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THE QUIET MAN , THE SOCCEROOS’ ACCIDENTAL HERO ITYS CONTENTS / ISSUE FIVE

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EARLY DOORS pg 3 Editorial – The Quiet Achiever pg 4 Johnny Told Us So pg 6 Txt Msg Interview with pg 7 180 degrees with Mark van Aken pg 8 Club - Ivanovic

FEATURES pg 12 Luke Wilkshire – The Quiet Man pg 18 Bernie Ibini – From the shadows pg 24 Auerilio Vidmar – Reigning in pg 26

THE ZONE pg 22 In the Zone – Games, Bluray, Books, Cars NOTE OUR INTERNATIONAL

THE A-Z pg 30 The A-Z of EDITION EXCLUDES SOME CONTENT

2 ITYS MAGAZINE EDITORIAL

The Quiet Achiever www..com/markvanaken PREPARED FOR GGARMY.com by While is on television and is on the billboards, fellow Socceroo Luke Wilkshire is quietly getting

GGARMY.com the job done while spending time with 14 Risley Street his family in Moscow. One of Australia’s RICHMOND VIC 3121 AUSTRALIA most consistent performers over the last

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF several years, the defender impressed at Mark van Aken both the World Cup and Asian Cup, when [email protected] +61 (0)3 8415 8413 so many others did not.

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT So with the likes of and Kewell heading towards the end Michael Tarquinio of their careers, Wilkshire could be right in the frame for the Socceroos SENIOR CONTRIBUTOR captaincy. With typical modesty, the Dynamo Moscow player wouldn’t Kieran Pender be drawn on whether he will be leading the side come 2014 in his CONTRIBUTORS recent interview with ITYS (p.14). Paddy Higgs, Sebastian Hassett, Dr John Bonacci, But if he continues to demonstrate the leadership, consistency and John Iannantuono, Eli Pfefferberg quality that has made him a senior member of the Socceroos, Wilkshire’s time as skipper might not be far off. ART DIRECTOR Carmela D’Alesio In stark contrast to Wilkshire is Portuguese super star Cristiano

PHOTOGRAPHY Ronaldo, who never strays from the spot light. We speak to the Real Madrid attacking threat in this issue in an Australian exclusive interview, and also catch up with Barcelona’s new signing Cesc Fabregas.

ADVERTISING & PARTNERSHIP To round off our Spanish special, ITYS speaks to Olyroos manager OPPORTUNITIES about his time in Spain as a player. Mark van Aken [email protected] Elsewhere in issue five we chat to Central Coast Mariners flyer Bernie +61 (0)3 8415 8413 0433 10 10 32 Ibini-Isei. While all attention has been focused on his teammate , the striking sensation has impressed both for his club team and at Andy Gusman [email protected] the Youth World Cup with the Young Socceroos. +61 (0)3 8415 8413 If Ibini-Isei continues his form into the new A-League season, the ©Green and Gold Army Pty Ltd 2011. All rights reserved. No part of Mariners might have a fight on their hands in retaining the 19-year-old. this magazine may be used or reproduced without the permission ITYS is still only just getting its feet off the ground, so if you’ve got any of the publisher. All information contained in this suggestions or feedback, we would love to hear from you. Get in contact magazine is for information only and is, as far as we are aware, correct at via Twitter or Facebook and let us know what you think. the time of publication. Green and Gold Army Pty Ltd can not accept any Enjoy the start of the A-League season, and remember, we are football. responsibility for errors or inaccuracies in such information. Readers are advised to contact manufacturers and retailers directly with regard to the price of products referred to in this magazine. If you submit unsolicited material to us, you automatically grant Green and Gold Army Pty Ltd a license to publish your submission in whole or in part in all editions of the magazine. Mark van Aken Editor-In-Chief

DON'T MISS ISSUE SIX!

ITYS MAGAZINE 3 The match against East was to be my last international for Australia. I was aware that my time in the green and gold was running out but I had thought I had at least three games at the World Cup left in me. To finish like I did was not how anyone wants their international career to end and I’m still disappointed about it. But after the tournament there was also a sense of relief. All the team was given a couple of days off in Berlin after the Chile game and I realised how long it had been since I had enjoyed some time just to relax. The team didn’t hold any special group celebrations after we were knocked out because we had been together for so long that everyone felt the need to split up and go their own separate ways for a while. We had spent more than a month in close proximity to each other and by that stage we all needed some time apart. I simply decided to go out to dinner in Berlin with Manfred and we visited a few clubs later that night and had a few drinks. We didn’t indulge in any wild celebrations and I was content to sit back and relax. The next day I wandered around Berlin and explored the city with Manfred, Ray Richards, and Dr Corrigan. The simple pleasure of the beautiful sights of Berlin and having a day free from football made the day particularly wonderful. The World Cup had been such a long campaign and taken so much out of me, both physically and emotionally, that I finally had time to reflect on whether I wanted to keep playing. - MBE, OAM I TOLDFrom 'Sheilas, Wogs & Poofters' courtesy YOUof Random House PublishingSO I TOLD YOU SO EDITORIALEARLY DOORS Spurs’ Benoit Assou-Ekotto is confident that ex-Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor will be welcomed Tottenham.

the txt msg interview THE w. Mark Birighitti ITYS: Firstly we’ll get the serious Q out of the way. How was the Youth SURVEY World Cup? MB: It was the best football experience of my Q: career so far, just disappointed we didn’t go Which player will have further in the comp! ITYS: Good 2 hear. Who’s the biggest joker in the biggest impact on the the Young Roos camp? field in the A-League? MB: I’d be up there, my banter’s pretty good! But there are many other jokers in the team. st Sam Gallagher and Kerem Bulut. 1 HARRY KEWELL

46% ITYS: Do u get up 2 any mischief when u r all in camp together?

[Long wait for reply]

MB: What happens in camp stays in camp!

ITYS: Haha! Well what would you do for a living if you didn’t play football?

MB: I was pretty smart at school! I think I’d take up engineering of become a doc.

ITYS: What’s the craziest thing that has ever happened at training?

MB: Fabian Barbiero hitting the deck when there was thunder and lightning during a training session

ITYS: Haha! I bet you like reminding him of that one. And finally, tell us 1 thing most ppl don’t know about u? 20% MB: I have an acquired taste for European Fred 11% fine wines

Shane Smeltz 10% ITYS: Wow. Thanks for talking to ITYS!

None of these 13% BY KIERAN PENDER – SENIOR CONTRIBUTOR

6 ITYS MAGAZINE Spurs’ Benoit Assou-Ekotto is confident that ex-Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor will be welcomed Tottenham.

excited I was when I scored of the relatively few I’ve had the VPL at Northcote one a cover story on the Olyroos! lots of time with and done Saturday and a source told face to face, which helps the me about the Victory and WHERE WE GRILL Run us through one of your depth of it all. Ironically that Heart being pulled out of FOOTBALL’S typical days same interview got me black- the Mirabella Cup by FFA. I LEADING PUNDITS. In the role with GGARMY. banned from interviewing knew about it and sat on it com and ITYS, I typically am him again… long story. for a few days only to see online minutes after waking Jan Versleijen hascopped Michael Lynch break the up, flicking through our AAP a bit lately, but he was great story in … I let out feed, getting it updated and to interview and generally a big Homer Simpson style then checking what else is have a chat about football “D’oh” after that one. happening, sub-editing blogs with, while was Also now juggling a few and even updating the pics an interesting one, just after different communications on the site. I’m usually in the he’d returned to Australia. He projects with the site and office late morning where was very open and earnest in the mag, it’s just about I’ll then slip into some of what he had to say. managing workflows. A real my other ‘projects’ but I’m hard task is always coming constantly monitoring the Hardest part of the job? up with fresh ideas for Mark van Aken football world and making For me, currently, it’s getting content. Some times it’s a Editor-In-Chief ITYS sure the site is as up-to-date into the news-hound instant forest-for-the-trees scenario What was your first job in as possible. cycle of news. Coming from where you know about a the media? Soccer International with a certain subject and take for Technically speaking… my Favourite interviewee? monthly production, there granted that the average paper round, but in terms Hmm… that’s interesting was never an imperative on punter may not. Sometimes of actually having input, I because I’m not a trained news as it happens. With a I’ll see a story and go ‘well began contributing to NAB’s journalist – hence I’m not news site like GGARMY.com, everyone knows that’, then internal magazine US, right actually a journalist in the slowly but surely, I’m you think… hang on, maybe about the time I started technical sense. It might getting it. they don’t. ITYS freelancing for the good old actually be Josh Kennedy An example was when BY KIERAN PENDER – ABSW – will never forget how because it’s — sadly — one I was commentating on SENIOR CONTRIBUTOR

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GGARMY TWITTER http://twitter.com/#!/ggarmy TOP TWEETS

@adrianleijer In the office trying to sell some memberships! Give us a buzz!!! 1300466832

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@adampeacock3 Top way to calm things down and improve relations with the ref.. bring on Bellamy #foxfootball

@GGarmy 1000 days to go, bring on Brazil 2014. See you in Rio

@ALeague_Rhyming Harry’s personal sponsorship is a little untoward, instead of Hyundai he’s signed up with Ford.

