Well I wasn’t totally in favour of it (please see my blog for further details), and the TV ratings weren’t that impressive (average just over 1 million), but overall I have to say that the Beckham experiment was a big success. The game was entertaining, had enough niggle for the AFL fans over at Channel 10, it was a full house, and a bloke in white scored a free kick which seemed to please to rather a lot of people.
The real success of the match though will be measured not in dollars made, or shirts sold, but in how many bodies rock up to Sydney Football Stadium, or Bluetongue, or Energy Australia Stadium over the next few weeks. It’ll be measured by how many kids take off their Bulldogs jerseys or put down their Sherrin’s and head to the park for a kick about. That’s what football in Australia needs. For the previously apathetic to realise that ‘Hang on? This is alright this football lark.’
For long term believers Telstra Stadium was a surreal sight. 80000 fans watching an Australian side take on an American team on a damp Tuesday night. For the newcomers a word of warning; it won’t always be like that. There’s a famous story from England that the Bulgarian goalkeeper Bobby Mihailov joined Reading in 1994 on the strength of a DVD he saw of their play-off final. The deciding factor for the Bulgarian was the beautiful ground Reading were playing at, Wembley Stadium. Unfortunately for Mihailov the dilapadated Elm Park, capacity 12000 on a good day, was the Royals home ground, not the home of football! Needless to say, Bobby soon headed home.
The moral of that story for the newcomer is to look beyond the shiny packaging of Becks, and Telstra and Channel 10, and see and enjoy the game for what it is; the greatest single game in the world. There’s no denying that the game has been given a much needed shot in the arm following a post World Cup slump, exacerbated by the Socceroos wretched showing at the Asia Cup. The interest now must be harnessed and the momentum built on. A free-to-air highlights deal, better advertising of matches, and a better marketed comp (especially by Sydney) are the first steps. They mustn’t be the last.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Monday, November 19, 2007
Where now for the FFA?
The decision of Dick Advocaat to break his contract to coach the Socceroos has hit the FFA hard. An exhaustive 18 month search to find a man to replace Guus Hiddink seemed to be at an end when the FFA secured a man well used to following in Hiddink’s more illustrious footsteps. But now with the World Cup Qualifying campaign underway in less than 3 months, we’re back to square one.
Advocaat ticked many boxes for the FFA; Dutch, top level European career and crucially, experience of coaching in Asia. But for many neutral observers, Advocaat appeared nothing but a Hiddink-lite; a man who has made a career out of following Guus into jobs, and failing to match his achievements. He did it at PSV, with South Korea, even with a job in Russia, but it seems that the mighty rouble was too much to resist.
So where now for the FFA? The names linked with the job all have a hint of “de Oranje” to them. Verbeek, Janssen, Neeskens, Jol, even Rijkaard has been spoken of, as the governing body seem set on following the Dutch model. But perhaps more telling are the quotes from technical director Rob Baan, “All quality coaches are signed already. Klinsmann is one of the names which is available.”
Baan knows Dutch football better than anyone, and if he is putting Klinsmann at the top of his list, then maybe the FFA’s obsession with the Dutch will have to be put on hold. On paper Klinsmann appears a strong chance, but much of his success was based around having a strong core of coaches and specialists around him. Jurgen was the motivator. That wouldn’t happen here.
The name of Houllier was mentioned frequently over the past 18 months, but that ship may have sailed with the ex-Liverpool boss now the technical director of French Football. All of which leaves 2 names amongst the favoured group, Philippe Troussier and Jorvan Vieira. Both with huge Asian experience and both available. They may not have the box office draw of a Klinsmann or an Advocaat, but they know how to get Asian teams winning.
Of course if England qualify ahead of Russia for Euro 2008, there may be another Dutch coach back on the market…………….
Advocaat ticked many boxes for the FFA; Dutch, top level European career and crucially, experience of coaching in Asia. But for many neutral observers, Advocaat appeared nothing but a Hiddink-lite; a man who has made a career out of following Guus into jobs, and failing to match his achievements. He did it at PSV, with South Korea, even with a job in Russia, but it seems that the mighty rouble was too much to resist.
