over 18 years ago
· edited over 13 years ago
Saw this article in SA paper today
Gives interesting quotes from Ross, get to know more about him
VAL MIGLIACCIO, SOCCER WRITER
September 22, 2007 02:15am
ADELAIDE United's skipper's armband is like drinking from a
poisoned chalice with new skipper Paul Agostino possibly ruled out
of today's clash against Wellington Phoenix in Wellington.
A club spokesperson said Agostino would be subject to a late
fitness test before the match but the former Socceroos striker had
been restricted to light track work during the week after taking a
knock to the calf in last weekend's 0-1 loss to Newcastle.
Agostino, who is the club's third captain since new Wellington
skipper Ross Aloisi was sacked from armband duties in February,
only took the mantle last weekend after Mike Valkanis was ruled out
for the season.
Adelaide coach Aurelio Vidmar's cutting comments about Aloisi's
supposed bad reputation this week have haunted the Phoenix
skipper.
Vidmar stunned a press conference gathering last week when he said:
"I am sure Ross will want to kick him" (Nathan Burns).
"It's a surprising comment from Aurelio," Aloisi said.
"Burnsy is like my brother.
"He spent Easter with me and my family. So did Bruce (Djite).
"We know we're playing against the best player in the A-League in
Nathan Burns. You play to win against your brother but not to hurt
your brother."
Vidmar's remarks have strained the relationship between the two
South Australians, Aloisi said.
"Friendship is a big word," Aloisi said. "We go back a long, long
time.
"I played my first game in the NSL as a 17-year-old alongside
Aurelio Vidmar. We played Wollongong Macedonia and I actually set
him up with a goal.
"He also helped me go overseas when I was 19.
"He then helped me out with an agent when I went overseas.
"He was in the bridal party when my brother (John) got married.
"We roomed together at the Atlanta '96 Olympics and he helped me
get to Adelaide United when the club first started. He played a big
role in me coming back.
"I don't know what's happened. He was my idol growing up with John.
In the backyard playing soccer with John one of us was Aurelio
Vidmar and the other was Charley Villani."
Vidmar has also upset ex-Adelaide United and Phoenix striker Shane
Smeltz, Aloisi added.
"Shane Smeltz heard (Vidmar) made some comments about him in
Melbourne," he said. "He's not happy about what was said."
Former Fulham (England) forward and Socceroo Ahmad Elrich signed
for Wellington yesterday but is unlikely to take part in any action
today.
Agostino's place in the starting XI will be taken by Burns, who
missed last week's 0-1 loss because of a thigh strain.