ITYS MAGAZINE 7 EDITORIALEARLY DOORS Sir has backed new goalkeeper David de Gea to come good despite the Spaniard’s shaky start to his EPL career.

You had some amazing moments playing in MILAN IVANOVIC Yugoslavia, such as playing GREEN & GOLD IN BLACK & WHITE against AC Milan in the Champions Cup for Red Star Belgrade. How hard a decision for you was it to move to Australia? Red Star was a fantastic team and both the league and national team were very strong back then. It was great to be involved there, but there were rules in place that players couldn’t leave the country until they reached 28 years of age. Before I migrated here permanently, I was here with Red Star playing three years earlier and I just loved the country. This definitely helped me make my decision, but I also got some good advice from Zoran Matic and Dragoslav Sekularac (former coach of Red Star and Footscray JUST) who told me that City was a good club and I should consider it.

We’re very happy you made that decision as you quickly became one of the country’s best defenders amassing 59 caps. Did you think you would have such an impact on Australian football? No, I definitely didn’t. I really A product of the great Red Star Belgrade teams of the 1970 and 80s, thought that I would be here for about three years and Milan Ivanovic migrated to Australia and immediately endeared then go back, because I still himself to Adelaide football fans as an intelligent and fearless central had an apartment, friends defender. After a brilliant career in the black and white stripes of and family in Belgrade. But Adelaide City and the heart of the Socceroos defence, the legendary one thing led to another libero took some time out to chat all things Aussie football with ITYS. and I have had a great experience and never ended INTERVIEW BY JOHN BONACCI I PICTURES BY GETTY IMAGES up going back.

8 ITYS MAGAZINE Sir Alex Ferguson has backed new goalkeeper David de Gea to come good despite the Spaniard’s shaky start to his EPL career.

What would you consider game change over the to be the highlight of your years. For example when I illustrious career? played, I was a libero and My most memorable could get forward when the moment was probably after opportunity was right. Now I arrived in Australia. It many teams play with a flat would have to be the World back four whose only job it Cup qualifiers we played is to defend. against Argentina. Those two games were fantastic The Adelaide City teams of because we played against 2000 to 2005 were amongst some of the best players the best in the old national in the world, but I’d have league. How do you think they to say the championships would go against modern day with Adelaide City were A-League opposition? also very special. I really don’t think I can compare the teams I played You worked very hard for the in with the A-League teams Socceroos leading up to 1997, at the moment. We had but sat on the bench for the some great players back in qualifiers against Iran. Was those days, but the game that one of the disappointments has changed and it is of your career? probably faster now than It was more disappointing it was then. All players that we didn’t qualify for have to have the ability the World Cup than it was to attack and defend now. for me to sit on the bench. I The only comparison we was a squad player and I just can probably make is the wanted the team to do well. example of Damien Mori, I wasn’t worried that I didn’t who showed he could score get to play those games, but lots of the goals in the old it was really painful for the national league and still team not to have the chance keep scoring them in the to go to France. A-League even when he was about 36 years old. Has the A-League captured your attention? You’ve had a couple of coaching I’ve been watching a lot of stints since your retirement as the A-League and I think a player. What else is keeping that it is getting better you busy in football? and better all the time. I coached a few Super League The quality of the players clubs in South Australia we’re getting in the league after I retired, but I’m now is good. I really like going working with Croydon in the to watch Adelaide United, Super League as Technical but I still try to see most Director overseeing the of the games on TV when I Seniors, Reserves and Under get the chance. Most of all 19s. I also have an academy I enjoy watching attractive that I’m running with a mix football and have found of age groups, so that is all it interesting seeing the keeping me busy.

ITYS MAGAZINE 9 Your football nickname was the surgeon. Where did that one come from? I think that all started overseas. Maybe the supporters loved the way that I was playing and I developed a reputation. who coached me at Adelaide City also sometimes mentioned a doctor or surgeon, so I think it just stayed around.

Ok then Doctor. How do you rate the health of domestic football at the moment? I think the game is in a good position and the A-League has helped a lot. The league is very tough and teams have to always be at their best. The competition is very even and there’s a fine line between finishing in the top two or three, or finishing near the bottom. Even though it would be hard with the size of the country, I would be very happy to see a second division one day.

You came out of retirement to play in the South Legendary coach Zoran Matic And finally… If you could It would allow more young Australian State League for came across as a reserved make one change to football in players to come through the Northern Demons and there man, yet a tactical genius. Australia, what would it be? system and would mean that were rumours circulating What was he really like? That’s a good question and we don’t lose them overseas. that you scored a hat full of Zoran was a fantastic man I’m sure the federation At the moment we lose too goals. They’re false right? who had great football ideas wouldn’t listen to me many players overseas at Yes that’s right. I’d retired and knew what he wanted. anyway. But there has a young age and they end and they called me up to His football education was been some talk of a cup up sitting on the bench in play a couple of games to in Yugoslavia and he stuck competition across the reserve teams. They should help them. They were in by those principles and they country that would be be going overseas when a battle to fight relegation worked for him. His persona great, but it will be hard to they’re at least 21. A second and they thought I could and the way he looked at implement. I’m not saying division will also close help them. I can confirm the game made him look we are ready for it now, the gap between the state that I did not score any of very serious at times, but his but one day I hope we can leagues and the A-League, the goals people are saying I record speaks for itself. He is introduce a second division because a lot of players are did and I have no idea who one of the best coaches we in this country to see finding the step up in the wrote those things. have had in this country. relegation and promotion. competition quite hard. ITYS

10 ITYS MAGAZINE

the QUIET

MANWith the bulk of senior Socceroos heading towards the end of their careers, manager will soon be casting an eye over his charges for a new leadership core, and possibly a new captain. As one of the most consistent performers in the national team set-up, Luke Wilkshire will likely be a key fixture in the lead up to Brazil 2014, and beyond.

WORDS BY KIERAN PENDER – SENIOR CONTRIBUTOR I PICTURES BY GETTY IMAGES ith Socceroos right-back Ultimately though, Wilkshire you’ve got to keep fighting. I think Luke Wilkshire destined admits the disappointment that came the team showed that in abundance, Wto play an increasingly with the results. especially the character showed when influential role with the Socceroos, “It was really disappointing in the the team went down to 10-men against ITYS Magazine thought it was time to end not to go through. We knew it was Ghana. And with the criticism we find out a little more about the fleet a tough task going into the Serbia game, received after the Germany game, the footed anti-star. Speaking from his but we believed that we could still do way we performed afterwards showed home in Moscow, Wilkshire opens the it. If things had gone a little bit more the team character and team spirit, interview with a charismatic ‘G’day’ favourably for us, if we’d had a bit more and that’s one of our strong points.” in a thick Australian accent, and of a rub of the green in the group games, Just when World Cup throughout the chat reveals himself then we could have gone through. In disappointment was fading into as a friendly and cheerful guy. football, and especially at that level, you distant memory, the Socceroos had to Given the mid-year Socceroos need an element of luck to progress.” undergo more heartache, this time at friendlies, the first thing to be With Tim Cahill sent off against the hands of in the Asian Cup. discussed is the team’s progression Germany and Harry Kewell suffering ’s strike deep into extra under Holger Osieck, with Wilkshire the same fate against Ghana, the time was a horrible experience for painting a positive picture of the side. Socceroos had to cope with a pretty the team and the fans watching back “So far it’s going well. Since he’s tough run of luck. But the Dynamo home, but again Wilkshire focuses on taken over I think the transition has Moscow man doesn’t put up any the positive aspects. been very smooth, and we’ve seen a few excuses, and instead highlights the “It was a really enjoyable new faces come into the team and gel team’s response to the decisions. tournament. We went into it knowing well, so that’s a good sign leading up to “You’ve got to roll with the punches, that if we performed to our peak we’d the World Cup qualification campaign.” so when things don’t go your way be there or there-abouts. Obviously But before the interview moves to the future, it’s important to go into Wilkshire’s past, starting with the To captain your country would last World Cup. The defender was a standout in , one of the be a dream. IT’S SOMETHING few Australians to impress, yet he had to endure the heartache that came with the Socceroos failing to EVERY FOOTBALLER progress from the group. Nevertheless, Wilkshire highlights the positive side FROM A VERY YOUNG AGE of the tournament. “I think everyone enjoyed the WOULD DREAM OF DOING, World Cup both on and off the field. Personally I felt good, and I enjoy every AND I’M NO DIFFERENT. minute I play for the national team, especially at such big occasions. I think the team performed well, apart from the first game which was a bit disappointing, but even then don’t think it was as bad as people make out. “Germany was a very good side on the night, unbelievable to be honest — but if you look at the Serbia and Ghana games, the team performed very well. We had great character, and we played some great football. We beat the Serbs and were unlucky not to beat Ghana with 10-men. So it was a really memorable time.”

