Champions Blacktown City will look to rebuild for the PS4 NPL NSW Men’s 1 competition in 2015.
After taking out the grand final with a 2-1 win over Sydney Olympic in 2014, many City players were sought after by Hyundai A-League clubs.
Standout performances from Travis Major, Zac Cairncross and Jacob Poscoliero saw the Central Coast Mariners swoop for them while Kieran Baccus was snapped up by the Western Sydney Wanderers.
Another loss for Blacktown was integral striker Ryuji Miyazawa who returned back to Japan after some noticeable performances for the club.
Coach Mark Crittenden spoke about the significant losses.
“The boys have moved onto to the Hyundai A-League, something the club wants to continue doing in producing players.
“We’ve lost some great players but that’s football.”
City has wasted little time in bringing replacements with Chris Tomaras coming over from Sydney Olympic, former Hyundai A-League player Joey Gibbs also signing and Patrick Antelmi making his way back to Australia after spending almost five years in England, most recently at Wigan Athletic.
Crittenden hasn’t placed any pressure on his players following last season’s success where City claimed the Championship and Waratah Cup.
“We don’t really have any expectations,” Crittenden said.
“We have a very young team, younger than last year with probably an average age of 20-21.”
The City boss knows where he wants his side to be.
“As long as we’re playing good football and are around the top five we’ll be happy.
“We have a young team who we want to compete.”
Crittenden also spoke about who he believes the favourites will be for the 2015 season.
“Bonnyrigg, Sydney United 58 FC and APIA will be up there in what will be an all round tough competition.”
As for a dark horse, Crittenden mentioned one team.
“South Coast Wolves with Naz (Nahuel Arrate) improved significantly last year and could make for a surprise this year.”
2015 SIGNINGS: Christos Tomaras, Connor Evans, Patrick Antelmi, Joseph Gibbs, Tristan Prendergast
-By Nikola Pozder
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