Soccer: Kingz add defender to squad

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Perth defender Vinko Buljubasic has agreed terms with the Football Kingz and is set to sign for the coming season.

In confirming Buljubasic was ready to play, Kingz chief executive Chris Turner said the club was now looking only to sign a striker - a replacement for the departed Vas Kalogeracos - and a second goalkeeper.

Turner, who admitted there was an issue with midfielder Con Boutsianis and his relationship with the team, said the club has begun their search for a replacement for Kalogeracos, who left last weekend for personal reasons.

"The coaching staff have been impressed with Miramar striker Geoff Brown, in the National League final and at training since," Turner said. "They have now decided to take him to Australia for the three-match tour."

But there will be no place at the club for former Kingz and All Whites midfielders Aaran Lines and Chris Jackson, even if Boutsianis departs - a rumour Turner was keen to quash.

"Con Boutsianis did not play last Friday night because he had a knee injury," he said. "At the same time, we acknowledge there are other issues which we are working through."

Turner again refused to be drawn, but said he expected the former South Melbourne midfielder to see out his one-year contract.

There appeared to be problems involving Boutsianis' personal trainer, who has returned to Australia, and the team.

Even if the Socceroo midfielder did go, Turner said Jackson and Lines would not be in the picture because they were "different type of players."