Melbourne Heart FC takes on Victorian Premier League opposition for the first time this Friday night with a friendly match against the Oakleigh Cannons at Jack Edwards Reserve on July 2 at 8.15pm.
Melbourne Heart FC takes on Victorian Premier League opposition for the first time this Friday night with a friendly match against the Oakleigh Cannons at Jack Edwards Reserve on July 2 at 8.30pm.
The match will be Heart-s first hit out in metropolitan Melbourne before facing the might of English Premier League giants Everton on Wednesday July 14, and arrives at a critical juncture at the side-s pre-season.
Heart will bring its strongest available squad to the south east of Melbourne, a traditional nursery for great Australian talent.
Among the Heart squad will be former Oakleigh Cannons star midfielder Nick Kalmar, who becomes Melbourne Heart FC-s 19th foundation player after signing a one-year deal.
A member of Altona Magic-s triumphant back to back VPL championship sides in 2008 and 2009, 22 year-old Kalmar has built on his recent achievements by impressing Heart Head Coach John van-t Schip during the 2010 season with his guile and technical quality in the midfield.
Head Coach John van ‘t Schip believes Kalmar will provide the Club-s squad with important added depth to the club-s creative midfield stocks during the upcoming season.
“The Melbourne Heart FC coaching staff has spent a great deal of time watching the VPL so far this season. Of the many impressive young players, it was Nick who impressed me the most,” he said.
“In a professional environment, I really think he can grow in to a quality player in Australia and play a very important role for us this season.”
Van ‘t Schip added: “Nick has been training with the Club for some time, which has also given him a great chance to prove to us that he deserves a chance and has the capacity to make the leap to the Hyundai A-League.
“Importantly, we would also like to thank the Oakleigh Cannons for their role in ensuring Nick has been able to pursue his dream and play at the elite level.”
Kalmar will join Melbourne Heart FC once his immediate duties with Oakleigh Cannons are complete.
