Australian-only marquee in 2010/2011
a.haak
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Socceroos targeted with new A-League rule
SEBASTIAN HASSETT
April 19, 2010
FOOTBALL Federation Australia has announced the addition of an Australian-only marquee player position for A-League clubs in a bid to convince big-name Socceroo stars to return home for a competition in urgent need of a spark.
The new concept is also designed to encourage A-League clubs to re-establish the intention of the original marquee position, which some clubs have effectively used as a tool to keep their highest-paid player - but not necessarily of a marquee standard - off the salary cap. The FFA is privately hoping the clubs will now use the original marquee position for a big-name foreign player in the mould of Robbie Fowler or Dwight Yorke.
With Australia's World Cup squad set to boast a range of veterans in the final stages of their European careers, the FFA is expecting several big names to return to the A-League before next season. Club rosters will stay at a capacity of 23 players, meaning marginally more money can be spent on players whose salaries are counted inside the cap.
The announcement will come as a huge boost for Sydney FC, in particular, who have been pondering a move for Fowler and Nicky Carle. Both can now command marquee wages, though negotiations with the duo are still a long way from being completed.
Other clubs such as Gold Coast United would now be able to retain Shane Smeltz and Jason Culina outside of the salary cap. Cashed-up sides such as Melbourne Victory could opt to move Archie Thompson to the local marquee position while putting money towards a big-name foreign marquee, or using the spot to keep Carlos Hernandez at the club.
However, not all clubs will be thrilled about the new changes, given that several are struggling to stay afloat and cope with the rising financial pressures of competing in the competition.
The FFA will argue that the changes will create a surge of new interest, particularly if clubs are able to sign a player who enjoyed a prominent role at the World Cup.
The news comes as a timely shot in the arm for the A-League after a season of waning attendances - a period FFA chairman Frank Lowy described last year as a ''plateau'' after four consecutive years of growth. Subsequent news of trouble at Gold Coast United and North Queensland Fury has shown how tough some clubs are finding the marketplace.
In a further boost to clubs looking to increase their marketability, the FFA has granted clubs the right to sign a guest player for up to 10 matches. For the first time, guest players will also be able to play in the finals, provided they have played in four matches before the finals series.
However, the quota for foreign players has not been lifted, with five positions being left available for non-Australian players.
SEBASTIAN HASSETT
April 19, 2010
FOOTBALL Federation Australia has announced the addition of an Australian-only marquee player position for A-League clubs in a bid to convince big-name Socceroo stars to return home for a competition in urgent need of a spark.
The new concept is also designed to encourage A-League clubs to re-establish the intention of the original marquee position, which some clubs have effectively used as a tool to keep their highest-paid player - but not necessarily of a marquee standard - off the salary cap. The FFA is privately hoping the clubs will now use the original marquee position for a big-name foreign player in the mould of Robbie Fowler or Dwight Yorke.
With Australia's World Cup squad set to boast a range of veterans in the final stages of their European careers, the FFA is expecting several big names to return to the A-League before next season. Club rosters will stay at a capacity of 23 players, meaning marginally more money can be spent on players whose salaries are counted inside the cap.
The announcement will come as a huge boost for Sydney FC, in particular, who have been pondering a move for Fowler and Nicky Carle. Both can now command marquee wages, though negotiations with the duo are still a long way from being completed.
Other clubs such as Gold Coast United would now be able to retain Shane Smeltz and Jason Culina outside of the salary cap. Cashed-up sides such as Melbourne Victory could opt to move Archie Thompson to the local marquee position while putting money towards a big-name foreign marquee, or using the spot to keep Carlos Hernandez at the club.
However, not all clubs will be thrilled about the new changes, given that several are struggling to stay afloat and cope with the rising financial pressures of competing in the competition.
The FFA will argue that the changes will create a surge of new interest, particularly if clubs are able to sign a player who enjoyed a prominent role at the World Cup.
The news comes as a timely shot in the arm for the A-League after a season of waning attendances - a period FFA chairman Frank Lowy described last year as a ''plateau'' after four consecutive years of growth. Subsequent news of trouble at Gold Coast United and North Queensland Fury has shown how tough some clubs are finding the marketplace.
In a further boost to clubs looking to increase their marketability, the FFA has granted clubs the right to sign a guest player for up to 10 matches. For the first time, guest players will also be able to play in the finals, provided they have played in four matches before the finals series.
However, the quota for foreign players has not been lifted, with five positions being left available for non-Australian players.
Really not good news for us. We can't even afford a regular marquee and this will put a bigger gap between us and Melbourne, Sydney and the Gold Coast.
a.haak
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Unless this initiative is implemented hand in hand with an increased distribution of FFA income to franchises it is a recipe for a 2 tier league; the haves (Sydney, Melbourne and GCU) and the have nots (the rest).
