Recruiting:
Ins: Andrew Barisic (Melbourne Knights, Australia – 1 year), James Brown (AIS, Australia – 3 years), Zenon Caravella (FC Omniworld, Netherlands – 2 years), Jason Culina (PSV Eindhoven, Netherlands – 3 Years), Steve Fitzsimmons (Beenleigh, Australia -1 year), Richard Greer (AIS, Australia – 1 year), Adam Griffiths (Newcastle Jets, Australia - 3 years), Scott Higgins (Eastern Suburbs, Australia – 1 year), Jefferson (Atletico Rorairama, Brazil – 1 year), Milson (Madureira, Brazil – 1 year), Tahj Minniecon (U/23 marquee: Brisbane Roar, Australia – 3 years), Matt Osman (Central Coast Mariners, Australia – 2 years), Steve Pantelidis (Melbourne Victory, Australia – 2 years), Joel Porter (Hartlepool United, England – 3 years), Daniel Piorkowski (Newcastle Jets, Australia – 2 years), Kristian Rees (Adelaide City, Australia – 2 years), Robson (Cabofriense, Brazil – 1 year), Shane Smeltz (Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand – 3 years), Michael Thwaite (SK Brann, Norway – 3 years), Adama Traore (Ecole de Football Yeo Martial, Ivory Coast – 3 years), Bas van den Brink (FC Omniworld, Netherlands – 2 years), Jess Vanstrattan (Verona, Italy 2 years ).
Analysis: There has been no holding back for Gold Coast in its recruiting ahead of its debut season. Luring Jason Culina back home while the Socceroos midfielder is still in his prime is one of the biggest coups in the A-League's history. He is a fine player to build a side around. Shane Smeltz is a proven goalscorer at this level, while Joel Porter has shown his ability to find the net in England over the past few years. Up the other end of the pitch, Jess Vanstrattan gets his chance to show Aussie fans what he can do after so many years in the shadows at Juventus. Of the international brigade, the Brazilian trio loom as a bit of a mystery, while Bas Van Den Brink will be a key in the centre of defence. There are a few players who have been at other A-League clubs, some proven, like Adam Griffiths and Tahj Minniecon, and others who haven’t made a big impression, and it will be a measure of Miron Bleiberg's ability if he can get something extra out of them
Pre-Season:
Gold Coast did not lose a match in the pre-season, winning seven and losing one but only came up against three teams of note. A victory against EPL side Fulham was the highlight, while there was a 2-2 draw against Central Coast and a 1-0 win over Perth. For a team which has only came together over the past couple of months, they seem to be playing very cohesive football, with Culina and Zenon Caravella dominant in midfield in the game against Perth, and Porter scoring the winning goal.
Strengths:
There is no doubt that the Gold Coast has the personnel to contend with the A-League's best this year. While the prediction of an unbeaten season is unrealistic, the strength and balance in the midfield is impressive and as long as Smeltz and Porter stay fit, they will have a real bite up forward. Confidence won’t be lacking either given the way the club has been hyped up.
Concerns:
Depth is probably the biggest worry for the Gold Coast, for while they have plenty of out and out stars, they probably lack proven back-up players at this stage. They will rely heavily on Culina to direct the play and should anything happen to their marquee player then they may struggle to cover him. A history of Brazilian imports into the A-League will tell you that about 50 per cent of them actually make it. Given this is the first time that Robson and Jefferson have played outside Brazil, there must be some concern of their ability to adapt to the more robust Australian style of play. The other challenge is handling all the egos at play both on and off the field, although Culina certainly is not one of them.
Key player:
Without doubt it is Jason Culina. This guy is a potentially a superstar in this competition having spent the last eight years in Europe at clubs like PSV and Ajax. Those who are only familiar with his deeds with the Socceroos may be surprised to see him play a more attacking role with his new club. But he is not only a very solid player, he is a creative playmaker who could propel Gold Coast into premiership contention in its first season.
Where will they finish?
With the talent assembled through Miron Bleiberg's persuasion and Clive Palmer's chequebook, it is realistic that Gold Coast could come in and generally threaten for the title this season. But the concern is the ability for their top players to get through a 27-match season and whether their back-ups can do just as good a job when called upon. Culina's contribution is vital, while Bleiberg's propensity to make big predictions has ensured that nobody will underestimate the new team. It will be a tough initiation, but you can certainly see them finishing in the finals. Perhaps the title is a bridge too far in their first year.
Coach's Quote - Miron Bleiberg
Miron Bleiberg has refused to talk about the season over the past two weeks as a protest at his club having to play its first game away to Brisbane
"I won't be sharing my thoughts on this game with anybody, even though I probably know more about it than anybody else because of my previous involvement with the Roar. I'm treating this game like any other -- and I'll talk about it a day before and no sooner."
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Check out all our 2009-10 A-League Team Previews:
Adelaide United | Brisbane Roar | Central Coast Mariners | Gold Coast United | Melbourne Victory | Newcastle Jets | North Queensland Fury | Perth Glory | Sydney FC | Wellington Phoenix