ITYS MAGAZINE 13 There are many highs, but there are probably twice as many lows. YOU HAVE TO TAKE A LOT OF DIFFICULT TIMES, BUT IT MAKES YOU THE PLAYER THAT YOU ARE. to fall short at the final hurdle hurt, it was disappointing, but I think a lot of positives came out. A lot of young players started to come out, Matt McKay started to play, and some of the other boys got a sniff. So from that aspect it was great to see.” Wilkshire’s participation in the Asian Cup and recent friendlies has pushed his Socceroo appearance record well past the half-century mark, and when Young Socceroos and Olyroos performances are included, the defender has represented his country almost 100 times. And as he tells ITYS, the -born star is still looking upwards. “It’s amazing. Sometimes you don’t realise what you’ve done or how it has come about, but I’m very proud every time I pull on the shirt. I’m very proud to look back at the moments I’ve had in the green and gold. And I look forward to many more to come. I’ve O’Connor. I had a great year, I learnt all different, so I’ve learnt to adapt gone past the 50 [Socceroo mark], a lot, both about myself off the field and play different ways in different and I’m looking towards that 100, and and on the pitch. I felt I improved in conditions, and that’s definitely I feel very privilege to be able to do it. that year 10-fold, and it really helped helped me along the way. It’s what Long may it continue!” and put me in good stead for making makes you and improves you.” It has been a long and varied road the trip overseas and taking on the Having played in Holland for several for Wilkshire from his first entry into challenges abroad.” seasons, Wilkshire is well placed to professional football to being a senior After graduating from the AIS, evaluate the ‘Dutch Revolution’ and its member of the national team, but Wilkshire went abroad to sign with impact on Australian football. the soon-to-be 30 year old had a start English side Middlesbrough, where “I think Australian football is similar to many Socceroos; at the he spent several years. Eager for first definitely still on the up. The A-League Australian Institute of Sport (AIS). team football, the defender switched is getting stronger and I really believe Reading the list of notable graduates to Bristol City, before his performances that it will only continue going from the based program is at the 2006 World Cup saw another forward. In the football world there like looking over a Socceroos team move to Dutch side FC Twente, aided are a lot of ‘ifs’, ‘buts’ and ‘maybes’, sheet, with the likes of Mitchell by then national boss . but I think we’ve got the right people Langerak, , Robbie played regularly in charge at the FFA who know the Kruse, and ; at the club, and was given the best way to go forward, and we’ve got all players who have spent time at the opportunity to experience the to firmly believe in that.” AIS in recent years. Unsurprisingly, difference between football in After his enlightenment at Twente Wilkshire is full of praise for the Holland and , two countries came a somewhat surprising move to institute, which he credits for helping with a proud football tradition. It is Russia, where Wilkshire linked up with him cope with the challenges of the this contrast that Wilkshire believes Dynamo Moscow. The defender has years that would follow. improved him as a player. flourished in the unfamiliar surrounds, “I had a brilliant time there. It was “Without a doubt [it helped]. That’s and claims the move was probably the an opportunity for me and I left home, one thing for sure that I’m really glad best decision he has ever made. obviously you’re young, you are moving I’ve done, and been able to experience “It was an opportunity. There was out of your comfort zone. When I got the different football culture. You a Russian guy who had just retired there I was under the guidance of Steve go from country to country and it’s when I was at FC Twente, and he

ITYS MAGAZINE 15 approached me and put the idea to “I’m pretty open minded and relaxed, are probably too many to name. But me. It was uncharted territory, and and you need to be to come somewhere all in all, I look back and I’ve had a I’ve always been up for a challenge. So like this. So no, I found it quite simple to lot of good memories, and I hope to I went and had a look at it, saw what adapt. In football, it doesn’t matter what make a lot more in the the club had and how they were run. language you speak, it speaks for itself. coming years.” And after a few days my wife and I It’s international.” Casting an eye towards the future, decided it was something to pursue. And while he stresses he’s not the Socceroos squad is about to It’s probably one of the best decisions going anywhere for the time being, undergo a challenging period. With a I’ve made in my life.” Wilkshire believes that when he does number of high profile stars stepping One of the oldest clubs in Russia, eventually move on, he’ll miss the city, down, or nearing the end of their Dynamo is steeped in history and was the club and all the friends he’s made careers, the Australian side will have the sole home of the man known to in the country. to rely on a young and inexperienced many as the best ever goalkeeper - Lev “Moscow is phenomenal. It’s huge. squad in qualification for Brazil 2014 Yashin. The side dominated during the But I definitely won’t be missing the and beyond. communist era, but have so far failed traffic! I’ll miss the club, I’m at a very But Wilkshire is undaunted by the to win a league title in the Russian good club and I’ve got lots of friends challenge, looking back to Germany . throughout it, so that will be hard as 2006 as inspiration for the continued Now, with the likes of Andriy always. But hopefully it’s going to be strength of the Socceroos. Voronin, Kevin Kurányi and Wilkshire a while before I’m missing anything.” “I think people were asking the at the club, Dynamo is striving for Don’t let Wilkshire’s love of Russia same question after the 2006 World success. Challenging for a UEFA fool you though, he’s still definitely Cup. There were some players Champions League, the defender fills an Aussie at heart. When asked retiring, and some change, but there ITYS in on the club situation. about the hardest part of being an have always been people who step “We’re playing very well at the Australian footballer living overseas, up and produce the level of football moment, getting the right results. For the 29-year-old discusses a topic and quality that we need. us we need to be qualifying for poignant to any expat. “And I believe that we’ve got next year. We’ve got the right squad and “The fact that you lived in the best, enough coming through, and even we have everything here. So hopefully it most beautiful country in the world, the older, experienced guys who will be a successful season.” and then you come across here to play are still around, to get through the Moving to the cold and at times your football. It’s hard when you leave qualifying to the next World Cup. I inhospitable climes of Russia isn’t a Australia. For me it’s the best country believe in the players, and the coach decision made lightly, but Wilkshire in the world. What we have back in and the coaching staff, and everyone stresses that the move has been Australia, sometimes it can be taken for else at the FFA, to make sure that enjoyable for both he and his granted by those who live there all their we get there. I think everyone has to young family. lives. But once you’ve left Australia, you have that belief and that desire, and I “At times it’s been challenging, really realise how great home is. There’s think we’ll be ok.” at times it has been very enjoyable. really no place I’d rather be.” Finally, with current captain But it’s not just about me, I’ve got Missing Australia is only one of the Lucas Neill heading towards the end a young family who I have to look lows of being a professional footballer, of his career, and the bulk of the after, that have to be happy and although Wilkshire is more eager to other senior Socceroos in a similar settled, and moving somewhere like talk about the numerous enjoyable situation, does Wilkshire believe he here, it can be difficult at first. Right moments he’s experienced throughout will be the man to skipper Australia now we are in a very good place, my his career. in the near future? family is very happy and settled. “There have been many [high “Who knows? Of course to captain I think I’ve got a few more years points]. The ultimate high would your country would be a dream. It’s playing in Russia at Dynamo be without a doubt the World Cup, something every footballer from to come.” just representing your country, also a very young age would dream of While Moscow may be a long way at the Asian Cup. There are many doing, and I’m no different. But what from his home town of Wollongong, highs, but there are probably twice will be, will be. I enjoy playing, I the defender hasn’t had many as many lows. You have to take a enjoy being part of a great team, and troubles settling in and adapting to lot of difficult times, but it makes long may that continue. I hope I have the culture. you the player that you are. There many more years to come.” ITYS

16 ITYS MAGAZINE In football, it doesn’t matter what language you speak, it speaks for itself. IT’S INTERNATIONAL. SHADOWS OUT OF THE SHADOWS OUT OF THE SHADOWSAt the Youth World Cup Bernie Ibini-Isei showed he can match it with the most talented youngsters in the world. So why, compared to the likes of Mustafa Amini and , is so little spoken about him? ITYS sat down with the striking sensation to find out more about his incredible rise.