It defeats the purpose of having a salary cap and could ultimately undermine the viability of the league - the same teams winning all the time (i.e. the haves) will turn off supporters of the other clubs.He dribbles a lot and the opposition dont like it - you can see it all over their faces. (Ron Atkinson)
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I like the idea but yeah probably not good for us
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I think that it's a good idea but one that has been implemented about 5 years too early. Sounds like it was just made for Sydney because they wanted to sign Carle.
a.haak
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Takes Jonny McK out of our cap (assuming he's still highest Aussie earner). Gives us more flexibility - can only be good.
E + R + O
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So clubs are going down the toilet...and they introduce another marquee spot and expand the league further via Heart and Rovers. Sense makes not.
Allegedly
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Er, do we not get the option of an NZ marquee?
(Not that I'd know who to pick, given that Killen is not yet keen)
(Not that I'd know who to pick, given that Killen is not yet keen)
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Takes Jonny McK out of our cap (assuming he's still highest Aussie earner). Gives us more flexibility - can only be good.
[/QUOTE]
would he qualify as it tho?
[QUOTE=Aus Four Four Two's article]FFA will arbitrate transfers based on a Marquee Standard that assesses criteria including a player's number of national team appearances, international/national profile, and other factors considered by FFA to be relevant including individual club's financial circumstances.
would he qualify as it tho?
[QUOTE=Aus Four Four Two's article]FFA will arbitrate transfers based on a Marquee Standard that assesses criteria including a player's number of national team appearances, international/national profile, and other factors considered by FFA to be relevant including individual club's financial circumstances.
I could see it getting messy over who can qualify for it.
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Takes Jonny McK out of our cap (assuming he's still highest Aussie earner). Gives us more flexibility - can only be good.
[/QUOTE]
would he qualify as it tho?
[QUOTE=Aus Four Four Two's article]FFA will arbitrate transfers based on a Marquee Standard that assesses criteria including a player's number of national team appearances, international/national profile, and other factors considered by FFA to be relevant including individual club's financial circumstances.
would he qualify as it tho?
[QUOTE=Aus Four Four Two's article]FFA will arbitrate transfers based on a Marquee Standard that assesses criteria including a player's number of national team appearances, international/national profile, and other factors considered by FFA to be relevant including individual club's financial circumstances.
I could see it getting messy over who can qualify for it.
Joel Griffiths was going to be Newcastles marquee, McKain is at least as qualified as sack whacker to be a marquee.
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I think the guest spot could be more of an issue.
Teams about to make the playoffs suddenly hunting down a guest to play in the last 4 regular season games so they can play the finals could turn things on their head
Valeo- who says we can't afford Marquee?
Teams about to make the playoffs suddenly hunting down a guest to play in the last 4 regular season games so they can play the finals could turn things on their head
Valeo- who says we can't afford Marquee?
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Might lure Fred over with the chance of finals football.. as a guest.
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Might lure Fred over with the chance of finals football.. as a guest.
No thanks... one of the key players we need is an AM - so hopefully we wouldn't need a Fred (as Fredtastic as he is... all or nothing for mine) as a guest...
E + R + O
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Might lure Fred over with the chance of finals football.. as a guest.
and, in our case this year, have a midfield that hasn't got a star but is performing well and above the call of duty, say sorry to one of them cos Fred is coming and change the whole dynamics of what got us there in the first place.
and that's the risk you take I guess. I'd go for better than Fred
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Valeo- who says we can't afford Marquee?
Terry lost 1.5m. If we were to get a marquee then we have to spend above and beyond our means and it would only add to the financial losses. Terry will quite rightly be reluctant unless it's a sure-fire publicity winner.
Don't think we should look at Fred, anyway - that ship has sailed.valeo2010-04-20 11:09:13
a.haak
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So clubs are going down the toilet...and they introduce another marquee spot and expand the league further via Heart and Rovers. Sense makes not.
I sniff a revised TV deal is on the cards to fund this extra player (and ease financial concerns with some clubs), especially now that you guys have 5 years, a revised TV deal can be made with some certainty.
Channel 10 (and its digital channel One HD) have made a play for 1 A-League game a week on FTA Oz TV, so I would expect some movement on the TV arm.
diego's son2010-04-20 17:48:23
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So clubs are going down the toilet...and they introduce another marquee spot and expand the league further via Heart and Rovers. Sense makes not.
I sniff a revised TV deal is on the cards to fund this extra player (and ease financial concerns with some clubs), especially now that you guys have 5 years, a revised TV deal can be made with some certainty.Channel 10 (and its digital channel One HD) have made a play for 1 A-League game a week on FTA Oz TV, so I would expect some movement on the TV arm.
