So you wanna be a football star?

I can fully understand what you guys are dreaming of, and I hope I can assist.

Persist, practice and put in.

The best I can do is try to pass on what I've learnt and help introduce you to modern football. It's a fast moving, physically demanding sport which also requires intelligence.

The most important tools for learning, is your acceptance of other's experiences as you try to build and adapt what you see and learn to suit your style. There are many ways to play and having your own style is very important.

Equally important is the ability to connect with your teammates and create a unit that is greater than the sum of its parts.

So, what's our style going to be for next season?

It's hard to say at this stage, but a high pressing fast moving game is what I hope we can achieve. Use what has been shown by the best over the last years and try to emulate. Read the FIFA Technical Report for the 2010 World Cup and you will see that the game has changed and we are in a position to go with it. Here's and article on it with a great summary:
 http://au.fourfourtwo.com/Features/6727,2010-fifa-world-cup-technical-report.aspx

Focus on the 9 points made and together we will work on how to get our game to the highest standard possible.

Now that we have an almost full squad, it's time to write on what characteristics each position will have to have.

Firstly, every player should be prepared to play in the middle. As I have stated, three positions witth one specialisation is what I expect from each of you.

1. The Spine - these are the central positions on the park: 2 x Center Backs, 2-3 Centre Mids, 1-2 Strikers
Must be able to keep a cool head at all times. Never panic and a high completion rate is expected when passing. Avoid getting caught wide and work quickly together to suffocate the opposition by eliminating their space and time on the ball. Center Backs and Strikers should be strong in the air with the ability to offer something extra in set plays.

2. Back Wings - Intelligent players who can read the game. Consistently win one-on-one battles with a combination of speed, anticipation and makes strong challenges when called to do so. Must be able to support and overlap in attack, but must understand when not to push and be caught out of position.

3. Wide Mids/Wingers - Tricky, fast, tough. Take players on, deliver accurate crosses and support the striker by helping shift defenders and pulling them out of shape. Know when to shoot and when to pass. Take responsibility for swinging into attack and getting into the 18 yard box.

Finally,  prepare to be the fittest you have ever been. Prepare to toughen up without bringing stupidity to your game. Tough is not dirty. Prepare to be better than you opponent because you will never give up, never drop your head and never take a backward step. Back your teammates, encourage and get the best out of each other.

At training, give 100%. I have had the good fortune to play with four Socceroos and I can honestly say that they trained harder than anyone. They never let their talent get to their heads and always lead by example. It's what you should also strive for.