A-League transfers are all Roar and no bite
Columnist
By Davidde Corran, 7 Apr 2010 Davidde Corran is a Roar Expert
Melbourne Victory's Tomislav Pondeljak tackles Brisbane Roar's Charlie Miller, during round 2 of the A-League Season, played at the Ethihad stadium in Melbourne, Saturday, August 15, 2009. After full time, Victory drew with Brisbane Roar 3-3. AAP Image/Joe Castro
If I was a Brisbane Roar fan right now, I’d be mighty peeved. When former coach Frank Farina was jettisoned in controversial circumstances and replaced by Ange Postecoglou midway through last season, supporters were promised the squad would be rebuilt.
Instead, the club went backwards.
Even now, with the season well and truly gone, the wheels still seem to be coming off the Roar’s bandwagon.
While the sale of Tommy Oar, Michael Zullo and Adam Sarota is good news for the Roar’s bank balance it could very well have crippled Brisbane’s ambitions for next season.
These sales bring the total of players sacked, retired or sold since Postecoglou took over to nine. That figure includes the likes of Craig Moore, Danny Tiatto and Liam Reddy, hardly peripheral contributors.
According to The Australian the former Young Socceroos coach will need to sign, “a new striker, an entire midfield and a centre back” before the start of next season. Such wholesale change is like signing an entirely new squad.
Few will expect Melbourne Heart to reasonably challenge for the A-League title next season and you can probably put Brisbane into that basket as well.
Roar fans lost last season to rebuilding and now it looks like season six of the A-League will be going the same way.
Ignoring the debacle with Joel Griffiths, the Newcastle Jets, who went through a similar last minute coaching replacement last season, have shown a more positive way of handling managerial change.
Instead of alienating the Jets’ key players, the promotion from within of Branko Culina, united a fragmented and inconsistent squad.
Culina’s promotion also maintained some continuity at the club and the Jets have continued moving forward in the off-season with its first player signings. The only noise from Brisbane meanwhile has been from players going, not coming.
It was on that point that Jesse Fink ripped into Postecoglou this week in his The World Game blog.
“And where was the great Ange when all this frenetic transfer activity (with Oar and co moving to FC Utrecht) was taking place?” asked Fink.
“In Greece, of course, on a “scouting mission”.
“Not West Africa. Not Thailand. Not India. Anywhere there is a young inexpensive player bursting with ambition and talent who wants to come to Australia and sees the A-League as a stepping stone to fulfilling his dreams, but Greece!
“Gee, Ange – out of the box! It’s about as bad as Remo Nogarotto and his “scout at large” gig in Italy which has delivered to the Newcastle Jets the sum total of Fabio Vignaroli, a talented player but one that should have spent more time on the pitch for all the money spent on him as a “marquee”. Instead he saw out most of last season wincing on a physio’s table.
“The A-League doesn’t need any more horse trading in superannuated has-been Europeans.”
While I don’t entirely agree with Fink on Vingaroli who, when fit, offered a touch of class the A-League has mostly missed in its 5 seasons, he’s on the money about the paucity of creativity in A-League recruiting.
Almost two years ago Scott McIntyre wrote on The World Game about Indian superstar Sunil Chhetri and his national team-mates, suggesting they would make the perfect A-League signings. At the time Scott was routinely laughed at.
Now Chhetri has finally found a club outside of India and the early signs look promising.
At long last someone has woken up to the potential, both on and off the pitch, Chhetri offers. Unfortunately for Australian football fans it’s the new “most popular club in the world”, the Kansas City Wizards, who are reaping the benefits.
All this says to me that the A-League desperately needs some exciting and creative thinking in it’s recruitment.
Meanwhile, Brisbane Roar fans probably need a stiff drink.
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Diego's Son said | April 7th 2010 @ 4:24am | Report comment
Ange PosteNOCLU is a coach I do not rate and this club (Roar FC) should have their licence handed back to the FFA immediately for sheer incompetance and for (borderline) bringing the game into disrepute.
Crowds are down, mass exodus of players, it’s a joke.
Football Person 2 said | April 7th 2010 @ 10:34am | Report comment
Ever heard of Newcastle Jets Douche bag ?
Diego's Son said | April 7th 2010 @ 12:31pm | Report comment
The Jets have stabilised of late. As for the Roar, what a joke.
Cpaaa said | April 7th 2010 @ 6:19am | Report comment
Apparently very nice weather in Greece at the moment.
