The Harry Kewell to the A-League circus seems like it may have come to an end. Agent Bernie Mandic recently revealed that Kewell had come to terms with both Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory, however he was unable to come to agreement with either.
It is rumoured that part of the deal was for the FFA to pay an increase to Harry based on crowds at his new side’s away fixtures.
This must beg the question though: is the A-league going to be in a better long-term position for Kewell never gracing it with his presence?
During the six seasons of the A-League, the FFA have propped up over half of the sides involved, including the recently-condemned North Queensland Fury.
Clubs should not be looking to the FFA to help them secure the services of a player, as often the FFA is doing more than enough to keep the league running.
Like anywhere else in the world of football, it needs to come down to who a club can afford to purchase, even if this means that the Victory and Sky Blues are the only two clubs with a chance of securing a player such as Harry.
March’s grand final between the Central Coast and Brisbane was one of the top two matches ever in Australian domestic football, yet, it wasn’t because of the names on the pitch.
The biggest benefit of the A-League is that it challenges the normal footballing constraints such as money and big crowds.
As a result, clubs have to work harder for their success, which often breeds a variety of football of which more fans can enjoy.
Hopefully, the FFA are able to keep it this way by ensuring that no players or clubs receive preferential treatment.
Matthew Skellett
Guest
I admire Harry as much as any Australian socceroos fan , however all this playing games and making outrageous demands makes him look like a cruel, mean-spirited individual especially when he is already a mutli-millionare , and no one is bigger than the game no matter who they are ;so thanks but no thanks Mr Kewell , we love you but you are just a man like any other :-)
eric
Guest
" Harry Kewell” is the most recognisable and marketable brand – both domestically and GLOBALLY"-Are you saying Kewell is the most recognized player on earth?there might be a few billion people who disagree with you there.
Football Fan
Guest
Roarchild FTW
sledgeross
Guest
I stand by my assertion Fussball. For the wages he has earned, he has not been a good investment. I dont know the specifics of this purported deal as intimately as you do, but besides burning brightly as a teenager, and chipping in with a few iconic goals, he has not been as influential as someone with his profile "should" have been. I admit, he has been unlucky with injury, and that is not his fault, but you have a look at the amount of games he has played in the last 7 years. Note, I am not talking about transfer fees, because his last two clubs he has been signed essentially on a "free". As for calling him a money hungry dud, maybe my words are colloquially harsh (lets not forget he started a champs league final), but, for a player who burned so bright as a teen, he probably hasnt accomplished as much as he might have in the last 7 seasons (again due to injury). That is why I am, for all his talent in club football, naming him a dud. The money hungry charge is well documented, though again, maybe this should be levelled more at his "manager". Still, by in large, I think what I said was pretty accurate.
Roarchild
Guest
The one thing I don't understand is those saying the A league is stuffed and then saying don't sign Harry Kewell. Ray Gatt's piece today is talking about the alleged huge decline and problems.... if you believe that then Harry would seem the bargain of the century. If crowds don't improve he's free!!!!!
Roarchild
Guest
Pretty sure you would get cut from the fraternity if a Leeds fan confessed he loved Harry Kewell. Joining Gala didn't go down to well.
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
If Sledgeross is a Leeds fan, he should be ashamed of that comment about Harry. And, Harry was brilliant at Liverpool before his injury ... check out the video footage of his goals (from about 0:50 in this video) for Liverpool - volleyed goal against Man U; headed goal against Steaua Bucharest, brilliant dribbling and goal against Spurs, goal from outside the box against Leeds and the UEFA Cup v Sofia Levksi. Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hg8aS4lEoH0 The fans at Gala loved Harry. And, from what I've heard, the fans at Gala aren't the easiest supporters to please!
Midfielder
Guest
Everything has a price ... HK price was found to be a tad to high ...
dasilva
Guest
I think you would find that Sledgeross is a Leeds United supporter so I am sure that he recognised that harry was a great talent whilst at Leeds. However since then, he has been a disappointment in Liverpool and a disapointment in Galatasaray despite a few flashes of brilliance mainly due to injury. There's a risk that Harry Kewell gets injured in the A-league especially due to the physicality of the league and spend most of the season on the bench.
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
The thing is, this "investment" costs ZERO dollars ... there is only upside for the buyer. Harry Kewell is assuming 100% of the risk. So, it cannot possibly be a "poor investment". And, your closing comment that Kewell has: "shown himself to be nothing more than a money grabbing dud!" suggests, to me, that you haven't followed football for very long. If you had followed football in the late 90s, you would NEVER call Harry Kewell a dud. Harry made his debut in the EPL at the age of 17! Yes, he played EPL - considered to be the strongest domestic football competition in the world - for Leeds United as a teenager and Leeds were very strong at the time and finished in the Top 5 of the EPL for 4 consecutive years and made the Semi-Final of the UCL in 2001.
sledgeross
Guest
I would pass. At club level Kewell has shown himself to be a poor investment, and shown himself to be nothing more than a money grabbing dud!
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
Pretty sure we've had the same question asked about half a dozen times in separate Roar articles in the past month. For me, the answer will always be a resounding "YES". H is the most technically-gifted footballer and brand "Harry Kewell" is the most recognisable and marketable brand - both domestically and globally. His addition to any HAL club will be beneficial to the whole A-League competition: on the field, in the stands and on the bottom line. There are only a small percentage of footballers, who have the ability to "put bums on seats" - normally, the passion for the Game or a Club is the attraction - and, in my opinion, Harry Kewell is a member of this elite group.