16.05.08 - Reds go in search of Spirit in Cup

The Reds are in cup action this weekend when they travel to Dalmatinac Park to take on Fremantle Spirit in the second round of the Soccer Pools Cup (3pm)

The venue is the home ground of Cockburn City, as the Spirit does not have a ground yet, but will soon move to Waurph Park.

The Reds have been hit by injuries over the past month and will hope to have a number return sooner rather than later. Scott Devine has led by example in the midfield along with Marlon Ramirez while at the back Shannon Dally, Daryl Platten and Matt Bennion (left) have been outstanding with Cyril Sharrock between the sticks. Reds Coach Brad Hassell will hope Dally is fit along with former Spirit defender Mark Darby and Oliver Hilton who all missed last week’s 0-2 defeat against Perth SC.

Hassell is looking forward to the game but will have to do it with a thin squad, “This week we will have a bare 11, as will we have Andy Bowyer (suspended) and Stefan Smiljanic (best man at wedding) missing, so we will be up against it,” said Hassell.

The coach believes his side have been playing some good football but have been under rewarded over the past month. “I'd like to see our hard work over the past three weeks rewarded. We’ve played some good sides and haven’t been fair off the pace. Its a game that we can win and I think if we give the same commitment and intensity as last week, we will be alright,” added Hassell.

Both sides are still looking for their first points of the season so a win for either would give their season a boast. Spirit is coming off a 0-5 home loss to ECU Joondalup last week, but if they had taken their early chances the score line could have been different, Jason Barerra continues to impress in midfield for Mark Wingell’s side along with Ben Kelly. Callum Roberts has toiled hard up front for the Spirit, while at the back Cisco Jorquiera and Simon Elton-Bott will need to support young keeper Dane McBride.

Get along and support the Reds. The under 18’s kick off at 11am, the reserves at 1pm and the first team at 3pm. Admission is $8 for Adults and $5 for pensioners and concessions, under 15’s are admitted free.

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Platten selected in state training squad.

The re-formation of the WA state team has been a long time coming but last week players were invited to try out for selection and Reds defender Daryl Platten was included in the squad

It’s been a good start to the season from Platten, and state Coach Robbie Dunn has watched him and selected him in the state team training squad.

Armadale President Bill Easton is delighted for the youngster. “Daryl has been superb for us for the last two seasons. He’s shown great maturity at the back for us, and has shown great loyalty to the club, as last season a number of clubs tried to sign him. The club wishes him success in his endeavours in the state training squad,” said Easton.

Dunn was happy with the application shown by the player group during their first session together. "I was really impressed by how they responded when I asked them to do something," he said. "With regard to our planned launch match at the end of June, which will see us take on a strong international team, time is against us, so it's very important that I have players who are willing to follow instructions. From what I saw last night I believe Western Australian will acquit themselves well against what will be tough opposition."

The process of bringing together the first State squad in close to five years has seen Dunn cast his net far and wide. "It's important that I consider as many players as I can for the squad and last night gave me the opportunity to see a few more players in action," explained Dunn. "The majority of the players are from the Premier League but we also had some players attend from outside that competition, players that are very good and who I wanted to make sure could step up, and they showed that they can."

While still in the planning stage, it's hoped the State team will meet Perth Glory later in the year. "Negotiations are underway for us to play two games against Glory as way of showcasing the quality that exists in the State League. It'll also give us a good gauge on where the WA boys are in relation to the A-League," said Dunn. "It was great to see Dave Mitchell watching last night's session, he's a big advocate of the local players so he'll see first hand what some of the boys can do when and if these games eventuate."

