FFA talks ease Fury concerns over Pim’s comments

Talks with Football Federation Australia have eased North Queensland Fury’s initial concerns about Pim Verbeek’s warning to Gold Coast-bound Socceroo Jason Culina.

So much so that Fury chairman Don Matheson is confident the club’s prime target, Socceroo Scott Chipperfield, will “blossom” if he relocates from Europe to Townsville.

Socceroos coach Verbeek this week raised eyebrows in Australia when he claimed Culina had put his national spot in jeopardy by agreeing to join the A-League newcomers next season.

Verbeek added that the A-League’s open nature was not a style which matched the results-first needs of international competition.

Matheson first feared Swiss-based Chipperfield may read Verbeek’s comments and back out of talks with the Fury, thinking he may be jeopardising his 2010 World Cup chances by returning to Australia.

But after seeking clarification from FFA boss Ben Buckley, Matheson said he was “at ease” with Verbeek’s comments and that there had been “no backlash” in talks with Chipperfield.

“When that (Verbeek’s comment) was presented to me it was like a blanket approach (to European-based Socceroos), but the comment was more focused on an individual,” Matheson told AAP.

“Where he (Verbeek) thought he would be better off maintaining his position in European football – that was Pim’s thoughts, which we respect.

“We believe Scott’s situation is a little different (to Culina) and I feel comfortable that we will have the support of the FFA (on Chipperfield returning to Australia).”

Matheson said ex-Glasgow Rangers and current Queensland Roar defender Craig Moore had shown that players did not have to kiss their international career goodbye when they left Europe.

“Like Craig Moore, he (Chipperfield) will probably blossom because he will freshen up more (in the A-League),” Matheson said.

“At Scott’s age (33) there is less requirement to travel and play two or three matches a week (in the A-League) – I think that will be good for him.

“Craig Moore is a classic example. He hasn’t lost anything (since returning to Australia) – as a matter of fact he is a pivotal player in the Socceroos side.”

The Fury expect a decision from Chipperfield as soon as next week when his wife Stefanie visits Townsville.

It would be another major coup for new boys North Queensland who have already snared Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler.

“We feel very, very comfortable with our position with Scott,” Matheson said.

“He is looking at planning his career and part of that is maintaining his role for the World Cup and we want to partner him in that.

“There was certainly no backlash (in talks over Verbeek’s comments).”

Matheson stressed that he was not trying to undermine Verbeek by seeking clarity from the FFA.

“It is important that we highlight our support for Pim in his position,” he said.

“We probably just needed a little communication and clarity on his position with some players.

“But I don’t think it (Verbeek’s comments) will deny an opportunity for the A-League to improve – that was made very clear by Ben Buckley yesterday.”