Rudan signs to play in Japan


December 10, 2007

SYDNEY FC veteran Mark Rudan will play his final game for the A-League club on Saturday after signing for Japanese second division team Avispa Fukuoka.

Rudan, who captained the side in its first two seasons before Tony Popovic took over this year, will link up with former Sydney coach Pierre Littbarski in Japan.

With his Sydney contract set to expire at the end of this season, 32-year-old Rudan is believed to have accepted two-year deal with Fukuoka.

Sydney's match against last-placed Perth at the Sydney Football Stadium on Saturday will also be Rudan's 50th A-League appearance.

An off-the-ball collision with Newcastle Jets striker Joel Griffiths in last Friday night's 1-0 win could threaten Rudan's A-League farewell if he is cited by the Football Federation Australia's match review committee.


AAP

Rudan to make Sydney FC swansong on SaturdayMonday, 10 December 2007
Sydney FC’s inaugural captain and inspirational defender Mark Rudan will play his 50th and final game for Sydney FC against Perth Glory at the Sydney Football Stadium on Saturday before taking up a new contract with Japanese club Avispa Fukuoka.

The 32-year-old, who was off contract at the end of the 2007/08 Hyundai A-League will leave Sydney FC after Saturday’s game.

Rudan had been weighing up the offer presented to him by former Sydney FC coach Pierre Littbarski for several weeks.

“It has been a very tough decision for me,” Rudan said. “I have enjoyed the best times of my football career at Sydney FC and it was very tough to leave but my family has to come first and although I am sad to be leaving it is something I have to do.

“Being a Sydney boy I was very proud to be the inaugural captain of Sydney FC and the memories of my time here; Grand Finals, Club World Championships and the Asian Champions League are something I will always cherish.

“I may be leaving but I would love to come back and have some kind of involvement at Sydney FC down the track.”

Saturday night’s clash with Perth Glory at the Sydney Football Stadium was to be special for the defender as it is his 50th Hyundai A-League appearance but it has extra significance as it will also be his last in Sydney FC colours.

“I’m happy to be playing my last game at home because the support we have received from the Sydney fans has been great right from the start of the A-League,” Rudan said. “It will be nice to hear and see the support from the Cove and around the ground one more time. They have made the experience even better for me.”

It was also fitting that one of his final contributions to Sydney FC was the gutsy never-say-die 92nd minute run that set up Steve Corica’s stunning later winner against the Newcastle Jets on Friday night.

His desperation and commitment summed up Rudan’s attitude that has seen him win the respect of his peers, coaches, officials and, importantly, the Sydney FC fans.

Rudan has been the rock on which the Sydney FC defence has been built in the first three years of the Hyundai A-League and although his loss is a big one, he leaves Sydney FC with the blessing of the club.

“There is no doubt that Mark Rudan has been one the best players and best clubmen Sydney FC has had in its first three years,” said CEO George Perry. “Everyone involved with Sydney FC speaks incredibly highly of him and we wish him luck in Japan.

“He will be a big loss and he will be missed but he will also be welcome back at Sydney FC when he finishes his time in Japan. It is important for Sydney FC as a club that people like Mark Rudan stay involved after they finish their careers.”

Current Sydney FC Captain Tony Popovic also spoke highly of his defensive partner: “Rudes (Rudan) has been massive for Sydney FC. His attitude is second none, as he showed with that overlapping run to set up our winner last weekend.

“I have enjoyed playing with him and I know I speak for the rest of his team mates when I wish him luck.”

Sydney FC signs midfielder Mark RobertsonThursday, 13 December 2007
Mark Robertson is free to make his Sydney FC debut after securing a clearance this morning from the Hungarian FA to complete his transfer.

The 30-year-old midfielder has been signed by Sydney FC as a replacement player for Adam Casey who is on long term injury list. Robertson has been included in a provisional 17-man squad for Saturday night’s clash with Perth Glory.

“It’s nice to finally be available after the transfer came through this morning. I have been training with the boys for a few weeks and I am looking forward to hopefully getting a run at some stage on Saturday,” Robertson said.

“It has been frustrating waiting for the Hungarian FA to come through with the clearance but at least I’ve had the opportunity to train with the players and watch the team play a few games. It has allowed me to get a better understanding of the team.”

Robertson had been with Hungarian side Sopron FC but spent nine seasons in the UK with the likes of Dundee and Swindon Town after starting his career with Wollongong and Marconi in the NSL.

