Melbourne Heart – Keep or Cull

With the season over it’s time to look forward and see who will be at Melbourne City (Yes, I’m being presumptuous) next season.  Only three rounds remain and to some players it’s a final chance to prove to coach John Van’t Schip they are worthy of a precious squad position.

From my view in the stands this season this is who I think we need to ‘Cut and Keep’ for the club to move forward.  I think we need to take advantage of the scouting network and players Manchester City have available to them and work together to build our club.  The ‘Keep or Cull’ format may seem a little harsh at first but just remember I am just a bloke who sits in the stands and chooses to voice my uninformed, misguided opinion.  One thing is for sure, I’ll be one of the first in line when memberships become available for the 2014/15 Season.  C’mon City.

1 – Andrew Redmayne.

I think Andrew is still under contract at the club but I would keep the shot stopper regardless.  He needs to improve on his ball distribution and positioning but I still think he will become a good keeper in the league.  It would be better if Redmayne had a keeper challenging for his position in the starting XI (see Tando Velaphi) and this would improve his overall game.  KEEP

2 – Jeremy Walker

This is a tough one because Walker is a talented player who seems to have lost his way this season.  Walker must decide where he is heading in his football career and apply himself in this manner.  Although an unpopular decision I can’t see Walker at the club next season.  CULL

3 – Rob Wielaert

Sadly I think Wielaert remains contracted to the club for season2014/15 but when has an A-League contract meant anything.  Wielaert clogs up a vital international spot on the list and should go.  He has given minimal return to the club and has been caught out defensively on too many occasions.  CULL

4 – Orlando Engelaar

One of the toughest decisions Melbourne has to make.  A broken leg in his first appearance caused havoc to the Heart season and we have finally seen what Orlando has to offer.  With many clubs losing their international marquee this season Engelaar could be inundated with offers from other A-League clubs after his brief, yet memorable performance this season.  If JVS can keep Engelaar on a non marquee contract he should stay at the club, but given our new owners I think we have more talented players on the horizon.  PENDING

5 – Sam Mitchinson

Has failed to break into the main squad this season and will struggle to get a new contract at the club.  I haven’t seen enough NYL football to say if Mitchinson should be cut or kept. UNSURE

6 – Patrick Gerhardt

It is clear by the number of non appearances Gerhardt has made this season he has not future at the club.  With visa spots vital no club needs unused substitutes to be using these key positions.  Over the past few seasons Gerhardt has proven himself as an honest contributor for the club but his time in Melbourne has come to an end.  CULL

7 – Iain Ramsay

Another player who I think is contracted but not 100% sure.  I thought he was initially signed on a two year deal from Adelaide.  This season Ramsay hasn’t given me what I was looking for in him as a player and I have been disappointed with his season.  When he is on song he is a very good player to watch but sadly those days have been too few and far between.  CULL

8 – Massimo Murdocca

Mas is the engine room of the club and dictates play within the midfield.  Having started every game this season he has given a valuable contribution to the club and should be kept.  His work ethic and attitude is something that needs to be passed onto our younger players.  KEEP

10 – Harry Kewell

Those that know me know my thoughts on Harry Kewell.  The man is a Socceroos legend and a valuable asset to the club.  Seeing him on the bench on Sunday was a stark reminder that Harry’s career is coming to an end but I am hoping he has at least one more year left in his sometimes fragile body.  I fear the club will not sign Harry for another year and he see’s Western Sydney as an option, but I’m hoping Harry signs for one more season (at least).  KEEP

13 – Jonatan Germano

A highly talented player and yet another Heart player who had his season ruined by injury.  Holding down a vital role in midfield Germano plays a great role alongside Murdocca and is a valuable asset to the club.  I would give Germano one more season at the club, even if others may not agree.  KEEP

15 – David Williams

Willo has recently signed with the club for another two years and is now no longer the clubs Australia marquee.  His attitude to the future direction of the club should be applauded by all fans.  KEEP

16 – Aziz Behich

Will return to his parent club Bursaspor, Turkey after his unsuccessful loan has ended with the club.  A disappointing year by his standards, the club favourite may have already played his last game at the club already.  CULL

17 – Jason Hoffman

This has been his best season at the Heart and he is deserving of another contract.  Last season I wouldn’t have said this, but his effort and hard work should be rewarded.  KEEP

18 – David Vrankovic

Can only describe this season as a wasted season for his development.  Vrankovic has found himself on the bench on the rare occasion but hasn’t seen any minutes in season 2013/14.  He may receive a chance to audition for a contract over the next few weeks but if I was Vrankovic I would look elsewhere to continue my A-League career.  CULL

19 – Ben Garuccio

Has been a rare shining light in this years campaign and deserves another contract.  Garuccio is currently keeping Aziz Behich out of the team and should feature in the final three matches.  KEEP

20 – Tando Velaphi

Found himself at his fourth A-League club but has failed to feature this season.  Since being released by Perth he has only had three games in three seasons (all three at Victory).  To be fair Velaphi wasn’t given an opportunity during the season but Redmayne hasn’t had the best of years and it’s obvious both coaches haven’t considered Velaphi up to the challenge.  CULL

21 – Stefan Mauk

One start and 12 substitute appearances should secure the 18 year old at least another contract at the club.  Mauk has shown great professionalism when coming on the field and has presented himself well.  Next season is an important one for his development.  KEEP

22 – Nick Kalmar

Full of potential over the last few years Kalmar has once again failed to find his role within the team.  Personally I think Kalmar is a good player with a future in the league, but not at Melbourne Heart.  I think the new talent coming to the club will push Kalmar out of the squad.  CULL

23 – Mate Dugandzic

One of the most talented, but frustrating players at the club.  Dugandzic has started in twenty matches this season but has scorned chance after chance.  Wasted dead ball situations, misplaced corners and even missed tap in opportunities may have cost the club results over the course of the season and I think it should cost Mate another contract at the club.  This will be an unpopular opinion but I don’t think we will move forward with Dugandzic in the starting XI.  CULL

24 – Patrick Kisnorbo

Not one of his finest seasons but sadly he has been our best defender of the season.  Kisnorbo has given fans and the club enough reason to keep him at least another season, and maybe partner him with another competent central defender.  KEEP

Gol Gol Mebrahtu and Michael Mifsud have already left the club, Gol Gol to Western Sydney and Mifsud returning to Malta.

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