Monday, 11 December 2006 12:41 AM
South Melbourne FC and Director of Football Jim Marinis are pleased to announce the signings of two talented and exciting players over the pre-season period.
Former Melbourne Knights Striker Nathan Caldwell has joined the blue and whites with Sunshine Georgies midfielder Trent Waterson also agreeing terms and linking up for pre-season training.
Caldwell had a solid campaign last season, bagging 8 goals in 16 appearances for the Knights with the 22 year old striker easily settling into life in Victoria’s premier footballing competition.
With the departure back to Perth of Andreas Oliveira, Caldwell will be looked upon to provide some creative flair and predatory finishing in South’s attacking third.
Twenty-one year old former Sunshine Georgies midfielder Trent Waterson, who only a few weeks ago was poised to secure a temporary A-League contract with the QLD Roar, comes to South with an ever increasing reputation. Waterson managed to score against South last season and has the ability to go past players not to mention the ability to get on the score sheet.
South’s defensive stocks have also been strengthened with the return of outstanding youngster and young Socceroo Steven O’Dor after a year at the AIS. O’Dor developed quickly during the 2005 campaign and immediately established himself as a fixture in the South starting 11. After recently featuring in the Asian Football Confederation under-20 world cup qualifiers, O’Dor returns to Bob Jane Stadium looking to consolidate his senior footballing career.
South have also tied up the successful coaching duet of senior head coach John Anastasiadis and his assistant John Gabrielson for the upcoming season. Both have done a tremendous job building a side from virtually nothing and are keen to challenge for championship honors yet again in season 2007.
The Albert Park-based club also wishes to welcome new under 21’s coach Greg Mangonis. Mangonis coached Clifton Hill seniors last season to a credible 5th placing in the State League 2 competition and will be take on the squad permanently after senior player Arthur Tsonis did an admirable job filling in last season with the sudden departure of Joe Montemurro.
The South Melbourne football family wishes Greg the best of luck in his new role.
In other news, silky ex-Heidelberg United winger Yusuf Yusuf is currently trialing at Bob Jane Stadium with the winger apparently close to winning a deal.
The club is also on an on-going basis working on luring higher caliber to Bob Jane Stadium and may announce in the new year a possible new capture or two.