The term 'rumour mill' is usually used to refer to the process by which rumours and gossip are originated and circulated among a group of people. It relates to a form of communication were information, often a mixture of truth and untruth, are passed around verbally or in a written form.

As the club's playing ranks and coaches yearn for a period of stability like the preceding 6-7 years - the talk around the football town is that the new coaching team and Board seems to be very busy shoring up their targets and possible signings for 2012. For the first time for a considerable period the 'silly season' of rumoured new signings being associated with Athena have been turning a few heads at least - amongst the WA football family circles.

We are led to believe that the players have been summoned to the club tonight (Thursday November 3) for what is expected to be an important get together to receive information regarding pre season schedule, possibly introduce new players and coaches for the 23's and 18's outfits and to gain an understanding of the coach's and Boards plans and ambitions for season 2012.We all await with bated breath in anticipation of pending news.

Athenista must confess that his head along with many other supporters that his head spinning and mind is boggled over the array of rumored signings that are being linked with Floreat Athena.

Arguably three of the highest profile links are: talented Stirling players in UK import (1) Bobby Wilson, a proven professional who has been at the den for the past two years and the mercurial midfielder and (2) ex-Glory Youth player Ludovic Boi.

These two players are well established impact players at Stirling that have consistently performed admirably for the Lions. Wilson could well fill the defensive vacancy left by Ante Kovacevic' departure. The midfield positions made available by the movements of Miki Vujacic, Damien Catalano, James Isaia and also possibly Kyle Moran - would enable Boi to fulfill a commanding role in the middle of the park.

Regarding Boi, this blogger has many well etched memories in his mind of his ability to hurt sides who give him a sniff of an opportunity none more vivid than the last time we played Stirling away and also in last years cup final loss.

Ludovic Boi - Ex Glory Youth, now possibly Athena Boy?

Both players would be expected to add considerable value to the squad and the fans know only too well their combined potential that has had the uncanny habit of being displayed often in an exemplary manner all so often against Athena!

UK import Bobby Wilson - shielding Perth's Craig Simpson - will he dazzle in defence at Athena?

The third rumoured hot target that is generating massive interest and curiosity is that of the State League 2011 Gold medal winner, Balcatta's Steve Burton - who was recently awarded the fairest best accolade outright over Johnny Mirco with whom he tied and after a count back and collected a brand new Ford Fiesta from McInerney Ford. Burton, in his acceptance speech said:

"I just can't express how I feel, I mean the whole night I was so blasé about it because I really didn't think I would win it because I turned up four games late," said Burton.

"I tried my best, but I never expected it and going into the last round, Johnny Mirco was there and he scored two goals as well as myself, so it was a massive shock with the result.

"In terms of the A-League, I gave my all to Perth Glory when I trialled for them, but that's life I guess.

"I've got a few options in Melbourne next year, but it would take a lot for me to leave Balcatta - I love that club."

If these three much coveted signings do in fact occur it will send a message of Floreat Athena's serious ambitions looking into 2012 abd beyond. They would also no doubt ignite a great deal of excitement amongst the fans - if only for the fact that three such high profile established adult players have not been targeted so seriously in one period for many years at Athena.

In the case of the goal machine Burton - professional footballers have this innate ability to say and feel the right thing at the right time and the Athena faithful will expect that his "love for ones club" is instantly transferred to Athena and she and her faithful will instantly reciprocate with their unconditional love as only Floreat Athena fans can do.

Lets see what announcements are madeinf the next few days and weeks as we get a collective sense of where we are at.

Steve Burton - will he be parking his new car at Britannia Road in 2012?

Steven Burton - WAPL Goal Machine - Gold Medal Winner 2011

James Isaia and team mates celebrating his goal from a free kick at home vs the Western Knights season 2011

Every now and again in the duration of ones life as a football tragic devoted to his beloved club a special player comes along who has that little special extra something that makes them stand out.

In football - the ultimate of team of team pursuits of any kind - it is a big statement when the word ‘special’ is used to describe a player. For whilst individuals can revel their match turning moments of brilliance that may see them win awards such as gold medals, MVP’s, players player ultimately it is teams and clubs that either rejoice collectively in glorious victory or ponder about what could have been when expectations and ambitions are not met.

Football clubs thrive on these special players that make the fans and the coaches on both sides of the park stand up and respect. In the context of the ‘departure lounge’ feeling regarding players that have left the club this off season it is most fitting that this blogger pays homage to someone who has exuded these special qualities both on and off the park for the past five years – James “Jimmy” Isaia or as he is known amongst the older brigade of Athena fans “Archies Grandson”.

In all honesty Athenista like many of the faithful reports a feeling of sadness as one of our favourites moves on to our historic and at times bitter City of Vincent rivals – Perth SC. His departure leaves big shoes to fill and the recruitment challenge is now set for the senior coach and the club. While technically no one is irreplaceable in our game what is certain is that some are harder than others to replace and there is no doubt in this bloggers mind that James Isaia is one such player.

In sport, a utility player is one who can play several positions competently, a sort of jack of all trades. In association football, like other sports, the utility man is usually a player who can play myriad positions. This will be commonly be defence and midfield , sometimes defence and attack. In some sports the concept and existence of the utility player is far more commonplace. The term has gained prominence in all sports due to its use in fantasy leagues, and in some sports, it is commonly used by commentators to recognise a player's versatility.

James Isaia is one of those players in the modern game for who the label ‘utility player’ as a descriptor fits so naturally like hand in glove. During his time at Athena he has played in every outfield position and scored goals from every one of them. Jokingly or maybe not so jokingly if the right specific moment arose a coach could well have been in a position to select him as an emergency keeper especially if all subs were used and the keeper was suddenly injured. These talents have been noticed in high places and over the past six months James has been a regular in the Perth Glory training squads as he has worked tirelessly and made many sacrifices in his pursuit of a full time professional contract doing the thing he loves most – playing football.

