The Warm-Up: Thwaite appears to be Brisbane-bound

The World Game introduces a new column designed to help bridge the gap between the end of one A-League season and the start of another, incorporating news, views and, of course, a bit of fun.

Michael Thwaite, Perth Glory, A-League

Is Michael Thwaite likely to walk away from Perth Glory? (AAP) Source: AAP

The strong mail in A-League circles is that Michael Thwaite will soon be a Brisbane Roar player - as long as the troubled club can sort out its ownership crisis first.

That would put Roar coach John Aloisi back in a position to sign further players ahead of the A-League competition, which kicks off in October.

Thwaite wasn't included in Perth Glory's squad for its FFA Cup round-of-32 match against Newcastle Jets on Tuesday.

He had played in two previous trial matches, but not in the captaincy role he held all last season. Thwaite's fellow ex-Socceroo Richard Garcia is wearing the captain's armband now.

After Perth was caught rorting the salary cap last season and penalised out of the finals series, Thwaite was one of the more vocal internal critics of the club and it appears that cost him the captaincy.

Thwaite is contracted to Glory until the end of the season, but it was reported some time ago that he was free to leave the club if he could sort out a deal elsewhere. 

Brisbane's management is still trying to lock down new owners for the current Bakrie Group-owned club.

After Roar had lost to Western Sydney Wanderers in an FFA Cup match on Tuesday, The World Game asked Aloisi at the post-match media conference about speculation Thwaite could join Roar and whether he had any interest in him.

Aloisi replied: "At the moment we're not really looking to sign any players because we don't know when the changeover, if there is a changeover with Brisbane Roar (is going to happen). So at the moment we're not looking at any players.

"We've still got two spots available, we've got money left in the cap, so once that does happen then we'll look to sign."

What did you do on your holidays?

Here's an unlikely double from Melbourne Victory defender Daniel Georgievski - Blacktown and Las Vegas.
Las Vegas
"I went to the US for a week with a few of the boys - we had our end-of-season trip and went to Vegas," Georgievski told us. "We just went to a lot of clubs and really enjoyed ourselves.

"It was a big bonding experience and it was a factor in my re-signing for the club because it reminded me that the guys were like brothers to me.

"Then I went to Sydney for a week and stayed out at the family home at Blacktown. After that I went back to Melbourne for some contract negotiations and had a good look around as well, visiting a few places you don't get the chance to during the season.

"After I re-signed I went back to Sydney for another week and really relaxed, knowing my future was all worked out. Finally, I came back to Melbourne and went out to Falls Creek. I'd been overseas for a long time before joining Victory and I want to take the chance to see more of Australia.

"I went there with my girlfriend for a couple of days and it was beautiful."

The Word

Wanderers coach Tony Popovic gives the low-down on what sort of attitude it is going to take from the club to rise again after last season's disappointing ninth-place finish and a subsequent player cleanout.

"We're a club that is used to winning silverware and we want to challenge for the title, and to challenge we know we have to improve a hell of a lot from what we were last year. But we have a lot of belief and confidence that we can do that.

"I believe in this group. From the chairman, the CEO down, we know what path we're on, the direction in which we're heading and it's in the right direction.
"We know what it takes to be successful in the A-League. We didn't do it for many reasons (last season), but we don't have excuses."
"We weren't good enough and we want to get back to the top. We know what we have to do and we're all determined to get there again, so there's no illusion for me about what we have to achieve and what we have to do."

What is the story behind your Twitter profile pic?

It is a heart-melting shot from Melbourne Victory goalkeeper Danny Vukovic of him and wife Kristy's first child.
Danny Vukovic, Twitter
"Harley is his name and he was born on the fourth of July," Vukovic told The Warm-Up. "It's just amazing being a father - love at first sight. I'm really enjoying fatherhood and everything it brings. It's the best thing I've done, hands down."

Dedication

Ante Covic has managed to keep his A-League career alive despite being cut by the Wanderers and recently turning 40. He will suit up for Perth Glory this season with the same belief he has always had in his ability to get the job done.

So, in recognition of that, here is the only song The Warm-Up can think of with the title "40". It is, of course, the mighty U2, live in concert, a very long time ago.

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5 min read
Published 13 August 2015 2:36pm
Updated 14 August 2015 11:59am
By Greg Prichard
Source: SBS

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