The mighty Boomers are back for 2012.
Team News:
Manager Jesse Strafford has been fishing in the off-season after losing several players to reasons varying from pursuing a career in marine biology to nullifying all forms of contact (Bruce). The new players join those that have stayed on at the club. After two pre season hit-outs, the Boomers will be looking at promotion to the dizzying heights of Capital 4 for 2013. Or could it be second season syndrome for the Boomers, who after last season many feared would be a one hit wonder. A second season of Boomers football is the first step towards creating a legacy of footballing passion in the black and white stripes and manager Strafford deserves many a praise for his efforts in making the second season happen. A betting man would avoid ticking the L box on this Boomers side, especially where passion is concerned, but, if the Boomers are thinking about promotion, they need only remember their dismal beginning to 2011 and the subsequent relegation fears. The difference between losing to a team 3-0 or beating that same team can be a very fine line in this league.
The core of the Boomers side remains, with Strafford, Chops, Clark, Abraham, McSweeny, Bascand, Candy, Shareef, Huss and Carr still there. Dave Williams will be a massive loss to the side after he had knee surgery and will be out for most of the season. As one of the fittest and quickest players in the squad he has set the benchmark for the Boomers fitness, which is notoriously under-prepared at times. He has stated an intention to work with the coaching staff as a fitness advisor. Another loss is in midfield where the skill of Zak Meyers has been lost as he seeks to pursue full-time Justin Beiber doppelgänger status. His goals and assists where key to the Boomers resurgence last season and will need to be filled by a combination of players.
In an unprecedented move, director of football Alex Rothman will become an outfield player, where it is hoped he will be able to direct football on the field. His quality is well documented and he will be a welcome addition as the Boomers will look to dominate more in the midfield. Alex Handley brings steel to the midfield, his tackling and distribution will work nicely with Rothman and Delany. However a selection headache will ensue for manager Strafford who plays in a very similar role. It is hoped director of football Rothman and several others will aid Strafford in the naming of squads. Handley can also play at centre back and it is possible he could slip in there while McSweeny shifts to right back. All to be decided in due course.
The man with the name that sounds like a nickname but isn't, Tadhg (pronounced TYG) Delany is a midfielder with a lot of class on the ball and a great turn. He helped himself to a great goal where he turned beautifully to beat a defender in the box and finished with aplomb. The goal was followed by a below-par celebration, something that will be scrutinised closely as the season goes on. Samuel Edward Clark you are appointed as Karori Boomers Goal Celebrations Overseer (please list this as your job on facebook).
Darryl Jones is something of a midfield hitman with a tasty right boot. So far he has varied in his positional play but looks like a very handy signing capable of anywhere in the midfield. A clause on his Boomers contract says he is prohibited from shaving any hair off his body. Many, including myself, are calling for Strafford to implement and assess this clause at stages in the season. Drew Delany is a relation of Tadhg and sources have said (as author has not seen Delany play) he is a capable and talented player. More on Drew will be added later in the season.
Owen Gibson will come in up front, a place where the Boomers have been hurt most in the off-season. Despite having the look of a 50-year-old man, Owen has the pace to replace Burgess up front as well as feature on either of the wings.
Jesse Strafford has signed two players from Taranaki's finest school of hard knocks in Alie Novak and Cam Holm. Novak will play up front and is sure to confuse opposition with his endless list of nicknames and absurdly-sized hamstrings. He is strong, fairly quick and has a rocket of a left foot. Cam is another talented midfielder who is the closest thing to a replacement for Meyers. He is involved, confident on the ball and brings obvious experience to the side. With the overloading of midfield players this season, it is very possible one of the midfielders maybe converted into a striker.
Vik Jayawant has been loaned to the Western Springs Nuggies for half a season and Kris Shannon has retired to become a sporting pundit for the Herald. Vik Jayawant is expecting to return from his loan deal, although the Nuggies are known to be in serious economic strife after it was revealed no-one was paying Jayawant, who's wages include the provision of KFC. It has been reported that the Indian born fullback is 'chilled' about the situation.
