Aussies Abroad - July 2012

Friendlies are in full swing in the bigger leagues across Europe, the Asian leagues are well into the season, while some of the smaller European leagues have now kicked off. A busy period for the national youth teams.

Transfers

The Middle East has featured prominently as a destination of choice for many. Some current Socceroos found new homes with Cahill, Troisi and Spiranovic all transferring clubs. New A-League club Western Sydney Wanderers is attracting several players back while several players are still looking for a new club - Coe, Garcia, Grella and Neill.

Additions/changes to database

Daniel Caccamo (20 July 1991) - transferred to Kaposvari Rakoczi, Hungary
Tim Cahill (6 Dec 1979) - transferred to New York Red Bulls, USA
Aaron Downes (15 May 1985) - transferred to Torquay United, England
Callum Elder (27 Jan 1995) - transferred to Leicester City, England
Curtis Good (23 Mar 1993) - transferred to Newcastle United, England
Brendan Hamill (18 Sep 1992) - transferred to Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma, Korea Republic
Rafa Jimenez (9 Apr 1996) - transferred to Villarreal, Spain
Tomi Juric (22 July 1991) - transferred to NK Inter Zapresic, Croatia
Matt Kasbarian (TBC) - transferred to Conwy Borough, Wales
Kristopher Kioussis (8 Mar 1992) - transferred to CA Independiete, Argentina
Calvin Lovric (12 Sep 1992) - transferred to AC Parma, Italy
Massimo Luongo (25 Sep 1992) - loan to Ipswich Town, England
Rashid Mahazi (20 Apr 1992) - transferred to CA Independiete, Argentina
Ben McNamara (29 Oct 1988) - transferred to Nuneaton Town FC, England
George Mells (23 May 1997) - transferred to Southampton, England
Daniel Mullen (26 Oct 1989) - transferred to Dalian Aerbin, China
Danijel Nizic (TBC) - transferred to Burnley, England
Bruno Novo (7 July 1994) - transferred to Benfica de Macau, Macau
Richard Porta (1 Aug 1983) - transferred to Dubai Club, UAE
Liam Reddy (8 Aug 1981) - transferred to Esteghal Town, Iran
Matthew Spiranovic (27 June 1988) - transferred to Al Arabi, Qatar
Robert Stambolziev (26 Oct 1990) - transferred to Olympiakos Nicosia, Cyprus
Thomas Strain (TBC) - transferred to Aston Villa, England
Roko Strika (12 Feb 1994) - transferred to GNK Dinamo Zagreb, Croatia
Hyuga Tanner (TBC) - transferred to Blackburn, England
Nicholas Tarasenko (TBC) - transferred to Portsmouth, England
Christos Tomaras (14 Jan 1989) - transferred to AEK Athens, Greece
James Troisi (3 July 1988) - loan to Atalanta, Italy
Chris Vartaci (8 July 1992) - transferred to Kaposvari Rakoczi, Hungary
Frane Vladislavic (9 Jan 1994) - transferred to HNK Hajduk Split, Croatia
Marc Warren (11 Feb 1992) - transferred to Airdrie, Scotland
Alex Wilkinson (13 Aug 1984) - transferred to Jeonbuk Hyundai, Korea Republic

Removed from database

Reece Caira (Aston Villa) - transferred to Western Sydney Wanderers, HAL
Richie Cardozo (LASK Linz) - transferred to Hume City, VPL
Cameron Edwards (Reading) - transferred to Nike Academy, UK
Antun Kovacic (Churchill Brothers) - transferred to Richmond, VPL
Theo Markelis (Vicenza) - transferred to Melbourne Victory, HAL
Mark Milligan (JEF United) - transferred to Melbourne Victory, HAL
Dane Milovanovic (Sun Hei SC) - transferred to Oakleigh Cannons, VPL
Mile Sterjovski (Dalian Aerbin) - transferred to Central Coast Mariners, HAL

Club Level

China (Super League) - In terms of game time, the shining lights remain former HAL players, Dino Djublic and Jonas Salley. They are both turning out each week for their club teams. Milan Susak, Rostyn Griffiths and Joel Griffiths are in and out of the starting XI for their clubs at the moment. Daniel Mullen has made his debut for Dalian Aerbin.

China (League One) - Adam Hughes (Harbin Yifeng) and Brendon Santalab (Chongqing Lifan) continue to start each week in the Chinese second tier.

Japan (J- League) - Jade North (Consadole Sapporo) has been playing every minute, but in a very leaky defence. Josh Kennedy has been struggling with injury while Alex Brosque continues to start and score at Shimuzu S-Pulse.

Korea (K-League) - A few recent transfers has seen the number of Aussies in this league swell. Eddy Bosnar continues to improve and get local recognition for his efforts. Robbie Cornthwaite (Chunnan Dragons) has now made 17 starts this campaign, as has Luke DeVere (Gyeongham FC), who scored a brace during July.

Indonesia (Premier League) - The season is now over, but a productive season in terms of minutes for Mario Karlovic (Persebaya) and goals for Andrew Barisic (Arema).

Singapore (S.League) - Hussein Akil (Woodlands) has now played over 1,000 minutes this season. Very similar output for Goran Subura at Balestier Khalsa.

Thailand (Premier League) - Midfielder Aleksander Jovanovic (BEC Tero Sasona) continues to anchor the midfield each week.

Ireland (Premier) - Good to see 21 year-old Melbourne-born striker, Mark Griffin (Dundalk) back from injury and getting a few starts under his belt.

Ireland (First Division) - Dylan Mernagh (Waterford United) has continued his great run of games in defence. Scoring his debut professional goal and helping to keep his club in the run for promotion.

Iceland (1. Deild) - Chris Ross (Vikingur Reykjavik) remains in the match day squad each game but not yet seeing many minutes.

USA (USL) - Having now played over 1,300 minutes this season, Yahaya Musa (Wilmingtom Hammerheads) is having his most productive year as a pro.

Injuries

From the leagues that are currently playing, Nathan Burns (knee) appears to be the only player out. Certainly a few niggles during the European pre-season, but looking like most Aussies will turn out as the season steps up in August.

Club Competitions

Europe

(UEFA Europa League) – Steve Lustica (Hajduk Split) played a full game in the second leg as his team progressed to the 3rd qualifying round.

Asia

(AFC Cup) - Andrew Barisic (Arema) remains in the competition but the next fixture is not until September.

(Asian Champions League) - Same situation for David Carney (Bunyodkor FC) in the Champions League.

International level

Australia's U-20's qualified for the AFC U-22 Championship after several impressive performances under the guidance of Socceroos legend Paul Okon.