By ADEM SARICAOGLU
ANDREW Marth hopes his Melbourne Knights will be part of the National Premier League this year.
Marth, who led the Knights to the Victorian Premier League finals series in 2013, has been re-appointed as senior coach for the upcoming season and will again be joined by senior assistant, Frank Juric.
While the Knights will not know if they will be part of the NPL until next month, Marth is hoping, at the very least, for another top six finish in 2014.
“First and foremost we want to get into the top six if the top six is still available,” Marth said.
“I don’t know how the new set-up will be in the NPL, but we want top six and then obviously build on that.
“I certainly believe we’ve got a good enough squad to get there, that’s being realistic.
“In an ideal world I’d like to get to first or second, but we’re aiming for top six.”
The Knights have not yet named any major signings and are not planning to make wholesale changes to the squad that finished second in the old VPL last season.
Adam Zilic and Matt Hrastov will both not be returning for the Knights this year, while striker Andrew Barisic has moved on to Hong Kong club, South China.
Marth confirmed there may be a couple of newcomers who may potentially sign in coming weeks, however the coach is comfortable with the talent currently at his disposal.
“We’re not after a huge squad, but we are after a quality squad,” Marth said.
“I’m more than certain that we’ll retain 95 per cent of our players and possibly sign one or two more players and I’ll be very happy with that.”
Marth said the key area to bolster will be up front, following Barisic’s departure.
“Our finishing qualities were not up to what I expected last year,” Marth said.
“Our defensive capabilities and midfield were exceptional as well as Chris May in goal, so we’ve got to work on our finishing and I think that’s what cost us the title last year.”