I wrote an article not long ago suggesting “we can own a football club”, the point of that article was more about the fans input of what sort of club they are aiming to build. A personalised home so to speak designed and voiced by the fans.
The Average crowd of Brisbane Roar is what…8000. If they the fans had a say to the appointment of Ange, i very much doubt hed get a handful of votes. Am i thinking conspiracy theory that the “greek owned” coffee club “Roar sponsors”, got Angie over the line?
Brisbane Roar is the perfect example of how not to run a football club. They have alienated the football home ground of Richlands in favour of paying rent at Rugby Ballymore. No one can explain to me the logic as to why they dont train at Richlands. Now the FFA want the Roar to use Ballymore as a home Venue and the Board wish to stay at Suncorp, while the FFA pays its rent. Meanwhile QLDs Football home “Perry Park” just dont the road, dosnt get a mention
The Lions have invested into a number of local football clubs across Brisbane but they try to reach out to a League market and have forgotten about their football family. So much for loyalty.
Well done Brisbane Roar board, ill sign off now.
DaMan3000 said | April 7th 2010 @ 9:18am | Report comment
Cpaaa – can u post me a link to this article you wrote. And have you heard of Ebbsfleet United? Check out http://www.myfootballclub.co.uk it’s a dream of mine to be a part of something like this in Australia.
TheMagnificent11 said | April 7th 2010 @ 9:27am | Report comment
I really hope A-League clubs take up that sort of membership system in the near future. Great way to connect with you members and give them a real sense of ownership.
Cpaaa said | April 7th 2010 @ 10:47am | Report comment
Like our own A-League marketers have suggested “Be a Part of Something Bigger”
Cpaaa said | April 7th 2010 @ 10:44am | Report comment
DaMan3000 heres the article I wrote.
http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/03/24/i-want-to-buy-a-football-club/
Its not the first time someone has voiced an opinion about club investment. The problem is we can voice an opinion on sites such as the Roar, but in a few days we are already on other issues. There is alot we can learn from Ebbsfleet, positives and negatives amongst other club models out there. It will take good administration to make it happen but it will belong to the fans and not individuals….anyways have a read. There are also some good linx and ideas posted by roar readers. Cheers mate, its a dream of mine as well.
Realfootball said | April 7th 2010 @ 8:24am | Report comment
The best thing that could happen in Brisbane is for the Roar to be wound up and a new franchise created from scratch. Is it a coincidence that the Roar were the only team with old ethnic NSL baggage allowed into the A League? I don’t think so – this crippled the club from the start and made sure it could never unite Brisbane football fans. It is increasingly looking like the Roar are beyond saving. Postecoglou will have to work miracles this season. I feel for Ange – how could any coach be expected t o succeed under these circumstances. If the Roar do have a half decent season, then it willl prove his mettle and ability as a coach. It puzzles me that he is taking such a hammering in the forums, when the issues are all to do with poor management and undercapitalisation of the club. Talk about a poisoned chalice.
This could have been one of the A League’s big clubs, pushing Melbourne for attendances. The figures from the first 3 seasons are there to prove it. Sadly, the most likely scenario now is that the Roar will pull 3-5k this season and go broke before the season’s end. I really hope I am wrong, but that is how it looks right now. Then perhaps Brisbane will get what it needs – a new club, representing everyone in that fast expanding city.
Rellum said | April 7th 2010 @ 12:12pm | Report comment
Spot on Real, I have been saying this for ages. I just can’t see the Roar overcoming there pre A-League baggage in time to connect with the general Brisbane sporting public.
Towser said | April 7th 2010 @ 8:51am | Report comment
As one whos followed the Roar for 5 seasons(missing only 3 matches),I’ve sat there with the rest of the faithful fans,leaving most times with a sour taste in the mouth.
I therefore cant dispute what RealFootball says regarding the handling of a club with enormous potential.
But I disagree with this article. The Roar have no choice. They were going nowhere anyway. They may still go nowhere. A clean out is the last chance to get it right.( Although I agree that the sale of Oar,Zullo Sarota was about economics).
So for me this season is the shootout at the OK corral. I see Ange & his recruiting as a new start.
I trust my own football judgement to know whether he is on track in season 6.
A chance to redeem the failures of the last 5 years.
I’m prepared to give it another shot, this year.
After that I’ll tell you at the end of next season.