Robertson was part of the Wollongong side that won the epic 1999/2000 NSL Grand Final when after being behind 3-0 at half time they clawed back to 3-3 at full time before winning the penalty shoot out.

Mark Robertson career:
1994-1997: Marconi
1997-1999: Burnley
1999-2000: Wollongong Wolves
2000-2001: Swindon Town
2001-2003: Dundee
2003-2004: St Johnstone
2004-2005: Stockport County
2006-2007: Perth Glory
2007: FC Sopron

Sydney double signing a secret

http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/stor...5006068,00.html

SYDNEY FC have pulled together a recruiting coup from both sides of the country by snaring A-League stars Simon Colosimo and Mark Bridge for next season.

But it's the double-whopper deal that's supposed to remain a secret, all parties reluctant to cause upheaval in the countdown to the finals.

Colosimo, the Perth Glory skipper, and Bridge, the Young Socceroos and Newcastle Jets striker, have each agreed to join Sydney for the 2008-09 season.

But it's believed the prize pair, through agent Leo Karis, have asked to hold off any announcements because of the distraction it could cause at their present clubs.

Bridge and Newcastle, in particular, are in a dogged battle with Sydney FC for a place in the top-four.

Karis and Sydney FC chief executive George Perry both declared their interest, but denied any deals had been finalised.

They claim to have put negotiations on hold until after the A-League season.

"We'd be screaming from the roof-tops if it was done because they'd both be good buys, but they're not done yet,'' Perry insisted.

Karis said it was "premature'' and "inaccurate'' to suggest Colosimo and Bridge had signed with Sydney.

Newcastle chief executive John Tsatsimas was more forthcoming.

Tsatsimas said he had heard Bridge would link with Sydney, but he hadn't sought any confirmation from the 22-year-old.

Tsatsimas said the Jets withdrew their offer to Bridge when he did not meet any of their negotiation deadlines.

Bridge had told the Jets he was not willing to negotiate until the end of the season.

"It was pretty obvious from that chain of events that there were other things on his mind, but we've got to look at our options as well,'' Tsatsimas said.

"At the end of the day players come and players go. We can't stand still hoping and praying that Mark stays. We've got to move on and secure our future.''

Tsatsimas denied the contract drama would cause any turbulence at Newcastle as the Jets aim for their third consecutive finals appearance.

"Obviously Mark would have been an ideal player to stay here, we like the kid, but at the end of the day he's got to look after his future as much as we've got to look after ours.''

The details of the Sydney deals do remain secret.

But Karis told The Sunday Telegraph he had been seeking multi-year contracts for both Colosimo and Bridge.

Karis said Bridge's contract would also likely contain a get-out clause for lucrative international offers.

"In the case of Bridge, I think he needs another year or so in Australia,'' Karis said.

"I could get him a club overseas tomorrow but will it be the right club for him and his development?''

Bridge, born in Sydney and a former Parramatta player, was Newcastle's leading goal-scorer last season.

A Socceroos representative, Colosimo, 28, was Perth Glory's most valuable player last season.

The midfielder was also at Perth for the club's National Soccer League title in 2003-04.

BRETT EMERTON has added his name to the list of Socceroos stars who want to play in the A-League. After seven years in Europe, where he has played in Holland and England, the 28-year-old Blackburn Rovers utility said he planned to return to Australia before the end of his playing career.

"I call England home right now but my real home is back there in Sydney," Emerton said.

"After my football career is over here [in the UK], I can't wait to return. I definitely want to go back and play in the A-League.

"It is something I would love to do. I don't want to go back when I am 35 or 36 years old and useless, either.

"I want to go back when I still have some running in my legs and [can] really give something to football back home."

After establishing himself as one of the National Soccer League's brightest talents, Emerton left Australia in late 2000 for Dutch club Feyenoord, spending three successful seasons in Holland and earning a UEFA Cup winner's medal in 2002.

His current contract with Premier League club Blackburn runs for two more years after this season, suggesting a likely return to Australia after the 2010 World Cup.

"I dreamed of representing my country and playing in the Premier League," Emerton said. "I've done that now but that doesn't mean you stop wanting to achieve.

"You always set yourself new targets and new goals and you always want to achieve more.

