Much of the buzz these days concerns potential Socceroos and overseas based Australians who might be compelled to return home and join A-League squads for the 2006-07 season. So who are we dealing with here, and where might they choose to wind down their careers? Definite (or almost definite) returnees are identified in bold red text.
Let me know who I may have overlooked!
Goalkeepers:
None of the top number ones playing overseas have been openly contemplating a move home. It would be very surprising if Mark Schwarzer and Zeljko Kalac didn't end their careers overseas after playing at least two more seasons. Ante Covic has spoken of his desire to play for a bigger club in Europe, and some significant match time with the Socceroos in the Asian Cup qualifiers may grant him an opportunity. Michael Petkovic is a regular starter in Turkey with Sivasspor, and he too must be contemplating/seeking a move to a club with a more substantial reputation.
Meanwhile, Frank Juric seems quite satisfied with his long-term backup roles in the Bundesliga. Paul Henderson has cracked Leicester's first team in recent weeks and appears set to extend his stay in England. Les Pogliacomi would probably struggle to wrestle a starting position from the league's elite 'keepers. (Update Apr-14: Les does want to return home and apparently is in the midst of striking a deal with an unknown club. Only Adelaide and perhaps Newcastle might need a goalkeeper at this point. Perth and Queensland could potentially seek an upgrade or long-term replacement I suppose.) Only Adelaide really seem to lack a definite top flight number one. Mark Bosnich's proclaimed intention to return to football should be taken with a grain of salt regardless of the undeniably gifted goalkeeper he once was. In any case, he has no apparent desire to return to Australia.
Central Defenders:
Craig Moore recently signalled his intention to return to Australia, but not until he sees out the final year of his contract with Newcastle in 2006-07. After failing to secure a new deal with NAC Breda, Tony Vidmar will certainly be heading home. Adelaide, where family including brother Aurelio await, is the obvious contender for his signature. The Mariners may be a bit of a dark horse, however. Following the departure of Michael Beauchamp they are in the market for a centre half, and with Vidmar's ex-teammate Alex Tobin in charge of player development an approach at the very least seems likely. Tony Popovic appears to want another year with Crystal Palace. Given a lack of match practice, his World Cup prospects are still in doubt and one imagines that any decision regarding his long term future will be put on hold until at least early-May. If he decides to come home, Popovic will be expected to sign for Sydney, Newcastle or the Mariners.
Now to the dark horses. Stephen Laybutt's international career may have nosedived of late but he is a regular for K.A.A. Gent who currently lie in a respectable fourth position in the Jupiler League. Even though he remains firmly out of the spotlight, a return to Australia next season seems very unlikely. Anthony Grdic was considered by Melbourne Victory before they signed Geoffrey Claeys. The thiry-one year-old was last seen playing for NK Karlovac in the Croatian second-tier. Surely he deserves a better send off. Since being dumped by Watford and picked up by Bournemouth, Adam Griffiths is a one of the younger overseas based players who may decide that constant job insecurity is not worth prolonging dreams of larger ambitions. Adrian Madaschi is a higher profile stopper who seems to be out of a job at the moment. Surely he's been approached by one or more of the A-League clubs, but the Athens Olympics competitor may be looking at extending his overseas journeys. Hayden Foxe is perhaps the best centre back in the country, but only a mircale cure will resurrect him from premature retirement.
Fullbacks:
Aside from Stan Lazaridis, who appears bound for Newcastle, this is a depressing list. Not too long ago, when Danny Tiatto deserted the national team he already signalled his intention to see out his career in England. Money and his desire to remain in first team contention for Leicester was the obvious reason for his decision to turn his back on his country. It's no surprise that he has announced his availability to other clubs in England, possibly after receiving a financial offer from Melbourne that was less than comparable with his potential bench warming salary elsewhere. Eddie Bosnar shares a similar story. Now with HNK Rijeka in Croatia, the ex-Sturm and Everton man had a lengthy spell on the cusp of international selection before he publicly berated Frank Farina and disappeared off the Socceroos radar. It would be great to see him resurrect things back home if for no other reason than he is a valued left-footer and has time on his side. He can also play in the middle, thus accomodating the current national team's preference for multi-positional talent. Lindsay Wilson, currently with Guus Hiddink's championship winning PSV team, is another overseas-based fullback who may need to return home to secure any possible chance of a Socceroos jersey. Significantly outclased at the Dutch club, Wilson is not a Jason Culina waiting to happen, i.e. it doesn't look like he's going to suddenly blossom copious skills after his lengthy spell waiting in the wings. The A-League might be more suited to his abilities. (Update Apr-14: Well, silly me, it appears Wilson moved to Kilmarnock on loan until the end of the season. He's playing regularly, but a quick Google News search discovers phrases like "Wilson's error was punished..." and "Wilson, twisted inside out". My hasty prognosis is that an A-League career remains a possibility.)