.
Realfootball said | April 7th 2010 @ 11:08am | Report comment
With you there, Towser. I went over to GCU last season for reasons of geographical proximity but my heart is stlll with the Roar (Gold Coast lost me with the cap debacle and Miron’s constant stream of self aggrandising nonesense). Like you, I was there through thick and thin, and there was a lot more thin than thick. And Ange would have already known that he was likely to lose these 3.
Jesse Fink’s attack on Postecogou’s trip to Greece was simply absurd, blatantly ignoring the realities of scouting on the ground in the third world. Fink sometimes gets caught up in his own self importance, and this articles was one of his worst – poorly conceived and clearly rushed out to make a deadline.
It is, as you say, the last chance to get it right, otherwise this club and franchise will be gone at season’s end.
jmc said | April 7th 2010 @ 10:13pm | Report comment
Good luck Towser – as a fellow foundation member the Roar brand is a shot duck. Balancing the books at what cost to transparency to it’s members? I await Ange bringing back an +30 retired socceroo (a Stan Lazaridis clone for Perth Glory).
Such an effort of economics is nothing but mere creative accounting that will result in dire results in terms of membership, brand and vision. The only way out now is for the FFA to bail out the club, take control of the business plan (or create one may help) and find another arab oil baron in 3 years.
Bring on Foxtel for season 6 and best wishes with your intentions
Davidde Corran said | April 8th 2010 @ 7:49am | Report comment
Towser, you have described your experience and feelings with Brisbane excellently. I truly hope they don’t disappoint you this time around.
TheMagnificent11 said | April 7th 2010 @ 9:08am | Report comment
Yeah I don’t understand why Ange is in Europe. Even the good players in lower leagues over there are on better money than what they could get here. South-East Asia, Africa and Central America is where we should be focussing. Also, the players we recruit from these countries should be 18-23 (can’t go younger because that would be irresponsible and almost slave trading). Give them a season in the NYL to get the grips on the physical nature of our game and then they should be able to hack. Kids over there tend to be better technically. They might be a bit tactically naive and weak but this can be overcome with decent conditioning and coaching.
Aljay said | April 7th 2010 @ 9:31am | Report comment
As I posted on TWG, Fink has blatantly ignored the Roar’s intended trials for 3 Ghanaians announced in January (http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/soccer/brisbane-roar-trial-for-ghanaian-young-guns/story-e6frepmf-1225818969165) in his pursuit of an angry diatribe.
I don’t know when these trials are happening or if they have fallen through, but if they are no longer going ahead due to on-field,contract,lifestyle adjustment,dodgy agent issues then that might explain Ange’s relunctance to deal with 3rd world footballers and their agents again.
As for the sale of Oar,Sarota and Zullo, well that’s what you get when an agent part owns a club.
I don’t understand how this is a good move for Zullo. He was behind Oar as a left-winger at the Roar and will be behind him again at Utrecht whether in their juniors, reserves or first team. What chance does he have of regular game-time?
Towser said | April 7th 2010 @ 9:42am | Report comment
Aljay
I will be suprised if Zullo or Sarota make it. I even have doubts about Tommy Oar.
He will have to improve his tight ball control & decision making markedly to break through at Utrecht.
Zullo was easily worked out by A-League defenders after his first season & Sarota has poor decision making & passing is wayward at times.
I believe also the agent no longer is a part owner,but obviously still has connections there.
For me if the Roar got 1.8 million for these 3 players then that is good business.
Dogz R Barkn said | April 7th 2010 @ 10:06am | Report comment
I have to agree – I’m surprised that Roar fans are questioning getting nearly $2 mill for a few young players who have barely played any senior football between them.
Australian fans see Oar skip past some pathetic Indonesian defenders, and all of a sudden he’s hailed as some sort of prodigy – he’s a kid with potential still learning the game – he might make it, there’s at least an equal chance that he won’t.
Cockerill wrote the other day that for the $12 million or so Australian clubs have received in transfer fees over the last five years (quite an impressive figure), over half of the players sold have returned to the A-League for nothing!
Good business for A-League clubs (not so good for the perceived reputation of Australian players).
Rob Gremio said | April 7th 2010 @ 10:23am | Report comment
At least Sarota and Oar have age on their side in that regard, Towser. Zullo is a bit older than these two, and as such his chances are a bit diminished.
