Cap on internationals not a concern

Damen Francis

January 9 2013

Shepparton News

Cobram Victory coach Craig Carley is confident the introduction of a cap on international players will not hinder his side’s bid for back-to-back Regional Premier League titles.

After an unrestricted transfer policy in year one, Goulburn North East Football Association recently announced clubs would only be permitted to field six overseas players next season.

The Victory have been among the most active clubs in the transfer market in recent years, sourcing much of their playing personnel from England.

However, Carley did not expect the new constraints to have much impact on the club, as he puts together his list for the new season.

‘‘We never set out to use more than that anyway,’’ Carley said.

‘‘I think everyone around the league classes Adam (Gatcum) and me as locals these days, so it’s more a case of replacing what we’ve lost recently.’’

Those heading for the exit include Matt Gray, who has joined Shepparton as playing coach and may or may not have taken a place on the club’s international roster.

Bustling centre half Teon Haywood has relocated to Melbourne, while fellow overseas recruit Adam Fennell looks unlikely to return from England.

Billy Marshall, Jamie England and Lyall Beazley have all signed on for a second season at the club and with Carley and Gatcum now Australian residents, the Victory have three spots left to fill.

With the new season fast approaching, Carley is working hard to finish his off-season business, and said he was closing in on two ‘‘big’’ signings from his homeland.

‘‘One moved to an (English) Premier League club a few years ago for a pretty big fee and played for Southampton when he was 16,’’ Carley said.

‘‘He was here last year and won the Queensland Premier (State) League.

‘‘The other has played 100 games in the conference (league), so they are both very good players.’’

The club is also trying to lure Gatcum’s younger brother Richard to Australia to play and assist with coaching.

Carley said there would still be plenty of opportunities for local players at the club.

‘‘I feel we’ve done well with that in the last few years, with guys like Josh Walmsley, Josh Zito, Vinnie Santoro — who was making good progress before he broke his leg last year — and Anthony Carpinelli,’’ he said.

‘‘We had six out of eight teams in finals last season, so it has been working.’’