Departed … Jean Dubois has left Melbourne Knights to join South Melbourne. 51722 Picture: KRISTIAN SCOTT
By Luke D’Anello
FORMER Socceroo Danny Tiatto will return to the pitch in a St Albans guernsey later this season.
And Saints coach Joe Kovacevic is optimistic the 38-year-old will be available in two weeks.
With the mid-season transfer window set to end tomorrow, winless St Albans must start banking points or it is certain to be relegated from the Victorian Premier League (VPL).
The Saints are currently six points adrift of the Victorian Training Centre side, but Tiatto will provide a much-needed boost to a side low on confidence.
Tiatto, who returned to Melbourne Knights last year after a stint with A League team Brisbane Roar, announced his retirement at the end of last season.
But he will resume after forging close links with members of St Albans during his playing career in the VPL.
“We are hoping he may be able to play a few games for us … it all depends on how his body goes,” Kovacevic said.
“We’re not expecting him to play nine or 10 games. We’ve never had an ex-Socceroo or an ex-Manchester City EPL player, so even if he plays one game we’ll be rapt.”
Tiatto also made a guest appearance for his junior club, Werribee City, last season.
The Saints have ratified the signatures of 18-year old Louis Fenton, who was an under-17 New Zealand representative, along with ex-North Geelong pair Reardo Luka and Matthew Demo.
Former St Albans junior Neven Antic has crossed from Oakleigh Cannons and will slot straight into the senior side.
“We’re confident now that, with the new signings and a bit more depth in the team, we can get a few wins and we know which games we have to win,” Kovacevic said.
The coach said a decision on who will be released from the squad will be made in the coming days.
The Saints have lost defender Tomislav Uskok, who has crossed to Melbourne Knights.
The Knights have also acquired Melvin Becket, who has returned to the club from Oakleigh.
But classy trio Jean Dubois, Daniel Dragicevic and Junior De Camargo have left for South Melbourne.
Knights coach Paul Magdic said he was “confident” in the talent at his disposal despite the key departures.
Meanwhile, reigning premier Green Gully has been quiet during the transfer period.
The Cavaliers have signed right back Stephen Downes from Bentleigh Greens, while Michael Anderson has left to join North Geelong.
But defender Simon Storey has returned to the Cavaliers after stints with Melbourne Victory and North Queensland Fury in the A League.
Storey also previously spent three years in Scotland.
“He’s obviously a very good acquisition for the club. We look forward to his experience in the A League and also playing overseas as well,” Green Gully manager Ray Mamo said.
“His real strength would be in the defence. He’s a smart and intelligent player.”
Off-season signing Dean Kerr is also on the comeback trail after a knee injury.
