There's less then three weeks to the beginning of the 2009/10 A-league season and without further ado here's the first part of my preview of the season.
Central Coast
Major signing- None, which is a problem for a team that just fell into last season's A-league's finals and is yet to win a competitive match this year. Although young Englishman Nicky Travis is said to have impressed in the preseason.
Major loss- Sasho Petrovski, after scoring 14 goals in 44 matches for the Central Coast he was released at the end of the last season.
Star player- Matt Simon, after scoring 11 goals last season the mariners will be hoping he can continue his goal scoring form into the new season.
Strengths- Strong on the right and left side of midfield and up front.
Weakness- Lack of quality across the squad, lack of depth on the bench and in the squad.
Prediction- 8th
Wellington
Major signing- Like the Central Coast Wellington hasn't made any major signings so far this pre-season. However they have signed attacking midfielder Diego who made 28 appearances in 2 and a part seasons for Adelaide.
Big loss- Shane Smeltz, last seasons Johnny Warren Medal winner, and the A-league Golden Boot winner moved to play for new team Gold Coast Untied. This season Wellington will probably find Smeltz irreplaceable.
Star player- Andrew Durante is Wellington's captain and has previously won the A-league championship with Newcastle.
Strengths- Solid defence and midfield.
Weakness- Lack of depth in midfield. Lack of quality forwards and lack of forward options.
Predication- 9th
Newcastle
Major signing- Italian Fabio Vignaroli has previously played for numerous clubs in the Italian Serie A and B.
Major loss- Former captain Jade North decided to move to the K-league to play for Incheon Untied.
Star player- Ben Kantarovski as a 17 year old has already cemented his spot in Newcastle's starting lineup. Is the A-league youngest ever player, making his debut when he was 16 years and 208 days old. German club Bayern Munich have already expressed an interest in signing him.
Strengths- Good young players, decent midfield depth.
Weakness- All the centre-backs have various questions marks hanging over them. Lack of natural wide midfielders in the squad.
Predication- 7th
North Queensland
Major signing- David Williams, is returning to the A-league after 3 mostly disappointing seasons playing for Brondby IF in the Danish League.
Star player- God, also known as Robbie Fowler. North Queensland will be hoping he can produce more of the goals for them that earned him his nickname whilst playing for Liverpool.
Strengths- Robbie Fowler if he stays fit and can find form.
Weakness- Lack of quality across the squad, lack of depth especially in the goalkeeping department.
Predication- 10th
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