So where now for the FFA? The names linked with the job all have a hint of “de Oranje” to them. Verbeek, Janssen, Neeskens, Jol, even Rijkaard has been spoken of, as the governing body seem set on following the Dutch model. But perhaps more telling are the quotes from technical director Rob Baan, “All quality coaches are signed already. Klinsmann is one of the names which is available.”
Baan knows Dutch football better than anyone, and if he is putting Klinsmann at the top of his list, then maybe the FFA’s obsession with the Dutch will have to be put on hold. On paper Klinsmann appears a strong chance, but much of his success was based around having a strong core of coaches and specialists around him. Jurgen was the motivator. That wouldn’t happen here.
The name of Houllier was mentioned frequently over the past 18 months, but that ship may have sailed with the ex-Liverpool boss now the technical director of French Football. All of which leaves 2 names amongst the favoured group, Philippe Troussier and Jorvan Vieira. Both with huge Asian experience and both available. They may not have the box office draw of a Klinsmann or an Advocaat, but they know how to get Asian teams winning.
Of course if England qualify ahead of Russia for Euro 2008, there may be another Dutch coach back on the market…………….
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Olympic Dream The Future
For many football fans in this country, attention will be turned to London this Saturday night, with the Socceroos in action once again. But look a little closer to home and a game of much greater significance is taking place on our doorstep.
In Gosford on Saturday night, Australia’s under-23 team face a do-or-die battle with Iraq for a place in next years Olympics. The winner is almost certain to be in Beijing. For the loser the dream is over. The Olyroos have been a fixture in the summer games over the past 25 years, but this is the first time the side have had to qualify through Asia. And after seeing off Iran in the first group stage, victories over Lebanon and North Korea have Graham Arnold’s side on the cusp of qualification. A major achievement for a group of players that have suffered most from the collapse of the NSL and subsequent lack of an organised youth structure in the A-League.
The influence of Rob Baan on this group of players is huge. He and Arnold have a core group of 20 players who have trained and travelled and played throughout the last 18 months. They have a club mentality in a national set-up. And the form of the side is hugely encourage for those with one eye on 2010 and 2014, when this group of callow youths, will be in their prime for the national side.
This collection of young A-League stars like Milligan, Burns, Sarkies and Vukovic have combined with overseas based talent like David Williams, James Troisi and Neil Kilkenny to create an exciting, talented side that are the future of the national team. When Viduka, Kewell, Grella, Schwazer et al call it a day, there is now a core of internationally experienced talent on hand to step into the breach.
And this group of players have played numerous games in Asian conditions, from the heat and humidity of Beirut and Tapei, to the frozen North Korean and Iranian winters. An experience many of the senior side have yet to get to grips with.
So for fans of the world game on the east coast, do yourself a favour. Get along to Gosford on Saturday night at 7.00. Cheer them on. If you can’t make it, switch on SBS at 10.15 to see the full game. You’ll be watching the future.
In Gosford on Saturday night, Australia’s under-23 team face a do-or-die battle with Iraq for a place in next years Olympics. The winner is almost certain to be in Beijing. For the loser the dream is over. The Olyroos have been a fixture in the summer games over the past 25 years, but this is the first time the side have had to qualify through Asia. And after seeing off Iran in the first group stage, victories over Lebanon and North Korea have Graham Arnold’s side on the cusp of qualification. A major achievement for a group of players that have suffered most from the collapse of the NSL and subsequent lack of an organised youth structure in the A-League.
The influence of Rob Baan on this group of players is huge. He and Arnold have a core group of 20 players who have trained and travelled and played throughout the last 18 months. They have a club mentality in a national set-up. And the form of the side is hugely encourage for those with one eye on 2010 and 2014, when this group of callow youths, will be in their prime for the national side.
