Post by northernspirit on Feb 3, 2007 8:30:13 GMT 10
reading into this it seems it could involve more than one team, like a mini-tournament - with our proximity to sydney youd think the coast would be a shot of playing against the l.a galaxy - i really hope so, for years ive been singing the "ooh posh spice is a slapper" chant, it would be all the more sweet knowing david beckham was hearing it!! ;D
source:
www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,21160158-23215,00.html
Beckham boys may tour Sydney
By David Lewis
February 03, 2007 NEGOTIATIONS have begun to bring Hollywood's latest leading man David Beckham and his Los Angeles Galaxy support cast to Australia before the end of the year.
Alexi Lalas, former United States footballer and rock performer turned Galaxy president, confirmed last night that discussions had taken place with "certain parties" in Australia over a proposed tour or one-off match, probably against Sydney FC in November or December.
The idea was presented to Lalas by Tinseltown-based Aussie actor and minor Sydney shareholder Anthony LaPaglia - a close pal of Lalas and a Galaxy season ticket holder.
"I was talking to some people in Australia as recently as yesterday about a possible tour there or a one-off game," said Lalas.
"Anthony is a good friend of mine and we're talking constantly about these sorts of things.
"This is at the preliminary stage but there's great interest in us touring around the world and the opportunity to go to Australia to spread our brand is something we will definitely do. It will happen because it's very important to us.
"There are many parallels with the A-League and what we are doing in Major League Soccer and we're watching you guys closely.
"We are both emerging leagues and just because other competitions are viewed as the be-all and end-all it doesn't mean it's going to stay that way forever."
Sydney FC chief executive George Perry refused to confirm whether talks had begun but did say: "Obviously it would be fantastic to play them and if something can be worked out so much the better."
The Galaxy's season begins in April and will be concluded by early November at the latest.
"It all ties in with the global ambitions of this club and where we want to position ourselves," added Perry.
"Having Anthony LaPaglia as a shareholder is obviously a plus when it comes to these things and it would be tremendous if something could be arranged."
Lalas also revealed he had called a player summit to kill off any seeds of jealousy germinated by Beckham's $318 million five-year contract.
His message following the admission from $160,000-a-year midfielder Peter Vagenas that there is "resentment" in the camp over the magnitude of Beckham's deal was uncompromising.
"In reality every player wants to make as much as possible," said Lalas. "But I've challenged the team to go out and reach Beckham's level, if they think they are good enough to do that.
"There is a spotlight on them and I've challenged them to embrace this gift. I want them to shine alongside Beckham and make international headlines in their own right.
"I wish I was still playing and had the chance to play alongside Beckham. This is a man who can help us win cups. He will be worth every cent.
"He'll receive an unprecedented welcome here (when he arrives in August from Real Madrid) and I wouldn't be surprised if he carried on living in LA long after his playing days are over."
source:
www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,21160158-23215,00.html
Beckham boys may tour Sydney
By David Lewis
February 03, 2007 NEGOTIATIONS have begun to bring Hollywood's latest leading man David Beckham and his Los Angeles Galaxy support cast to Australia before the end of the year.
Alexi Lalas, former United States footballer and rock performer turned Galaxy president, confirmed last night that discussions had taken place with "certain parties" in Australia over a proposed tour or one-off match, probably against Sydney FC in November or December.
The idea was presented to Lalas by Tinseltown-based Aussie actor and minor Sydney shareholder Anthony LaPaglia - a close pal of Lalas and a Galaxy season ticket holder.
"I was talking to some people in Australia as recently as yesterday about a possible tour there or a one-off game," said Lalas.
"Anthony is a good friend of mine and we're talking constantly about these sorts of things.
"This is at the preliminary stage but there's great interest in us touring around the world and the opportunity to go to Australia to spread our brand is something we will definitely do. It will happen because it's very important to us.
"There are many parallels with the A-League and what we are doing in Major League Soccer and we're watching you guys closely.
"We are both emerging leagues and just because other competitions are viewed as the be-all and end-all it doesn't mean it's going to stay that way forever."
Sydney FC chief executive George Perry refused to confirm whether talks had begun but did say: "Obviously it would be fantastic to play them and if something can be worked out so much the better."
The Galaxy's season begins in April and will be concluded by early November at the latest.
"It all ties in with the global ambitions of this club and where we want to position ourselves," added Perry.
"Having Anthony LaPaglia as a shareholder is obviously a plus when it comes to these things and it would be tremendous if something could be arranged."
Lalas also revealed he had called a player summit to kill off any seeds of jealousy germinated by Beckham's $318 million five-year contract.
His message following the admission from $160,000-a-year midfielder Peter Vagenas that there is "resentment" in the camp over the magnitude of Beckham's deal was uncompromising.
"In reality every player wants to make as much as possible," said Lalas. "But I've challenged the team to go out and reach Beckham's level, if they think they are good enough to do that.
"There is a spotlight on them and I've challenged them to embrace this gift. I want them to shine alongside Beckham and make international headlines in their own right.
"I wish I was still playing and had the chance to play alongside Beckham. This is a man who can help us win cups. He will be worth every cent.
"He'll receive an unprecedented welcome here (when he arrives in August from Real Madrid) and I wouldn't be surprised if he carried on living in LA long after his playing days are over."
