Central Coast Mariners general manager of football Lawrie McKinna expects more Australian footballers to head to China to take up the huge salaries on offer because they simply can’t get them in the A-League.
McKinna, who has coached two clubs in the Chinese Super League, believes it could be a drain on the A-League but it could also be a source of good income for local clubs.
“The more Aussie boys that go there and do well, the more will go there definitely,” he says.
“They can’t get that [kind of] money in the A-League.”
At the moment the likes of Joel Griffiths, Mile Sterjovski, Rostyn Griffiths and Milan Susak are currently playing in China
In the past, players such as Ryan Griffiths, Matt McKay, Mark Milligan, Mark Bridge, Adam Griffiths, Adam Kwasnik, Adam Wilkinson, Bruce Djite, Alex Wilkinson and Dean Heffernan have had stints in the Chinese Super League.
McKinna spoke to The Roar about his experiences in China, the Mariners struggles in the Asian Champions League and his opinions on the tough past 12 months for the A-League.
He also revealed why the Mariners have been so successful over their eight-year existence and the impact that a Central Coast Bears NRL side might have on the area.
Watch the full interview below.
Follow John on Twitter: @johnnyddavidson
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