Rage Online Blog

Trial and error

Chris Triantis

Four more triallists appeared for United last night at Brackley Town, and they were all foreigners. Two (brothers) from Australia and two (unrelated) from Spain. The brothers are 18 year-old Peter Triantis, a central midfielder, and his 22 year-old brother Chris, also a central midfielder. Chris has played for Newcastle Jets in the A League, but both have also appeared for Sydney Olympic, in the division below. Neither particularly stamped their mark on the game at Brackley, although neither gave a performance of Diogo Andrade ineptness either. Andrade had a brief trial with Oxford a couple of seasons ago, lasting just 20 second-half minutes against Cheltenham Town before being found to be totally out of his depth. He has recently had a trial with Hereford United.

Oscar Martin

Felipe

One of the Spaniards on show was 21 year-old striker Oscar Martin Hernandez, most recently with Lanzarote of Segunda B. Sadly, he failed to cope with the physical side of the game, although he did score for MK Dons in their 3-0 win at Oxford City recently. I say sadly not due to any misplaced sympathy for Senor Hernandez, but because Oxford could do with a back-up striker, and he wasn't it. The other Spaniard was Felipe Guréndez, and of the triallists he was the best of the lot. He played just in front of the back four, was always open for a pass and his own passing was neat and simple. Unfortunately, at 34 years old he is probably unlikely to be given another opportunity, given Chris Wilder's stated focus on youth and athleticism, although possibly there is scope for a more experienced player in the squad, especially if the reserve side is going to comprise largely youth-team players. Guréndez has La Liga experience with Athletic Bilbao, and more recently has played in Segunda B with CD Numancia.

Labels: Brackley Town, Chris Triantis, Felipe Guréndez Aldanondo, Oscar Martin Hernandez, Peter Triantis