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
Midfielder
Guest
Huge rumour DG to FFA ... BB to North Melbourne This article from a staff writer on 442 http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/242015,buckley-hails-gallop-amid-exit-rumours.aspx
nordster
Guest
Yes that's not an appointment I'd make nor u, but it's not our call I'd rather another background person, gallop would attract a lot more attention to the running of the league to the detriment of building focus on club level. That being said if its gallop in for Buckley then I guess it's just one for another
nordster
Guest
You are sounding very stuck in the past, people do change their views in a 25+ year intervening period. I was not around in those days, I'm guessing the situation was a little more complicated than u make out! Usually is more going on than the veneer of history would make it seem.
Qantas supports Australian Football
Guest
David Gallop may end up running the HAL .... Oh no not another crazy appointment by Frank Lowy?
Qantas supports Australian Football
Guest
That's where you are wrong in 1986 Frank Lowy destroyed his beloved Hakoah football club because he lost control of running it---so what did he do; he cut financial supply from the social club that he was still in control of.
nordster
Guest
Most people want it eventually, the day the league is ready for it will be a good one. Even your nemesis frank lowy u may find would feel the same.
Qantas supports Australian Football
Guest
Laugh out loud----Lawrie wants an independent football commission to run the HAL which I have been lobbing all along.. Gawd that's heartening news.. Take it out of the control of Frank Lowy before its too late.
nordster
Guest
Some candid comments there especially on China, fascinating The bit at the end there, all well and good to work with the bears bid ...pls don't let them tear up those beautiful new Football pitches though. If they use CoE let em train in the car park :)
Midfielder
Guest
Enjoyed the interview ... I used Google Speech Translator to help me ... everyone loves Lawrie on the Coast ... so glad he is back..