Parramatta FC determined to fight for finals football
Finals football has eluded Parramatta FC for some time now, but coach Franco Consentino will be determined to make it happen in 2017.
The former National Soccer League heavyweights narrowly survived a relegation scrap in 2015 before showing solid signs of improvement in 2016 and now the Eagles will be hoping to build on that once again.
The Coach
Following his appointment in 2014, Parramatta FC coach Franco Consentino has had to learn the hard way that there are no easy games in the PS4® National Premier Leagues New South Wales Men’s elite division.
Finals football has alluded him thus far, but Consentino’s team have always had the potential to surprise. Now, as one of the league’s longest-serving coaches, Consentino will want to turn Paramatta’s surprise potential into consistent results.
Objectives
It has been a case of baby steps for Parramatta FC over the last couple of seasons, but don’t let last season’s tenth place finish fool you.
Following the narrow escape from relegation in 2015, a tenth place finish was a solid sign of improvement and despite the final position, Consentino and Co. were just four points off playing finals football.
In 2017, finally bridging that gap and taking a spot in the finals has to be the objective.
Player To Watch
Marco Sama, the youngest of the trio of Sama brother playing at the club this season, remains one of the club’s most exciting talents.
Last season, he proved his perchance for the spectacular with his Round 20 strike, that was deservedly voted ‘Goal of the Week’ and was a strong contender for ‘Goal of the Season’, and he will hope to deliver similar moments of magic next season.
Rising Star
Marcus Donatiello will be looking to take the next step in his career following his move to Parramatta FC from Marconi.
The youngster played five senior games last season as he impressed during his 20 under-20 appearances and he will be looking to build on that under coach Consentino in 2017.
Coaches Comments
"I think the whole project has come along nicely since I took over four years ago, the whole club has been pulling in the same direction. The first year we got promoted, the second year we survived and then last year we improved again. We weren’t that far off the finals pace last year, and we’ve bought in some real quality this year, so hopefully we can break into that top half of the table.”
Ins
Ryan Norval (APIA Leichhardt Tigers)
Chris Moore (Mount Druitt Town Rangers)
Jacob Ott (Blacktown Spartans)
Jordan Crighton (Blacktown Spartans)
Nicolo Sama (Overseas)
Marcus Donatiello (Sydney United 58)
Lawrence Hanna (West Sydney Wanderers)
Howard Fondyke (Sydney Olympic)
Outs
Josh Symons (APIA Leichhardt Tigers FC)
Luke Turnbull (APIA Leichhardt Tigers FC)
Ante Tomic (Sydney United 58 FC)
Aram Tayebi (Mt. Druitt Town Rangers FC)
Blade Richards (Mt. Druitt Town Rangers FC)