BY KIERAN PENDER – SENIOR CONTRIBUTOR I PICTURES BY GETTY IMAGES

ith the names of Oar, find out more about the talented Amini and young striker. W all expected for the under Born in Nigeria, Ibini-Isei moved to 20 Youth World Cup, Bernie Ibini-Isei Australia at a young age and has loved might not have thought he would play life here ever since. a major part. But with Leckie with- “I moved to Australia when I drawing and the team failing to shine, was one, and it’s been great. Really the Central Coast Mariners’ striker just normal life, I’ve never known was one of the few high points in an anything different.” otherwise disappointing tournament. The athletic striker quickly became And it isn’t as if his performances involved in football, and after joining at the tournament were a flash in the in his early years of schooling hasn’t pan. He lit up the Australian domestic looked back since. scene last season, with a number “I used to play at primary school, of quality performances in both the and then one of the teachers said I A-League and National Youth League should join a club. And I did, and it (NYL). With a high work rate and has just gone from there.” serious dedication, he has been rated After finishing primary school, by those close to the Mariners squad Ibini-Isei moved to prestigious school as the one to watch this season. Westfield Sports High, alongside So with the A-League season still Mariners’ livewire Mustafa Amini. a while off, ITYS thought we should From there, he progressed into the

ITYS MAGAZINE 19 “TO HAVE PLAYED IN FRONT OF ! 50,000 PEOPLE, AND JUST THE WAY THE GAME WENT; IT WAS A GREAT MATCH JUST TO BE INVOLVED IN.”

Central Coast Mariners, and has been roasting A-League and NYL defenders ever since. “Westfield High and Central Coast have a link for the youth team. So I trialled, and I’d also previously been at the Central Coast academy. So I made the youth team, and just continued from there.” A lover of several other sports, Ibini-Isei is huge basketball fan and very good at athletics, so it is perhaps lucky he took to football first. But, as the 18-year-old confesses to ITYS, his allegiances were never really in doubt. “As soon as I started playing football it was definitely my dream to play professionally.” Other than the Youth World Cup, one of the defining moments so far in Ibini-Isei’s career has been the A-League Grand Final. Coming on as a substitute, the Mariners’ starlet experienced firsthand the penalty shootout heartache, although wasn’t called upon to step up to the spot. “I was definitely nervous about the possibility of taking a penalty at that stage. I wasn’t really looking forward to it! But the rest of the game was a great experience, one I’ll never forget. To have played in front of 50,000 people, and just the way the game went; it was a great match just to be involved in.”

20 ITYS MAGAZINE Ibini-Isei was also the top scorer in the NYL, a competition he starred in last season. “Yeah it was good to be the top scorer, and it was also good to have done so well with the team.” Alongside the striker at the Central Coast are a number of other talented youngsters. Accompanying Ibini-Isei to the u20 tournament in Colombia was Mustafa Amini, and Sam Gallagher, and keeper Matt Ryan would have been in the squad bar an injury. Ibini-Isei tells ITYS the importance of having these young footballers at the club with him, with Matt Ryan and Mustafa Amini getting special mention. “Matt Ryan was also with Westfield High with me, so it’s been an easy transition. I know Matt really well. And Musty is a great kid, and a great player.” Having a coach with faith in youth is a key aspect of Ibini-Isei’s “ARNIE HAS BEEN SUPPORTIVE ALL development last season, and ’s philosophy has helped groom SEASON AND WHEN THAT SUPPORT a group who could dominate the A-League scene for years to come. CONVERTS TO PUTTING FAITH IN Speaking after Ibini-Isei and NYL strike partner Mitchell Duke had THE YOUNG BOYS FOR SUCH AN scored their first goals for the senior side, Central Coast’s youth coach Tony Walmsley highlighted the successful IMPORTANT GAME THE YOUTH development system. “While Bernie and Dukey scoring PROGRAM IS VALIDATED.” on Wednesday night was no surprise to me, it does indicate how far we shores. If he does, he will follow his road to professional football? have come. Arnie has been supportive a path well worn by Australian “Just always work hard and don’t all season and when that support footballers, such as , who let disappointment affect you. Keep converts to putting faith in the young he names alongside as working hard!” boys for such an important game, the his childhood idols. One of the few to impress at youth program is validated. We have “I’d have to say Thierry Henry was an otherwise disappointing Youth another three players ready to step one of my favourite strikers growing World Cup for the Young Socceroos, into the first team if required, so our up. Also Viduka and Harry Kewell Ibini-Isei will now be focused on depth is in good shape. The challenge were role models to look up to, being another successful A-League season. will be retention.” Australian players.” If the strong, skilful, athletic and If Ibini-Isei continues to impress, Ibini-Isei’s rise to football fame has lighting quick striker continues his retention will certainly be a problem been rapid, much like the striker’s meteoric rise, it won’t be long until for the Mariners, and the striker style of play. So what advice does he higher honours call, both at club and could soon be headed to European have for youngsters trying to emulate national level. ITYS

ITYS MAGAZINE 21 EDITORIALTHE ZONE EDITED BY ANDY GUSMAN Raul Meireles has insisted that he never wanted to leave Liverpool but admitted that he jumped at the chance to join Chelsea.

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22 ITYS MAGAZINE Raul Meireles has insisted that he never wanted to leave Liverpool but admitted that he jumped at the chance to join Chelsea.

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ITYS MAGAZINE 23 REINING IN

Despite being one of the biggest leagues in the world, very few Australians have played in Spain. Aurelio Vidmar and are the only players who immediately come to mind, and beyond that few antipodeans have ventured to the Iberian Peninsula. So in anticipation of our La Liga special, featuring exclusive interviews with Cesc Fabregas and , ITYS Magazine chatted to Vidmar about his glory days in Spain and beyond. SWORDS BY KIERANP PENDER I IMAGE BY GETTY IMAGESAIN he stereotypical journeyman Although some footballers manage footballer, current Olyroos to stay at one club seemingly T coach Aurelio Vidmar played forever, the former-Socceroo for 10 different clubs during his ca- acknowledges that life on the move reer, ranging from teams in , is just part of football. Holland, Spain and Japan. As one “The life of a footballer is like that of a select number of Australians really. If you’re very fortunate you to play in La Liga, Vidmar happily can stay at one club for a long time, reflects on his time in Tenerife, an but my path was a little bit different. island off the Spanish mainland. I loved every minute of my time “It was fantastic. It’s probably the away, it was a great adventure and I country where they play the best wouldn’t change that for the world.” football, even when I was there 12 When asked if he misses playing years ago. It was great, a great place football week in, week out, Vidmar to live; the football was fantastic, gives the answer you’d expect from a the culture was fantastic, and that sportsman who was at the top level was something I really loved. But I for a long time and has since moved enjoyed my time in every country.” to other pursuits. Vidmar began his career at NSL “I had my time! 20 years was a side Adelaide City, before moving to fair crack at it really, that’s a long Belgian club K.V. Kortrijk in 1991. He time playing professional sports. had spells at various teams in the I had my time, retired at the right area, before moving to Dutch side time, and wanted to put something . After time in back. I was fortunate enough to at FC Sion and in Spain, a continental start off as an assistant the minute switch led to a spell at Japanese I retired, and that’s brought me to club , before where I am today. I’ve no regrets and returning to Australia. will continue to strive to do my very “I made my name in Belgium best and get the most out of myself and I really enjoyed my time there; as a manager.” I still have some very good friends After such a long stint as a over there that I’m in contact professional footballer, Vidmar has with. Everywhere was a little bit no intention to play properly again, different; the time I spent in Japan and doesn’t even turn out for a local for example was far different to my park team. time in Europe.” “I haven’t touched a football for Other than being a legend at five and a half years, since I retired! Adelaide City, Vidmar never really Besides the odd touch in training settled at a club, regularly switching here or there, I haven’t played for between teams over in Europe. anyone and don’t intend to.” ITYS

SPAIN ITYS MAGAZINE 25 From World Cup glory to the sustained success of the Catalan kings in European club football, SMALLSpain is enjoying a golden age. While the MERCIESEPL becomes the global league of choice, it’s the bright lights of Madrid and Barcelona that still shine brightest. But what of football outside of the Galacticos limelight? Sebastian Hassett reports on one hot day under the Autumn sun in .

