Former Socceroo to honour Ian Gray at Manly United

Casserly, who enjoyed a fantastic career both in Australia and Sweden, had initially thought he?d played his last game of competitive football with Blacktown City at the end of the 2009 NSW Premier League season.
But several conversations with Moss and an off-season to freshen the mind and body convinced him to reconsider.
Moss said it was a long campaign to get Casserly into a Manly United jersey but one he is convinced will pay handsome dividends for the Cromer Park outfit.
?Luke and I go a fair way back and we are very honest with each other,? Moss said.
?If I thought his legs were gone I would have told him and if he thought he was honestly past it he would have told me ? he has nothing to prove to anyone.
?But ?Cruncher? is very passionate about his football and he knows he is a long time retired and the fire was still burning ? you could see that the first session he had with us. I just sensed in him that his retirement announcement at the end of last season was a bit half-hearted and he still had a desire to play on.
?We lost a lot of experience from last season with the likes of Prior, Bingley and Thomas moving on so I was determined to find at least one old head for central defence.
?That player had to suit the culture at Manly United and Luke is a perfect fit ? he is super professional, a real winner, great with the young boys and has the experience and style of game we were looking for.
?As long as we keep him fit, he will prove a massive player for us this season I?ve no doubt.?
Casserly made his debut for Manly United in last weekend?s friendly against Sydney Olympic at Belmore Sport Ground and slotted in with no problems until a nasty clash with Blues striker Matthew Mayora left the veteran with a deep cut to his head that required several stitches.
Moss also revealed he had shuffled shirt numbers around to ensure Casserly wore the No.6 jersey as a tribute to former Socceroo Ian Gray, who passed away this week.
?Luke and I were very close to ?Iggy? and he has worn No.6 since his old National League days with Marconi because it was ?Iggy?s? number when he retired,? Moss said.
?It?s great that Luke and I will be working together again but this week?s passing of ?Iggy? makes it even more special and we will no doubt be doing everything we can to have a successful season in dedication to our late mate.?
Casserly, 36, will marshall a defensive line that includes Pascal Julliard, Luke Walker, Joel Grenell, Shaun Bowden, Alex Hunt and Roberto Hamad.
Strikers Robbie Cattanach and Craig Midgley are nearing a return to full fitness after suffering long-term injuries while young striker Justin Hayward is expected back from his short-term stint at Sydney FC in time for the opening round clash with Bankstown at Jensen Park on February 28.