Football Season Guide

A strong start but disastrous end resulted in Western United finishing outside the top 6. It cost Mark Rudan, a very good manager, his job. Truth be told though, too many players didn't show up, and the club didn't invest enough in replacing Kone. Appointing Aloisi as manager is crazy. To see him replace a genuinely good manager is little more than complete embarrassment. He's a very old-fashioned bully of a manager that builds nothing in the long-term, and his teams only tend to turn up against his old clubs (whom he feels wronged by). They lost solid performers pre-season in Uskok, Hamill, Calver, Burgess, and Sanchez. Kurto too. Berisha was on his last legs, it was time for him to go. Guarrotxena didn't settle: no loss. They made interesting signings pre-season. Topor-Stanley looked lost for Newcastle Jets last season, it's time for him to retire. Lacroix is injury-prone. Kilkenny is a great signing in defensive midfield, a real leader. Theoharous could be excellent, tricky dribbler. Garuccio is a consistent full-back. Young is a good shot stopper. Strengths - they'll win most physical duels. Fast, attack-minded full/wing-backs. Brilliant playmakers in Diamanti and Krhin. Superb leader in Kilkenny. Lots of pace in wide positions. Weaknesses - lacking in a good finisher, even after Prijovic's arrival. Wenzel-Halls is a great pressing forward but not a good finisher other than in short spells (and usually from range). Lack of cohesion in defence. Overly defensive, antiquated manager. Irreplaceable players - Kilkenny, Diamanti, Young.