Earlier in the week, Tim Cahill refused to kill off speculation of a short-term loan stint in the A-League during the MLS off-season to keep his fitness up ahead of the World Cup.
When Cahill moved from Everton to New York Red Bulls last July, he told the media that he decided to try MLS because it “would have been a step backwards” to return to Australia’s domestic league. “And that’s no disrespect. It is basically I want to still play at a high level,” said Cahill.
Those comments were made in July 2012.
In September, Alessandro Del Piero, Shinji Ono and Emile Heskey were recruited, opening up the A-League to an audience in Italy, Japan and England. Then we enjoyed an extremely close season and now this year Orlando Engelaar and William Gallas have joined the party down under.
Now that Cahill has come out and left the door open for an A-League appearance by saying “the league is more than strong enough, what we have built in the years past is something to be very proud of” should be considered a testament to the progression of the league under the leadership of David Gallop.
It would of course be a glorious moment in the history if the A-League could get Tim Cahill to ply his trade for a few weeks, even if it was only to keep his fitness up during the MLS off-season.
Cahill returning to play football in Australia would be like the saviour returning. In 2006, the golden boy scored Australia’s first World Cup goal and is arguably Australia’s best footballer of the last decade.
But which club would Cahill fit into? Let’s go on the basis that any A-League club would have him. He’s a Sydney boy; so the Sky Blues and Wanderers might have the inside running on that front.
He’s played under Frank Farina for the Socceroos, with Tony Popovic for the Socceroos, with Kevin Muscat for Millwall and the Socceroos as well as John Aloisi for the Socceroos. So if he decides based on how well he knows the manager, it’s off to either of the two Sydney or Melbourne clubs.
We all know of Cahill’s towering dominance in the air and there are clubs which would suit that ability more than others.
Out of all the A-League clubs, Sydney FC have had the highest percentage of successful crosses in their past two games; with 43% of their crosses against the Melbourne sides finding a man in the box
Perth sit second with 36% in their last two games and Western Sydney are just behind them with 35%.
Fourth-placed Newcastle has only had a quarter of their crosses find an attacker in their past two matches. If he decides based on where he will be given the best opportunity to find some goal-scoring form, it’s down to the two Sydney clubs and Perth.
Now, Sydney FC, Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory all have their Australian marquee players in Brett Emerton, Matt McKay and Archie Thompson.
That leaves the other seven clubs with room for Tim’s high pay packet outside their salary cap.
Notice the club which keeps popping up?
That’s right. If Timmy is playing in the A-League anytime soon, don’t be surprised to see him in the red and black hoops representing the Wanderers at Parramatta Stadium in front of a sell-out crowd.
Alez Valez
Roar Rookie
Well if we assess all options, Western Sydney Wanderers - Cahill has always said he is a western boy and proud of it, the team he would most like to play for, however other than merchandice sales Wanderers wouldnt get too much more out of it other than game day results. They already sell out most games. Central Coast Mariners - Lost a few players, and coach, Cahill would give them something to cheer about. Close to Sydney and his family, could they afford his pay tho ? Newcastle - Would help on the pitch thats for sure, and get more people into the stands, one of the teams that could really benefit in having him on a guest stint or as Oz marquee for the rest of the season till MLS pre-season starts. Brisbane - There squad is already looking good and they are playing well crowds are good, dont really need him. Melb Victory - Already have a decient squad too, and decient crowds, another team that could cope without him. Melb Heart - Prob the team that need him the most, bring in crowds, help with attacking play but would he want to play for them ? Sydney FC - Already bought in Del Piero, Emerton, the new Centreback (forget his name) , Garcia, the crowds are down but how many chances do they need to bring in more people. I think it would be a waste to have him at Sydney FC who have a good roster as is. Adelaide - Have a nice tidy team, consistant crowds each game, good football, not really needed here. Perth - Seem to be building at the moment so they may want him there, will help fill that new stand they built, Perth would benefit also. Wellington - No chance sorry! So at the end assessing it all i rank it as follows 1. Heart 2. Newcastle 3. Wanderers 4. Central Coast 5. Perth 6. Brisbane 7. Adelaide 8. Melb Victory 9. Sydney FC and Wellington are no chance
Boz
Guest
At present with Tommy being out injured, would it be a bad thing to have extra insurance up front and going into Asia it may help with changing the formation as no Australian team can have more than 3 non-AFC/OFC import players on a game day squad for the Asian Champions League
rob
Guest
If he comes to wonderland he would most probably replace santalab not juric
Paul
Guest
I would think Adelaide, Heart or Victory. Possibly also CCM.
Jorji Costava
Guest
Doubt Cahill would come back, he is deliberately staying away because of all the other "big timers" who have come back to the A-League and been "dacked". Here are some flops so far Aloisi, Kewell and Neill. Makes you wonder that these jokers are playing in these great clubs, with superb players around them. Do their team mates make them shine more? When they have to "lead" they just fall in a heap.
JR Salazar
Guest
Tim, come to Victory. We need you.
Ian
Guest
ha ha.....wise words indeed Cameron.
Youngalex
Guest
Surely you must know all about the most consistently successful club in the A League ;o]]
Titus
Guest
The who?
Matty C
Guest
no doubt, as long as it doesnt come at the expense of game time..
Youngalex
Guest
As usual no one mentions The Mariners, we are playing in Asia again this year, that'll keep him fit
AZ_RBB
Guest
LA Galaxy drew with Milan not long ago. So Serie A is equal with MLS?
striker
Guest
What a load of bull he went to the MLS for the money as that league is no better than ours as per the results when LA Galaxy came here.
Matthew
Guest
Tony Sage would probably try to get him over to Perth. Smeltz is having serious issues this season and even for a Loan period Cahill would fire things up.
onside
Guest
Wellington Phoen.....................just kidding guys, just kidding.
Tigranes
Guest
Melbourne Heart, god knows they could use a bit of help right now...
Christo the Daddyo
Guest
SFC are probably best placed to exploit the commercial opportunities of Cahill joining the A League, but the team that would benefit most from him joining would be Melbourne Heart.
Mantis
Roar Guru
He'd be able to learn a hell of a lot from Timmy though...
Mantis
Roar Guru
Mate. Are you serious. He is arguably Australias greatest ever player. He didn't want to come back and play because he wanted to play in a more competitive league so he was still up to international standard. What is wrong with that? He should be welcome back with open arms
Jacques
Guest
I'm from Melbourne but even if Cahill goes to Sydney it would be awesome