This collection of young A-League stars like Milligan, Burns, Sarkies and Vukovic have combined with overseas based talent like David Williams, James Troisi and Neil Kilkenny to create an exciting, talented side that are the future of the national team. When Viduka, Kewell, Grella, Schwazer et al call it a day, there is now a core of internationally experienced talent on hand to step into the breach.
And this group of players have played numerous games in Asian conditions, from the heat and humidity of Beirut and Tapei, to the frozen North Korean and Iranian winters. An experience many of the senior side have yet to get to grips with.
So for fans of the world game on the east coast, do yourself a favour. Get along to Gosford on Saturday night at 7.00. Cheer them on. If you can’t make it, switch on SBS at 10.15 to see the full game. You’ll be watching the future.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Opportunity Knocks for Socceroos
FFA technical Director Rob Baan announced his first and probably only Socceroos squad yesterday, for the November 17 clash with Nigeria. And the Dutchman has raised a few eyebrows, not least amongst the coaches of Merseyside’s 2 clubs.
Despite just a handful of matches since the Asia Cup, both Tim Cahill and Harry Kewell are included for the match at Craven Cottage, but don’t expect to see much of them in the green and gold. Messer’s Moyes and Benitez will be highly reluctant to release either player for a friendly match, so don’t be surprised if they both pick up mystery “injuries” this weekend.
The real bolter in this entirely overseas based squad is Leicester City’s James Wesolowski. The 20 year old is highly rated by both Baan and Graham Arnold, so much so that Arnie wanted him for the Olyroos match with Iraq next week. But Baan has won the battle, and can now run the rule over Wesolowski at a senior level, alongside his club team-mate Paddy Kisnorbo.
Nathan Coe also gets a chance in the absence of injured pair Brad Jones and Michael Petkovic. Coe is now at FC Copenhagen but spent his formative years at PSV, where he came to Baan’s attention. Highly rated as a teen, Coe hasn’t quite lived up to his early billing but now he has a chance to shine.
Scott McDonald has been rewarded for his prolific form at club level with a call up and expect to see the Celtic man forming a “little man-big man” partnership with Josh Kennedy, in a squad short of experienced striking talent.
David Carney and Nicky Carle get the chance to further enhance their burgeoning reputations, but perhaps the most significant inclusion is Scott Chipperfield. Chippers missed the Asia Cup to be with his pregnant wife, and the lack of personnel on the left side of the Socceroos defence really told, despite the best efforts of Carney. Chipperfield’s know-how will be invaluable to a pretty inexperienced squad, and the Basle man is in great club form.
All in all there is plenty to be gained from the match with Nigeria. Dick Advocaat is expected to be watching form the stands before his appointment is confirmed, and this is the first opportunity for the next generation to impress.
The road to South Africa 2010 starts here.
Despite just a handful of matches since the Asia Cup, both Tim Cahill and Harry Kewell are included for the match at Craven Cottage, but don’t expect to see much of them in the green and gold. Messer’s Moyes and Benitez will be highly reluctant to release either player for a friendly match, so don’t be surprised if they both pick up mystery “injuries” this weekend.
The real bolter in this entirely overseas based squad is Leicester City’s James Wesolowski. The 20 year old is highly rated by both Baan and Graham Arnold, so much so that Arnie wanted him for the Olyroos match with Iraq next week. But Baan has won the battle, and can now run the rule over Wesolowski at a senior level, alongside his club team-mate Paddy Kisnorbo.
Nathan Coe also gets a chance in the absence of injured pair Brad Jones and Michael Petkovic. Coe is now at FC Copenhagen but spent his formative years at PSV, where he came to Baan’s attention. Highly rated as a teen, Coe hasn’t quite lived up to his early billing but now he has a chance to shine.
Scott McDonald has been rewarded for his prolific form at club level with a call up and expect to see the Celtic man forming a “little man-big man” partnership with Josh Kennedy, in a squad short of experienced striking talent.
