The Roar Deal

Less is Moore...

A while ago I wrote somewhere (perhaps Johns blog?) that I thought Craig Moore would have the professionalism to but any personal differences with Postacolou aside for the good of the club. Seems I was wrong. 

The Courier Mail is reporting that Craig Moore has announced that he will be leaving the Roar for good in January because his relationship with Postacoglou is strained beyond repair. From a fans point f view this is hugely dissapointing, yet another body blow to end what my fellow Roar blogger John has accurately labled the Roar's Annus Horribilus. 

Lately Moore's heart has not looked in it, distracted by the world cup, upset by the loss of his mates Farina and Miller, Moore's form has dipped so low that Socceroo fans have been as concerned as Roar fans. By leaving the club in its time of need Moore has spat in the face of the loyal fans  scampered of the sinking ship. 

According to Hammish's account of the account of the game, Moore did not even lead the players over to thank the fans who travelled in numbers down to skilled park and then had to watch the team be mauled. Not good enough, time to go, if the Roar are going to stay in the top six they need all hand on deck and giving !00%. McJosh and Devere have never let the club down and will remain one of the best central parings in the league. 

So well done to the club for backing the coach when presented with Moore's unprofessional and arrogant "him or me" ultimatum. A managers job becomes impossible once players sense he does not have the board's complete backing. However marks off for keeping the fans in the dark. The Roar's webpage does not mention that Moore has resigned (do they think we will not notice he is gone??). More points off for the pathetic Chairman's Christmas message. Three pathetic lines of best wishes - we don't need or want the chairman's best wishes - we want some news about the direction of the club, the vision, what is the game plan...  

Loyal fans will continue to support the club in Moore's absence, but they wont support a club without a plan to give them some hope. Even if it a modest one to gradually rebuild the squad and the support. 

Roaring on

After watching frustrated as Adelaide did their usual job in QLD in front of an abysmal crowd, it was great to hear good reports about the 2-0 win over Fury in front of 11,000 fans (probably mostly Liverpool fans but hey - maybe they will come back??). 

The signs are good, not just because Lame Reddy has gone to Phoenix but because Postacoglou seems to be building an effective  team to play the way he wants. 

We may never really know why Miller left the club, but it appears clear that he and the coach were not on the same page. Postacoglou took a very brave decision to let a fan favorite and influential player go, now he must prove he made the right choice. Early days, but So far so good. 

Out with the old (and the fat) and in with the new...

The new being Adam Sarota and Luke Brattan. Sarota, who this blog has constantly pilloried as a lost caused, proved us wrong in fine style against Perth. Finally deployed in what looks to be his best position alongside the ever improving David Dodd (also much maligned on TRD) in central midfield.

Dodd and Sarota were pivotal in a youthful midfield which held firm against a vastly more experienced Perth lineup until the fashionably haired darling of these pages, Luke Brattan was deployed, within minutes, having lost possession several times, Brattan failed to close down the perth attack, a second young Roar (perhaps Nicholls??) also stood off, and suddenly a measured cross was released and Perth were level. 

So what of Miller and Reddy? Good riddance,we say. It is no secret that TRD has never been a fan of Reddy, who makes as many gaffs as saves.  Miller, for all his skill and entertainment value, was not part of the Roar's impressive drive towards the finals last season, when Nicholls stepped up to cover his absence so effectively. 

This season Nicholls has been asked to play out of position more often than not, either on the right of midfield, as a striker or in a deeper role. Miller's absence will allow Nicholls to be deployed in his natural position in the hole behind the striker/s.

Miller for his part will make the perfect pantomime villain at the Gold Coast, another chapter in a rivalry which is fast moving from the realms of commercial spin to genuine difference in approach. 

Under Postacoglou's management the Roars look much more structurally sound and tactically astute. The message for the players appears to be that nothing less that absolute professionalism will be tolerated. It is a message that should make the fans feel more respected. 

Keep it up Ange, so far so good. Watch out Adelaide, bring on the top six.