"My first goal is to play in another World Cup. It was such a great experience the first time around and I want to be in South Africa playing there again, hopefully with the majority of this squad.

"On a club level, we had a fantastic start to the season and my goal for this year is to play regularly in the team and look at a top-six finish.

"If things go really well, we can look at Champions League football next year.

"Realistically, I don't think anyone outside the top three can win the Premier League. If you are going to win the premiership you need to be winning games consistently week in and week out.

"For Blackburn, qualifying for the Champions League would be as good as winning the Premier League."

With 67 senior Socceroos appearances, Emerton can now claim to be a veteran of the national team. He made his debut under Terry Venables in a Melbourne friendly against Chile in February 1998 and claims he's content to take an elder statesman role in the current team.

"I feel like I've been around forever but I'm still only 28," Emerton said. "I'm one of the older and more experienced players now and I have a role to play, not only on the pitch but off it, encouraging young players and helping them develop.

"It's easy to stay motivated. I enjoy representing my country and coming into training camps. I have made some very good friends and when you're enjoying yourself everything becomes easy."

Emerton's three seasons at Feyenoord introduced him to the Dutch football system, as well as Rob Baan, the club's technical director who, several years later, now fills the same role with Australia.

With a nod to new coach Pim Verbeek, Emerton appreciates Dutch football's methods.

The feeling is mutual. Guus Hiddink identified Emerton's outstanding athletic ability as a key to Socceroos success in 2006 and, with improvisation, converted the traditional attacking wide midfielder to a defender.

At a training session in 2005 before Australia travelled to Montevideo to play Uruguay in the World Cup play-off, Hiddink handed Emerton the role of marking Alvaro Recoba whenever Australia lost possession.

Emerton, it was noted, had the energy and legs to shut down dangerman Recoba whenever Australia lost the ball, no matter where each player was on the pitch at the time.

"The Dutch are a great football nation and they do very well on the world stage," Emerton said.

"I'm 28 and I'm still learning the game. You can never stop learning and the Dutch influence is positive for Australia. Technically, they are very good and they play a good passing game. It's important that they bring that into our national team.

"The Australian mentality is great. It doesn't matter what sport you are talking about but when an Australian steps out in the sporting field we give 110 per cent.

"That's something we will never lack. Combined with the Dutch technical influence, it will make us a very strong unit."

Litti is the coach of the team that Rudan is going to, that is what he has to do with it

Colosimo looking forward to new role


January 27, 2008

THE chairman reckons he has signed the most talented Australian in the A-League, and now Simon Colosimo is itching to thrive under the pressure of playing for the biggest club in the land - Sydney FC.

One of Andrew Kemeny's top priorities when taking control of the club last year was to sign the Socceroo, and now the chairman has got his man.

Sydney last week completed a two-year deal with the Perth Glory midfielder. And Colosimo, 29, has declared that his best years are ahead of him.

"The next three to four years will be my best and the pressure of playing with Sydney I'm looking forward to most," said Colosimo, who will join Pim Verbeek's Socceroos squad in Melbourne tomorrow.

"If you have aspirations to play for the Socceroos on a consistent basis, you need to be under pressure week in, week out, and it's a pressure cooker in Sydney.

"There are no top-two or top-four aspirations; nothing less than winning the title is good enough.

"There is pressure on the whole club. Ask every player in the A-League which team he would like to knock off and 80per cent would say Sydney."

Kemeny, who initiated the chase for Colosimo with the blessing of coach John Kosmina, believes the versatile player has been badly mismanaged in recent seasons at Perth and says he will benefit from playing under the more authoritarian Kosmina.

"Simon is a big-time player and to get the best out of him, he needs a solid manager and someone who will instil discipline for him to blossom," Kemeny said. "And he'll get that with us under Kossie."

Kemeny will aim for quality, not quantity when completing his off-season signings and will cap his squad at 20 to 21 players.

Colosimo's manager, Leo Karis, backed the move as his star aims to play a role in the Socceroos' 2010 World Cup bid after missing out on the Germany 2006 campaign. "I think Sydney's an ideal move for Simon from a football and marketing perspective," Karis said.

After a disappointing debut A-League season with the Glory, Colosimo has now returned to his best form.

Of his time at Perth, he said: "It's been a hard transition for the club, from being the No1 side in the country to the other teams coming in and catching up."

