Sydney FC - Uffie Less

It has actually been fairly big news here in the UK - I think mainly because he was linked with Celtic and has been linked with Premier league clubs in the past.  That's why I don't think it would be funny if he doesn't sign - I think it would be an absolute disaster!!

I'm not sure I understand why this 'needs to work' for the good of the league other than if you mean the reputation of the league which could be tarnished after it made headlines and if it turns out to be wrong.

The legacy of signings like this in the league has been limited, at best it will spike crowd numbers but evidence is they won't necessarily stay after piling in to see the circus show.

Don't get me wrong, I rate him higher than any of the other Marquee or guests that have played in the league (I'm quite a fan boy despite no love for Juve) but to assert that the league is dependent on signing a soon to be 38yo who only started 5 games last season suggests you think the A-League is in it's death throes.

Sure it might be big news at the moment. But I don't it will be in a month and most people will have forgotten about the league and him.

For example, does anyone follow the UAE pro-league even though Gyan and Maradona are there. Or the Chinese league with Drogba?

No but A-League is on TV here where those are not.  There are other things e.g. Soccer AM (Sat morning football show) has an A-League section.  

HN, I'm not sure who that comment is addressed to.  I don't at all think this transfer has to work for the league to work - I just think it's going to look like amateur hour if Sydney trumpet the signing and it all falls apart.  That will play badly overseas, but yes that won't last.  Where it will hurt is in the Aussie media and that's actually far more important.  You can imagine the league and AFL guys sharpening their pencils right now...   

He's been linked with Olympiakos on Twitter today.

And whose fault is that?

The leagues - obviously. 

5hrs ago - Tony P "Long day of meetings by @lou_Sticca and I with ADP management team today. Tailks still progressing and more tomorrow. Still positive"

They've already dished out dirt on the possible signing, "ADP who?"-Ray Hadley, RL commentator. (Or was it Ray Warren? Ray somebody or another)

The fact that halfwits like Gordon Tallis are commenting defencively on it says it's being noticed by the wider public & the traditional sports media don't like it. Why should they?

It doen't matter what those cunts think, we just carry on regardless.

If we don't get him, that's business & we've been doing amongst some serious clubs.

Of course there will already be pre-prepared coulumns at the ready: "Sydney Super Annuation Windfall for Euro Hack" if he signs & "Unrealistic A-League can't hope to attract the talent of Euro legend" if he doesn't.

Damned if we do..etc.

There's supposed to be three more players in the mix btw...

& fwiw, I think he will sign.

I just wish we had an ACL tournament for him to be involved in.

Regardless of the outcome it was a bold and positive move by Bling and Tony P.

(Kudos to you Tony P, I'd buy you a beer next time you're in town, etc. etc. *mumble - burn an effigy of Harold Bishop*)

I agree with Traitor - bollox to all the naysayers.

However if he does sign then I will wear my Toon shirt which is similar to Juventus on 6 Oct.

http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/news/1119277/Done-deal:-Sydney-nabs-Del-Piero

http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/news/1119277/Done-deal:-Sydney-nabs-Del-Piero

Can't wait for round one.

Presser at 9pm NZT.

An hour ago? 

Tomorrow...

http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news-display/Del-Piero-deal-still-unconfirmed/48896

Hoping I can make the first game...I am already in Wellington for a tournament so just have to hope the tourny schedule is good so I can get to the game.

Enjoy playing with McFlynn.

Lovin' this, absolutely lovin' it!

Being linked with Liverpool now.... Though in fairness, anyone who has ever played as a striker, anywhere, is currently being linked to Liverpool.

[quote Tancredi Palmeri @tancredipalmeri]

Del Piero-Liverpool:apparently Liverpool offer arrived too late! Seems Alex turned down Liverpool offer cause already gave his word to Sydney[/quote]

'Word' means nothing. If he wanted to join Liverpool, he would. I guess nobody wants to join Liverpool at the moment.

A League Twitter: News| Del Piero @sydneyfc deal still unconfirmed: bit.ly/OUtAT9 #Aleague

Presser at 11pm tonight NZT now.

Great work Tony P, now can you pass on your back up targets to Welnix to have a look at?

Still no official announcement, although A-League site says "An official announcement is expected at 9.30pm AEST". 3 minutes away as I type .....

.... tbc.

[quote Val Migliaccio @Val61]

Alessandro del Piero signs for Sydney..... Photo http://pic.twitter.com/H7336gpJ[/quote]

[Edit: pic was a bit big and wont reduce in size]

Looks like it's done.

May I be the first to say welcome Al.

...and also may I just say that if you want to wear a Juve top to the opener against Sydney, may I recommend you sit in aisle 1 or 36.

Del Piero & Sydney FC trending worldwide on twitter. I wonder if the interest in Italy would be enough for one of the TV stations to pick up the rights for the A-League.

I wonder if a walking stick is included in his contract.

I've seen tweets from people that Sydney FC games are going to be shown on SKY TV in Italy. Not sure of the source though.

I think we should think of something witty to put on my banner in Round one.

Hmmmmm, nup. I don't think so..

Had better have a new hip on standby then. 

The pen on paper http://instagr.am/p/PMlrP_PerN/media?size=l

Fabulous signing for the league!!

Romanes eunt domus?

NB: Has been done by Bayern Munich against AS Roma http://pythonline.com/media/and-now-something-completely-silly-%E2%80%93-uefa-bans-python-joke

Well I'm going official on this and stating that this is an amazing signing.  He will be a brilliant player in this league.