After Alex tweeted the Andy ‘The Top Brass’ Brassell seeking his view on our new Czech Republic signing Lukas Magera we got all excited given the response.

So delving a little deeper to get the inside line on Magera, we speak to Mark Smith of top Czech Republic site Play Waved On and Radu Baicu of Scouting Romania, who provide the expert views on the newest member of Di Canio’s cosmopolitan squad.

Can you give a bit of background to Magera’s career in Czech Republic?

He played in the youth team of Banik Ostrava from the age of 12 and made the breakthrough into their first team when he was 20. That season Ostrava won their first and only league title, which was a great experience for Magera. He didn’t manage to score any goals in 14 league appearances but it was thought he would benefit from a season loan at Kladno (Division 2 side) the following season. After that season, he had 3 great years back at Ostrava, adding goals to his game and becoming a legend with club after playing over 100 games. Internationally, he was never quite good enough to stake claim, as the current team was packed with quality players, Baros, Koller etc When the Czech’s were a top side.

Lukas played for Politehnica Timisoara in Romania for the last few seasons. How would you describe the style they played with Lukas in the team and how successful were they in the league in recent seasons?

Let me start by saying that Swindon signed a player that was supposed to play Champions League football this season – in the preliminary rounds, at least – so he comes from a club with a very passionate crowd who tried to challenge for the title in the last few years. Timisoara went very close last season, ending in 2nd place, so you can say that Magera was a part of a very competitive team. They were a good attacking team, able to make up for some average defending by outscoring the opponent and Magera was an important player for them.

How would you describe the type and quality of player that we have signed?

In my opinion, this is a top signing for Swindon for several reasons. The big lad has an important physical presence, a very good left foot and is surprisingly versatile. He can play alone upfront as a centre-forward, was used as a central attacking midfielder in the very popular 4-2-3-1 and also as a central midfielder – where he can be decent, but staying far from the box keeps him from being a real threat. This is what Timisoara did wrong (so don’t get fooled by his numbers), toying with Magera’s versatility, using him too much as a central midfielder and not allowing him to settle into a position.

Lukas is a big, strong, powerful targetman and could still quite easily play in the Czech/Russian/Polish top division. I would say he lacks goals to his game, I don’t think he ever scored more than 10 in one season.

What were the reasons why Magera left Politehnica Timisoara and how will he be remembered in Romania?

He left a good impression – a very good impression, in my personal opinion – and I am surprised that none of the title challengers in Liga I tried to sign him this summer. Timisoara lost him in their summer torment that saw the club relegated to the 2nd division for financial trouble (a reason that, if applied correctly and without exception, should reduce the first division from 18 to 2 or 3 teams!), he had not been paid for a few months and asked to be released.

Magera is described as the new Jan Koller in his homeland. Given that he’s already 28 he’s hardly ‘new’ so can you see any credence in these claims?

I think that quote is an old one! The comparison with Koller was an obvious one due to the Magera’s 6ft4 frame but honestly Koller was a much more complete striker than Magera.

If I recall correctly, Koller didn’t impress either as a youngster, but rather in his late 20s and knowing Magera’s size and the quality of his left foot I see nothing forced in this comparison. The problem is that Magera needs to settle on one position, in order to play to his best, but if he would have lacked good vision and the ability to offer a quality last pass, he would have been just a big striker, unable to play with the imagination of certain managers. My advice, although I’m not in the position to offer one, is to find his place quickly in the last third, depending on the system used by Swindon, and leave him as close to the goalmouth as possible. He’s not the quickest player around, so he needs to get inside the box in time, in order to take advantage of his impressive size.

What impact has Lukas made in the International fold at full or U21 level and will his move to Swindon have any impact on the potential for further international recognition?

He made a handful of appearances for the U21 side, after being part of the Ostrava title winning team at 20 years old, it was difficult to overlook him. But as mentioned before, he never really had the quality to make the step up to the full side. Especially during the 2004-2008 when the Czechs were so strong. Even now, it would be too late for Magera to be considered for selection, Pekhart, Chramosta and Kadlec will be the future of the Czech side.

Allegedly, such is the attraction of playing for Swindon Town in the English fourth tier we can attract a Czech International over signing for Russian Premier League sides. What were your reactions to Lukas signing for Swindon and do you believe this is the right move for him?

As I said earlier, I’m surprised. I knew he had offers from Russia and I was surprised to see a lack of reaction in Romania – probably because as a free player he would have asked a bigger wage than the top clubs could have offered. But with him choosing England’s lower leagues instead of Russia’s wealthy first division gives a nice signal, hard to find these days, right? I am sure he can do very well for your club and will keep an eye on his stats in the future. I hope you all enjoy an excellent season!

Initially, it raised a few eyebrows, but I think the attraction of regular first time action and working for Paolo Di Canio were the reasons why Magera choose Swindon. He can obviously see the project which is taking shape there. I think it will be a good move for him, if he stays fit he will be a great addition for Swindon.

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What do you make our Czech Republic International and will the partnership of Magera and Clarke fire Swindon to League One? Your comments are welcomed…