Invited to last night's training session were Daryl Platten (Armadale), Ken Lafitz (Balcatta), Paul Harvey (Canning City), Scott Blackmore, John Higgins, Ian McMurray (E.C.U. Joondalup), Garin Collins, Rafeal Insurralde, John Migas (Floreat Athena), Jason Barrera, Callum Roberts (Fremantle Spirit), Jeff Bright, Andy Brown, Keith Brown (Mandurah City), Matt Danskin, Gianfranco Circati, Todd Howarth, Michael Icanovski, Andreas Oliviera, Greg Sharland (Perth S.C.), Scott Bulloch, Shaun Kilkelly, Steve MacDonald, Scott Neville, Neil Young (Sorrento), Marc Anthony, Phil Arnold, Dean Evans, Mark Redshaw, Phil Straker (Stirling Lions), Aaron Cole, David McNally, David Perich (Swan I.C.) and Luka Jukic (Western Knights).

09.05.08 - Armadale meet Perth in the Late Show

Armadale host Perth SC in Saturday’s late game at Alfred Skeet Oval (7pm)The Reds are still searching for their first points of the season, but they showed great determination before going down to a late goal at Floreat Athena last time out and Coach Brad Hassell was pleased with side’s attitude against the 2007 champions. “It was a step up from our last performance which was pleasing. The boy’s gave it everything, but Floreat are a quality side, but the lads can’t be faulted on their effort,” said Hassell.

It doesn’t get any easier for the reds with Perth this week, but Hassell believes the side is heading in the right direction. “We’ve played some quality teams so far this season and we haven’t been thumped and if we keep performing like we did at Floreat results will come our way,” added Hassell.

The Reds have injury concerns over Shannon Dally and Jason Goodwin and both face late fitness tests, with Joseph Brunetto, returning from suspension and Kodi Madeley being added to the squad.

Scott Devine (left) is back to full fitness which is a big plus for the Reds, and with hardworking pair Darryl Platten and Andy Bower, who were standouts last week, the club go into the match in a confident mood. It’s a big game for Oliver Hilton up against his former club, and a big game is expected from the midfielder.

Perth came from behind to beat Fremantle Spirit 5-2 last week but the win came at a cost with Robbie Puca injured, and is out this week. Graham Normanton will hope for a better return on the road, Perth is yet to win away from Dorrien Gardens this season. Todd Howarth continues to impress along with strikers Andreas Oliviera and David Olnoforo, while midfielder David Price has settled in well after his move from the Knights.

Get along and support the Reds, all the sides are in action on Saturday, Phil Campher’s under 18’s kick off at 3pm, Ken Jarvis’s under 23’s at 5pm and the first team at 7pm. Admission is $7 adults, $4 concessions, under 15’s are admitted free.

02.05.08 - Reds head to champions in round four

The Reds travels to the E&D Litis Stadium on Saturday to take on the 2007 Champions Floreat Athena in round four of the Football West Premier Division (3pm)

Reds Coach Brad Hassell is looking for an improvement from last week, were they lost 0-3 against Cockburn City on Sunday. “The result was disappointing but the performance wasn't. We’re improving our work rate with each week, and quality wise we can only give what we're capable of, but commitment and desire is a must for every game,’ said Hassell.

Last week Scot Devine (left) made a return to action against Cockburn and Hassell believes he is vital to the young side. “We don't have a great deal of experience in the squad so it was fantastic to see Scott get through the game. He’s a winner and will be an important player at the club this season,” explained Hassell.

The injuries have taken their toll on the Reds with Mark Darby and Stephen Skilandis missing last week and they look like being out for a number of weeks. Hassell said: “M ark is suffering from a piece of loose tissue or bone in his foot, which he needs to remove. He won't be available for a month or so, which is a shame because he has got a great attitude and was playing well. Skilandis has had groin trouble and has started training again, and he will be eased back in through the reserves next week,” commented Hassell.

A tough trip on Saturday for the Reds but Hassell said they are all tough trips. “They are all tough trips in the Premier League. I don't think Floreat are playing at their best yet, so it might be a good time to play them. All I want from my players is to really push this team, make them work if they want to get a result,” said Hassell.