Sure, but the revised TV deal wont come into play for at least another 2(?) years, right? So why not leave this rule change until then?
And one game a week on FTA would lessen the TV rights money from FOXTEL would it not?
valeo2010-04-20 17:53:45
a.haak
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Not gonna happen, but luring Nikita Rukavytsya back to the A-League with us would make my day.
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without them specifying what makes you eligible for this its tough to say if its good or bad.
On the plus it means we may be take one of our socceroos out of the cap and free up room within the cap.
On the downside if Palmer feels the need to go out and splash the cash for GCU on a big name player (eg: Ballack, Ronaldo, Lampard, Chris Payne etc) he can so and hang onto Cullina, thus taking away the level playing field and putting the competition on financially shakey ground
On the plus it means we may be take one of our socceroos out of the cap and free up room within the cap.
On the downside if Palmer feels the need to go out and splash the cash for GCU on a big name player (eg: Ballack, Ronaldo, Lampard, Chris Payne etc) he can so and hang onto Cullina, thus taking away the level playing field and putting the competition on financially shakey ground
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Fairly good assessment here
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GUY HAND
April 20, 2010
THE cost of living in the financially stressed A-League may get higher, with clubs able to pay a top Australian player outside the salary cap.
Football Federation Australia will allow clubs to have two marquee players - one of whom must be Australian - from next season with their wages exempt from the salary cap.
The FFA says the move is to help attract more overseas-based Socceroos to the domestic competition as well as allow clubs to sign a top-quality foreigner.
But fears have been raised the plan may unwittingly create a poverty gap between the more financially successful clubs and those struggling to make ends meet.
With North Queensland Fury recently abandoned by its owner and on FFA life support, Adelaide United in the process of transferring to new ownership, and Gold Coast United's future up in the air as owner Clive Palmer weighs up his options, several A-League clubs face uncertain financial times.
Melbourne Victory chief executive Geoff Miles admitted the Australian marquee player rule would create ''a challenge'' for those feeling the financial pinch, but still believes it is a good initiative.
Victory has the league's biggest fan base and financial stability, and are confident it will be able to use the new rules to advantage.
''The goal posts have now changed. There is an opportunity. Our board will consider what that means,'' Miles said. ''There's no doubt it's a challenge. The salary cap has increased and I'm sure all clubs will have a look at their situation and the affordability of it.
''The concept of bringing back another Australian player is a good one. It will pose an opportunity and a challenge for clubs. I'm sure every club will want to be competitive and take up those opportunities.''
Clubs such as Victory, new franchise Melbourne Heart and Sydney FC are likely to take up the option.
Heart is expected to sign ex-Socceroo Josip Skoko, who is playing in Croatia, as a marquee player, while Sydney FC is trying to shoehorn ex-Perennial strugglers Liverpool and Fury star Robbie Fowler and Socceroo playmaker Nick Carle into its squad and Victory could add another marquee player - foreign or Australian - alongside current drawcard Archie Thompson.
''Australian players are competing at a high level in Europe, Asia and America and what we have created is a viable option for these players to return to the A-League and compete in what is becoming a very strong and competitive league,'' FFA chief Ben Buckley said in a statement.
The A-League has also revamped its guest player rules. Clubs can now sign a guest player for up to 10 matches and they can play in the finals provided they have played four matches in the regular season.
The guest player is also salary cap exempt.""
The guest player is like marquee number 2.5, gets to play almost half a season and all the finals, and you can pay as much as you want for him. If clubs got a decent whack of the finals revenue, some top drawer guest players might be bought
Makes for an interesting season coming up, who will make the most use of these changes
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Wow an Aussie marquee, a foreign marquee and a prolonged guest marquee, should open up the gap between the haves and the have nots A-league clubs.
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Indeed. Not sure how they think it will miraculously help crowds either. Gold Coast's problems aren't names, Newcastle won't spend that much, nor will Brisbane or Townsville, or Central Coast, or Adelaide.
There is a chance it might drag some fickle fans to Sydney, allow Heart to start stronger, is unlikely to change Victory's numbers much or Perth's.
Seems like it's just an attempt to allow Sydney FC to buy a fan base before they have to fight for Rovers for the hearts of Sydney's Inner West and Eastern Suburbs punters.
There is a chance it might drag some fickle fans to Sydney, allow Heart to start stronger, is unlikely to change Victory's numbers much or Perth's.
Seems like it's just an attempt to allow Sydney FC to buy a fan base before they have to fight for Rovers for the hearts of Sydney's Inner West and Eastern Suburbs punters.
