Post by northernspirit on Aug 21, 2007 12:44:55 GMT 10
i wonder if the teams might be called something like
Central Coast Dingies
Newcastle Hang-gliders
Queensland Meow
Wellington Bird...
www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,22280180-23215,00.html
Kicking off an A-plus future
By Richard Earle
August 21, 2007 FOOTBALL Federation Australia chief Ben Buckley could trump former employer the Australian Football League by implementing a credible A-League reserve competition next year and bullet-proofing anti-doping regulations.
However, the FFA boss has labelled as erroneous reports that Dutchman Dick Advocaat will succeed Graham Arnold as Socceroo supremo.
A "B-League" competition will almost certainly be implemented by 2008-09 with Buckley and the FFA board anxious to secure development pathways for next generation Socceroos.
Adelaide United skipper Michael Valkanis and coach Aurelio Vidmar last week called on the FFA to launch a youth or reserve league to re-ignite a development platform that unearthed 1990s National Soccer League contemporaries such as Mark Viduka, Craig Moore and Paul Agostino.
"It's unlikely it will be season three but we are working on something for season four. We are very aware there is a gap in the pathway program," said Buckley, speaking at the A-League season launch in Sydney yesterday.
Buckley is concerned promising youngsters in 23-man, A-League squads, including Olyroos, are missing priceless match practice.
FFA technical director and former Olyroos mentor Robert Baan advised ex-Melbourne prodigy Kristian Sarkies to seek a club willing to offer increased game time this season. The 20-year-old Olyroos midfield player promptly crossed to Adelaide after starting seven times for Victory last season.
Former Socceroo skipper Moore said a reserve structure "had to be seriously looked at" to emulate the prolonged achievement of the nation's cricketers.
"We are in a position where we must continue to move forward," said former Newcastle United defender Moore.
"Our cricketers aren't just happy with winning the World Cup - they want to develop players that can bat right and left handed or throw with both hands. Football should want to continue to improve as well."
Vidmar pointed to the frustrating experience of fringe defender Robert Cornthwaite, 21, at United, saying: "Robbie's played a couple of games in two years and it is now that he should be developing. The flipside is when people are injured they can also come back through the reserves team."
Buckley signalled increased scrutiny and education focus on banned substances following a year of drug related scandals that have hit the AFL.
"We'd be foolish if we thought our sport didn't have some similar issues," said Buckley, perhaps mindful that former Birmingham City, now Perth star Stan Lazaridis' career is in limbo after testing positive to a banned substance - finasteride - last year.
"We run education programs for the players and are having some discussions with the players' association at the moment about whether we can do more."
Buckley was circumspect on the FFA's interest in Advocaat, currently coaching Russian side Zenit St Petersburg.
"We haven't confirmed anything at this point. There's lots of (stories) running around at the moment but we hope to make an announcement soon," Buckley said.
"Arnie is coaching the Olyroos and will continue to do so"
Central Coast Dingies
Newcastle Hang-gliders
Queensland Meow
Wellington Bird...
www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,22280180-23215,00.html
Kicking off an A-plus future
By Richard Earle
August 21, 2007 FOOTBALL Federation Australia chief Ben Buckley could trump former employer the Australian Football League by implementing a credible A-League reserve competition next year and bullet-proofing anti-doping regulations.
However, the FFA boss has labelled as erroneous reports that Dutchman Dick Advocaat will succeed Graham Arnold as Socceroo supremo.
A "B-League" competition will almost certainly be implemented by 2008-09 with Buckley and the FFA board anxious to secure development pathways for next generation Socceroos.
Adelaide United skipper Michael Valkanis and coach Aurelio Vidmar last week called on the FFA to launch a youth or reserve league to re-ignite a development platform that unearthed 1990s National Soccer League contemporaries such as Mark Viduka, Craig Moore and Paul Agostino.
"It's unlikely it will be season three but we are working on something for season four. We are very aware there is a gap in the pathway program," said Buckley, speaking at the A-League season launch in Sydney yesterday.
Buckley is concerned promising youngsters in 23-man, A-League squads, including Olyroos, are missing priceless match practice.
FFA technical director and former Olyroos mentor Robert Baan advised ex-Melbourne prodigy Kristian Sarkies to seek a club willing to offer increased game time this season. The 20-year-old Olyroos midfield player promptly crossed to Adelaide after starting seven times for Victory last season.
Former Socceroo skipper Moore said a reserve structure "had to be seriously looked at" to emulate the prolonged achievement of the nation's cricketers.
"We are in a position where we must continue to move forward," said former Newcastle United defender Moore.
"Our cricketers aren't just happy with winning the World Cup - they want to develop players that can bat right and left handed or throw with both hands. Football should want to continue to improve as well."
Vidmar pointed to the frustrating experience of fringe defender Robert Cornthwaite, 21, at United, saying: "Robbie's played a couple of games in two years and it is now that he should be developing. The flipside is when people are injured they can also come back through the reserves team."
Buckley signalled increased scrutiny and education focus on banned substances following a year of drug related scandals that have hit the AFL.
"We'd be foolish if we thought our sport didn't have some similar issues," said Buckley, perhaps mindful that former Birmingham City, now Perth star Stan Lazaridis' career is in limbo after testing positive to a banned substance - finasteride - last year.
"We run education programs for the players and are having some discussions with the players' association at the moment about whether we can do more."
Buckley was circumspect on the FFA's interest in Advocaat, currently coaching Russian side Zenit St Petersburg.
"We haven't confirmed anything at this point. There's lots of (stories) running around at the moment but we hope to make an announcement soon," Buckley said.
"Arnie is coaching the Olyroos and will continue to do so"