Central Midfielders:
Out of contract Paul Okon is almost certain to attract the interest of an A-League team, while Josip Skoko is clearly the best of all the potential returnees for next season should he decide that another frustrating year in the English Premier League is not for him. I'm a great admirer of Okon and would dearly love to see him play in Australia again. Newcastle and the Knights seem to be his major suitors, but considering the Knights just signed Gemmill and Johnson it does seem that the Jets have the advantage. Skoko would be an outstanding pickup for any team, making whichever it is an immediate finals contender. Barring Nick Carle, no other player in the league matches him for guile and creative flair, and nobody can top his vast overseas experience, which includes a stint as captain of Genk. Somehow I can't see Skoko in anything but a Sydney shirt, given the sort of money that would need to be thrown his way in order to bring him home. Anthony Danze is another significant playmaker back in Australia. Injured and released by Crystal Palace, Danze was one of our best players at the Athens Olympics in 2004. He has been contracted to Perth Glory in the past, but it is unknown what his plans are for the near future. Also a member of the Athens squad, Carl Valeri is still very much in the eye of national selectors. He is currently playing in the Italian lower leagues, however. Similarly to David Carney, Valeri is still young and capable of improvement. A short stint back home with an A-League club might be just the boost he needs for a more extensive European career. Kasey Wehrmann seems quite happy playing in Norway with Lillestrom SK, but there have been rumours throughout 2005-06 that he may consider a move back to Queensland one day. The current season in Norway is scheduled for a November 5 finish, i.e. before the close of the A-League transfer window.
Wide Midfielders:
Before he made a sudden exit from Barnsley and moved to Polish first division team Wisla Krakow, I would have put Jacob Burns in this list. Burns thinks he has an outside shot at making the World Cup squad, quite an eyebrow-raising belief. Regardless, he won't be coming home anytime soon with Wisla a potential Champions League or UEFA Cup prospect. Perth have probably already spoken to local product Richard Garcia who plays with Colchester in the English third-tier. His performance against Chelsea in a recent cup match was excellent, which should be more than enough to earn him a new contract with a suitable team should Colchester lose or not participate in the race for his signature. Sasa Radulovic is currently playing for FC Augsburg in the German regional set-up, i.e. the third-tier. Seeing through the season with them will take him through to the end of May. Could a return home be on the cards after that?
Strikers:
It was a surprise when both John Aloisi and Paul Agostino declared their intentions to return home this season. I remain a bit dubious, especially regarding Aloisi, but will mark Agostino among the almost definites. Aloisi is in top form heading into the World Cup and if he plays well in Germany he will surely attract a number of offers. Adelaide and Sydney may have to wait for his signature. Agostino on the other hand has been languishing in the 2. Bundesliga for a while now and his hopes of making the squad are almost negligble. Holding him back from returning home, again to Adelaide, were his connections in Germany, notably his wife. Now it seems that the family is prepared to make the move to Australia if the competition and the price is right. Personally I think he would make a solid addition to any team, but the same could have been said of David Zdrilic last season. Scott Tunbridge is another ex-Adelaide player who has announced that he is ready to ditch a part-time career in Scotland for a return to the local league. The overseas experience may have improved his game slightly, but he's hardly the top shelf striker every team is on the lookout for.
7 comments:
How do you know what Jacob Burns thinks his prospects are?
Goes to show how much you know, when you beleive A league players will be selected for germany over a player like Burns. Lets not forget that burns played champions league matches in a team who finished in the top five of the tournament. Not to mention a fantastic season in the premier league.And his game is only getting better. If you ever get the opportunity to speak with Mark Viduka, ask him what he thinks of Jacob Burns. You'll be eating your words.
Thanks for the feedback, 'anonymous'.
After transfering to Wisla, Burns asserted that he made the move as an attempt to break into the World Cup squad. It's no surprise that all the fringe players are eager to state their cases for selection. It is a surprise, however, when some of those players have not been considered for national duties in a very long time, regardless of actual pedigree. As for Burns contributing to Leeds' 'fantastic' season in the EPL, are you referring to 2000-2001 when he played a total of 4 league matches or 2002-2003 when he played just twice?
An A-League player will definitely be selected for Germany: Archie Thompson, who let us remember is still contracted to Melbourne Victory. Michael Beauchamp is far more likely to go than Burns. I'm not sure how those facts can be disputed.
I happen to like Burns. His move to a top flight club in Poland is a smart one, but has come way too late for the World Cup in my opinion. Hiddink is not a blind risk taker and our midfield doesn't really require all that much strengthening. I can see him having another shot with the Socceroos in the Asian Cup matches, but a World Cup gig is out of the question.