David Carney and Nicky Carle get the chance to further enhance their burgeoning reputations, but perhaps the most significant inclusion is Scott Chipperfield. Chippers missed the Asia Cup to be with his pregnant wife, and the lack of personnel on the left side of the Socceroos defence really told, despite the best efforts of Carney. Chipperfield’s know-how will be invaluable to a pretty inexperienced squad, and the Basle man is in great club form.
All in all there is plenty to be gained from the match with Nigeria. Dick Advocaat is expected to be watching form the stands before his appointment is confirmed, and this is the first opportunity for the next generation to impress.
The road to South Africa 2010 starts here.
Monday, November 5, 2007
No Guts, No Glory
The demise of Perth Glory’s Ron Smith came as no surprise to anyone who has watched the A-league over the last year. Winless since last November, Perth have been simply dreadful at times, and Friday night’s depressing capitulation at hands of an equally desperate Wellington, was the final straw for Glory’s ambitious owners.
Despite being given the resources and time he wanted to build a new-look Glory, Smith failed. A good coach and a nice guy, Smith was dealt a raw hand with the suspension of Stan Lazaridis and injuries to David tarka and Hayend Foxe, but ultimately he wasn't good enough. His style of football has been roundly criticized, and the step up from highly respected youth developer to senior manager was just too much. Suddenly Smith needed to get results; player development was a side issue. His handling of Jamie Harnwell, one of Perth’s more committed and honest players, left a lot to be desired. And the recruitment policy was flawed, with high profile signing Mate Dragecevic a flop, young gun Nikita too raw, and many of his signings unable to consistently perform to the level expected. Now his assistant Dave Mitchell has a huge task, and the former powerhouse club of the NSL are becoming a sad shadow of their former selves.
Back-to-back titles in 2003 and 2004, Glory were the model club both on and off the pitch. A successful team, bumper crowds and money in the bank. Glory had the lot. But the advent of the A-League brought the field back to Perth. Ownership problems, poor managerial appointments and a dire on field product have seen Glory lose the hearts and minds of the public in the west. Crowds are the worst in the league, and there is no indication that they will return.
The best thing about the current Glory is the ambition of their owners. Tony Sage, Brett McKeon and John Spence have pumped their own money into the club and have set about restoring former glory. The link-up with Manchester City will make headlines, and may even provide the club with some talented youngsters, but it’s a sign of the owner’s ambition. They expect success and it’s now up to Mitch to deliver.
Despite being given the resources and time he wanted to build a new-look Glory, Smith failed. A good coach and a nice guy, Smith was dealt a raw hand with the suspension of Stan Lazaridis and injuries to David tarka and Hayend Foxe, but ultimately he wasn't good enough. His style of football has been roundly criticized, and the step up from highly respected youth developer to senior manager was just too much. Suddenly Smith needed to get results; player development was a side issue. His handling of Jamie Harnwell, one of Perth’s more committed and honest players, left a lot to be desired. And the recruitment policy was flawed, with high profile signing Mate Dragecevic a flop, young gun Nikita too raw, and many of his signings unable to consistently perform to the level expected. Now his assistant Dave Mitchell has a huge task, and the former powerhouse club of the NSL are becoming a sad shadow of their former selves.
Back-to-back titles in 2003 and 2004, Glory were the model club both on and off the pitch. A successful team, bumper crowds and money in the bank. Glory had the lot. But the advent of the A-League brought the field back to Perth. Ownership problems, poor managerial appointments and a dire on field product have seen Glory lose the hearts and minds of the public in the west. Crowds are the worst in the league, and there is no indication that they will return.
The best thing about the current Glory is the ambition of their owners. Tony Sage, Brett McKeon and John Spence have pumped their own money into the club and have set about restoring former glory. The link-up with Manchester City will make headlines, and may even provide the club with some talented youngsters, but it’s a sign of the owner’s ambition. They expect success and it’s now up to Mitch to deliver.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Football's Grand Plan
After 8 months of delays, the FFA finally delivered its eagerly anticipated National Football Development Plan. The blueprint for the future of the game in this country has long been considered as the single most important step on the road to establishing the sport in Australia.