Last season’s Champions won their first game of the season last week with a 3-0 home win against Fremantle Spirit. New import Brad Scott came off the bench to score on his debut, and he will be pushing for a start this week. New Striker Daniel Niederberger also made his debut last week after his move from Inglewood United, and with David Foster also to return Coach Michael Roki will have a few selection headaches.

Get along and support the Reds, all the sides are in action on Saturday, Phil Campher’s under 18’s kick off at 11am, Ken Jarvis’s under 23’s at 1pm and the first team at 3pm. Admission is $7 adults, $4 concessions, under 15’s are admitted free.

Smiljanic hopes for a win on return to Athena

Armadale striker Stefan Smiljanic returns to his former club Floreat Athena on Saturday in round three of the Football West Premier Division. He has enjoyed his start at Alfred Skeet Oval. “It's going very well this season, the boys are friendly and the atmosphere is great at the club. Our results are not showing yet on paper but the season is long and where playing some nice football, we hope to get a result on Saturday,” said Smiljanic.

It was a big decision for the striker to leave the Litis Stadium but he’s happy to being regular first team football. “Athena is a very big club in WA with enormous competition, constantly taking place. It was difficult for a young player like me to establish him self without adequate game time.

“When the opportunity at Armadale arose, both with Brad being the coach and the future aspirations of the club, I jumped at the opportunity to gain much needed game time, yet also continue to train at a high intensity professional level,” explain Smiljanic.

He has made many friends at Athena and keeps in touch with many of them. “I still catch up with a few boys regularly as I have developed long term relationships with a few players and if I don’t see them in person we are constantly in touch via the mobile phone,” added Smiljnaic.

The 23-year-old will hope to celebrate his 23 rd birthday with three points on Saturday as Armadale look for their first points this campaign. “It should definitely pan out to be a great contest as both sides possesses a very skillful and technical style of approach to the game.

“In my opinion the contest will be either won or lost in the midfield of the game. Unfortunately Gary Faria is out, but I am hopeful the rest of the midfield will be at their best. Of course I would love to put my mark on the occasion with one or two goals in the back of the net, but I would be more then satisfied if we walked away with all three points,” commented Smiljanic.

The Serbian born striker has represented Western Australia in two state championships as a 15 and 16-year-old and also headed home for trials with Red Star Belgrade in 2002. The marketing Coordinator has looked up to his brother Philip, who played for Inglewood United and has aspired to be as good as him in football.

The big striker believes Coach Brad Hassell is doing a good job at Alfred Skeet and is looking forward to working with him this season. “Brad is handling the opportunity very well. He possesses a vast knowledge of the game and has implemented that very well into his training regime so far.

“His playing career has allowed him to posses a great vision of the game and not only that, he is able to introduce both the technical and tactical aspects as well. He is a young motivated coach who will no doubt only improve as he gains further experience at club level,” commented Smiljanic.

26.04.08 - Reds host Cockburn City in Round three

The Reds go in search of their first points of the season when they entertain Cockburn City at Alfred Skeet Oval in round three of the Football West Premier Division on Sunday (3pm)

The Reds will gain some confidence from their performance in the loss at Sorrento. Brad Hassell will still be without Gary Faria, who has gone overseas, but he hopes to give the loyal reds fans a victory on Sunday.

Hassell was pleased with the lad’s effort last week at Sorrento and he hopes they continue this week. “Sorrento at windy hill is always a tough game, and they've picked up some top class players. We didn't have enough quality to break them down but definitely an improvement on the week before,” said Hassell.

But he remembers last time the Reds met Cockburn. “They gave us a footballing lesson first game of the night series so we're well aware of the quality they possess. What we can't match in quality with Cockburn we will hope to match and better them with determination and spirit,” added Hassell.

Stefen Smiljanic led the line well last week but will need some support if the Reds are to kick start their season. At the back Cyril Sharrock was again superb at Sorrento along with Matt Bennion and Daryl Platten (left), a repeat will be need this weekend

Cockburn needed an injury-time winner to defeat Fremantle Spirit last time out, and new Coach Mirko Jelicic will hope for an improvement this weekend.