That is where you're wrong jimmy. Burns never personally asserted that, that was his intention. This was something mentioned by Barnsley Management. Yes I was talking about 2000-2001. Including that memorable 4-3 win over Liverpool. I guess all will be revealed in May.
May I also mention that burns has had a blinder in his first three appearances for wisla, playing a crucial part in all three victories(2-1,4-0,2-0).And being chosen ahead of star play Canturo.
I'm pretty sure I read a direct quote on the Wisla website implying that Burns aimed to improve his World Cup selection prospects by playing for a top-tier club side in Europe. It seems quite a normal thing to say for an ambitious athelete, no matter how wildly presumptive.
However, the English language section of the Wisla site seems to be down again at the moment. From what I can gather of the Polish, using a dodgy Internet translator, he seems to want Champions League success above all else. If he performs well in Europe, he'll naturally progress back onto the shortlist for national selection.
It also seems that Burns is looking forward to establishing an Australian connection with Michael Thwaite, who joins Wisla next season.
Thanks for supplying the results and keeping track of the first team action at Wisla. Do you use any particular Polish football websites that might be of interest to English-only readers?
So you say you don't know how anyone can dispute the fact that you think Beauchamp will be ahead of Jacob Burns on the list for Germany. Let's not forget that Beauchamp plays in the A league, and although it was a great success in it's first year, the calibre of the game is still very poor compared to the rest of the world. Most of the A league players are leftovers from the NSL days. Don't get me wrong. I want the game here to become "world class" just as much as you do, but Beauchamp in the world cup, I don't think so. I know for a fact that when Burns was at Barnsley he was told by the Federation that he needed (along with all Australian players)to be playing regular football at championship level or above. Now, if you think the A league is English Championship level, or above; then you are dreaming. Since moving to Wisla Burns has become a permanent fixture in the Squad, knocking their Argentinian star Canturo out of the starting 11. He has been a driving force in midfield and is a very strong contender for selection in May.
I noticed in your earlier comments on Burns that you forgot to mention his champions league efforts which included a memorable game against Real Madrid where he virtualy shut Figo out of the match. And for your information; Burns missed many matches at Leeds because of extensive injury and surgery.
As for information about Wisla, I"ll give you some feedback next time I speak to Burns.
There will always be dreams shattered when players just miss out on World Cup selection. Of course Wisla represents a higher standard than the A-League, but, regardless of how impressively Burns might be playing, is one of Hiddink's scouts there to watch him week after week? Selection has a process that involves determining the quality of a player of an extended period of performance. Burns has made such a late run for the squad that in order to have any chance of gaining selection he'd have to be clearly head and shoulders above his competitors for the final spots. It's great that he's played well in a few matches, but has he demonstrated utter superiority over other fringe midfielders (Wilkshire, Elrich) and defenders (Lazaridis, McKain, Beauchamp, Kisnorbo)?
Regardless of the what the FFA might have said to Burns in relation to the level of his club, Wilkshire, his former League One colleague, has been an international regular of late. Clearly some concessions are made for the right type and style of player (Hiddink seems to value Wilkshire's athleticism and adaptability).
An equally important question, in my opinion, is will Burns make himself available for selection after the World Cup? From what you're saying, he would be tremendously disappointed not to gain a World Cup spot. I hope that disappointment doesn't trigger a premature international retirement because I do think Burns could re-ignite his Australian career.
ltkypxSelection doesn't work that way James. The process is so fickle. Sometimes, all it takes is for a player to switch to a major club and play just one or two games and they're a walk in.
As for Elrich he went on loan to Lyn to try and get some serious game time and has had none. Lazaridis has always performed well for australia. I have always been a fan of his devestating attacking game. Unfortunately for him, he is probably a little past his peak and hasn't had the best fortune this season.Having said that,I still beleive he is one of the top pics for final places.
Beauchamp Had a great season in the A league, but hasn't really proved himself on a bigger stage. And let's face it, the season finished ages ago. What game time has he been getting since then. Match fitness counts for alot.
In all of Mckain's caps he has played as a holding midfielder,a role,he confesses,he is not really equiped to handle,and I think it shows. Only once has he played in his usual central defence position(Bahrain)and it wasn't the best performance I have seen from him.
All I can say for Kisnorbo is that choosing club over country will rarely win you many points with your soccer federation.
I'm surprised you havn't mentioned Danny Invincible who has been performing quite well at Kilmarnock.
Wilkshire has earned his caps due to the unavaiability of more talented players. He has featured mainly on the bench in a few motely crews which have included players such as Jade North and Scott Mcdonald.
I have never spoken on behalf of Burns, and I think you are wrong in assuming what he is feeling or expecting as you have absolutely no idea on the matter.
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