Perth Glory defender Michael Thwaite - in action during the Socceroos 2-1 friendly win over South Korea last November - could be a Sydney FC player next season. Source: Getty Images
PERTH Glory centreback Michael Thwaite has been identified as a target for Sydney FC as coach Frank Farina begins to crystallise his plans for next season.
Though the 29-year-old Sydney University graduate is contracted to the end of next season, it's believed Perth are willing to release him and Farina has asked the Sydney board to make him a priority.
With Farina to be confirmed imminently as Sydney's head coach for next season, the club can begin to execute its recruitment plans - with 11 players off contract at the Sky Blues.
Thwaite played for the Socceroos in December's East Asian Cup qualifiers, winning praise from Holger Osieck despite being deployed out of position, and was in the squad for the playoffs with Uruguay in 2005.
He was also selected by Farina during the qualifying campaign for the 2004 Olympics.
However, Thwaite is understood to have lucrative options in China, and is likely to attract interest from elsewhere in the A-League.
Among those off contract this season are defenders Nathan Sherlock, Adam Griffiths, Tiago Calvano and Trent McClenahan, though Pascal Bosschaart has another season and Sebastian Ryall two more years.
Bosschaart's recovery from a second round of achilles surgery is due to see him return to pre-season in July, and Sydney are determined to give the Dutchman every opportunity to return to full fitness.
But Farina has clearly identified a need for pace, aerial prowess and ability on the ball, as well as leadership - all of which Thwaite has.
Ironically, after the swift departure of Jason Culina this week, he has been regularly outspoken in his career and only last week accused Perth of lacking direction as Glory sank to the bottom of the A-League.
Though it's understood Farina has not yet signed a new long-term contract, he is the club's only coaching candidate and at last week's board meeting began the process of submitting names as recruitment targets for next season.
Meanwhile, Farina has bolstered his striking stocks with the signing of 19-year-old Jarrod Kyle until the end of the season. The Gold Coast product had been at English championship side Sheffield Wednesday, coming through the Owls' academy.
But Kyle was released by Wednesday early last month after becoming frustrated at a lack of first-team opportunities, and played for Sydney in a trial against Tahiti last week.
Kyle is believed to be match fit, but it remains to be seen whether Farina includes him in Saturday's squad to face Adelaide at Allianz Stadium.
FOOTBALL Federation CEO David Gallop will unveil a shake-up of the structure of the country's state leagues today.
It is expected to create a far stronger link with the A-League clubs.
No comments:
Post a Comment