A season we probably will never see the likes of again, an absolute circus from start to finish on multiple fronts. We started off the actual season in the worst possible fashion, losing our first 3 matches of the season and looking like massive relegation candidates.
The coaching appointment, the bewildering decision to let go of several players to other clubs and the bringing in of certain players on big reputations and I presume on big money was a failure, simple as that, I cannot be any clearer.Then came the so called virus, a 4 month break in the season and then a re-start to the season, which Football NSW would cut in half. Making it an 11 round mini-season and essentially turning the competition into some sort of parody and not a real proper Championship.
Be that as it were, we actually started this mini-season in the opposite fashion to how we started the proper season, winning our first 3 matches this time.
This was followed by a poor loss to Manly, draw with Rockdale, before winning at Marconi, giving us a 4 Wins – 1 Draw – 1 Loss record after 6 matches and sitting in 1st spot. We then went W–L–D–W–D, in performances which were reminiscent of our play from the start of the proper season, to end any hope of picking up another trophy.
The club has a bit of work to do in my opinion, to be ready for season 2021, for us to be a competition threat and seriously challenge again.
Ante Juric as coach from what I have heard, was only temporary and a stop-gap solution during this mini-season, with Gary Phillips’ name once again popping up, as someone who will take charge for next season and beyond. Obviously, none of this can be confirmed, but we hope this can be sorted out as soon as possible, as time is of the essence in what is a shortened off-season.
We also must sort out our 1st Grade squad.
Glaring issues remain out on the playing field, particularly in defense. Madonis and Angel can do a job playing out at RB or LB, but it is not their natural positions and they are very much needed up the park. Signing a couple of defenders should be an absolute priority for the club.
Up front is also a worry; in this league you need someone who can score goals regularly if you want to challenge for any trophies. Sydney Olympic in 2011 (Alex Smith) and 2018 (Alejandro Sanchez) are categorical proof of this. We need some quality forwards and creators, which we lack.
In midfield we have no shortage of players, but we must sort out the balance, decide who will consistently play and where, not having to constantly chop and change in this area.
The squad is in need of a serious overhaul.
Also, most know by now, that the current directors of Sydney Olympic have gone and purchased Greek club Xanthi, recently relegated from the Greek Super League. The only issue I personally have here, is a potential loss of focus on issues that concern Sydney Olympic or neglecting the needs of the club.
They can and will do whatever they want with their own money, they saw an opportunity in Greece and have taken it, as there are no opportunities in Australia as the sport is at an amateur level and a basket case.
We will see what transpires at Sydney Olympic in the coming months. We look forward to announcements by the club in terms of coach and players.