WORDS BY SEBASTIAN HASSETT I IMAGES BY GETTY IMAGES

itting high up with the gods in from my every pore. Following Real Betis, I quickly learn, is Benito Villamarín Stadium, the "This would never happen for Real not like following other clubs. I hear Sunrelenting Andalucian sun is Madrid or Barcelona," alleges Carlos, that that saying frequently, but Carlos searing down with an intensity that the owner of a local bar and my host is undeterred. "But we are different to nobody should be exposed to - least for the day. "We live with the sun all every one else. Betis is not a club. It is of all footballers. It's just gone midday year but even we know that playing at a feeling. Other clubs might say that and the match between Real Betis and this time is wrong. These sort of things but we actually live it." Mallorca has just kicked off. happen to Betis all the time." This is not always a good one, Officially, it's 36 degrees, but in this The previous night, upon hearing however. The Verdiblancos are riddled concrete bowl on the northern fringes of my interest in watching Betis play, by misfortune, saddled with self-doubt of Seville, where the heat refracts from Carlos was at pains to paint a picture [and debt] and frequently nobbled by an the terraces below, sweat is dripping of what is so special about his club. apparent conspiracy of the football gods. a former player and one of the most instrumental voices for change. Loved by the fans, Gordillo's arrival has been heralded by the terraces. "Having Gordillo has brought has back the hope that we can get back to where we should be," Carlos said. "De Lopera was terrible, he ran the club to benefit himself and we are still finding out new things about the bad things he did. Now we have a new board and they have brought in people under them who are experts in their field. They're small steps, but they are steps in the right direction." The next thing he points out is the logo. There's 13 green and white stripes that crowd out the club's emblem. "That is there because we have a strange connection with bad luck, and with losing. It's even our motto: Viva er Betis manque pierda! (‘Long live Betis even when they lose!’)." The official flag of is green and white, the same colours as Betis. Did the latter draw inspiration from the former? Not quite. The state flag was adopted seven years after Real Betis picked their green and white stripes [a variation of the Celtic shirts brought home by a businessman who visited for work]. The man who chaired the committee to pick the flag the regional colours, Blas Infante, was a Betis fanatic. Carlos presses his finger to his lips when asked if Infante was influenced by his passion. "You can't say it publicly." He winks, nods and smiles. But perhaps the best topic to broach here is the derby against Sevilla. It's The day before the match, Carlos against his reign - de Lopera tried to amongst the spiciest in world football, has used his contacts at the club sell his ownership stake to his friend dating right back to 1907 when Betis to get me inside the bowels of the Luis Oliver, who looked set to pick up a was formed by the working class who stadium to better explain the story 51 per cent share for the suspiciously were banned from joining the upper- of his club. The first he points out is bargain price of €16 million. class originals. that the name of the disgraced former But the local judge appointed "It's not quite as class-divided as president, Ruiz de Lopera, has been to oversee de Lopera's trial pulled it was, and Sevilla have played well removed from the exterior. a telling string, working out a recently, so it's about 50-50 in the city Despite being charged with fraud complicated plot to freeze out de these days," Carlos concedes. "But in last year - 13 months after 65,000 Betis Lopera's influence and instill a fresh the towns around Sevilla that are not fans took to the streets to protest board, headed up by , so wealthy, Betis is their club."

ITYS MAGAZINE 27 "WE'RE ABOVE BOTH BARCELONA AND SEVILLE. WE'VE HAD SOME BAD TIMES BUT I THINK THINGS ARE FINALLY TURNING FOR GOOD."

Needless to say, all this had half suffering. "Didn't I tell you this ball looped up for Ruben Castro, me well-prepared to take in the always happens to us? There's the unmarked just yards out from goal. experience. proof," he said. As if in slow motion, he steadied Betis began the match with the Betis were comfortably on top on himself and belted the ball into the right intent but it was their island the second stanza but still lacked net, bringing mass jubilation to the visitors who looked sharper, and that cutting edge. Chances were green-and-white hoards. Emilio Nsue was looking particularly going begging and time was slipping After cheering the team off they threatening in attack, especially when away. Mallorca had pulled their men turn and scurry for shade, not he was able to skip behind the hosts' deep into defence, happy to leave least the club mascot, Palmeiro [a back four. However, just as the home with a 0-0 draw. In bringing on 16- spiky green tree, no less], who has fans started to become restless, their year old Álvaro Vadillo, the youngest collapsed on his back in the middle team responded. player in the club's history, some of the field. But the sauna had been A strong penalty claim was were wondering if Betis manager worth it; three points can cure turned down, and most incredibly, Pepe Mel had also given up. anything, even heat stroke. just before half-time, they hit On came loan signing Roque Santa "And you know what my favourite the woodwork three times in two Cruz, to make his debut, to a huge thing is?" Carlos chimes triumphantly, seconds. Ruben Castro rattled the ovation. Short of match fitness he may his face radiating the joy only a win can post with an excellent first effort but have been but he instantly offered bring. "We're above both Barcelona and Jorge Molina couldn't put home the Betis a lift, and helped win a corner in Seville. We've had some bad times but I rebound, twice thumping the ball the 86th minute. think things are finally turning for good." into the crossbar. The corner was swung in with a For his sake, and the thousands of Carlos looked at me with an dangerous mix of pace and swerve, other long-suffering Béticos, I certainly expression that was half laughter, and after taking a deflection, the hope he is right. ITYS Movie tickets on the move With Village Mobile you’ll never have to line up for your movie ticket again. Just follow these 3 easy steps.

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is for Athletic Bilbao, IS FOR ARGENTINE one of the oldest and DEFENDER MARTÍN Amost historic clubs still DEMICHELIS, ONE OF participating in La Liga. With a A NUMBER OF HIGH PROFILE policy of only recruiting Basque players, the side has struggled to PLAYERS TO MOVE TO compete with the likes of Barcelona MÁLAGA CF SINCE THE CLUB and Real Madrid, but did manage WAS TAKEN OVER BY SHEIKH to finish sixth last season. ABDULLAH AL THANI. is for who else but the mighty Barcelona. What Spanish legend Luis Bmore can be said about Enrique played several a side that has truly dominated E seasons for Real Madrid, European football over the past before moving to fierce rivals several seasons. And worryingly for Barcelona and clocking up over supporters of other clubs, they don’t 200 games. He has since managed look like faltering anytime soon. Barcelona B, before signing on to coach Roma at the beginning of While the likes of Lionel this season. Messi and Pep Guardiola is for Real Madrid striker former Spanish dictator Care now lauding the Gonzalo Higuaín, who Francisco Franco underwent credits, Barcelona owes much Hmanaged 10 goals and a campaign to ‘hispanise’ to Dutchman Johan Cruyff. F six assists in 16 La Liga starts last the names of football teams during The star was influential in the season for Los Blancos.. Catalan capital as both a player his reign. Teams like FC Barcelona and manager, and firmly set the became CF Barcelona, while is for intelligence. While platform for today’s success. Sporting de Gijón and Racing de the English Premier League Santander became Real Gijón and Iis known for its speed and Real Santander. physicality, La Liga is much more about skill and technique – the He’s only 40, but already thinking man’s football. Spanish manager Pep GGuardiola has led ANDALUSIAN SIDE Barcelona to trophy after trophy. REAL JAÉN ARE His side completed the first CURRENTLY PLYING ever sextuple – winning every THEIR TRADE IN THE SPANISH competition available to them in that calendar year – and won the LOWER LEAGUES, BUT SPENT Champions League twice in SEVERAL SEASONS IN LA three years. LIGA IN THE 50S.

30 ITYS MAGAZINE is for Barcelona is for Real Madrid and Spain Seydou Keita. The Mali- legend Raúl. The striker Kborn 31-year-old may Rplayed over 500 games not be as heralded as or for Madrid, despite starting off his Andres Iniesta, but Keita and career at rivals Atlético Madrid, and fellow defensive Sergio is one of the leading ever La Liga Busquets and Javier Mascherano goal scorers. are vital to the Barcelona style of passing football. After a very long wait, the Spanish national team is is for Marcelo ‘El Loco’ Snow unequivocally the best Bielsa. The enigmatic side in the world. Despite what 56-year-old impressed L FIFA rankings may say, the side with Chile at the 2010 World that won the 2008 Euros, the 2010 Cup, and joined Athletic Bilbao World Cup, and is mainly made at the beginning of this season. up of European club champions Expect madness to ensue. Barceleona, is the real team to beat looking towards 2014. the city of Madrid is home to four La Liga Msides this season: Atlético is for Moghreb Tétouan, a Real Madrid have won Madrid, Getafe, Rayo Vallecano, Moroccan club side who 31 La Liga titles and and Real Madrid. T spent one season in La Liga Wcame second 21 times, during the Spanish Protectorate making them the most successful RUUD VAN of Northern Morocco. As well as side in Spain. Don’t tell Barcelona... having this claim to fame, they also NISTELROOY JOINED have the dubious honour of being Xerez Club Deportivo MARTÍN DEMICHELIS the second worst club side on the finished 20th in the 2009/10 AT MÁLAGA THIS SEASON, all-time La Liga table, with 19 points XLa Liga season. The newly AS THE CLUB ATTEMPTS TO from their lone season in the league. promoted side spent almost all At least they have Cultural Leonesa season at the bottom of the table, CHALLENGE BARCELONA behind them, who could only and were promptly relegated to the AND REAL MADRID FOR manage 14. Segunda Division. THE TITLE. is for Italian side Udinese, s for Santiago Bernabéu is for number one, who have helped Yeste, one of the most La Liga’s place in the Ureturn to the heights of top Yimportant men in the O International Federation flight football. The La Liga team history of Spanish football. of Football History and Statistics’ were taken over by Quique Pina Bernabéu was a club member of ‘Strongest National League’ in 2009, who is Udinese’s Spanish Real Madrid from the age of 15, rankings. agent, and last season ‘borrowed’ and during his life was a player, 12 players from the Italian side team captain, director, coach and LA LIGA IS ALSO during their promotion run. president at the club. He is widely KNOWN AS THE credited for Madrid dominance of PRIMERA DIVISIÓN is for Club de Spanish football, and their stadium Futbol, the wild and is named in his honour. (FIRST DIVISION). V wacky club from the Mediterranean coast. With two the Zamora trophy, awarded is for Sporting Gijón stadiums, hundreds of millions by Spanish newspaper legend , the six of Euros of debt, a highly talented ZMarca, is given to the Qhighest goal scorer in La squad and a crazy coach, Los Che goalkeeper who finishes the season Liga history. are certainly a team to watch. with the lowest goals to games ratio.

