Sydney Olympic Off-Season – January

Welcome to the New Year and it has been an interesting start to the New Year to say the least for Sydney Olympic. Last blog, I mentioned the big rumours doing the rounds at the time, of Sydney Olympic looking to add the likes of Sebastian Ryall and Charles Lokolingoy to the First Grade squad.

These rumours were confirmed to be true this week, as the club announced their arrivals and that they will be part of the club in 2020.

Here is a reminder then, of our confirmed squad for 2020:

William Angel, Bai Antoniou, Darcy Burgess, Anthony Bouzanis, Fabio Ferreira, Hagi Gligor, Paul Henderson, Peter Kekeris, Nikola Kuleski, Charles Lokolingoy, Alexander Lopez, Zac Mackenzie, Jason Madonis, Giovanni Panuccio, Adam Parkhouse, Billy Patramanis, Dimi Petratos, Raul Beneit Romero, Sebastian Ryall, Alejandro Sanchez, Jack Stewart, Niko Tsattalios, Thomas Whiteside.

A few people have mentioned and I already have here on the blog also, of the heavy recruitment from the Sutherland Sharks. A team who have not performed great for a number of years now and we seem to have signed all of their players, there could also be the potential of a clique forming inside the squad, that could be damaging, especially if we get off to a poor start.

And supporters who have good and long enough memories, will not need reminding of the damage a clique can do to a club and to a season.

Also mentioned by various supporters, is the top heavy recruitment in the attacking 3rd of the field. These concerns are also legitimate, as within a squad of 23, there are not too many legitimate defensive minded players. A slight concern at this stage.

All those issues and any more, you’d think will be dealt with by the coaching staff and others at the club. You’d hope.

On the other hand, if the club plans on winning matches this season with score-lines of 4-3, 5-4, 6-5, I and most others would be OK with that, just as long as we win.

Outside of that, there has not been too much news around surrounding the club. Some will probably say that is a good thing, less chance of that news being bad.

Whenever the club in their infinite wisdom, decides to release details for 2020 membership, I would urge all Sydney Olympic Supporters to become a member this year.

It is as important as ever to contribute and become part of the club. The club does not get any grants from TV money, it has no foreign ownership, it is not controlled by some foreign Government or Country, nor does it have poker machine money, it runs on the passion of people who love the club and the supporters.

Plus with big issues such as the perennial headache of securing facilities, discussions about joining any potential National 2nd Division, the NCIP which was recently overturned by the FFA, plus many more issues, it’s up to us as supporters to help keep the club going, to be informed and be involved with the club moving forward.

In the last few years, it’s been around $100 for full membership, which gets you into all 11 home matches, access to the AGM, plus a scarf, shirt and that sort of stuff.

Very good value, hardly breaking the bank to be a part of the club.

The start of the 2020 season is now only 6 weeks away. Preparations are ramping up, with our season beginning with Round 1 - Sunday March 1 vs. Wollongong Wolves at Belmore Sports Ground. Kick-Off is at 4pm.

UPDATE | Just as this blog was posted, has come the announcement from Sydney Olympic that it is parting ways with Spanish striker Alejandro Sanchez on his request, as he wishes to return home to Spain and his family.

This is a huge loss and big blow for our season.