The raft of proposals unveiled today cover all facets of the game, including coach and referee education programs; a national youth competition, aligned with A-League clubs to commence from next season and a women's national league, also set to begin in 2008; as well as greater rural and indigenous programs.
Highlights of the National Plan announced on Thursday by FFA CEO Ben Buckley and Chairman Frank Lowy include:
All junior players will begin their football experience playing small-sided games
A National skills testing program
The introduction of a national youth league with all Hyundai A-League clubs (except Wellington) involved plus the Australian Institute of Sport
The establishment of a National Women’s League
Regular coaching conferences utilising the best credentialed coaches from around the world including a major coaching conference around the FIFA Congress in May 2008
Targeted coaching courses for elite coaches
There will also be, for the first time, a pathway for talented players, from small sided, under 6 football, right through to the national team; a first for a sport that has been wracked with infighting and instability over it’s history in Australia.
But with the plans in place, the hard work really starts; implementing them. Dutchman Rob Baan is the federation’s Technical Director, and it will be his job to ensure that the proposals make it form paper to the pitch; a tall order in a country without a framework of coaches. There will need to be, initially, heavy investment and reliance on overseas talent and knowledge to bring the standards up to scratch. This will also test Baan’s credentials. Hired in the wake of the FFA’s love affair with another Dutchman Guus Hiddink, Baan is not as highly regarded in Holland as many would have you believe. The jury is out on his work with the Olyroos (Graham Arnold has been in charge for some of the more impressive displays), and they’ll be keen interest as he takes sole charge of the Socceroos in London on the 17th. If Baan cannot get the expertise in to support the new structure, then the whole venture could collapse.
The Australian football family is not a happy one, with various states and interested parties continually at war. This is the opportunity to forget the past, and finally take the game forward. Australian Football has the chance to establish itself as the country’s number one code over the next 15 years. This time it cannot afford to fail.
The raft of proposals unveiled today cover all facets of the game, including coach and referee education programs; a national youth competition, aligned with A-League clubs to commence from next season and a women's national league, also set to begin in 2008; as well as greater rural and indigenous programs.
Highlights of the National Plan announced on Thursday by FFA CEO Ben Buckley and Chairman Frank Lowy include:
All junior players will begin their football experience playing small-sided games
A National skills testing program
The introduction of a national youth league with all Hyundai A-League clubs (except Wellington) involved plus the Australian Institute of Sport
The establishment of a National Women’s League
Regular coaching conferences utilising the best credentialed coaches from around the world including a major coaching conference around the FIFA Congress in May 2008
Targeted coaching courses for elite coaches
There will also be, for the first time, a pathway for talented players, from small sided, under 6 football, right through to the national team; a first for a sport that has been wracked with infighting and instability over it’s history in Australia.
But with the plans in place, the hard work really starts; implementing them. Dutchman Rob Baan is the federation’s Technical Director, and it will be his job to ensure that the proposals make it form paper to the pitch; a tall order in a country without a framework of coaches. There will need to be, initially, heavy investment and reliance on overseas talent and knowledge to bring the standards up to scratch. This will also test Baan’s credentials. Hired in the wake of the FFA’s love affair with another Dutchman Guus Hiddink, Baan is not as highly regarded in Holland as many would have you believe. The jury is out on his work with the Olyroos (Graham Arnold has been in charge for some of the more impressive displays), and they’ll be keen interest as he takes sole charge of the Socceroos in London on the 17th. If Baan cannot get the expertise in to support the new structure, then the whole venture could collapse.
The Australian football family is not a happy one, with various states and interested parties continually at war. This is the opportunity to forget the past, and finally take the game forward. Australian Football has the chance to establish itself as the country’s number one code over the next 15 years. This time it cannot afford to fail.
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