ITYS MAGAZINE 31 DON'T MISS THE NEXT ITYS TO NOVEMBER 7 LIVE END OF OCTOBER 100 DAYS OF HARRY + MUCH + JEDINAK MORE AND POPOVIC AT CRYSTAL PALACE

+ OLYROO CAPTAIN VOTING fOr The NOmINaTIONs aND VOTING fOr The PFA WOMEN’S FOOtbAllEr OF thE YEAr PFA FOOtbAllEr OF thE YEAr aND The PFA hArrY KEWEll MEdAl

PFA AWARDS 2010/2011 Professional footballers australia

(&'½! ' Welcome from the Pfa President and Chief executive ...... Page 1 Pfa footballer of the Year ...... Page 2 Pfa harry Kewell medal ...... Page 4 Pfa awards Committee ...... Page 6 2010/2011 Pfa footballer of the Year – the Nominees ...... Page 8 2010/2011 Pfa harry Kewell medal – the Nominees ...... Page 12 Pfa Women’s footballer of the Year ...... Page 16

socceroos Lucas Neill and harry Kewell The Pfa acknowledges the support The Pfa also greatly acknowledges the enjoy a chat with former socceroos of its partner, LUCrf super, the Pfa’s support of and sBs in the goalkeeper Bill henderson at the launch of superannuation fund of choice and a announcement of this year’s nominees for the australian football awards in proud supporter of the Pfa awards. the Pfa footballer of the Year and Pfa on 29 march 2009 by ffa CeO Ben LUCrf super is australia’s first industry harry Kewell medal. Buckley and Pfa Chief executive superannuation fund, currently has over Brendan schwab. 172,000 members and $2.3 billion in funds under management . LUCrf super is well regarded in the superannuation industry and has been highly rated by two independent assessors of australian superannuation funds. WElcOME FrOM thE PFA PrESidENt & chiEF ExEcutivE

WElcOME FrOM thE Throughout the football world, the most group of 13 of australia’s retired greats PFA PrESidENt & chiEF prestigious individual honour a professional and most outstanding media analysts. ExEcutivE footballer can attain is to be acknowledged Who will forget matt’s incredible season as the best by his or her peers. With working in the midfields of the socceroos the support of LUCrf super – the and roar to reach an afC asian Pfa’s superannuation fund of choice – Cup final and lead the Queenslanders to Professional footballers australia is again their first a-League title at home so soon delighted to launch the nominees and after suncorp stadium had been hit by the voting for the Pfa footballer of the Year, the devastating floods? Pfa harry Kewell medal for australia’s best male player under the age of 23 and the In addition to mark and Tim, previous Pfa Women’s footballer of the Year. winners of the Pfa awards make for exciting reading: The criteria are simple: outstanding

MO performances for club and/or country. • PFA harry Kewell Medal: Mitch eligibility is confined to a-League and langerak (2010), then of OS i l W-League players (including foreigners) and Victory now of champions, australians playing professionally overseas. ; and Nikita rukavytsya (2009), then of Glory, President MON c O i fa as ever, season 2010/11 saw Pfa now of newly promoted Bundesliga giant, P S members uphold the standards of their hertha Berlin; and profession and their country across the • PFA Women’s Footballer of the Year: globe. Our national teams fought out the Servet uzunlar (2010), a fIfa Women’s afC asian Cup in , the fIfa Women’s World Cup quarter finalist a year after World Cup in Germany, and junior becoming an asian champion. tournaments in Uzbekistan, , mexico and Colombia. Nominated players come The players to join these illustrious names from clubs in england, the , will no doubt be a cause of debate for the Germany, the , Turkey, fans. however, as the champion of the russia, Japan, south Korea and, of course, players, it is only right that the Pfa gives australia. the more than 300 footballers based at home and in the world’s best leagues Who will be the great of our game to follow the opportunity to vote for their most previous PFA Footballers of the Year, outstanding fellow professional. (2010) and Tim Cahill b (2009)? Or will mark or Tim again be voted We look forward to announcing the winners as “the footballers’ champion”? at the 2011 australian football awards ch WA

S to once again be held in sydney on 4 xecutive Perhaps an a-League player such as October 2011 in conjunction with football AN matt mcKay can emerge from the 12 federation australia and football media

Chief e players nominated by the Pfa awards association australia. fa

br EN d P Committee, which consists of an elite

front cover: The three greats celebrated on the medals given to the Pfa footballers of the Year. The late Johnny Warren mBe aO, mBe and harry Kewell. 1 PFA FOOtbAllEr NOMiNEES FOr thE OF thE YEAr PFA FOOtbAllEr OF thE YEAr The Pfa footballer of the Year award is the ultimate form of individual recognition for The Pfa awards Committee has met australia’s most outstanding professional regularly throughout the year to discuss footballer: and record potential nominees for the Pfa footballer of the Year. at the end of the • by being open to players plying their season, additional nominees up to 12 can trade at home and abroad, including in the be included to ensure all deserving players world’s best leagues such as the english are nominated. Premier League and the Italian as well as in australia’s own hyundai a-League; vOtiNG FOr thE • by taking into account performances for both club and country; and PFA FOOtbAllEr OF thE YEAr • by being exclusively voted for by the judge the professional footballer values more than 300 australian professional most highly – his peer. footballers playing at senior level in an eligibility for the Pfa footballer of overseas competition and in the a-League the Year award is limited to any will all be invited to vote for the Pfa australian eligible to play for footballer of the Year. This will involve voting the socceroos, as well as 3-2-1 for three preferred nominees. foreign players playing in the a-League.

2 PFA FOOtbAllEr OF thE YEAr

Previous Pfa footballers of the Year, mark schwarzerr, 2010 (left) and Tim Cahill, 2009 (right)

3 PFA hArrY KEWEll • by taking into account performances play off against Iran, and scored the golden MEdAl for both club and country; and goal against to take australia to the final of the 1997 fIfa Confederations • by being exclusively voted for by the The Pfa harry Kewell medal is awarded Cup. his appearance from the bench in judge the professional footballer values annually to australia’s best professional australia’s famous victory over Uruguay in most highly – his peer. footballer under the age of 23. The Pfa sydney in 2005 turned the match, and he harry Kewell medal is the ultimate form of eligibility for the Pfa harry Kewell medal is scored arguably australia’s most important individual recognition for australia’s most limited to any australian eligible to play for goal ever: the equaliser in against outstanding young professional footballer: the socceroos, as well as foreign players in 2006 that took australia to the • by being open to players plying their playing in the a-League. for 2010/11, the round of 16 at the fIfa World Cup for trade at home and abroad, including award is open to all players under 23 as at the very first time. In 2008 and 2009, he in the world’s best leagues such as the 1 January 2010. led from the front to see the socceroos english Premier League and the Italian qualify comfortably for the 2010 fIfa World serie a as well as in australia’s own Cup south africa. harry continues to be hyundai a-League; hArrY KEWEll a central part of australian international harry Kewell is arguably australia’s most football, playing a key role in the socceroos famous professional footballer, and reaching the final at the 2011 afC asian has been an inspiration to the youth of Cup in Qatar, only to lose by a single goal in australia. his performances in the english extra time. Premier League marked him as one of It is with great pride that the Pfa presents that competition’s greatest players. he this year’s Pfa harry Kewell medal is the first socceroo to win the english following the announcement that harry Pfa Young Player of the Year award, the will be returning to australia to play for Uefa Champions League and the english melbourne Victory and excite football fans fa Cup. his battle with injury is a stark across the country in the a-League for the example for all of the precarious coming years leading up to the 2014 World and challenging nature of life as Cup in Brazil. a professional footballer, and the mental toughness that is required. harry also served on NOMiNEES & vOtiNG FOr the Pfa executive for 5 years from thE PFA hArrY KEWEll 2003 to 2008. MEdAl his performances for australia are Nomination and voting for the Pfa harry legendary. he starred as an 19 year Kewell medal follows the same process as old in scoring in both legs of the for the Pfa footballer of the Year. heartbreaking 1997 fIfa World Cup

