Insight: Parramatta FC

The Team: Parramatta FC will be pointing towards a much improved season in 2012 following a rather difficult return to the top flight last season. The former NSL side struggled to find wins in the campaign, which saw the side go through two coaches over the twenty-two round competition.
Many changes have happened at the club since the conclusion of the last season with a new coach and an almost entirely new group of players forming for the new season.
Coach Lee Sterrey will have the tough task of leading a rather inexperienced team in the top flight NSW Premier League competition, though there is no better equipped manager in the State to stand up to such a challenge.
Sterrey will look towards the likes of Nic McInerney and Bryan Soane to lead the Eagles, with the additions of three foreign players – Irishman Mark O?Reilly and the Japanese duo of Akiyoshi Saito and Taichi Kojima ? expected to settle in quickly.
In what is seen by the neutral observer as a mammoth task for Parramatta FC to improve on last season?s finish, the Eagles may well prove to be the thorn in the side of the big boys in 2012, something the proud supporters of this club will be hoping to see come Round 1.
The Coach: Parramatta FC have selected one of the country?s most experienced football managers for 2012 with the off season signing of Lee Sterrey. The Eagles struggled in their first season back in the top flight, resulting in the decision to point towards an experienced manager.
Lee Sterrey?s exceptional work ethic and understanding of football stand the Eagles in a decent position to improve on last season?s finish.
Sterrey has shown his willingness to give the younger players a real go in his sides, and the former Marconi Stallions and Rockdale City Suns coach will again do the same this season. With his vision to develop his football philosophy at the Eagles, and ability to get the best out of his players, Parramatta FC are in good hands to trouble the more favoured sides in 2012.
Player to watch: Kiwi born striker Kwabena Appiah-Kubi will be a player to keep an eye on 2012 as he spearheads the Eagles? front-third in 2012. Appiah-Kubi joins from the Central Coast Mariners youth team, and does possess lightning fast pace that will keep opposing defences on their toes.
The striker?s pace and fine finishing ability will be vital for Parramatta FC, as will the guidance of coach Lee Sterrey for this young talent. He isn?t a household name in the NSW Premier League, though certainly a potential show-stopper this season.
Rising Star: Graziano Trimboli will re-join Lee Sterrey following their time at Marconi Stallions, and the creative midfielder will be looking to make his mark at Melita Stadium in 2012. A quick player with much creative flair, Graziano Trimboli is a tremendous acquisition for the Eagles. Following limited playing time in the first team last season at Marconi, the youngster will be buzzing for an opportunity to figure constantly in Lee Sterrey?s first eleven.
Parramatta FC Squad 2012
2.Nicholas McInerney
3.Andy Matloub
4.Domenic Trimboli
5.Mark O’Reilly
6.Graziano Trimboli
7.Patrick Dixon
8.Brian Soane
9.Aaron Pederson
10.Akiyoshi Saito
11.Bruno Pivato
12.Ehsan Popal
13.Marc O’Donnell
14.Kwabena Appiah-Kubi
15.Taichi Kojima
16.Daniel Gullo
23. Tomislav Romic (Gk)
Coach: Lee Sterrey
Ins: Daniel Gullo, Taichi Kojima (Overseas), Kwabena Appiah-Kubi (Central Coast Mariners Youth), Ehsan Popal (Sutherland Sharks), Bruno Pivato (Blacktown City FC), Akiyoshi Saito (Overseas), Aaron Pederson, Patrick Dixon (Manly United), Graziano Trimboli (Marconi Stallions), Mark O?Reilly (Overseas), Domenic Trimboli (Marconi Stallions), Andy Matloub (Granville Rage)
Outs: Shayne Ardle, Kris Atkinson, Daniel Borg, Chris Camilleri, Jonathan Castano-Acero, Anthony Costa, Peter Crevani, Ben Delicata, Alimir Dizdaric, Kutaiba Elrich, Daniel Fogarty, Fabian Iacovelli, Ben Jurman, Matthew Osman, Angelo Petratos, Damir Prodanvoic, Karim Reda, George Strogylos, Tom Wilson