Milligan, Zadkovich likely to join exodus

AUSTRALIA Under-23 players Mark Milligan and Ruben Zadkovich may have worn the sky blue shirt of Sydney FC for the last time.

Milligan, whose contract expires in April, is likely to trial overseas after resisting a new deal in a meeting with coach John Kosmina.

"He's got desires to go overseas, but we obviously want to keep him," Kosmina said of Milligan.

"We had a chat with him today. He said if it didn't work out, he'd like to stay."

Sydney have also pitched an offer at Ruben Zadkovich, but it may be revised after the minor semi-final loss to Queensland Roar.

Zadkovich is being pursued by the Jets.

Milligan and Zadkovich will not travel to Hawaii because of Olyroos commitments, and Kosmina said they were due for rest.

"Millsy could do with a break and so can Ruben," Kosmina said.

"They've got a big camp coming up.

"Millsy needs a week or two away from the game, with his broken nose, and he played with a thigh strain on Friday. He started to pull up and I noticed him hobbling.

"They're not going to be with us for the next six months, either way."

Sydney are facing the end of an era, with Mark Rudan and Ufuk Talay moving to J-League 2 club Avispa Fukuoka, and Michael Bridges returning to English Championship club Hull City.

David Zdrilic and Brendan Renaud are also set to be released, although Kosmina is giving nothing away on that front.

Sydney will reverse their original plan not to sign a marquee player for next season, and a second-year term for Brazilian Juninho, who will not travel to Hawaii, has not been ruled out.

Kosmina is also considering tabling one-year extensions to Patrick and Mark Robertson.

Midfielder Simon Colosimo and striker Mark Bridge are on their way in, from Perth and the Jets respectively.

Kosmina said he had spoken to Milligan about his reaction to being subbed against Queensland in the minor semi-final and had no issue with it. Milligan showed his frustration by kicking a water bottle.

On Zadkovich, Kosmina confirmed that a contract had been offered.

"We've spoken to Ruben, we had a preliminary meeting with the relevant personnel, and we'll sort that one out."

Kosmina's hit-list for next season features a left winger and another attack-minded player, although he may toy with the idea of switching Alex Brosque to the left flank.

Defender Jacob Timpano and winger Adam Casey will travel with the squad to Hawaii, although only Timpano is set to play.

Timpano is the only player Kosmina is likely to release to the NSW Premier League, and he would prefer teenagers Ben Vidaic and Nik Tsattalios starting the pre-season fresh with Sydney.

Rubes has signed with Newcastle.

http://www.setantasports.com/en/Sport/News...ocale/football/

Crystal Palace are attempting to tie up a move for free agent Ruben Zadkovich, who was most recently with Sydney FC.

The 21-year-old Australian is capable of playing a variety of positions and had been expected to move to Newcastle Jets after talks with the A-League champions.

Sources Down Under claim Neil Warnock has had the 21-year-old on trial at Selhurst Park and has been sufficiently impressed to offer him a two-year contract.

The right midfielder or right back has already played in England for Queens Park Rangers and Notts County.

Palace are in Championship action against promotion-chasing Stoke City on Monday night as The Eagles look to maintain their own push for a play-off spot.

It has also been claimed that fellow Olyroo Mark Milligan is having trials in England with an un-named club.

Prentice primed for FC
April 26, 2008 12:00am

HE'S not as big a name as Olympic Games captain Mark Milligan, but coach John Kosmina has no doubts Mitchell Prentice will prove a valuable acquisition for Sydney FC.

"I think it's all done and dusted (the deal). I'll find out more when I get back from Adelaide tomorrow,'' Kosmina said yesterday.

With Milligan having left Sydney and his eyes glued on an overseas contract, Kosmina looked for a player he felt was similar in playing style to the man who will lead Australia at the Beijing Olympics.

"He's a good distributor, good tackler and can play sweeper, midfield, central defence or even fullback,'' Kosmina said.

Prentice made just one appearance in the old national league for Marconi back in 2003 but, after trying his luck in Scotland and Malaysia, found his way to Perth last year and ended up making 15 appearances in the A-League. He decided to leave Perth after being convicted of two counts of assault on a customer in a fast food restaurant in February.

Kosmina said he won't accept failure next season after the signings of John Aloisi, Simon Colosimo, Mark Bridge and Stuart Musialik. "They're all internationals. We've got to be successful,'' Kosmina said.

Sydney will start training on Monday.