By TERRY MADDAFORD
Patricio Almendra's season with the Football Kingz is over - even before last night's away game against Newcastle United.
The Chilean will return home on Monday to press claims for a place in the national side.
"We have released him from his contract," said Kingz chief executive Chris Turner
yesterday.
"The national coach has told him he wants him back playing in Chile as our season is effectively over.
"Patricio has told us he wants to play here again next season. He has had offers from Australian clubs but he says his preference is to return to the Kingz."
Turner confirmed last night that the club would appoint a general manager "as soon as I feel we have the right person".
But he was unable to confirm next season's coaching staff.
Turner refused to acknowledge that Ken Dugdale and Stu Jacobs would be retained, saying nothing had yet been confirmed.
In the national league, sponsored by Southern Trust, this weekend's round holds particular importance for two of last season's semifinalists.
North Shore and Tauranga City have started poorly and face a race against time to make the top four.
With North Shore's appeal against playing too many guest players rejected by New Zealand Soccer yesterday, they remain firmly rooted at the bottom of the table.
After being beaten 4-1 at home by Miramar last week, Shore will not find it much easier away to Dunedin Technical.
Aaron Silva has been included in the Shore squad for the first time this season.
Tauranga must also bounce back from a drubbing in their home match with Manawatu. Slammed 7-0 at Central last week, Tauranga are again at long odds.
In the match of the round, East Auckland are at home to Napier City Rovers tomorrow.
Easts, taking confidence from their away win over Caversham, will be looking for more of the same against an improving Napier side.
Leaders Central head south to play Canterbury United without suspended Darren Fellowes, but they should still be too strong.
