Brisbane Roar goalkeeper Michael Theo has fired a warning shot to the competition, saying he expects Ben Halloran and Do Dong-Hyun to make major impacts.
Brisbane Roar goalkeeper Michael Theo has high hopes for the new signings the club made in the off-season.
Roar have been regular participants in the transfer market in past seasons, but have been relatively quiet this time around with the reigning Hyundai A-League champions instead deciding to stick with the majority of the squad that beat Perth Glory in an epic grand final back in April.
Veteran coach Ange Postecoglou has been the only high profile name to leave the club, with Mohamed Adnan and Kofi Danning two of the players that have found new homes after plying their trade with the Roar last season.
Roar’s fortunes this campaign will largely depend on German playmaker Thomas Broich and prolific striker Besart Berisha, but it is a pair of new players that has veteran shot-stopper Theo excited.
Ben Halloran impressed many when pulling the strings in Gold Coast United’s midfield last season and Theo believes the 20-year-old can make an immediate impact at his new home, while South Korean winger Do Dong-Hyun is another Roar signing expected to fit in well.
“We have made a couple of good inclusions and we haven’t lost too many,” Theo said.
“Benny Halloran is a very good talented player who has adjusted well to the way we play and Do is a South Korean boy who is 19 and is a good left winger.
“I think they will make a big impact straight away as both boys have adjusted quite well.”
Postecoglou’s departure to Melbourne Victory made headlines across the league during the off-season, but Theo said the club had moved on quickly and had already got used to the coaching style of Rado Vidosic.
“Ange was great for us, but he has moved on and so have we,” he said.
“In terms of our preparation and how we go about things not much has changed.
“It is exciting and we are looking forward to the start of the season.”
Brisbane’s championship defence gets underway with a grand final rematch against Perth Glory on Sunday and Theo knows the side Roar defeated 2-1 in last season’s decider will be out for revenge at Patersons Stadium.
“It has been a long pre-season so we can’t wait just to get out there and play week in and week out for points,” Theo said.
“It’s the grand final replay and it is a game we are looking forward to.
“Being in Perth it is going to be a tough game, but it is one we are looking forward to and hopefully we can get a positive result.”
