Soccer: Kingz underdogs in opener

By Terry Maddaford

Carlton arrive in Auckland tomorrow night as short-priced favourites to win the opening game of the 1999-2000 Australian soccer league against the Kingz.

After a disappointing 10th place in the Ericsson Cup earlier this year, the Melbourne-based club "let the coach go" and have been recruiting both players and a new coach since.

There are obvious Scottish links. They have signed former Rangers and Blackburn Rovers player Stuart Munro as coach. He in turn has lured Scottish international Dave McPherson, who played over 300 games for Rangers as well as a couple of Scottish Cup finals with Hearts; Stuart Slater, who has been with Celtic, West Ham and Watford; and striker Michael Conroy, formerly of Fulham and more recently Blackpool.

"We are a well-organised club and were really disappointed with our placing this year after finishing runners-up in our debut season a year earlier," said Carlton general manager, Lou Sticca.

"We have modelled ourselves on the successful overseas clubs. And we are both serious and ambitious."

Among those certain to play in Auckland are All Whites Sean Douglas and Mark Atkinson, who Sticca rates as two of the club's most consistent players and the heart and soul of the team.

"They will be keen to impress in front of what used to be their home crowd - that's for sure," said Sticca. "They are close to the record of being the players who have played the most games for Carlton."

The club, which has its office adjacent to the Melbourne Cricket Ground and will play, for the first time this season, at Olympic Park after initial seasons at the AFL's Optus Oval are one of three Melbourne clubs in the league.

"As well as the playing staff of 22, we have a full-time coach, two assistants, two physiotherapists, a masseur, doctor, two property stewards and an office staff of five," said Sticca, who will be accompanied by about two dozen supporters for Friday night's opener at North Harbour Stadium.

Sticca dismisses talk of an easy win for his side who won their local pre-season competition and two of three matches on a recent tour to China.

"I was one of the advocates for having the Kingz come into the league," Sticca said.

"It is a great honour for us to have the opportunity to play them first up.

"I know we will be expected to win but you can be sure your players will run like their lives depend on it. We expect a tough game, that's for sure."

Carlton, who spent $A2.5 million last season, expect to pitch in $500,000 more this term. It was with some relief they announced a healthy new sponsorship from American Express yesterday.

The Kingz have their chance to show they too are ready when they hold a media conference this afternoon at which they promise all, including their playing strip, will be revealed.

There has been talk of a sellout crowd for the game. Sticca will be delighted if there is, but not as happy as the Kingz, who are dipping their toes into uncharted waters.