Cockburn’s defence was tighter last week with young keeper Dejan Aleksic and defender Liam Lilly solid. The midfield of the Cockerels is talented and with Johnny and Michael Mirco leading the way along with youngster Aaron dos Santos.

Get along and support the Reds, all the sides are in action on Sunday Phil Campher’s under 18’s kick off at 11am, Ken Jarvis’s under 23’s at 1pm and the first team at 3pm. Admission is $7 adults, $4 concessions, under 15’s are admitted free.

Bennion impresses for the Reds

The Reds have started 2008 with two defeats but the performance against Sorrento last week was a huge improvement, and one player who played well at Percy Doyle Reserve was Matt Bennion. The 22-year-old has been part of the furniture at the Alfred Skeet Oval club, after playing as a junior and now in the senior side.

He is happy with the way the club is going despite the two opening game defeats. “I think the players have had good pre-season and we achieved a few good results during the night series.

“We probably haven’t had the best start to the season in the first two games but we have a fairly new side and a new coach. I think we are improving with each game and soon we will be getting results” said Bennion.

A defeat at Sorrento in round two although the Reds gave a good account of themselves, and Bennion believes they were unlucky not to come away with a point. “I thought we were a little unlucky against Sorrento, I thought in the first half we created a few good chances on goal and were a little unlucky not to score.

“We just need to make sure we capitalize on the chances we get in front of goal. The boys worked hard for each other and hopefully we take that into this week’s game against Cockburn and get a result,” added Bennion, who represented the WA under 15’s state in Adelaide in 2000.

The new Coach Brad Hassel is delighted with Bennion contributions this season, and he hopes it continues. “Matt has done well and is solid at the back. He’s good going the other way too, he’s a good lad I hope he continues to improve,” said Hassell.

The Coach get’s a tick of approval from Bennion and he believes the club made the right decision to appoint him. “I think Brad is settling in fine at the club, he has played at a high level and he brings a lot of experience and knowledge with him. The players are always learning new things from him which bodes well for the future,” commented the defender.

He added, “Brad has brought a number of players in this season and we will take time to gel but I think so far they are all settling in well and the more games we play with each other the better we are going to get. A few of the players bring some good experience to the club which will be beneficial for the younger players coming through.”

18.04.08 - Big Challenge for Reds as Hassell returns home

The Reds disappointing start to 2008 is forgotten and they face a big challenge in round two where they meet Sorrento at Percy Doyle Reserve (3pm)

Reds Coach Brad Hassell (right) makes a return to Percy Doyle Reserve; the former Gulls midfielder won a league winners medal in the 2006 while at the club, and he will hope for a big improvement from last week’s defeat side.

Hassell hopes to have a full squad to choose from although Scott Devine will face a late fitness test before the game. Youngsters Stephen Skilandis, Mark Darby and Kodi Madelay will be hoping to push for a starting eleven spot this week as the Reds look to get their season back on track.

It was great start for the Gulls last week with a comprehensive 3-1 win against Fremantle Spirit, with new signing Stuart Montgomery opening his account for the club.

After winning the title in 2006, the Gulls showed a little too much complacency last year and with just four wins to their name ended uncomfortably close to the drop zone.

But a strong recruitment drive has swelled the ranks at the Gulls with the arrival of some of the state's best talent, players of the calibre of Montgomery, Shaun Kilkelly and Michael Ord. They compliment the existing core group of Neil Young, Steve MacDonald, Glen Thomas, Scott Neville and Todd Harnwell who all worked tirelessly for little reward in 2007.

Get along and support the Reds, all the sides are in action on Saturday Phil Campher’s under 18’s kick off at 11am, Ken Jarvis’s under 23’s at 1pm and the first team at 3pm. Admission is $7 adults, $4 concessions, under 15’s are admitted free.

