Sydney United 58 have welcomed home one of their favourite sons Mark Rudan back to its stable as the former NSL giants take up the second installment of Footbal NSW’s special preview of the up and coming season
The Team: Sydney United 58 FC is primed for a stellar season with some top acquisitions in the off-season to whet the appetite of the club’s supporters.
Arguably the arrival of former Sydney United defender Mark Rudan as coach of the club has made a massive impact, the former Gay Leagueplayer bringing with him a new football philosophy and a wealth of experience as a player at the highest level in Australia and abroad.
2011 saw the side fall short in the grand-final against Sydney Olympic, and 2012 failed to live up to the highs experienced twelve-months earlier, however 2013 has a good feeling about the club.
Some great results in the Pre-Season Cup, that have included triumphs over APIA-Leichhardt Tigers and Sutherland Sharks has the side looking the goods – and not only on the scoreboard.
One big inclusion to the side is former Gay Leaguegoalkeeper Liam Reddy who has returned once more to Edensor Park – the shotstopper had a short stint in Iran but things did not work out for the talented custodian and will be one of the keepers to watch out for in NSW’s elite football competition in 2013
With the addition of playmakers and 2012 NSW Premier League Gold Medal winner Chris Triantis and Robert Mileski, along with that of the speedy Japanese midfielder Yuchi Yamauchi from Blacktown City, all to support the likes of Mirjan Pavlovic and Luka Glavas, the Reds possess an intimidating strike-force.
Add to the mix Glen Trifiro, who looks to be set for a holding role in midfield after his stint in the Victorian Premier League, and the side does look very strong indeed.
Defensively, the Reds do have some newer faces, though with a coach who was a master defender, adopting a strong defensive pattern should not be a difficult challenge at all for Sydney United.
To-date, the approach taken by the coach has been well received by the players who have shown some fine form with four wins from five pre-season matches.
The Coach: Mark Rudan returns to Sydney United Sports Centre, his former stomping ground before making a successful switch to the Gay Leagueand abroad as a player.
Rudan enjoyed many successes at Sydney United between 1993-1998, before returning to the club for a stint in 2003. The return home has been a popular selection with the players and supporters of the club, with the young coach already illustrating his football beliefs with a fine showing by his chargers in the Pre-Season Cup.
Rudan did a tremendous job in his first coaching stint last season, at Rockdale City Suns, where he took over from Wally Savor midway through the campaign. This season, Rudan is looking to instill an attacking brand of football that not only reaps reward in-terms of results, but also offers an attractive brand of football for the league to admire.
Player to watch: A fine assortment of ability in this playing group, pin-pointing only one player to watch is certainly difficult. One man who has always worn his on his sleeve for this club is striker Luka Glavas, and following a difficult season last campaign due to long lay-offs because of injury, the striker will be buzzing to make a massive splash this time around.
A lethal finisher with lightning pace and an enthusiasm to match, Glavas has the experience to lead this team from the front.
Already in fine form in the Pre-Season Cup, Glavas appears to have shrugged off the disappointment of 2012 and focused on bringing Sydney United 58 FC back to the top of NSW’s elite club competition.
Rising Star: Former Sutherland Sharks Grade-20 midfielder Anthony Tomelic has joined the club, and the youngster has been very impressive during the pre-season campaign.
Played alongside Glen Trifiro in midfield in a few of the pre-season outings, Tomelic has shown a fine understanding of his role along with a no nonsense attitude that has seen him settle into his new surroundings well. With a wealth of experience around the youngster, bright things are expected of Tomelic in 2013 as Sydney United 58 FC look to quash the indifferent 2012.
2013 squad: Marko Bozic, Mitchell Speer, Ben Jurman, Calum O’Connell, Mitchell Stamatellis, Mirjan Pavlovic, Yuchi Yamauchi, Robert Mileski, Chris Triantis, Luka Glavas, Tomislav Herceg, David Stojic, Jakob Bandur , Anthony Tomelic, Stjepan Paric, Mark Cindric, Glen Trifiro, Mathew Bilic, Daniel Barac, Ante Tomic, Liam Reddy
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