4 PFA hArrY KEWEll MEdAl

2009 Pfa harry Kewell medalist, Nikita rukavytsya (left) 2010 Pfa harry Kewell medalist, mitch Langerak (right)

5 PFA AWArdS cOMMittEE • (socceroo who scored 20 goals in 30 appearances); The 2010/2011 Pfa awards Committee consists • (socceroo and south of some of the game’s greatest former players, melbourne great); journalists and football analysts: • (socceroo, 300 game NsL great and sBs football analyst); • (right) (socceroo captain who • Dave Davutovic ( based football starred in some of europe’s biggest leagues journalist); including the Italian serie a and the english • Michael Lynch, (chief football writer for Premier League); The age); and • (socceroo and english • Andrew Orsatti (esPN football Premier League veteran); commentator). • (socceroo and veteran defender who excelled in europe especially at Pfa Chief executive Brendan scottish giants rangers fC); schwab is the non-voting chair of • (300 game National soccer the committee. The Pfa awards League veteran and fox sports presenter); committee considered player • Mark Bosnich (aston Villa and manchester performances from 1 august United great and fox sports analyst); 2010 to 31 July 2011 for the • (socceroo and Glasgow 2010/2011 season. rangers treble winning captain); • (socceroo, Uefa Champions League winner with aC milan, and newly appointed sydney fC goalkeeping coach);

6 PFA AWArdS cOMMittEE

Tony Vidmar (left) and stan Lazaridis with during the socceroos’ famous victory over england at Upton Park, London in february 2003.

7 tiM cAhill brEtt EMErtON briSbANE rOAr (AuStrAliA) EvErtON Fc (ENGlANd) blAcKburN rOvErS (ENGlANd)

Club appearances: ...... 32 Club appearances: ...... 28 Club appearances: ...... 34 Goals: ...... 6 Goals: ...... 9 Goals: ...... 4 minutes Played: ...... 2821 mintues Played: ...... 2014 minutes Played: ...... 2191 socceroo appearances: ...... 9 socceroo appearances: ...... 11 Thomas has been voted Player of the Goals: ...... 2 Goals: ...... 1 Year for Championship winning Brisbane Nominated: ...... 2009, 2010, 2011 roar and for good reason. Leading the Winner: ...... 2009 Brett’s club and international record a-League in assists by a significant margin, speaks for itself having spent more than Thomas was a constant threat in midfield Despite injury limiting Tim’s appearances the past decade playing at the top level in playing in every match of Brisbane’s towards the end of the season, he was still europe, including eight distinguished years title winning campaign. The attacking able to provide an outstanding contribution at english Premier League Blackburn midfielder’s performances earned him a to club and country during 2010/11. rovers. Brett, who sits third in list of all- place in the Pfa a-League Team of the he provided everton with his usual time of appearances for the socceroos, season and a well deserved reputation as outstanding attacking midfield play, scoring played a heroic role for rovers during one of the a-League’s best players. 9 goals for the Toffees before departing the business end of the season, helping to join the socceroos at the asian Cup, them preserve their top flight status in a scoring twice during the tournament and relegation battle that came down to the playing an instrumental role in australia last game of the season. sydney’s gain is reaching the final. Blackburn’s loss as emerton returns home to play some of the best remaining years of his career in australia.

8 2010/2011 PFA FOOtbAllEr OF thE YEAr NOMiNEES The 12 nominees for the 2010/2011 PFA Footballer of the Year are, in alphabetical order:

MArcOS FlOrES JOSh KENNEdY AdElAidE uNitEd (AuStrAliA) AZ AlKMAAr (NEthErlANdS) NAGOYA GrAMPuS (JAPAN)

Club appearances: ...... 36 Club appearances: ...... 28 Club appearances: ...... 20 Goals: ...... 9 Goals: ...... 4 Goals: ...... 9 minutes Played: ...... 2396 minutes Played: ...... 2095 minutes Played: ...... 1440 socceroo appearances: ...... 14 socceroo appearances: ...... 2 2010/11 Johnny Warren medalist and Pfa Goals: ...... 2 Goals: ...... 2 a-League Team of the season midfielder, Nominated: ...... 2010, 2011 Nominated: ...... 2010, 2011 marcos was also one of the a-League’s leading goal scorers for 2010/2011, a regular starter for the socceroos and Josh continues to be a sensation in the netting nine goals in 36 appearances. The Dutch club aZ alkmaar, Brett has scored J-League with Nagoya Grampus, winning argentinean playmaker delighted adelaide on the international and european stages the domestic Golden Boot award with a fans all season with a combination of in 2010/2011, netting for the socceroos record of 17 goals in 31 games in 2010. athleticism and flair, unforgettably shown at this year’s asian Cup as well as in the having won the J-League championship with his individual wonder goal against Uefa europa League at club level. With an last year, Josh has continued his form with Newcastle Jets, dribbling through their enviable goal scoring record for his country, 9 goals in 20 games so far in 2011, having defence in a way that drew comparisons Brett has been a solid performer for aZ recovered well from injury earlier in the year with legendary fellow countryman alkmaar ensuring the club’s qualification that prevented him from featuring in the maradona and his famous goal against once again for european competition. asian Cup for the socceroos. england in 1986.

(Note: International appearances current as of 1 July 2011)

9 hArrY KEWEll MAtt McKAY lucAS NEill GAlAtASArAY (turKEY) briSbANE rOAr (AuStrAliA) GAlAtASArAY (turKEY)

Club appearances: ...... 24 Club appearances: ...... 27 Club appearances: ...... 29 Goals: ...... 8 Goals: ...... 3 Goals: ...... 0 minutes Played: ...... 1321 minutes Played: ...... 2447 minutes Played: ...... 2111 socceroo appearances: ...... 8 socceroo appearances: ...... 8 socceroo appearances: ...... 13 Goals: ...... 3 Goals: ...... 0 Goals: ...... 0 Nominated: ...... 2009, 2010, 2011 Nominated: ...... 2009, 2011 Brisbane roar’s captain led his team Despite injury hampering Kewell on to their first ever Premiership and solid and consistent are words commonly occasion during 2010/2011, he certainly Championship titles, playing some of the associated with socceroo captain Lucas made up for lost time when taking to the most attractive football the a-League has Neill, and for a centre-half there can be field for Galatasaray, achieving a highly seen. The captain of the Pfa a-League no higher praise. Lucas is certainly not respectable goal tally for the number of Team of the season, matt also played a showing any signs of slowing down, and games played, averaging approximately 1 key role in the socceroos run to the asian no more evident was this than at the goal in every 3 matches. representing the Cup final, just missing out on the winner’s asian Cup where Lucas led a formidable socceroos, harry was the second-highest medal that would have capped a near partnership with sasa Ognenovski towards goal scorer at the asian Cup tournament in perfect season for the midfielder, whose australia maintaining the best defensive Qatar, and was voted as one of the afC’s performances have rewarded him with a record of the tournament. The socceroo tournament mVP’s for his man-of-the- move to scottish giants Glasgow rangers. captain has lead his country by example match performances. and will undoubtedly be a key influence as australia embark upon qualifying for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

10 2010/2011 PFA FOOtbAllEr OF thE YEAr NOMiNEES The 12 nominees for the 2010/2011 PFA Footballer of the Year are, in alphabetical order:

SASA OGNENOvSKi MArK SchWArZEr luKE WilKShirE SEONGNAM illhWA chuNMA FulhAM Fc (ENGlANd) diNAMO MOScOW (ruSSiA) (SOuth KOrEA) Club appearances: ...... 32 Club appearances: ...... 26 Clubs appearances: ...... 20 Clean sheets: ...... 15 Goals: ...... 0 Goals: ...... 2 minutes Played: ...... 2790 minutes Played: ...... 2335 minutes Played: ...... 1395 socceroo appearances: ...... 11 socceroo appearances: ...... 13 socceroo appearances: ...... 10 Clean sheets: ...... 5 Goals: ...... 2 Goals: ...... 1 Nominated: ...... 2009, 2010, 2011 Nominated: ...... 2010, 2011 Nominated: ...... 2009, 2011 Winner: ...... 2010 Luke has been a solid and regular starter Captain of asian Champions League The most recent winner of the Pfa for Dinamo moscow in what is a growing winning side seongnam Illhwa Chunma, footballer of the Year award, mark and increasingly competitive russian there are few players that can match the once again produced a series of heroic Premier League. his versatility and accolades and achievements that sasa performances for fulham fC in the english effectiveness in defence and midfield Ognenovski has achieved in 2010/11. Premier League, helping the club move have shown what a valuable asset Luke sasa was voted the afC asian Player of away from the threat of relegation towards has proven to his club, not to mention the Year, asian Champions League most finishing a highly respectable 8th and chipping in with the odd goal in his regular Valuable Player as well as being chosen for qualifying for the europa League through appearances for the socceroos against the the K-League Best eleven. The centre-half fair play. mark also held the highest likes of Germany in australia’s 2-1 friendly started every game of the socceroos asian number of clean sheets and fewest number win in march. Cup campaign, scoring against Uzbekistan of goals conceded at the asian Cup whilst on the way to the final, completing a becoming the socceroos’ most capped remarkable season for both club and player. country.

