Brisbane Roar lay out welcome-back mat for Jurman

[Roary]

FORGOTTEN man Matt Jurman will be given first shot at replacing departed centre-back Mohamed Adnan despite Brisbane Roar planning to add to their defensive stocks.

Roar coach Rado Vidosic is talking to an overseas defender who has represented his country at under-19 level.

But Vidosic has told 22-year-old Jurman that Adnan's spot "is his" following the Bahraini international's decision not to return to the A-League after a stellar season with the two-time champions.

Former Olyroo Jurman started last season as the preferred partner to Roar skipper Matt Smith in the heart of Brisbane's defence.

A combination of representative duties and a dip in form by Jurman gave Adnan the chance to cement a starting spot and the former Sydney FC young gun was reduced to a bit-part player by the end of the season.

"I was disappointed about not playing in the second half of the year, but that's football. Hopefully this year's a bit different for me," Jurman said.

"Mo (Adnan) put in a few good performances while I was overseas (with the Australian under-23 team) and it dampened my season.

"It was hard for me but I tried to adapt as best as I could. As a player I improved and that's the main thing.

"Rado expects big things of me this year and I expect big things of myself as well."

Vidosic said Jurman's tough Roar initiation could prove a blessing in disguise as the team tries for a hat-trick of A-League titles.

"From our point of view, he's really hungry now," Vidosic said. "I had a talk to him and said that we are bringing players to be a back-up for him, not to replace him.

"Matt is quite a tough cookie. He has responded really well."

Jurman, who will start for the Roar in tomorrow night's trial against Peninsula Power at AJ Kelly Field, is entering the final season of his Brisbane deal but said he hoped to sign a contract extension.

The Roar are searching for a new goalkeeper coach, with Fernando vaz Alves to take up a position with the Australian Institute of Sport.

Leading contenders are former Everton gloveman Jason Kearton and national under-17 mentor John Gorza.

http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/soccer/welcome-back-mat-laid-out-for-jurman/story-fnec4zuc-1226451188590

[priyank]

YES!!!

[Raychen]

Vidosic said. "I had a talk to him and said that we are bringing players to be a back-up for him, not to replace him.

/smug

Rado knows whats up.

[Donske]

Vidosic said. "I had a talk to him and said that we are bringing players to be a back-up for him, not to replace him.

/smug

Rado knows whats up.

Haha, you took longer than I expected Raychan.

I just hope you're right about him. Rado is convinced, me not so much, but I'll keep an open mind for now.

[mattt]

scary

[Terroarist]

scary

agreed

[Sambobs]

For me centre-backs are like goalkeepers. Once they reach their late 20s/early 30s they rid themselves of silly errors from their game. Jurman is no different. He has composure and good vision, which I think will really pay off in a few more years once he has a bit more maturity to his game. I do rate him and think with a decent enough run in the team will become a valuable member of the squad.

I thought he was quite unfairly treated last year after his slip up v Beijing.

[suspectandy]

scary

agreed

Double agreed.

[Finsta]

Well the pressure is on him now to perform.. As it is for every other member of the squad.

[suspectandy]

Well the pressure is on him now to perform.. As it is for every other member of the squad.

He has looked pretty good so far tonight.

[squilibob]

We've got to give the lad a chance. He has the right attitude and he's not going to improve if he's not playing.

[Shadow89]

The Roar are searching for a new goalkeeper coach, with Fernando vaz Alves to take up a position with the Australian Institute of Sport.

Got to shake Fernando's hand last night at the game with Power, shame to see him go really.

[nelson]

No more dancing Fernando...

[mightyroar]

Has Donachie been spotted at all this pre-season? He hasn't made any appearances in the games so far, and from the training sessions I've attended was nowhere to be seen.

[Brisbane fan in US]

Any name on this back-up defender.  Although with the Roar's scouting record of late he will probably turn out to be a good signing. 

[Roary]

Has Donachie been spotted at all this pre-season? He hasn't made any appearances in the games so far, and from the training sessions I've attended was nowhere to be seen.

I haven't seen him from the ones I've been to. I highly doubt he's been released so my only thoughts would be he's injured or on trial overseas

[walsh]

Has Donachie been spotted at all this pre-season? He hasn't made any appearances in the games so far, and from the training sessions I've attended was nowhere to be seen.

I haven't seen him from the ones I've been to. I highly doubt he's been released so my only thoughts would be he's injured or on trial overseas

Donachie got injured a couple of days before the Olympic friendly, He told me he's expected to be fit around the start of September