Blacktown City hyped for more success

PlayStation®4 National Premier Leagues NSW Grand Final winners Blacktown City will be out to do it all again in 2017.

However the big question is whether the club’s major turnover of players in the offseason will end their incredible run of success?

The Coach

Mark Crittenden enters his seventh season in charge of Blacktown City and hopes to extend his incredible record of success in 2017.

Crittenden has won five titles in his tenure as Blacktown boss including two PlayStation®4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s championships, a PS4 NPL NSW Premiership, a Waratah Cup and a NPL Australia title.

It could be a watershed season for the man known as ‘Critto’ as he attempts to maintain Blacktown’s success despite the departure of five key players.

Objectives

As has been the case for the past four season, Blacktown City will have their eye on the prize in the league and cup competitions.

While it will be a new look team on the field this time around, City’s winning culture means a trophy less season would be considered nothing more than a failure.

Player To Watch

Mitch Mallia will have a bit of extra pressure on his shoulders in 2017 with Blacktown City to lean on the mercurial midfielder more than ever after the departure of big name attackers Travis Major and Patrick Antelmi but will prove to be a great link-up player to star Danny Choi.

Coach Crittenden said this season expect to see a faster and fitter Mallia who has put in the hard yards during the offseason to cement himself as a true 90-minute player.

Rising Star

Explosive winger James Andrew joins Blacktown City this season after a strong season with Sutherland Sharks in 2016.

Andrew has come on in leaps and bounds this preseason according to Crittenden who said the midfielder is “one to keep and eye on”.

Andrew Played 21 games for the Sharks in 2016 and will be hoping to lock down a starting berth in a quality Blacktown team

Coaches Comments

“We have made history with three very successful seasons in a row, however those seasons are now gone and many of the players have moved on. We have brought in some new faces around the place who are determined to make history of their own.” – Mark Crittenden

Ins

James Andrew (Sutherland Sharks)

Daniel Araujo (Sydney FC)

Ken Chun (Bonnyrigg White Eagles)

Yuta Konagaya  (St George)

Grant Lynch (Bankstown City)

Daniel Bragg (Manly United FC)

Outs

Travis Major (Pegasus FC – Hong Kong Premier League)

Nenad Vekic (Marconi Stallions)

Patrick Antelmi (Wollongong Wolves)

Sasa Macura (Manly United FC)