croatia.

This scenario scares the living day lights out of me, and mainly because it’s a plausible future for our club. I always envisioned my boys growing up supporting and playing for their local club, a club they could call their own.

When your children ask what happened to this club, what will you say? Will you blame the break-up of the NSL? The changing of the name? or the establishment of the A-League?

There really is only one answer to that question. And it’s YOU.

Yes, I’m being blunt, but it’s absolutely true. What has stopped you from attending games and buying a membership? What is your excuse?

Melbourne Croatia/Knights has been around for generations, it was built by our grandparents not just for a place to gather as a community, but for their children and grandchildren to have something to call their own.

Will you just stand aside and watch this once famous club disappear into a distant memory? Are you happy to just watch and do nothing?

If this club has ever given you an ounce of joy, it’s time to show that you care. Memberships cost as little as attending one A-League game, and ensure the stability and survival of the club. Even if you can’t make it to a game, you can still show your support.

There is no reason why this club can’t stick around for another 60 years, a club you can call your own, a place that feels like home. However it is completely up to you to ensure the future of this club isn’t limited to an old VHS tape. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

#ONELOVEONECLUB