It was indeed good business if the rumoured figure is accurate.
AndyRoo said | April 7th 2010 @ 11:52am | Report comment
Sarota and Zullo are both 21 and only about 3 months apart.
Rob Gremio said | April 7th 2010 @ 12:19pm | Report comment
Didn’t realise Sarota was that “old”.
AndyRoo said | April 7th 2010 @ 11:45am | Report comment
I am more positive about Oar making it.
I don’t expect him to dribble past defenders much in Europe (the reason people get so excited in OZ) but he doesn’t fall apart when marked. A very tidy player rather than a star is what I expect (though the later is possible), like Chipperfield someone the national team can rely on.
Zullo despite his age still seems raw in many ways but that could mean he benefits the most from the move to Europe. If he doesn’t make it then no harm done and he will hopefully come back a better player. Should be a great experience for the 3 of them.
Davidde Corran said | April 8th 2010 @ 7:50am | Report comment
Aljay, just because they trialed three players from Ghana but didn’t sign them means they should give up on the rest of Africa and Asia.
whiskeymac said | April 7th 2010 @ 9:32am | Report comment
“Few will expect Melbourne Heart to reasonably challenge for the A-League title next season ” – well they are a decent chance to make the finals at least
Davidde Corran said | April 8th 2010 @ 7:52am | Report comment
I agree completely and it will be important for them that they do. In fact I think we should take it for granted that every club must find at least limited success in it’s early years.
Midfielder said | April 7th 2010 @ 9:34am | Report comment
The management of the Roar has been lacking from day 1…. I hope for football sake that they get their act together this year…
Like Arnold Out at my Mariners .. I question greatly why a coach with such a poor record was appointed … and a coach who was always quick to point out issues outside his control…
IMO the Roar management need to invest (maybe they have already) in some real football / sports management talent…
Davidde Corran said | April 8th 2010 @ 7:56am | Report comment
Midfielder, I was hoping you’d post on here. Remember last year when you asked me to pass on the story about Khalil Popal to Les Murray? Well I ended up organising with The World Game for me to go over there and do a story with Khalil for the program. However when I called the club about a week ago they told me he’d never signed for them and added that the original stories, which they’d seen, were false. Haven’t been able to look any further into it at this stage but hope to get in touch with Khalil’s management eventually. Just wanted to let you know.
Davidde Corran said | April 8th 2010 @ 7:57am | Report comment
P.S. it WAS Panthrakikos I called not the Greek giants!
whiskeymac said | April 7th 2010 @ 10:19am | Report comment
the sale of three youngsters is part and parcel of the HAL – and good luck to them and i hope they develop and flourish in the dutch leagues and beyond – further if the club was in financial troubles then the money cld well save them, or at least prolong the demise if the other posts are accurate, but in any event the admin for the club needs the money and sold some of its assets (players). hopefully the NYL has some up and comers they can now offer contracts too… and so it goes on.
if the jets can survive whlesale exoduses after winning the comp, and make the finals a season or so later, hopefully the Roar can too.
it’s a pity that the same agentowner doesnt source some replacements. mye he will. (was the same agent responsible for van dijk?) but it must be enticing for up and coming players to go to roar where the potential to be scouted to the eredevisie is “in built” with the owners agent status.
Rob Gremio said | April 7th 2010 @ 10:26am | Report comment
Whiskeymac,
That’s a really good point, about the “in built” scout for the Eredevisie, and the Roar has a history of taking a punt on youngsters that I presume Ange will continue. Farina was prepared to give youth a chance and I suspect Ange will be the same, but what he needs to do now is recruit some experienced players. And who cares if the experienced players come from Greece, Ghana or Outer Mongolia? If they can play, help hold the youngsters together, and create the chances the Roar needs to create, then that’s what matters.
whiskeymac said | April 7th 2010 @ 10:45am | Report comment
i agree. peole get hung up about someones nationalityand not their ability far too much – doesntm atter if they are british, croation or outer mongolian – if they can perform for the club and fit inside the salary cap thats all that matters.
MV Dave said | April 7th 2010 @ 10:25am | Report comment
Reading Mike Cockerill’s article on line today where he says that HAL clubs have earnt $12 million in transfer fees from selling players overseas (in 5 years)…not a bad little earner. HAL like 95% of leagues around the world is a selling league and that is a fact. Money earned in that aspect hopefully will go back into the club for Marquee players or development of new players.