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It has to be a superstar name better than Fowler or Yorke on the edge of retirement that would nab an average joe into the stadium to watch. It might increase some crowds at the beginning because it would be novel and then if he wasn't special enough it will drop. Most marquee players haven't done well enough and that is probably because A-League is not that crash hot, playing along side with some inadequate players. Would an incumbant socceroo marquee player risk playing in sub-level competition that can destroy his career???
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Would an incumbant socceroo marquee player risk playing in sub-level competition that can destroy his career???
assuming each club does it once heart and rovers are in, having a dozen current aussie internationals would make it an appealing option to them and potnetially lift the quality of the competition as a whole. That is the only logic I can see in their thoughts
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Apart from a small handful of top quality players who aren't even going to consider a return to Oz in the near future I can't think of many others who are worthy of 'marquee' status. Certainly there is no one so fantastic that a club who can afford to have them on the books is going to have other clubs at a major onfield disadvantage. Remember how the likes of Sterjovski, Coyne and Burns were going to tear it up in the A League? Sterjovski was a flop, Coyne prone to embarrassing blunders and Burns only found his form in the last part of the season. Culina can be seen as a success overall, but often his form was indifferent and he was visibly embarrassed to be stuck playing football at a level way below what he he believes he should be playing.
Unless someone can entice a Kewell or a Bresciano these mid-range Socceroos are the ones we are likely to end up seeing as these princely sounding marquees, which makes the whole thing look more like an accounting dodge to put a few more Aussies in the league.
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Guarantee Bresciano will end up at Melbourne Heart within 2 -3 years
Skoko will be there in the meantime - he's currently consistently playing 90 mins with Hajduk Split.
Agreed, though. Even players like Wilkshire who are very good but not exactly crowd pullers.
Skoko will be there in the meantime - he's currently consistently playing 90 mins with Hajduk Split.
Agreed, though. Even players like Wilkshire who are very good but not exactly crowd pullers.
a.haak
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Unless someone can entice a Kewell or a Bresciano these mid-range Socceroos are the ones we are likely to end up seeing as these princely sounding marquees, which makes the whole thing look more like an accounting dodge to put a few more Aussies in the league.
It already is.
Moore, Thompson, Sterjovski, Joel Griffiths, Aloisi (maybe even Culina) are/have been/were going to be marquee players. All don't really meet the original idea of what a marquee player is other than their salary. Now they can be accommodated as an Australian Marquee and the Fowlers/Yorkes will be needed for Marquee instead.
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Don't forget our 'secret marquee' from the past!
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Don't forget our 'secret marquee' from the past!
And our not secret one
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It sounds like a good idea, two star players, but the fact that not every team even had a marquee to start with sums up why we shouldn't have inforced this. If teams cant manage to sign one or dont think its worth spending that much money on one then why should we have two! The only Socceroos wanting to come back will be ones who have done everything they can in europe and want some extra $$$ before their career ends. If we can't get a marquee anyway then this will just further us from Sydney and Melbourne. There's plenty of decent socceroos but I cant think of too many who would want to come back, and if we couldnt get Killen then what kiwi could we even get if the rule was changed to a newzealander for us. This rule should have come into place when every team had a marquee, not when Sydney couldnt decide between Fowler or Carle
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A foreign marquee is more crowd pulling than a Socceroo Marquee. I don't think that if we have a Socceroo Marquee would bat an eyelid, but a foreign Marquee would. It's the nature of the beast. No-one really thinks that their own countryman can produce the magic even though they might be able to. Best to focus on making the A-league a stronger looking league and marketing it about. Have A-league clubs take on other clubs from other leagues to measure up and assess how good they are. My feeling is that many people are not sure how strong or weak the A-league is and without that measure [because it is only 5 years old league] to attest their strength, then we have no real idea of what players would be appropriate to acquire for the A-league.
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So a marquee player is outside the salary cap. Do you really think this is going to stop Melbourne?!
Oh Wellington is wonderful. We got the wind, the rain and the phoenix. Oh Wellington is wonderful.
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Valeri is just about to be promoted to Serie A and Kennedy is playing well in Japan
Bresciano, Neill and Grella might come back after the WC
Bresciano, Neill and Grella might come back after the WC
a.haak
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Maybe Nelsen can convince the Blackburn players to come to NZ
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Garcia, he did allude to this at his talk - said they are likely going to sydney so he's trying to get them across.
Oh Wellington is wonderful. We got the wind, the rain and the phoenix. Oh Wellington is wonderful.
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Probably not us, but I'd be interested in Christian Vieri coming to the A League for the coming season. He's officially retired, but maybe he's like to come back 'home' and watch some cricket and play in the A League.
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