KEY POINTS:
Soccer's merry-go-round has hit full speed as Auckland clubs prepare to kick off a busy summer season with Waitakere United and Auckland City playing their version of give and take.
Six former United players are now under Colin Tuaa at City while four have left Kiwitea St and headed west to join Chris Milicich at Waitakere.
In releasing their squad yesterday for their season-opening O-League game - against AS Manu at Fred Taylor Park on October 31 - United have included former City players Richard Gillespie, Jonathan Perry, Jason Hayne and Neil Sykes in their initial team list.
Gone in the other direction are Joel and Sam Mathews, Jeff Campbell, George Suri, Rupesh Puna and Craig Wylie.
Also in the Waitakere squad are Solomon Islanders Benjamin Totori and marquee player Commins Menapi and Fijian midfielder Ronil Kumar. They are joined by Chris Bale, from England, as imports.
Former New Zealand Knights defender Neil Emblen, who will share the coaching duties, and Darren Bazeley have also been included. Milicich, back at the club after a two-year absence, is happy with the squad he is preparing for a busy start to the season which includes their home O-League game, a handful of New Zealand Football Championship games and the likely clash with the J-League winner.
At this stage the defending champions, Urawa Red Diamonds, are well-placed to repeat and go into the December 7 match-up with Waitakere at the Toyota Stadium, with the winner progressing to the Fifa World Club Cup proper.
"I'm very happy with the squad and the balance we have ahead of a very long season," said Milicich.
"We have plenty of strike power and will threaten teams in a number of areas while at the back we have significant experience in the likes of Danny Hay, Neil Emblen, Darren Bazeley and Jonathan Perry.
"Experience is one thing but must also have the energy and enthusiasm that youth can bring."
Last season's golden boot winner Totori adds firepower up front. He scored against his old club YoungHeart Manawatu in their final hit-out last weekend. Allan Pearce (2), Daniel Koprivcic (2) and Menapi also scored in the 6-0 win.
