Image: Smile for Peter
There are some names synonymous with the Victorian NPL and its respective clubs. Think of Heidelberg United and George Katsakis is the obvious name that jumps out at you.
If the popular figure is not making his presence felt on the sidelines at Olympic Village he’s usually at another game, networking or scouting the opposition.
The passionate footballing and Heidelberg figure is our Manager of the Month for May, for it was the month in which Heidelberg combined its firepower up front with an impenetrable backbone to seal a perfect month. Eight goals for, two clean cleen sheets and only two goals conceded led to four straight wins, with the Bergers emerging as the league’s outright leader.
“The back four are the key to our success. Its combined of a wealth of experience, mature strong bodies that also find a way to overload through midfield and penetrate in good areas, especially out wide with Rueben Way and Josh Wilkins,” Katsakis said.
“Certainly the structures we have out in place and in particular the work we have done towards eliminating the conceding of soft goals eg. set pieces, corners and a more positive approach to disciplined defensive attitudes.”
A clear attribute in looking at the Heidelberg XI has been its continuity from previous seasons. While other clubs in different situations have seen squad overhauls, Katsakis has enjoyed the luxury of being able to retain most of his core squad – contributing to its cohesive performances –while adding depth to key areas especially at a time while the club is approaching a busy time of the season, competing on all league and cup fronts.
“Without doubt it has been the catalyst in our season so far. Keeping the core and including couple of key players has allowed us as a team to express ourselves.
“It’s probably the first time since the introduction of the NPL that we have been in this position. We have a competitive attitude with at least two players in contention for any position on the park. Rotations and recovery is the key to a busy season and with this squad I have the comfort and luxury to be able to execute this and vary things as required.”
The month of May saw United travel to the Grange on a Monday night and see off a Kingston City side which had previously been unbeatable at its home fortress, triumphing 2-1. The week after came a scrappy 2-1 home win against Bulleen, but often the hallmark of a champion side is its ability to get over the line even on days when it’s not at its best.
More impressive was the club’s trip to JL Murphy Reserve to take on Port Melbourne. The Sharks had previously knocked off South Melbourne 4-0 and Bentleigh Greens 3-0, but Heidelberg weren’t going to let them repeat the dose. A professional performance saw a 1-0 win – a clean sheet and three points on the road signalling a job well done.
It just kept getting better for the side, as then came the most significant and telling result. A trip to Somers Street to take on the joint ladder leaders Avondale. Except on that day there was nothing equal about the two clubs as Heidelberg roared to a 3-0 win, clinical up front and tidy at the back. Of the fellow top four, Katsakis’ men have proved themselves against Avondale, Bentleigh and South Melbourne with victories against each.
The NPL era for the Bergers can be defined as close but no cigar, finishing within the top three but experiencing finals anguish. But if the Bergers do go ahead and break their drought in 2017, last month might be the key turning point.
“We set ourselves a target since the NPLs formation. It was structured in a way to consolidate ourselves in the league, build our club and its culture and then to try and build a competitive team to feature in finals football.
“We succeeded in all areas and with a bit of luck (which is always needed in finals), hopefully we can again feature in the finals serious of 2017. Hopefully this time with a cigar. However, we still remain level-headed without getting ahead of ourselves.
“After all, it is only the half way mark.”