(Note: International appearances current as of 1 July 2011)

11 MuStAFA AMiNi OlivEr bOZANic cENtrAl cOASt MAriNErS briSbANE rOAr (AuStrAliA) cENtrAl cOASt MAriNErS (AuStrAliA) (AuStrAliA) Club appearances: ...... 33 Club appearances: ...... 23 Goals: ...... 12 Club appearances: ...... 33 Goals: ...... 1 minutes Played: ...... 2652 Goals: ...... 1 minutes Played: ...... 878 minutes Played: ...... 2920 Young socceroo appearances: ...... 16 Kosta had a truly outstanding season as Olyroo appearances: ...... 7 Goals: ...... 3 part of Brisbane’s title winning team, being Goals: ...... 0 Olyroo appearances: ...... 2 chosen for the Pfa a-League Team of Goals: ...... 1 the season and finishing second in the Upon his return to australia following a-League scoring charts with 12 goals. stints at several clubs in the UK, Oliver has an exceptionally talented playmaker, it The 21 year old Kiwi has signed a 3-year been a key part of one of the best midfield has come as little surprise that mustafa’s deal with russian club alania Vladikavkaz, combinations in the a-League at Central services have been acquired by high flying wasting little time in continuing his form by Coast with his exciting attacking play down German powerhouse Borussia Dortmund scoring a stunning goal on his debut to the the left, starting in all 33 matches he played. on a 4-year term. The Young socceroo will delight of his new club. Oliver has been named captain of a continue to excite a-League fans and gain dynamic Olyroos squad as they set on their valuable first-team experience on loan with way to qualifying for the London Olympics Central Coast for the coming season before in 2012. departing for the Bundesliga.

12 2010/2011 PFA hArrY KEWEll MEdAl – thE NOMiNEES The 10 nominees for the 2010/2011 PFA Harry Kewell Medal are, in alphabetical order:

KErEM bulut luKE dEvErE FK MlAdA bOlESlAv briSbANE rOAr (AuStrAliA) MElbOurNE victOrY (AuStrAliA) (cZEch rEPublic) Club appearances: ...... 26 Club appearances: ...... 23 Club appearances: ...... 8 Goals: ...... 1 Goals: ...... 11 Goals: ...... 1 minutes Played: ...... 2320 minutes Played: ...... 1643 minutes Played: ...... 452 Olyroo appearances: ...... 2 socceroo appearances: ...... 7 Young socceroo appearances: ...... 8 Goals: ...... 0 Goals: ...... 1 Goals: ...... 8 Nominated: ...... 2010, 2011 Despite leaving Brisbane roar in January following a tough time off the field mid- to sign with K-League club Gyeongnam, The electric pace and goal scoring ability season, Kerem has continued to be one Luke was still voted by his peers to the of robbie Kruse will be sorely missed of australia’s brightest prospects after Pfa a-League Team of the season. Life by a-League fans as robbie’s stand out returning even stronger to the mlada in south Korea has gotten off to a great performances for melbourne Victory last Boleslav side. The young striker delivered start for Luke, where he has been a season have inevitably attracted attention tournament defining performances and regular at the back all season as well as from europe, securing a move to German won the Golden Boot at the afC U19 appearing occasionally on the scoresheet, side fortuna Dusseldorf. robbie was the Championships in 2010, and is a key most recently in an emphatic 7-1 win over a-League’s 3rd highest scorer and made member of the Young socceroos, playing Daejeon Citizen fC. his socceroo debut at the asian Cup in every minute and scoring in the recent U20 Qatar, scoring his first senior international World Cup. goal in the semi-final.

(Note: statistics current as of 31 July 2011)

13 MAthEW lEcKiE tOMMY OAr AdElAidE uNitEd (AuStrAliA) Fc utrEcht (NEthErlANdS)

Club appearances: ...... 15 Club appearances: ...... 9 Goals: ...... 5 Goals: ...... 0 minutes Played: ...... 995 minutes Played: ...... 234 Young socceroo appearances: ...... 9 socceroo appearances: ...... 4 Goals: ...... 2 Goals: ...... 0 Nominated: ...... 2010, 2011 Young socceroo appearances: ...... 9 Goals: ...... 2 Despite suffering a serious injury mid- Nominated: ...... 2010, 2011 season, mathew was still able to make a significant contribution for his club, appearing for both the Young socceroos scoring 5 goals in just 15 appearances and senior national team in 2010/2011, for adelaide United from midfield, and the rapid and technically gifted as a result securing a fantastic move to youngster has enjoyed a year not short German club Borussia monchengladbach of highlights. These include scoring a in the Bundesliga. sensational free-kick at the Under 20 World Cup from 30 meters to secure a late point against ecuador, as well as appearing for Dutch club side fC Utrecht at famous european grounds such as in the europa League.

14 2010/2011 PFA hArrY KEWEll MEdAl – thE NOMiNEES The 10 nominees for the 2010/2011 PFA Harry Kewell Medal are, in alphabetical order:

NiKitA ruKAvYtSYA MAtt rYAN hErthA bSc (GErMANY) cENtrAl cOASt MAriNErS (AuStrAliA) Club appearances: ...... 32 Goals: ...... 4 Club appearances: ...... 31 minutes Played: ...... 2288 Clean sheets: ...... 14 Nominated: ...... 2009, 2010, 2011 minutes Played: ...... 2820 Winner: ...... 2009 matt’s performances for Central Coast The winner of the inaugural Pfa harry last season re-affirmed his status as one Kewell medal in 2009, Nikita has gone of australia’s brightest young goalkeeping from strength to strength plying his trade prospects, culminating in an outstanding in europe, becoming a regular starter for Grand final performance when he became German outfit hertha BsC and helping the first a-League player to win the Joe them secure promotion to Germany’s top marston medal in a losing side. starting tier as one of the league’s most prolific for the mariners throughout the season, assist providers. matt was second to none in terms of clean sheets, and made the 3rd highest number of saves for his team.

(Note: statistics current as of 31 July 2011)

15 PFA WOMEN’S FOOtbAllEr what was a challenging environment for her sport OF thE YEAr is something that we can all draw inspiration from. she also played a key role in ensuring that our In 2010, the Pfa initiated an important tradition elite women footballers came under the umbrella for women’s football in australia with the of the Pfa. inauguration of the Pfa Women’s footballer of the Year award. The player voted as australia’s Cheryl presented the inaugural Pfa Women’s best female footballer by her peers receives a footballer of the Year award to servet Uzunlar medal featuring the image of matildas’ legend (opposite), a star defender for the matildas in (back cover). their asian Cup triumph, who received 39 votes from her matildas’ team mates. (matildas captain Cheryl’s achievements in the game stand alone. was runner up with 29 with elise In a career of many highlights that included 151 Kellond-Knight, the Queensland road midfielder internationals and almost 40 goals as a central 3rd on 26 votes). defender, she led the matildas to the quarter finals of the 2007 fIfa Women’s World Cup, at Olympic Unlike the men’s awards, a list of nominees is football tournaments and was regularly selected not determined by the Pfa awards Committee for the fIfa World XI. for the Pfa Women’s footballer of the Year. all female Pfa members are invited to vote on a 3, Cheryl’s off field influence is just as impressive 2, 1 basis to determine the best female footballer with her leadership and commitment to women’s of the year with the winner being announced at football leaving a legacy for our next generation of the australian football awards. female stars. Cheryl’s determination to succeed in

The matildas pose for a team photo before the international friendly match against New Zealand, may 2011.

16 PFA WOMEN’S FOOtbAllEr OF thE YEAr

2010 Pfa Women’s footballer of the Year servet Uzunlar in action for the matildas during the fIfa World Cup group match against equatorial Guinea, July 2011. 17 PrOFESSiONAl FOOtbAllErS AuStrAliA chiEF ExEcutivE: Brendan schwab LL. B mBa

AddrESS: 833 Bourke street DOCKLaNDs 3008 aUsTraLIa tElEPhONE: + 61 3 9287 1888 FAx: + 61 3 9287 1760 EMAil: [email protected] WEbSitE: www.pfa.net.au

The image of australia’s most capped footballer- Cheryl salisbury- featured on the Pfa Women’s footballer of the Year award.