CLUB FOCUS: BLACKTOWN SPARTANS

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Consistency is the keyword for Blacktown Spartans coach Ben De Haan this season.

It was something the Spartans lacked last season and it probably cost them a spot in the finals.

But 2015 had its positives for De Haan and he believes his side is set for an improved 2016 having brought in former Western Sydney Wanderer Yianni Perkatis into the side from cross-town rivals Blacktown City as well as Amaury Gauthier, who is back in the PS4 National Premier Leagues New South Wales Men’s 1 competition having returned from Malaysia.

Gauthier is a former Sydney Olympic player and his experiences alongside Pertkatis and the retained Shu Sasaki, Josh Tanner and Carlos Saliadiarre should hold the club in good stead.

“So far, we’ve been happy. Pre-season has gone quite well,” De Haan said

“Training has been positive, and I think the experience we gained last year and the couple of players we have bought in should take us that bit further.”

De Haan, approaching his eighth season in the job, said he was happy with how the new boys had settled into the squad and was looking forward to seeing it all come together come round one against Parramatta FC.

“I think our spine is looking good and we’re looking very strong this season,” De Haan said.

“I just can’t wait to get started.

“I think if we can keep everyone fit we can be more consistent and improve.”

The Spartans are looking to improve on last season’s record of eight wins, three draws and 11 losses, finishing just three points of the sixth and last finals spot.

Player to watch:  Will Mutch

The Spartans youngster enjoyed a run in the first team towards the back end of 2015 and coach Ben De Haan is confident he can continue to improve in 2016.

“He burst onto the scene at the end of the year last season and then he got his young Socceroos call up and he’s started the pre-season well again this year,” De Haan said.

SQUAD: Jordan Crighton, Luka  Dukic, Ogun Dullak, Amaury Gauthier, Hayden Morton, William Mutch, Futa Nakamura, Domenic Nascimben, Jacob Ott, Yianni Perkatis, Anthony Proia, Xavier Quigley, Carlos   Saliadarre, Shu Sasaki, Joshua Tanner, Hyams Tomohino, Benjamin Tosi, Martin Vazquez, Aaron White