Soccer: Turning the Knights around on the table

Football fans will get their first proper look at the New Zealand Knights today and you could forgive them a fair degree of trepidation.

It might be in a pre-season tournament which is normally not that important but it will be the first chance to assess whether the 2006 incarnation is better than the insipid 2005 version. From initial observations, they will be vastly improved.

Every Knights player out of contract has either been cast aside or decided they didn't want to return - 14 in total. However, they still have two vacancies in the 20-man squad, with manager Paul Nevin on the lookout for another striker and a left-sided central defender.

Already a feature of Nevin's squad is its international flavour. There are six Australians, three Brits, an Irishman, a Swiss, a Dutchman, a Ghanaian, an Ivorian, a Portuguese and even three Kiwis.

They have hardly had the best build-up considering they go into the Pre-Season Cup after only three games against local opposition. Compare that to Melbourne, for example, who have recently won the North Queensland Trophy against the Young Socceroos, Chinese Super League team Changchun Yatai and fellow A-League side, the Central Coast Mariners.

"It's only pre-season but because of circumstances and past history of the club, it takes on more importance," Nevin admitted. "It's human nature that people will judge us so we need to be seen to be competitive."

THE SQUAD SO FAR

Goalkeepers

Danny Milosevic - Returning for a second season, the outspoken Milosevic is a good shot-stopper who had spells at Leeds and Celtic.

Michael Turnbull - Highly-rated keeper who's likely to be first-choice. The former Aussie age-group player also sports a double-layered ponytail, much like Harry Kewell used to, and could rival Noah Hickey in the metrosexual stakes.

Defenders

Darren Bazeley - Back for a second season, Bazeley was the most consistent player in a leaky defence in 2005-06. The Englishman will skipper the side from right-back.

Che Bunce - The big All White loves nothing more than to bring strikers down to size, sometimes literally. Has played in Denmark and Iceland and was a Kingz player.

Gregory Duruz - The 29-year-old left back brings some Champions League quality to the Knights, having been part of Swiss club FC Basle's incredible run in 2002-03.

Neil Emblen - The 35-year-old had an injury-plagued first season but he's comfortable in either central defence or midfield. Has a good pedigree and Crystal Palace once forked out £2 million for his services.

Sime Kovacevic - One of the two under-20 players required by each club, the Australian defender is physically gifted but is expected to be a squad player this season.

Frank Van Eijs - Another returnee, the Dutchman struggled with injury for much of last season but was steady when he did feature.

Midfielders

Malik Buari - The 22-year-old Ghanaian is well known to Nevin, having played under him at Fulham (where he made five first team appearances). A hard-working midfielder who can play on either flank.

Scot Gemmill - Emerged from the shadow of legendary father Archie Gemmill to forge a successful career of his own with Nottingham Forest and Everton. Brings great experience to the holding midfield role and will also help out with some of the coaching.

Noah Hickey - One of only three Kiwis in the squad, the All White brings a little David Beckham to the side (although he's much quicker and less prone to crying). Has recently filled in at fullback for New Zealand, including against Brazil, and can also play on the flank or up front.

Richard Johnson - Competitive midfielder who's made the move from the Newcastle Jets. The Knights lacked bite in midfield last season.Johnson would eat the leg off his mother to win the ball.

Jonti Richter - Pacy and aggressive winger/striker who played at Queensland last season. Presumably will be rated each week on the 'Richter Scale'.

Jonas Salley - The Ivorian 24-year-old is strong, fit and physically imposing. Impressed with South Melbourne in the state league.

Michael White - The 19-year-old wideman completes the lineup of Kiwis, having been signed after a good NZFC season with Canterbury United.

Strikers

Adam Casey - Recommended by Australian assistant coach Graham Arnold, the 20-year-old is nippy and skilful. Been through the Australian Institute of Sport system so should be able to withstand hours of torture.

Sean Devine - Unimpressive last season, although you would want him on your side in a fight.

Dani Rodriguez - Signed this week, the pacy and skilful former Portuguese under-21 striker had stints with Southampton (under Glenn Hoddle), Bournemouth and Bristol City.

Manager

Paul Nevin - Initially employed as head coach for the upcoming season, he took over after John Adshead wasn't pushed from his post. Spent eight years at Fulham, where he was reserve team manager and academy director. Has identified the playoffs as his minimum ambition - something that would be a first for the club under any name.

KNIGHTS PRE-SEASON CUP DRAW

Today: vs Newcastle Jets, North Harbour Stadium.

Saturday, July 22: vs Queensland Roar, Sunshine Coast.

Saturday, July 29: vs Sydney FC, North Harbour Stadium.

Friday, August 4: vs Adelaide Roar, Adelaide.

The Knights are in a group with Newcastle, Queensland and Sydney. The fixture against Adelaide is a 'bonus round' which sees extra points on offer - one bonus point for two goals scored, two for three goals and three for four or more goals.