Soccer: Rufer returns with extra defenders

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Wynton Rufer's return to the starting lineup gives hope of something better from the Football Kingz in their away game against Adelaide City tonight.

But Rufer alone cannot be expected to turn it around.

The disappointing effort in going down 2-1 to Northern Spirit a week ago cost the Auckland-based side dearly.

Top of the "must do" list was surely the set play routines.

"I have to agree set play is a worry," said assistant coach Shane Rufer.

"At training they have scored some nice goals from corners and freekicks, but they sure haven't been doing it in matches."

Aaron Silva's return to the side has been short-lived. The livewire Chilean has been dumped after just half a game against Northern Spirit.

Also not wanted on this trip are fellow striker Tim Stevens and mobile midfielder Noah Hickey. They have been replaced by Riki Van Steeden - not required since before Christmas - and Che Bunce, who has not played a full game since December 2.

"Playing away from home means there is a greater need to play a more defensive game," said Shane Rufer.

Taking extra defenders would be understandable if the team had cemented a place in the top six.

That is far from the case for the Kingz.

The matches starts at 10.30 pm (NZ time).

Likely Kingz lineup: Chris Marsh, Michael Cartwright, Levent Osman, Sean Douglas, Mark Burton, Harry Ngata, Andy Bluhm, Gerard Davis, Aaran Lines, Paul Urlovic, Wynton Rufer. Substitutes: Jeff Campbell, Che Bunce, Riki Van Steeden, Julio Cuello.

The Kingz present coaching structure is being abandoned.



Under the new structure, the playing side will be under the control of an English-style football manager who will have the last say in the appointment of team coaches and the playing staff.

Wynton Rufer yesterday expressed surprise that the coaching role was to be advertised.

He said he had yet to decide if he would apply for the new role. But he ruled out any suggestion he would stay as a player only.

In the meantime Kingz general manager Chris Turner has assumed the new role and is looking to start recruiting players.

"We have some in mind and five players who have contracts until the end of next season," said Turner who shares the administrative duties with chief executive Simon Massey. "But as far as the new football manager is concerned, we do not have a time line on when the appointment will be made."