The Scouting Report: Blacktown City FC 2013 Season Preview

The huge loss of captain fantastic Luke Roodenburg will most certainly be a tough player to replace but “Critto” has recruited smartly in getting Blacktown City up there in the pecking order.
The Team: Blacktown City FC has been one of the most impressive Premier League sides in recent seasons with some very consistent performances. The 2010 champions followed up with two more finals series appearances since that triumph, on both occasions perhaps running out of legs as the side’s depth was really tested.
2013 however promises to be a massive opportunity for the Lily Homes Stadium side to take that next step and relive the triumphs of 2010.
The club will have to deal with a big loss in that of captain Luke Roodenburg who called it time on his Premier League career at the end of last season. The loss of such a great servant to the club will be felt, however the club has recruited well with some very impressive acquisitions.
In the front third, the return of Sean Rooney promises to ensure goals for the side, meanwhile the equally impressive creativeness of Harris Gaitatzis and strength of Matthew Mayora will pose many-a-headache to opposing defences.
Ray Miller and Travis Major will both be expected to continue their fine development as footballers, and they will be greatly assisted with the arrival of Yianni Fragogianis. Meanwhile, a lot of interest surrounds Andrea Del Brocco – an Italian defender snapped up by the club in the off season.
With confidence something that no team of Mark Crittenden lacks, Blacktown City FC has started the pre-season in exceptional form and will be without a doubt one of the contenders for the upcoming season.
Also keep  your eyes on exciting young midfield prospect Kearyn Baccus who is sure to rip up the competition with his crafty displays in the middle of the pitch which earned him a reputation for being an up and comer bound for Europe in the not too distant future.
The Coach: Mark Crittenden has been confirmed as Blacktown City FC head coach for the third consecutive season, and the signs are bright for the club in 2013. Crittenden has twice led his chargers to the closing stage of the finals series, however on both occasions has only just fallen short.
Despite losing one of 2012’s revelations, Yuchi Yamauchi, Crittenden has confirmed Ryuji Miyazawa for the upcoming season, with the impressive signings of Harris Gaitatzis and Matthew Mayora in the front third, along with Italian defender Andrea Del Brocco. Sean Rooney too returns to the fold after departing the club prior to the 2012 finals series, making for a very attack-minded playing group.
Crittenden’s ability to read matches so very well, and the fine showings of the Pre-Season Cup to-date – where the side has qualified for the final against Sydney Olympic – stands the coach in good stead to better the results of the past two seasons.
Player to watch: At only twenty-three years of age, Travis Major is already a veteran at Blacktown City FC. The energetic midfielder has played an immense part in the club’s recent campaigns – since 2009 – where Major’s importance has continued to grow. With such versatile characteristics, Major can play out on the wing in a defensive role or even further up the park in support of the front men. So impressive has Major been that he has netted nine goals in each of the past two campaigns. Despite the arrival of some high profile players at the club this season, the constant development of Major will once more be one of the stories to follow in 2013.
Rising Star: Dolor Edosomwan is expected to make some waves this season. At only eighteen years of age, Edosomwan is a midfielder not scared of hard work. An energetic talent, the midfielder has proven his creative, and goal scoring, abilities in the Grade-20 competition with Blacktown City FC.
Having made his debut with the senior side last season, Edosomwan is expected to see more game time in 2013 in what could well be a defining season for the youngster.
2013 squad: Brody Crane, Andrea Del Brocco, Yianni Fragogiannis, Pat Gatt, Matt Lewis, Travis Major, Ray Miller, Ryuji Miyazawa, Harris Gaitatzis, Sean Rooney, Kearyn Baccus, Blake Tuxford,  Matthew Mayora, Luke Clifford, Kieren Paull, Dolor Edosomwan, Zac Cairncross, Jacob Poscoliero