8 October 2019
Newcastle, Australia

Well my previous prediction of what this episode would bring was overly optimistic. It never sunk in that I had 120 days of the pre-season to navigate which as you can appreciate takes a long time to get through.

Blow by Blow

Transfer Tales

The second instalment of the transfer window see’s me signing players to fill out the backup slots in the roster.

Brodie Phillips is a 4 star potential left-back who will serve as my backup for the season.

Paul Thurtell is a young right-back who will be competing for the tops spot in a year or so. Not quick by a good crosser he offers a solid backup option on the right.

Sergej Adilovic is a 1 star/3.5 star central midfielder who is a decent young player. He has some serious wheels and may get some game time this season.

Robert Batidegei is a New Zealand youth player who my scouts said was a solid 2.5 star current ability. He will be competing for a starting spot come the start of the season.

Borderline backup inside forward Christopher Robinson is another 1 star/4 star player.

Final signing for this period is Nicolas Orlando who will be the under study to Michael Dobson at right wing.

Coaching Additions

Looking at my teams coaching profile, there were two main deficiencies. Skills and Defence.

Opperman has been signed as a skills coach to flesh out the coaching team.

Grant Robinson comes in as defensive coach.

Injury Report

Unfortunately we lost Nick Wells in the first warm up game. He is out for a number of months as well.

Transfer News

Jonathan came recommended by new coach Robinson, and looking at him I had to agree. He will be battling with young King for the starting defensive midfield role.

Return of an Old Friend

Say hello to an old friend, Matias Beltran who was part of my Goyang Hi FC side where I began my career! Even at 32 he is still a very good full back and completes my solid back four that my tactic requires.

Injury Report

If you are going to be out for 4 weeks, the best time to do it is 3 weeks prior to the start of the season.

Another longish term injury for a backup player. I am hoping that this trend does not continue.

Late Signings

I was amazed when my scouts discovered these two players who had left their clubs on free transfers.

Sean Brook is an amazing midfielder.  12 caps for New Zealand and two goals.

Rory Adams has played 10 times for New Zealand and is a really good talent. He is a potential captain for us.

Wolfenden Testimonial

Match Summary

We have run an extended pre-season in an attempt to get the team gelling. Time will tell how successful I have been!

Next Episode

We open up against defending champions Perth Glory, as the Brisbane game has been delayed due to half the side being on international duty.