Soccer: Firebrand and veteran in picture for Kingz

By TERRY MADDAFORD

George Goutzioulis, described across the Tasman as a "firebrand" and "colourful character", is the latest signing for the Football Kingz.

And, by the end of the week, the squad might get even bigger with an announcement expected on Wynton Rufer's future.

Rufer, the Kingz player-coach for their first two seasons and a player new coach Mike Petersen is "keen to accommodate", met Kingz general manager Chris Turner yesterday.

"Things are progressing favourably," said Turner last night. "Wynton is still in the picture and we hope to make an announcement on Friday."

Goutzioulis, a midfielder with Sydney Olympic, yesterday signed a one-year deal. It means he will be reunited with Petersen - his former coach at South Melbourne.

Australian-born Goutzioulis played in the early stages of Australia's last Olympic campaign and has around 80 National Soccer League games to his credit.

Though a skilled midfield player with obvious talent, the 23-year-old has at times found himself offside with match officials. Petersen, though, is considered a coach likely to get the best from him.

With another former South Melbourne midfielder, Con Boutsianis, already signed and Mark Burton back, there is an exciting look to the Kingz midfield.

Yesterday's signing brings the squad of contracted players to 14. Former fulltime Kingz players Riki Van Steeden and Chris Marsh are on month-to-month contracts.

Jonathan Perry is in England for trials and Che Bunce is playing in Iceland but is expected to rejoin the Kingz next month in time for the October 2 kick-off.

The only "import" - from outside Oceania - is Japanese defender Hiroshi Miyazawa.

The last Kingz warm-up game before the new season is expected to be played in late September against an All Stars team named from present Southern Trust National League players.