Burns' struggle is a warning to others

I tend to agree with a few of the comments here, rather than Davidde's opinion. Burns showed real ambition to move to a fairly big club like AEK - although admittedly his decision would've been affected by the lure of money and the security of a four-year contract. Nevertheless, his first season I thought he did well to make five appearances and then made the right decision to go out on loan where it appears he worked hard to become promoted AO Kerkyra's best player. I think it's fair to say he's built a reputation for himself in Greece. If things don't work out at AEK, I fancy he'll have options in Greece. I don't see him coming back to the A-League anytime soon unlike some of the examples Davidde's used. I think the key difference between Burns and the others, is okay he's been ambitious and moved to a big club but since then he's made good decisions, worked hard and made it happen, to give himself the best chance of succeeding at AEK. Even now, he's working hard and looks a handy AEK player. You can't rip into a bloke for showing some ambition. Far from it.

perhaps this is an indication of where our young players are at in there development. There was a perception years ago that Australia was a great nursery following the success of Kewell, Cahill, Schwarzer, Bresciano and Neil. These guys are the exception and not the rule. We have a heap of players overseas playing in Divisions 2 & 3 of various leagues but not a lot in the 1st Division. The A- League is not a breeding ground for European Clubs. If a talented Aussie has got it he will head over at 17 or 18 al a Kewell. That's where the Junior Development programs in Australia really needs to step up.

Personally i think both he and Bruce Djite left United far too early. And look now, Djite could end up back in the A-League. I really hope Leckie doesn't take the same move and leave us too soon to chase offers overseas. The A-League i think has grown to a respectable competition, and just lookign at the Socceroos squad, permanent positions aren't guaranteed until about 25 years of age and above. So players like Burns, Djite, Leckieshoudl stick to stability of games in the A-League before goign to the unknown overseas which could send them backwards.

Nathan's problem was that he hadn't adequately prepared himself to move to Europe, he has said himself that he should have listened more to what Viddie was trying to teach him when he was at AUFC. Essentially Aurelio told him that the step up in Europe is very large and that if he wants to succeed then he has to conduct himself in a more professional manner - Burns didn't listen and struggled from the get go to match it with the other players. It also didn't help that the manager who hired him was gone by the time he got to the club...

I think Sarota has made one appearance (in the last minute) of a game as well. Spiranovic is getting game time too :) The Asian cup squad and who's chosen for the upcoming friendlies in Europe could be really interesting. I would love those friendlies to include a few surprises, like Inman, Golum or a Baily Wright.

Here's some good news - Oar came off the bench in the 68th minute for Utrecht against Lucerne last night in their first leg Europa Cup qualifier. Utrecht won 1 - 0. Looks like Oar is already on the radar at Utrecht. Looks like it will be a bit more difficult for Zullo and Sarota to break through.

Andyroo - I watched the first the AEK v Rovers game. Burns played well but he was surrounded by quality players. Just show's you the quantum leap in quality from A-League to one of the big teams in Greece. (Not the Greek League per se) The same could be said about the EPL as the big Greek team made Blackburn look second rate, even though Blackburn has a bigger budget due to the TV money they receive.

As soon as he knows he's not going to make it at AEK, they probably know too so I don't think the length of contract will stop a move, stepping down is much easier than stepping up. He looked the goods against Sydney, I only watched the last quarter of AEK vs Rovers (basically saw Burns coming off) and was excited when they said he set up both goals..... was very dissapointed when I saw what he actually contributed to the goals :P Can't believe Arnold didn't take him to the Olympics.

Andy - Burns is contracted until June 2012 with AEK. Kerkyra, who Burns helped get promoted will problably love to have him back. AEK could sell him (They'll probably want around half a million Euros) Or they can loan him out again to Kerkyra or another small first division team and hope he does so well in the top flight that his value might increase by Christmas. Interesting times ahead for Nathan.

Hard to say Art, the big clubs have the best set ups and even if you don’t get in the first team their training is very intense because of the squad size and competition for places. If you go to a smaller club and don’t play it’s a disaster all round and you should have stayed in the A league. Honestly if he had of gone to the second division team earlier it may have gone better but I think most likely he would be exactly where he is now. Sold to a good team like AEK and expected to prove himself all over again. He’s had a couple of years in Europe, a few pre seasons and some game time in the second division. Doesn’t seem off track to me but if he doesn’t play this year he could look to move from AEK (in January) he will have plenty of suitors because they are a good club. I remember Robbie Slaters book and he had a horrible time at Anderlecht and had to move on, but because he was an Anderlecht player (even a failed one) their was plenty of interest.

The problem is players like Burns and Leijer should have gone to smaller clubs where they could play regularly, get noticed and then have a chance move to a bigger club. This is where their agents should have advised them better. Leijer would have been better off going to a English second tier club for example. Burns in his second season at AEK was loaned out by AEK to Corfu. He played regularly and helped get the team promoted. Hie loan spell ended and he went back to AEK for pre-season. As Bajevic said, even though he likes Burns, he's going to find it tough to break through at AEK with players like Blano and Scocco in front of him. They will more than likely let him go so he can get some regular football elsewhere. I am sure clubs the smaller clubs in the Greek League would be interested.

So far I think he's done everything right career wise. This season will probably be a crucial year in that he will know one way or the other wether he is going to make it at AEK. Not making it their isn't the end of the world as I think with his spell in the 2nd Division he proved he can play in Europe, if he doesn't make it his year it would remind me of Ruka, a player with some potential at that level just not for a team of that standing or who already have experienced players in that position. Coming back to the A league isn't nessesarily the end of the dream. Burns was able to get a good loan last season and played, if that's not available to you I think more players should follow Carney's example and come back to have a good season and get some exposure and then head back to Europe if their good enough. I don't blame players of any age trying to make it in Europe but I think some need to try and make something happen once it's obvious their not going to get first team football at the club they are at.

Burns is an interesting one as he is still in the mix following his good showing with Kerkya last season. I think at the end of the day he made good decisions and his hard work seems to have improved him as a player. In some regards he is a little like Vidosic; a player on the verge who could tip either way however whom I feel is leaning in the right direction. At the very least if he comes back to Australia it will be as a better player who has had the privilege to live and work abroad. Surely that can't be a bad thing. Milligan, now there is a cautionary tale that has finally resolved itself into something a little more coherent.

Not sure why this is a warning to others. All our young talent must at some time make that jump to better competitions. To test their ability against the best in Europe. Some will make it and go onto even better clubs, others will fall short and return to solid careers in the A-league but at some point the leap must be made. Do you think Burns went too young ? I would disagree, his performances in the A-league indicated he was ready to test himself in a better league another year in the A-league may have been beneficial but it also may have been a year too long. Do you think he went to the wrong club? I would disagree, PEK is a big club in a decent league that could easily provide a jumping pad into the big 4. If we compare the situation to Oar, I think we see a lot of similarities. A young player who has made the right move at the right time. Now its up to them to prove to their clubs that their contracts are warranted. Commentators/Media are too quick to look for reasons other than the player themselves. If Burns falls short it isn’t because he made the wrong decision its simply because he has failed to live up to his potential (ala Nick Ward, Kaz Patafta).