Victory Squad Named, Match Live On Radio

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VICTORY SQUAD NAMED FOR OPENING PRE-SEASON CUP MATCH Melbourne Victory coach Ernie Merrick has named Mark Byrnes as stand in captain for the club’s first Pre-Season Cup match against Newcastle United Jets in Newcastle tonight (8pm EST). Byrnes was named captain in the absence of regular captain and talisman, Kevin Muscat. “It would be foolish to rush Kevin into the side too early, and I’m confident the players I’ve selected are more than capable of doing a job for us against Newcastle. Mark captained us with great distinction in our CWC match against Adelaide. Remember, Mark was the captain of the Young Socceroos side which finished runners-up to Brazil in the Youth World Cup in 1999.” Merrick was relieved to finally have a competitive match, but was keen to play down expectations before the match. “It’s terrific that we now have the chance to compete in some meaningful matches,” Merrick said. “But it’s also important that we keep our sights firmly fixed on the first match of the Hyundai A-League against Sydney in August.” Joining Muscat on the sidelines for the opening pre-season match against Newcastle are Andy Vlahos (ankle), Simon Storey (shoulder), and Vince Lia. 1 Theoklitos, Michael 3 Piorkowski, Daniel 4 Byrnes, Mark 5 Claeys, Geoffrey 6 Panteledis, Steve 7 Ferrante, Michael 9 Allsopp, Daniel 10 Thompson, Archie 12 Recchia, Carl 13 Sarkies, Kristian 15 Leijer, Adrian 17 Kitzbichler, Richard 18 Tadrosse, Chris 19 Diaco, Ricky 20 Galekovic, Eugene Follow tonight’s game LIVE and EXCLUSIVE on 88.3FM, presented by GiveMeFootball. FIRST HOME GAME NEXT WEEK – TICKETS NOW ON SALE Melbourne Victory continues its Pre-Season Cup campaign at home next SATURDAY 30TH JULY at OLYMPIC PARK STADIUM commencing at 7pm. Tickets are available NOW via Ticketek on 132 849, or go to www.ticketek.com.au. Melbourne Victory plays Adelaide United the following week on SATURDAY 6TH AUGUST at OLYMPIC PARK STADIUM commencing at 7pm. Tickets are available NOW via Ticketek on 132 849, or go to www.ticketek.com.au. THE PREMIER, LORD MAYOR AND VIDUKA SCORE 1, 2 AND 3 Victorian Premier Steve Bracks was last night officially announced as Melbourne Victory’s number one ticket holder at a Gala Club Launch last night in front of over 850 people at the Crown Palladium. The gala signaled a new era in Australian football, as Melbourne Victory takes its place as Victoria’s sole representative in the new Hyundai A-League national football competition, set to change the way Australia’s feel about the world game. Melbourne Lord Mayor John So was officially announced as the club’s number two ticket holder, with Australian football superstar, Marc Viduka, the club’s international ambassador. Melbourne Victory Chairman, Geoff Lord, said that the club was proud to boast such a stellar lineup of celebrities to support the stellar lineup of players the club had assembled to compete in the inaugural season of the Hyundai A-League. “We think that as the sole Victorian club in the new league, Melbourne Victory can draw a great deal of support,” Lord said. “It’s a real boost for the club to have the Premier, the Lord Mayor and one of our greatest footballers playing overseas all behind us.” Premier Bracks was enthusiastic in his acceptance of the honorary position. “It’s a great privilege to be the number one ticket holder of Melbourne Victory,” Premier Bracks said. “Every Victorian has no excuse but to barrack for this great team. I’m behind it, I want everyone to get behind it as well. We want Melbourne Victory to be number one in the national competition.” Lord Mayor John So was equally enthusiastic about the prospects of Melbourne’s newest sporting team. 'Melbourne is the sporting capital of the world and I believe that Melbourne Victory is an exciting addition to the city's sporting landscape,” The Lord Mayor said. “I'm honoured to be No.2 ticket holder.'