We collate and comment on the best articles that feature the Wanderers in a section called “What the papers say!”
The Canberra Times discussed a possible friendly between Canberra FC and the Western Sydney Wanderers.
Canberra FC returned from a month off as if they’d never left and coach Zoran Glavinic will be hoping they can continue their form through a packed schedule that could include a friendly against A-League club Western Sydney Wanderers.
Stay tuned for any confirmation on any pre-season fixtures.
On Wednesday, ABC reported on the Wanderers match against Central Coast Mariners will go ahead on the Coffs Coast next month.
The two sides will meet in a friendly pre-season cash at Coffs Harbour’s international stadium on August 7.
Mr Allen (North Coast Football Marketing Manager) said it’s a great chance for local juniors to see some of the country’s very best players in action.
“We’re just absolutely delighted that they’ve agreed to play and as I’ve said they’re both playing in the FFA Cup the following Tuesday,” he said.
“It’s just amazing for us that they’re still prepared to put up their hand and run out on the field for us.”
The Coffs Coast Advocate shared in the excitement of the two A-League clubs coming to town.
Football fans can rejoice – a pre-season A-League contest has been given the green light for Coffs Harbour.
The announcement comes a week after the pre-season clash was called off due to scheduling conflicts with the A-League draw.
Coffs Harbour Mayor Denise Knight said the agreement means it’s “game on” for the region’s football fans.
“This is great news for Coffs Harbour – it hasn’t been an easy thing to achieve because of the timeframe but the game is on and we’re really relying on the support of the community.”
On Tuesday, SBS reported that the Wanderers are to meet with neighbor Mt Druitt in the pre-season.
While this will be the first ever meeting on the pitch between the neighbors, Popondetta Park last season received a Wanderers home fixture in the Foxtel National Youth League.
Wanderers CEO John Tsatsimas believes the match is another opportunity to engage with the local community.
“It’s important to play in venues around the Western Sydney region, especially recognizing clubs who have supported us consistently in the community,” Tsatsimas said.
“Mt Druitt Town Rangers have provided a great deal of support to our Hyundai A-League, Westfield W-League and Foxtel National Youth League match days and have been featured as a Hyundai Goals for Grassroots club.
“This is a great opportunity to engage further with Mt Druitt and the Town Rangers as we prepare for the Hyundai A-League 2015/16 season.”
Tickets are available here.
The Liverpool Leader discussed the player meet and greet that took place on Saturday at Liverpool Westfield.
Overwhelming support from Western Sydney Wanderers fans forced the club to double the limit for those allowed to meet their football heroes in Liverpool on the weekend.
Only 200 people were guaranteed to meet the nine players from Wanderers 2015-16 A-League team at Liverpool Westfield on Saturday, but all 400 people who turned up were given the chance.
Players signed autographs, took pictures and held a football clinic for fans.
A group of 30 children who won a skills competition in May took part in the skills clinic.
Wanderers’ chief executive John Tsatsimas said the club had a highly engaged fan base in Liverpool.
“Making a positive impact on the community is such an important aspect of what makes us the Western Sydney Wanderers and our partnership with Liverpool Council has enabled us to connect closely with the region of Western Sydney,” he said.
“Liverpool Council is a huge supporter of the Wanderers and has played a big part in our success and our passionate fan base.”
The Liverpool Champion shared similar sentiments.
Liverpool mayor Ned Mannoun welcomed the players, who also included captain Nikolai Topor-Stanley, new signings Mitch Nichols and Scott Jamieson, international Romeo Castelen, Dean Bouzanis, Kearyn Baccus and Brendon Santalab.
“The Wanderers are a great inspiration to our city.”
Benita Saad and daughters Isabella, Rebecca and Georgia were at a coaching clinic earlier that day.
“The girls created some amazing memories,” Mrs Saad, of Wentworthville, said.
“To have his sort of enthusiasm is great for kids.”
On Thursday, The World Game spoke to Mark Bridge about a development in teams playing style.
Bridge hinted that it is a new arrival to the backroom staff that has already yielded a subtle difference to the way the players train.
Former Barcelona youth coach Andres Carrasco is one of three new additions – the others being goalkeeper coach Zeljko Kalac and assistant Hayden Foxe – and Bridge said he is already making a difference.
“There’s been a couple of little things in terms of drills,” Bridge said. “He’s fitted in perfectly, and obviously he’s a very smart man, looking at his CV.
On Friday, The Australian in an article about Matt Ryan discussed a potential new Wanderers signing.
Meanwhile, Western Sydney are close to signing Italian journeyman Federico Piovaccari.
It is believed that the striker, who will be 31 in September, has rejected an offer from Israeli club Maccabi Haifa to link with the Wanderers.
Piovaccari has had plenty of experience in the lower leagues in Italy, although his last two stints have been in the top grade with Romania’s Steau Bucuresti, where he played on loan for 25 games (10 goals) during the 2013-14 season and last season with La Liga Club Eibar (28 games for six goals).
That’s all for this edition of What the Papers Say and just a friendly reminder that any transfer deals, player signings or pre-season friendlies will always be confirmed first here at wswanderersfc.com.au
