http://www.naocastle.com/blog/2010/01/toc_13.html

I completely agree with you. There are qualities of Japanese football that need a place in Australia, just like the Japanese could do with some of Australia’s footballing qualities. Imaya’s idea to have a football camp in Sydney is absolutely a step in the right direction, from first-hand knowledge of youth training techniques in both countries. The fact that he actuallly has experience with Australian football makes these camps even more valuable.

I’m actually quite happy we got Sanfrecce, despite it meaning Gamba retain the Emperor’s Cup. Not just because they’ve since lost Kashiwagi, but also because Nagoya now have an even stronger teaem, with the likes of Tulio having signed for them. I doubt Adelaide could have salvaged anything from a game against them.
Would have been nice to be against S-Pa, though… and I’m sure you would’ve made the trip to watch that, too.

If it’s 2nd division European football then it’s more of an issue and I would still likely say go to Europe if your a chance of playing or it’s a good team.

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AF

Guys like Neil, Cahill and Schwarzer were able to start at modest European clubs at a young age because of their passports but not all Australian players have that luxury.

If you don’t have a Euro passprt your not just trying to get into the starting 11 you also have to beat out Sth Americans, Africans, Eastern Europeans for one of the 3 foreign spots. Do well in the aussie under age teams, then do well oseas in a more technique based league and a player at 19 or 20 should have a pretty immpresive resume to get a decent club (and be ready to play) in europe.

Edit: Ben beat me to it.

Hopefully J leage scouts are less into sterotypes than I

I am looking forward to the day that a promising 19 year old gets snapped up by a J-League club. It could be a great development league for promising players given its higher technical proficiency. This may become more of an issue in years hence as less and less of our players have the parent/grandparent connection to Europe which allows for an easy visa.

When those European clubs were interested in him I remember he walked out on the Olyroos and SFC to go on trials. That sounds ridiculous now and was a bit strange then but I think it shows how far the A league has come. A lot of the players from overseas we sign now come on trial first and our good players aren’t expected to have to trial anymore (though I am sure their will be exceptions).

Personally I can stomach a player leaving for the K league (for now) or the J league (not J2) because it’s a better standard and a lot more money. Any other Asian league and I would forget about them.

Does anyone know who is Milligans agent? Whoever they are they are a shocker.

Nice article Mike and I watched the SBS J-League Cup final too… The pitch seemed to be below par to me not their usual high standard playing surface you would expect from the Japanese … (could have been my SBS TV reception ?)

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AF