Entries Tagged 'Tom Pondeljak' ↓

Tom Pondeljak’s move to the Melbourne Victory has invited considerable criticism. The former Socceroo’s age – he turned 32 in January – was the main cause for skepticism. After seeing older players like Juninho signed on lucrative deals and spend much of the season on the bench thanks to injury, it’s understandable to be doubtful about the value of signing older players. Pondeljak’s run with injuries over the past few years only deepens the concern.

But signed up he is, and with Carlos Hernández picking up an injury at training last week, we will see Pondeljak in Victory colours sooner rather than later. Grant Brebner’s groin injury means that the club can bring in two injury replacements. As it stands, the only two players available are Joe Keenan and Pondeljak.

So So with Pondeljak likely to debut for the Victory in the next month, I decided to take a closer look at the Melbourne-born footballer. Continue reading →

Melbourne boy Tom Pondeljak has signed a 2-year deal with the Melbourne Victory.

Pondeljak’s move from the Central Coast Mariners had been rumoured several weeks ago, but clearly the club and player were waiting till after the Grand Final to finalise any agreement.

While Pondeljak’s signing comes too late for him to be added to the preliminary squad list for the Asian Champions League, he could be drafted in as an injury replacement. Considering Grant Brebner’s persistent injury, this may be more likely than you’d think.

When I wrote about Pondeljak possibly signing a few weeks ago, most of you were quite sceptical. As I mentioned then, Pondeljak is a somewhat risky addition to the squad. Not only is he 32, he is also injury prone. But if he manages to avoid injury, I still think he could be a useful addition to the midfield.

The Herald Sun indicated last week that the Central Coast’s Tom Pondeljak is currently in negotiations with the Melbourne Victory.

Responses on the Melbourne Victory forum have been quite mixed. Pondeljak is a technically gifted player, but one who, at 32, is in the twilight of his career. In short, signing him would be risky and potentially wasteful if he should succumb to injury.

Sydney FC signed 34-year old Juninho but were unable to reap the benefits of their investment for much of the season. And Pondeljak is no Juninho.

On the other hand, if Pondeljak were to avoid injury, he would certainly be a valuable asset for the Victory. Granted, he has some competition in the attacking midfielder role, but with Kaz Patafta and Nick Ward both doubtful members of the squad for next season, Pondeljak may be a useful player to have on hand.

How do you rate Tom Pondeljak? Should the Victory sign him?