Happy New Year:Melbourne Victory....watch out Sydney you are next

Is Mehmet worse than Vitaslav?

Arguably they are about the same - although Mem hasn't had a lot of time to work his magic, I'd argue his appointment from Feb should have shown us some better football, better structure than what we've seen.

Should he be sacked?

Who knows but the Board gave him his chance, also Francis Awaritefe....and now they are both gone. Says more about the board than Mem and Francis in my view.

Also clearly going from Youth League to A-League is a big big risk.

Vitaslav is clearly under threat. Mr Nice Guy has almost three years and still Clint Bolton plays for Melbourne Heart - and Liam Reddy for Sydney FC.

Ten goals in three games is ugly. At least Sydney are much improved on last season - they can attack but not through Vitaslav's signings. Scott Jamieson and Shannon Cole have been at best inconsistent - his forwards have been slow and cumbersome - Mark Bridge never scores.

And Liam Reddy must have given at least 9 points away this season on his own. Simply not good enough. Who signed him?

And that leaves the rocks. Michael Beauchamp! Has hardly inpsired.

Terry Antonis, Ryan Grant, Brett Emerton have all done good.

Vitaslav signed none - had them foisted or developed for him.

Sydney could be good - just not under Vitaslav?

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Tyranny of Distance overcome in A-League.

My earlier post talked of my Glasgow Derby memories.

Last nights Melbourne Derby had some similar traits but also introduced us to something un-Australian. The Away fan in your stadium in big big numbers.

Two opposing baying sets of fans, and colours, tackles and bookings bigger than your normal game. A little more player venom verballed at the other team, send-offs, basic errors exposed (Derbies always seem to produce those moments)

Heroes and losers and of course in Melbourne a flare or two!

But the moment that sums up a Derby, to me, is always this.

That exact moment when a goal is scored and fans are left in ecstasy or fear. The moment the conceding fans realise their team has conceded and the roar from the one end of the stadium sits directly opposed to the silent wave down the other end.

Fans in delirium versus fans standing, silent.

Just for a moment.

Last night we had three moments, they are magical for any fan involved, any fan at the game.

And of course Aussies finally got to experience an away support cheering and yahooing in great numbers for a normal season game.

Melbourne Heart won 2-1 last night, Gerald Sibon, Josip Skoko and John Aloisi clearly having saved their legs against the Roar the other week had energy to burn!

As for Melbourne Victory, is Ricardinho a flop! Seems to be and they need Archie Thompson back quick. Never mind Sydney Melbourne Victory are starting to waiver as well.

The night belonged to Heart and football fans across the country. It was wonderful viewing.

Western Sydney anyone?

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