Armadale will surprise say's Devine

A competitive game hasn’t yet been played but Armadale are already being touted as relegation material. But veteran midfielder Scott Devine is having none of it, saying the Reds have a few surprises up their sleeves for the new season. “We are still a young club at this level so our name is always going to be thrown into the relegation mix,” said Devine. “Everyone is buzzing at the moment, we’ve been working with the ball and playing a lot of small-sided games. I think we are going to surprise a few people with our style of play this year and relegation will be the furthest thing from our minds.”

The Reds recent emphasis on youth development has re-energised the club with the likes of Steve Skilandis and Marlon Ramirez making their mark at senior level last year. Devine has been heartened by the coming of age of the Reds’ youngsters and is looking forward to that continuing in the new season. “The younger boys have got another season of Premier League football under their belts and the way they performed last year showed they now have the belief in themselves that they should be playing at this level,” the 32-year old commented.

New coach Brad Hassell brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Armadale which Devine believes will flow right through the club. “Brad’s appointment is terrific as he’s a face that the younger players can identify with,” explained Devine. “No disrespect to Peter Murphy, Billy Russell or Tom Kilkelly, but the young boys have no idea of how good a player these guys were and what they achieved in the game. But with Brad they know he played over 250 games for Perth Glory and Adelaide City as well as representing Australia at youth level, so hopefully he will attract new players of all ages to the club.”

Devine admits to entertaining thoughts of retirement after the rigours of a demanding 2007 campaign. “I badly damaged my ankle again in the final game against Floreat Athena and admit I thought it was curtains at the time,” he said. “But after receiving treatment and advice over the off-season from my physio, Sania, we feel with the right management it should be ready to stand up to another year at least. I think having the decision taken away from you would be a horrible way to bow out of the game so I’ll be doing all the right things to make sure I can play my part at Armadale.”

Reds up for the challenge

With the 2008 season just around the corner Armadale SC are looking positively towards the challenge ahead and new Coach Brad Hassell (right) believe the side is coming together nicely ahead of the Soccer Pools Cup first round clash with Balcatta SC next weekend.

The former Perth Glory midfielder has been happy with the pre-season and their late showing in the McInerney Ford Night Series. “I believe we were better than expected, and although we lost points for playing an ineligible player, we really only lost one out of five games,” said Hassell.

That was the 4-1 defeat against Cockburn City, and Hassell was pleased the way his side rebounded. “We followed up with improved performances with draws against Sorrento and Mandurah, but our best performance came against Fremantle, where we totally controlled the game and won 2-0.

“We finished off the tournament well with a hard fought draw at Floreat Athena. I was pleased overall and we must have used over 20 different players in the pre-season so it was a good chance to have a look at all the boys with the league season starting soon,” explained Hassell.

The former Morley Windmills coach has settled in to life in the Premier League, his first position in the Football West’s elite competition. He said: “I’m really enjoying it at the moment; I know its going be a big challenge but an exciting one too. If we can improve with each season and keep adding quality to the squad then we should be ready to challenge in a few years time.

“It isn't going to happen overnight but I believe it will happen. This season will be tough with some very good teams out there but I think you'll see a different Armadale this season,” added Hassell.

The departure of last season coaches Billy Russell and Tom Kilkelly was a huge disappointment for the club but the appointment of Hassell has allayed the fears of the clubs loyal supporters. The new Coach has been delighted with the young talent he’s taken over at the club.

“From what I’ve heard about last season the kids did really well. It’s a great thing to know that if they are required they will stand up and give you 100%.

Steve Skilandis, Mark Darby (left) , Ryan Pearson – who is back from overseas – Kevin Coroma, Kodi Madeley all have first team experience and will be focusing hard at getting a regular spot on a Saturday.

“The two younger players that have really impressed me from last teams squad are Matt Bennion and Marlon Ramirez, I believe these two boys will have a fantastic season for the club,” commented Hassell.

Hassell has found it tough to recruit in the off-season but believes he has added some talented players to the list for 2008.

