What to make of the Friendship Cup?

Not too much really. But what better way to kill some time during the flight back to Melbourne than another blog entry?

This year was the 10th instalment of the Friendship Cup which began in early 2005 after the demise of the old dark violent ethnic NSL. Some of you may have done the math and figured out that 2005 to 2016 is more than 10 years, and you are right. The reason for the difference is a 'breakdown in communication' which halted the event for a couple of years, that's not entirely true but we will just leave it at that. 

Knights media team view before the match 

Despite the unpleasant weather, the arrival at the club was a rather pleasant one, seeing many familiar faces and catching up with friends made along the way of the 10 year journey. You could say that things have changed quite some bit since the event first came to Sydney back in 2006. From the club undergoing a few makeovers, to older faces moving on and younger ones emerging.

Knights Fans in 2010

The presence of Knights fans I must admit was also not what it once was, with 30 odd fans making the trek over by bus in 2010 in what was to date the most exciting match in the cups short history, which saw United run out 3 - 2 winners with a goal in the dying minutes. Apart from the scoreline, not too much was replicated this time around, with crowds getting smaller every year and the event maybe, just maybe, not serving the purpose it once did.

For most part of the 90 minutes I wasn't too impressed. The first half didn't see us produce much more than a Jason Hicks free kick which hit the crossbar (more on him later). And we only really got back into the game in the latter stages due to combination of our younger players coming on trying to prove their worth, combined with United either doing the same or being worn out from the heat. To be honest I didn't give the match my 100% attention as I was a little preoccupied trying to swallow my warm can of Toohey's New. Warm because I had to walk half way around the ground in the sun with it, and because I had to get more than one in case they sold out of them like they did with the Corona. I guess serving beer out of a minibar for the whole stadium doesn't help.

Although I wasn't impressed, I'm not overly concerned. Last year saw us go down to them 5 - 0 at home only to go on and win out opening 5 games of the season. But maybe I should be concerned, as we had a very favourable fixture last year and although we didn't have an excellent pre season campaign then, it can't be any worse than the one we had this year. As far as I am aware we are yet to have a hit out against a decent or even any side with our full starting 11. I guess having a few small injuries doesn't help that, but either does not playing anywhere near enough serious opponents, nor does still signing players. Which brings me back to Jason Hicks. I must say it feels rather sweet to have him on our roster. A man that was once hailed as a great signing and exactly what was need in the middle of the park by South Melbourne fans, has now been deemed surplus by the same group of people who act like it's no big deal. Cry me a river, you guys are full of shit. But hey, what's new? 

Hicks joins SMFC

The arrival of Hicks you would assume is the end of our transfer window campaign, however a little birdie may have told me that it ain't other yet. But whether or not another player is brought in or not doesn't really phase me too much. We might not have replaced the quality that departed at the end of last year but that's ok. I think we had an exceptional team then, and for our budget I can't say I expect us to maintain that level of quality every year.   

Mid flight snack

The parmesan paprika bikkies were OK but nothing special. I didn't have any of the tomato salsa dip because it's not my type of thing. Drinks being offered more than 10 minutes later didn't enhance the experience at all. Would much rather have enjoyed the usual cheese and crackers I was served on the way up, where I received a drink at the same time mind you. 

Not sure if it is because I have been quite busy in the off season and haven't had a chance to attend any club events until the Friendship Cup, but this off season seems a bit longer to me than the last few years. In saying that, I cannot wait for Friday nights game. Where win lose or draw, I'll just be happy to be back where I belong.