There were a lot of National Soccer League sides that could have competed in the upper echelon of the A-League now, according to Sydney FC head coach Ian Crook.
Crook played in the NSL with Northern Spirit and was an assistant there. He also coached the Newcastle Jets for three seasons.
Crook then had a stint coaching American Samoa and assisting the Young Socceroos, before becoming an assistant under Pierre Littbarski at Sydney FC in the debut year of the A-League.
“There were a lot of good teams in the NSL,” Crook says. “It was a very good competition.”
Crook spoke to The Roar at the Sky Blues training ground about his time at both Spirit and Newcastle, his thoughts on the NSL and how it compares with the A-League.
Crook also talked about his development as a young player in UK, at Tottenham, and his time spent at Norwich City.
The former midfielder has been voted into Norwich’s Hall of Fame and was previously as one of the best players never to have played for England.
Watch the full interview below:
Follow John on Twitter: @johnnyddavidson
Qantas supports Australian Football
Guest
Adam Griffiths signs a one year deal with SFC... good signing---one year deals are the way to go it must have been a recommendation in the Clive Palmer FA report.. lol
apaway
Guest
It was an interesting analogy from Ian about the NSL being a "rough diamond" and that the A-League has got the off-field stuff more professionalised so that the surfaces have been "smoothed over."
MelbCro
Guest
Johnno, you do realise south is no longer participating in the Singapore Cup. And you know why? Because its not worth it. Crap tournament, that is a waste of money for the club.
Qantas supports Australian Football
Guest
Adam Griffiths that is good news he will be a good addition..
Qantas supports Australian Football
Guest
The tactics will come from Crook, the Inspiration will come from Corica, and the motivation will come from Kalac.. Crook always demonstrates calmness when in the dressing sheds---he has a cool head and won't be rattled by any opposition, which is his strength..
Johnno
Guest
Look at this here Micheal Turner it is on south melbourne website as the evidence. http://www.smfc.com.au/news/1071/media-release-south-melbourne-fc-to-play-in-2011-rhb-singapore-cup/
Michael Turner
Roar Pro
Any reference on the South Melbourne Call? I had a squiz on the various websites and I couldn't find them listed on the competition
Midfielder
Guest
I do like this guy ....
Titus
Guest
Bridgey released, Adam Griffiths training with the squad. We have a lot of cap space and two visa spots to fill the final few positions.......exciting times. All the best Bridgey!
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
Thanks for this interview, John - exactly the sort of stuff I want on a sports website. Keep up the great work. PS: Let's hope for SFC's sake, Ian Crook is more ebullient when giving his motivational pre-game speech than he is in front of the camera giving interviews! :-)
Qantas supports Australian Football
Guest
Cole, Crook and now Pignata; SFC have finally a very strong administration in place. Add to that, Corica and Kalac the Club is looking very professional at the top and coaching staff. Now for a couple of extra good football player signings to be added to the squad---a striker, a central defender and this will be an exciting year ahead.. Really feeling very good about this year's campaign..
Johnno
Guest
It sure could the old NSL teams. old football vs new football. How about old football gets the chance to become new football. -Year 2012 sydney olympic -Asian champions league money spinner -pay tv deals -modern parramatta stadium or homebush or belmore or shark park or liechardht -merchandise -internet -globalisation and global tv and merchandise deals. eg Sydney olympic tv, like barca tv , or manu tv. South melbourne play now in the singapore champions league 1st division knockout cup which is good we need an FFA cup sooner rather than later.