SA National Premier League Minor Premiers MetroStars are looking to 2014 to redeem themselves for missing out on competing in the Grand Final in the 2013 Season.

MetroStars head coach Ivan Karlovic noted that although his side were disappointed, they were very happy with the way the home and away season went.

“Our final standing on the ladder is a true reflection of the most consistent side throughout the course of the season.

“Obviously we hope to make a mends in the Finals Series next year, but we want to try and maintain our consistency throughout the course and replicate what we achieved last season.”

Karlovic said that as the squad commences preseason training from 4 December, they will be expanding on certain aspects of the game, working on areas in need of improvement and generally looking to improve as a group.

“At this stage Liam Wooding will be returning to the side from injury and we are looking to finalise a couple of new additions in the coming weeks, but the majority of the squad will remain the same.”

2013 Captain Lee Robertson noted the teams successful term.

“We had a great season, finishing 13 points ahead on top of the ladder.

“When it came to the Finals, all three games were tough. Adelaide Blue Eagles and Campbelltown City are very good sides and in my opinion every game we played could have gone either way.”

Robertson doesn’t believe a great deal needs to be adjusted for 2014 and says that they have the advantage of a great balance of young and old within the team, with more exciting youngsters coming through. 

“We just need to continue to work together as a group and strive to go to that next step.

“I have put my hand up to push more forward to 2014, so some extra focus will be spent on my left peg to hopefully see a few extra goals from myself”

The defender believes you can’t go past Campbelltown City as a team to watch in 2014 and that Adelaide Blue Eagles and Adelaide City are always strong contenders, with West Adelaide likely to be high on the ladder as well.

“I think South Adelaide will prove they deserve to be in the Premier League. They have made a very good appointment in Danny Graystone.

“We were lucky enough to have Danny as part of the MetroStars coaching group in 2013 and his knowledge and passion for the game is second to none.

“West Adelaide has a very strong team on paper and will no doubt be a team to watch.”

Nik Kuzman has been appointed as Senior Assistant Coach, while Lindsay Paterson has been appointed Goalkeeper Coach.

Michael Pirone has returned to MetroStars and will be coaching the Reserves side while David Martin will be Coaching Technical Director along with Ernie Luongo, focusing on the clubs Junior/Youth programs.