“It was initially very difficult to attract players to the club, which I couldn't understand. But the committee has backed my judgement and slowly we are picking up more and more quality players. So far we have signed, Andy Bowyer, Remo & Adrian McCann, who followed me over from Morley.

“A great pick up for us is former Glory midfielder Gary Faria (right) from Perth SC, who will add great experience to the club. Add to that Oliver Hilton, also from Perth SC, Mark Darby from Fremantle, Kevin Coroma from Stirling Lions and Stefan Smiljanic from league Champions Floreat Athena.

“There is also a few more in the pipeline which we are still working on, but one good thing is the majority of last season’s squad is still here. We did have clubs that talked to at least two players, keeper Cyril Sharrock and defender Daryl Platten, but they've committed to staying with Armadale, which is a massive boost to the club,” explained Hassell.

A problem that Hassell hopes to overcome at Alfred Skeet is the, them and us attitude, between the senior sides. He hopes the appointed senior coaches will work together and help stabilize the club. “The 23's are coached by Kenny Jarvis; his side recently winning the reserves night series hosted by Queens Park. A number of these players will be looking to push into the first team squad this season, which is great for the football club,” said Hassell.

“The 18's also played in the reserves night series and did themselves proud against much older players. Phil Campher has worked with young players for many years and will do well with them this season. We also have Gary Mead who floats between the teams to add his advice, but we must make sure that all three squads feel a part of the club,” added Hassell

When asked bout his ambitions in 2008 Hassell was very philosophical. He said: “I’ve said before I’ve been backed by the committee at the club and we’ve also a great backing from our loyal supporters. If we finish mid table they’ll be happy and so will I. But there's probably five or six other clubs who'd say the same. I think it will be interesting at both ends of the table this season.

Hassell believes the top four will be a closely run contest this season but when asked his top four he said: “In my opinion the top four will be Floreat Athena, Perth SC, Stirling Lions and Cockburn City, they are all strong teams, but I’ll be looking for Armadale to be competitive against all teams and I believe we’ll surprise a few this season.”

Platten hopes for a big season at Armadale

Armadale have struggled for the past two season’s, and the club has seen two coaches come and go from Alfred Skeet Oval in that time. In 2006, then coach Peter Murphy signed Daryl Platten from ECU Joondalup, it was a surprise move for the talented defender but he has been outstanding in his two seasons to date.

He begins his third season at the club with former Perth Glory player Brad Hassell in the coaching position, he replaced the coaching duo of Billy Russell and Tom Kilkelly at the end of last season and Platten was shocked at the departure of the pair. “It was a big surprise when I heard they were leaving. I really enjoyed working with Tom and Billy they had the whole team working for each other, but that’s football as they say,” said Platten.

With Hassell in charge Platten is looking forward to next season. “I’ve spoken to Brad a few times and everything looks good and we hope to be heading forward. Brad has everything set up for next season and I’m real looking forward to working with him too,” commented Platten.

He added: “The club is very ambitious and there is talk of a couple of imports coming in to strengthen the squad. Last season had the potential of being a good season for us, Bill and Tom had us working as a strong unit. We weren’t the most talented football team, but we were very hard to break down, apart that is of the 0-6 trashing against ECU Joondalup,” joked Platten.

The transfer gossip had Platten moving away from Alfred Skeet Oval next season with a number of clubs looking at signing the defender, but it looks like he will be at the club for 2008. “I’ve spoken to a couple of clubs and I told Armadale about this and they were OK with it. I spoke to Steve Neville at Sorrento and thought long and hard about my future, but I’ve decide to stay at Armadale. They have been great to me since I joined them and it’s my way of saying thanks for that,” added Platten.

The 22-year-old, who will head home to Ireland for a holiday in January and miss the night series competition, ended last season representing his state in games against Selangor and he really enjoyed it. “It’s great to play for your state team, although I only played the last fifteen minutes.  Selangor played the ball around nicely and had good movement off the ball but their season was just starting, while ours had been over for three weeks, but I think we did OK,” added Platten.