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Liverpool's Robbie Fowler celebrates scoring the third goal against 1. FC Kosice during the UEFA Cup, first round, second match at Liverpool's Anfield stadium Tuesday Sept. 29, 1998. AP Photo/Adam Butle
The buzz around the various football forums is that this season’s A-League will be the best to date. Much of it stems from the introduction of two new sides into the competition, adding much-needed diversity to the competition.
But the existing clubs need also be credited for part of the excitement, with the calibre of players enticed to the A-League this season as promising as any other before.
It is a good time to reflect on exactly how much things have changed for clubs in the transfer market. One need only cast one’s eye over the list of big-name flops and costly turkeys in the league’s formative seasons.
Of course, navigating through the transfer market is a hazardous and perilous business, and has claimed many a global club.
But with bad habits ranging from an early obsession to all-things Brazilian to a penchant for signing players from DVDs, A-League clubs found out the hard way on how to increase their chances of success when foraging for players.
But as the competition has matured, so has the approach of its member clubs.
It was hugely refreshing to hear Wellington Phoenix chief executive Tony Pignata state earlier this year that the days of signing players on the back of YouTube clips or agent-driven DVDs was over.
Despite having had to contend with the departure of star striker Shane Smeltz in the off-season, the Phoenix has taken a softly-softly approach to securing attacking replacements.
Industrious former Tranmere striker Chris Greenacre was first, and now Wellington has announced the signing of attacker Paul Ifill.
The former Crystal Palace, Sheffield United and Millwall player has spent his career bouncing between the wing, the centre of midfield and forward, but indications are the 10-capped Barbadian will play up front with Greenacre.
And like Greenacre, it’s hardly a signing to get the pulse racing to the uninformed football fan.
But this is a player – still 29 years of age – that had a short stint in the English Premier League just three seasons back.A player who reportedly commanded an £850,000 transfer fee in 2007.
Injury concerns have already been raised, but Ifill featured 33 times for Crystal Palace last season in the physical English Championship.
Of course, a solid pedigree doesn’t automatically mean success in the A-League.Just mention Brian Deane’s name in front of Perth Glory fans.
But Phoenix has shown maturity and fastidiousness in its dealings in the transfer market, perhaps to the occasional chagrin of the impatient fan.
And Wellington is not alone. A number of clubs are wisely utilising trials before handing out contracts, and indications are that the quality of player coaches are running their eye over is steadily improving.
The availability of creative China international midfielder Wang Dong would have once attracted contract-waving clubs like flies to a camping ground amenity.
But as Newcastle Jets assistant coach Mark Jones – even after stating the terrific impression Wang had made in his first day at the club – said: “It looks promising. But we are being very careful with our choice of players.”
Boy, have we matured.
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