Soccer: Knights trial players for last chance

Even before the New Zealand Knights kick their last ball in the inaugural A-League season, planning, including trial matches, is well under way for what John Adshead accepts will be their second, and last, chance to prove they are worthy of holding their place.

"It is a big week for us," said Adshead who, as football manager, puts his hand up in saying "we have to be far, far better researched and better prepared than we were this time."

"We will get our Saturday game against Melbourne out of the way and there is a massive determination to win three points so we can say we have finished with a draw and a win and then start in earnest preparing for next season.

"We know we are short of [quality] players," said Adshead. "Encouragingly, we have been inundated with calls from players who want to play for the Knights. Mostly they are younger players although we have had one 26-year-old call from Australia, saying he is keen.

"We have pencilled in trial matches around February 8-9-10. We don't know what to expect. Maybe only three kids will turn up, maybe there will be 20. Because of this, we will stay in work for a week after Melbourne before the players go on leave.

"Some players have already been told they are no longer wanted. I've been very honest with them for a long time. There might be changes in things like the salary cap and the squad size but nobody has yet given a definitive answer. What I do know, is that nobody has to tell me I have to get it right."

Adshead has pinpointed some players he wants to look at but that does not mean the club will be flying players in from wherever for trials, just as he does not see them as opportunity for any player to turn up.

"We have targeted some players already. I have gone to the federation and NZFC coaches, asking if they are keen to recommend players. One club coach has asked if I will have a look at two of his players. I have no problem with that.

"I will also spend 10 days with the All Whites when they come in for the Malaysian matches," said Adshead. "We will also look at players in Australia when the state leagues start next month. There are other players in Europe we have targeted. We are also keen to have a look in Asia."

Meanwhile, in the last match of the Hyundai A-League's penultimate round, Sydney FC beat Perth Glory 2-1 away to ensure a top-four finish and end Perth's play-off hopes.

Adelaide United, Sydney FC, Newcastle Jets and the Central Coast Mariners are now assured of play-off spots with only the order from second-fourth to be decided this week.

In the top-of-the-table clash, Adelaide are at home to Sydney, with Sydney keen to win Friday's game to assure themselves of second place and a second chance in the play-offs.

In other games which affect the finishing order, Queensland are at home to the Mariners on Saturday and the Jets have home advantage against Perth on Sunday.