Stars Spark New Interest in Lokomotiv Cove FC
Former A-League pin up boy Chad Gibson, ex-Sydney United great Paul Bilokapic and past Sydney Olympic superstar Derek Poimer, have joined forces in what is Lokomotiv Cove?s strongest team in their short three year history.
The three were lured by Lokomotiv boss Chris Karatzis and the fact that many familiar faces were looking to join the squad. It was the perfect fit.
?When I found out a few of the boys I had grown up playing with were there and that the team looked strong, I knew it [Lokomotiv Cove] would be a good fit for me,? said Gibson.
?The boys are excellent, there is always great banter and it fits in perfectly with my lifestyle at the moment,? added Gibson.
Lokomotiv Cove?s supporters group, the Terminus, and Karatzis are excited about their team?s start to the 2009 campaign and feel that their display in the Tiger Turf Cup is an early warning sign of what the club is capable of achieving in the future.
?The team did very well in the [Tiger Turf] cup this year,? said Karatzis.
?Beating Hawksbury 2-0 and following up with a 3-0 victory over favourites Albion White Eagle has been our biggest success so far and games which nobody expected us to win.?
Although Lokomotiv went down 1-0 to Roosters FC on April 29th in the Tiger Turf Cup, Karatzis was very happy with the work from his new recruits.
?Chad, Paul and Derek have been instrumental so far.?
?The results, mixed with the big name signings, have made people aware of what we are all about this year,? added Karatzis.
Chad Gibson who plays as a sweeper or central defender began his career with Sydney United before moving to Marconi Stallions. After a spell in Malaysia, he returned to Australia and joined Queensland Roar as the club?s first ever captain and a face of the A-League.
Derek Poimer, who fits more as a striker, has previously played for Apia Leichhardt, Sydney Olympic and West Adelaide. He represented Australia in the U/20s against numerous European club sides during a tour of Europe in 1992.
Paul Bilokapic slots in as a midfielder and has had significant roles with Sydney United and Northern Spirit, as well as rubbing shoulders with the likes of Mark Viduka as an Australian representative in 1995.
Lokomotiv Cove FC- who was originally formed by fans of A-League giants Sydney FC in early 2007 – has had more interest focused their way since the arrival of their big name stars, with hundreds attending Tiger Turf matches and fans waiting patiently for their idol?s signature after games.
?It was nice to see that despite the heavy rain in some matches, there were a large number of fans supporting us,? said Gibson.
?When we [Lokomotiv Cove] beat Albion White Eagles, fans were buying the three boys drinks, asking for their [Derek, Paul and Chad] autographs and getting their pictures taken with them,? said Karatsis, who is on his 27th coaching season.
It?s not only the fans who are relishing Lokomotiv?s new recruits; the Cove?s own players are finding strength in the newly acquired stars presence on and off the field.
Terry Conistis, 21, who joined Lokomotiv from Super League outfit St. George this year, told Football NSW what he thought of Karatzis? new signings.
?Chad, Paul and Derek are always helping out the younger boys through their professionalism and the way they approach the game.?
?All the players lifted their game once they arrived and the crowds are increasing every weekend.?
?Even the opposition, although they are consistently giving them stick, seem to be in awe.?
?It?s great for the players, the fans, the league and of course the club.?
Lokomotiv Cove FC clash horns with Sydney University at Turruwul field next Saturday 9th May at 3:00pm.
-By Caetano Lima
