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Beasley Hutton wrote: In a nutshell they now have a coach who is a strict disciplinarian who has a proven track record of getting results through hard work....the days of getting on the piss before and after games is over!
They are now fitter, faster, better skilled, better drilled and there is serious competition on for spots in the starting side, now not chosen on past reputations like seasons past!

If Popovic has got a bit of spare time BH, maybe he can go down the road and sort out the Scorchers!

Beasley Hutton wrote: In a nutshell they now have a coach who is a strict disciplinarian who has a proven track record of getting results through hard work....the days of getting on the piss before and after games is over!
They are now fitter, faster, better skilled, better drilled and there is serious competition on for spots in the starting side, now not chosen on past reputations like seasons past!

A good summation BH...they've also brought some new cattle on board who seemed to have signed on as a result of Popovic taking over. Spiranovic, Davidson, Ferrera, Franic, Ikonomides and co have had an immediate effect.

Bazza wrote: Gee been away for a while , seems Glory have really turned it around this season and dominating at top of the ladder new coach and top up list seems to worked a treat.
Haven’t seen any games and but might go along and see some live , from past experience it’s not a bad night out in summer.

Can anyone give me a run down of the season so
Far?

Welcome back Bazz...hopefully you had a nice holiday.

mikeh wrote:

Beasley Hutton wrote: In a nutshell they now have a coach who is a strict disciplinarian who has a proven track record of getting results through hard work....the days of getting on the piss before and after games is over!
They are now fitter, faster, better skilled, better drilled and there is serious competition on for spots in the starting side, now not chosen on past reputations like seasons past!

If Popovic has got a bit of spare time BH, maybe he can go down the road and sort out the Scorchers!

I could think of another of our sides Popovic might be useful at Mike...one very close to both of our hearts!!

Bazza wrote: Gee been away for a while , seems Glory have really turned it around this season and dominating at top of the ladder new coach and top up list seems to worked a treat.
Haven’t seen any games and but might go along and see some live , from past experience it’s not a bad night out in summer.

Important game this Saturday if you wish to start now.

The afore-mentioned usually perennially crap Wellington Phoenix are on a massive unbeaten streak which I think stretches back to the last time they played Glory (a draw).

So big banana skin game this one - Glory will want a win to keep a buffer between them and the chasing pack but it won't be easy.

I see Glory are on the verge of signing Fornaroli from Melbourne City for next year. That will give them some serious strike power if he teams up with Keogh and Castro.

BC wrote: I see Glory are on the verge of signing Fornaroli from Melbourne City for next year. That will give them some serious strike power if he teams up with Keogh and Castro.

It's an intriguing one BC. Apparently not meeting fitness standards at City yet Popovic is one of the most demanding coaches in the business when it comes to fitness expectations. I suspect there is more to it than fitness, ask Neil Kilkenny I guess.

On the one hand you wonder how he fits in without squeezing someone else out. Can we fit Keogh, Ikonomidis, Castro and Fornaroli in the same line up or are Glory anticipating losing Ikonomidis or will Popovic eventually squeeze Keogh out?

Its just amazing how quickly Glory have turned their fortunes around on so many levels by appointing Popovic as coach. This time last year they were a bit of a joke.

Agreed Mike...it was a very good move by Sage. They should be cashed up at year end by getting a big quid for Italiano when he moves to Gladbach and you'd think Ikonomides would be on the radar of overseas clubs as well based on his Asia Cup performance. With $ in the bank and a bit of space in the squad Fornaroli could be the missing link which brings them a title.

DD wrote:

BC wrote: I see Glory are on the verge of signing Fornaroli from Melbourne City for next year. That will give them some serious strike power if he teams up with Keogh and Castro.

It's an intriguing one BC. Apparently not meeting fitness standards at City yet Popovic is one of the most demanding coaches in the business when it comes to fitness expectations. I suspect there is more to it than fitness, ask Neil Kilkenny I guess.

On the one hand you wonder how he fits in without squeezing someone else out. Can we fit Keogh, Ikonomidis, Castro and Fornaroli in the same line up or are Glory anticipating losing Ikonomidis or will Popovic eventually squeeze Keogh out?

I suspect Popa's already looking to next season where he expects Glory to be competing in the ACL which will put massive demands on the squad. His rotation of players would see all get a fair go throughout with the extra games to be played.

Santalab would be one I'd see as surplus to requirements if it comes off, and someone like Harold might look for more regular game time elsewhere - however he'd get more of a go I feel if he's patient.

The bigger question would be fitting them all into the salary cap - however all players in question are not getting any younger (and are keen to remain in Australia) so might not be all that difficult.