There is not doubt that James was a crowd favourite at Athena. He has that ability to lift the entire side just through his hard grind and perseverance. A talented defender who is both strong when required to put in that desperate tackle in defence of this sides goal and also on the ball moving forward looking for that killer pass or that shot on target. And when the ball is not live he is also more than competent with set piece dead balls. When he was thrust forward his presence was often more than handful and menacing in the box.

James also has that unique characteristic of being able to connect with the fans and drive them to back the team when it was needed most. It was not uncommon to see James communicating through hand and arm gestures when he felt the crowd had gone a little flat and the team needed them to spark into action.

Off the park James is a likeable, polite and intelligent professional radiographer who most would be happy if their sister suddenly became romantically attached to him. Radiographers need to be observant and methodical, as well as accurate, self-motivated and disciplined. They should have concern for others, and be able to inspire confidence in others. They also need to be able to work well under pressure. All these traits are indicated in Isaia. A player that this blogger will miss dearly along with all Athena fans as we wish him luck on his departure from Britannia Road via the Athena departure lounge hence it is fitting that we take a few moments to reflect on many fond memories of his time as an Athena player.

One such superbly special moment that will forever be stuck in my mind was in the 2007 Football West Premier League season, Athena clinched the title undefeated with a 15 point gap over second place. There were several notable events during that season but one particular was his 94th minute long range goal to draw the match against Fremantle Spirit. This was such a defining moment in hindsight that ultimately contributed to Athena being crowned undefeated league champions.

Athenista caught up the James shortly after his announcement to leave Athena to document some of his achievements and feelings about being an Athena player.

James Isaia - estimated WA state league and cup games, estimated Athena games and goals.

So far I estimate that I would’ve played a little over 100 games for Perth, Armadale and Athena. Roughly 60 games for Athena from 2007-2011 and scored about 8 goals.

Tell us a little about your juniors days.

I started at Kingsway Olympic, then went to Kingsway Hammers (West Ham affiliated) for 1 year, then Balcatta for several years before playing at Perth Juniors and Trinity College. I was vice captain of U12s State team and called up to Seniors State team for the first time in my career this year only to miss out due to holiday.

Who were your influential coaches?

Brian Adams at Hammers was my first influential coach. I also did several years in his academy. Then several years with Graham Normanton, who is without doubt the most successful coach in the state. I struggled to break into such a strong team at Perth but I learned a lot from Normo and his assistants over the years, coaches such as Kenny Lowe and Gareth Naven. I won two most memorable trophies and a few runners ups with Michael Roki at Floreat Athena and I hold him in very high regard. And finally of course Ante Kovacevic a man who has helped to try push me onto the next level and taught me a lot about the senior game.

Five years at a cub for young bloke is a big thing - reflecting back what were your Athena highlights?

Without a doubt like so many of us who were part of that special undefeated team - 2007 is my biggest highlight. Going through a season undefeated and winning the league with so many games to spare is a very rare feat that will take some time to be broken again.

What brought you to Athena in the first place?

After a tough year and a half at Armadale, I lost a lot of passion for the sport and was seriously considering switching codes to AFL. However, Peter Murphy had got a hold of Floreat, a club that I had held in high regard, and said that I was looking to move on and went down to have a look. The team had guys that I had played juniors with and gone to school with so I immediately felt comfortable.

Will you miss anything at Athena?

There is plenty I will miss. The people around the club are great.

So many characters.

The Thursday night festivities and poker will be missed but probably a lot kinder on my back pocket!

I will also miss the playing group as I have a lot of friends in the team.

Returning back to the might and power of Perth SC our State undisputed all time champions after what I think is 6 years - first being sent out on loan to Army for a season and then 5 at Athena - is there a part of you saying "I told you so" and that you belonged there all the time?

No not at all. I wouldn’t have learned all the things I have if I hadn't gone to Army or Athena. There is no "one way" to play the game, so the more you can learn, the more you can adapt.

What were the big ticket items that brokered the deal for you?

Like you mentioned, Perth SC have been the benchmark in the WA State League for years now and to be given the opportunity to be part of such a prestigious and professional club is an honour.

How have you been finding the whole Perth Glory training squad experience? and how have you managed to fit it all in along with your professional life as a radiographer?

The whole experience has been great. I was a little bit disappointed not to get a full time gig seeing as though I was training for so long and there were players coming and going, but I guess that's football. Having to manage work and training is exhausting but I love it. Thankfully my job is flexible and allows more to pick and choose shifts.

What is your favourite position on the park?

I have been asked that a lot lately. I'd have to say centre midfield. That's where I played when I was younger. I like to get on the ball and play as much as possible. Having said that, playing a few games centre back in the Glory pre-season matches was great also.

Overall what are your football aspirations?

To get that fulltime professional contract would be amazing and fulfil a boyhood dream, so I will keep pushing for that. If that doesn't prosper, I will give it my all with Perth SC and try make it 4 in a row for them. Also, a state team cap would be very nice.

What does football mean to you?

Football is something I do that makes me happy. I get to play with mates and when you win there's no better feeling. It's also something that I feel I need to do as it keeps me active and healthy.

Any views on the current and possible future developments at Athena?

The club is in a bit of a transition stage at the moment. The last few years I found quite different to when I first joined. There are a few new faces around now and I hope for the club's sake that it can get back to being Athena of old.

Cheers James we love you and your work – good luck in the next chapter of your football life and we hope that the dreams you are working hard toward become a reality and we’ll see you around brother.