The A-League needs to understand where its niche is in the Australian market and not try and compete to be the AFL and NRL, according to Sydney FC head coach Ian Crook.
Crook says Australian football has evolved a lot since he first moved to this country in 1999, and believes we need to get more talented young players into the A-League to take it to the next level.
Last month Crook, former coach of Sydney FC’s National Youth League side, was promoted to head coach of the first team.
The Englishman said it is down to clubs and coaches to further develop young players and there is a bit a fear when it comes to blooding youngsters as coaches offer go for the safer option of established players.
Watch the full interview below.
Follow John on Twitter: @johnnyddavidson
shirefooty
Guest
I hope the football played is more exciting that this interview. If they can get their youth playing well like they did in '08 they might do well for years to come with, it's a shame for the club the last few years have been wasted by not continuing what looked like was going to be a club producing good youth players back then.
Qantas supports Australian Football
Guest
Sorry this interview left me thinking he's just happy to be receiving a paycheck. I want a lot more from you Ian---give me a belief of Australian Football rising to the top of the pyramid in Sydney one day..
pete4
Guest
The A-League's biggest competitor here is actually the English Premier League and UEFA Champions League IMO
Bondy
Guest
It's difficult to breed a culture of both youth and experience particuly when the seniors flop from club to club including asia a well. Are the Socceroos in the country ! What for ! I didn't know anything about it and I watch the evening news bulletins. I think it speaks for itself hey Titus , John's asking how the A League can brand itself better,and some people in this country dont know where playing an International tomorrow night. You cant brand for shut outs. Well done John.
Titus
Guest
Crooky certainly seems to have his head around the Football landscape in this country. He has made some bold and impressive moves since coming on at Sydney Football Club and I have a sense of confidence and comfort in what he is doing. As nice a guy as Lavicka was, he just never really understood how the game worked in this country.