As posted last week, it was strongly rumoured on various internet forums that Thai international and current Tampines Rovers player Sutee Suksomkit was on his way to the A-League to link up with fellow Thai Surat Sukha at Melbourne Victory. Suksomkit's signing was confirmed by the club earlier this week and he will stay for three months on a guest player deal. The Thai language sources were on the money and again Melbourne supporters were able to gather information about a potential club signing before official club press releases. Suksomkit's presence at Victory may help Sukha settle in a little more and the A-League champions may perhaps look at signing Suksomkit for its upcoming AFC Champions League campaign.
In other A-League player movement news:
Newcastle have signed 2007 Asian Cup winning Iraq international Ali Abbas for the remainder of the A-League season as an injury replacement player for Shaun Ontong.
Former Leeds United striker Michael Bridges will return to the A-League after signing with Newcastle for the remainder of the A-League season. Bridges' first stint in the A-League was with Sydney FC in the 2007/08 season.
North Queensland FC have managed to hang on to big Netherlands Antilles international Dyron Daal for a further 6-8 weeks on yet another injury replacement deal. The big Dutchman's willingness to remain in Townsville has been rewarded with a second stint at the club, although when this current deal expires it remains to be seen how Daal can remain in Townsville should coach Ian Ferguson be willing to sign him to a full-time contract.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
Thailand's Suksomkit to Melbourne Victory?
I have been alerted to a rumour that Thai international Sutee Suksomkit is set to join countryman Surat Sukha at A-League Champions Melbourne Victory in October on a three month deal, presumably as a guest player.
This scoop first surfaced on an edited Wikipedia page, however it seems some Melbourne supporters have done some digging and uncovered a more credible source from a Singapore football forum:
http://kallangroar.com/asean-footbal...otball-94.html "Sutee Suksomkit sign Melbourne Victory in A-League. Sutee became the thai player in Hyundai A-League next to Surat Sukha last night when he signed a contract at Melbourne Victory After, terminate contract for Tampines Rovers He will go to Australia on October 5th.The Thai Midfielder,will be paid $15,000 AUD per/month for 3 month."
For those that can understand Thai, this source seems to confirm suspicion that Suksomkit, currently with S-League outfit Tampines Rovers, is on his way to the A-League. While I could only catch Suksomkit's name, Melbourne Victory, and the A-League mentioned, others have had native speakers of Thai confirm the content of the video.
It is not unusual for the signing of Melbourne players to be announced in foreign media first, as we saw with the signings of Carlos Hernandez and Surat Sukha. As always nothing is confirmed until Melbourne Victory themselves confirm Suksomkit's signing.
Watch this space.
This scoop first surfaced on an edited Wikipedia page, however it seems some Melbourne supporters have done some digging and uncovered a more credible source from a Singapore football forum:
http://kallangroar.com/asean-footbal...otball-94.html "Sutee Suksomkit sign Melbourne Victory in A-League. Sutee became the thai player in Hyundai A-League next to Surat Sukha last night when he signed a contract at Melbourne Victory After, terminate contract for Tampines Rovers He will go to Australia on October 5th.The Thai Midfielder,will be paid $15,000 AUD per/month for 3 month."
For those that can understand Thai, this source seems to confirm suspicion that Suksomkit, currently with S-League outfit Tampines Rovers, is on his way to the A-League. While I could only catch Suksomkit's name, Melbourne Victory, and the A-League mentioned, others have had native speakers of Thai confirm the content of the video.
It is not unusual for the signing of Melbourne players to be announced in foreign media first, as we saw with the signings of Carlos Hernandez and Surat Sukha. As always nothing is confirmed until Melbourne Victory themselves confirm Suksomkit's signing.
Watch this space.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Australian Government "Sport on Television" Review
Below is my submission to the Australian Government's 'Sport on Television - Review of the anti-siphoning scheme'. My submission deals with the continual neglect that Australian national football teams have been treated with by this scheme in the face of record interest in football.
I strongly encourage fellow Australian football fans wishing to either see the Socceroos on the anti-siphoning list or debate the appropriateness of the scheme to make their own submissions to the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy via this link before 16 October 2009.
"The discussion paper clearly states that the main rationale of the anti-siphoning list is to ensure that 'sporting events of cultural significance and national importance can be made freely available to the Australian public.' I put it to the government that this rationale is not applied fairly to association football in Australia.
How, in any way, are matches involving our national association football teams not of cultural significance or national importance? One may find that of all football 'codes' in our nation, association football is best placed to offer a truly national footprint of interest. As shown in the discussion paper, Australia's World Cup qualifying matches against Qatar and Iraq, were two of the most watched Pay TV programs in 2008. Australia's defeat of Japan in June 2009 set a new record for Pay TV viewing numbers. And yet this is not good enough for the Socceroos to be taken seriously as perhaps our most prominent national sporting team?
In light of this, it is simply baffling that games involving our national association football teams are not included on the anti-siphoning list. One must wonder if it is a manifestation of the anachronistic attitude that association football is a foreign game and has no place on the Australian sporting landscape. This attitude is quite frankly out of touch. The decision to include the English FA Cup final on the list is puzzling on two fronts: the importance of this competition has arguably diminished in recent years, and I would argue that the match itself is not as culturally significant or nationally important in comparison to the Socceroos.
I strongly urge the government to reconsider the omission of our national association football teams from the anti-siphoning list. In regards to the Socceroos, this would ideally include placing all friendlies and Asian Cup and FIFA World Cup qualifiers on the anti-siphoning list.
When one considers the stunning viewer numbers of Socceroos matches on Pay TV, the Socceroos historic participation in a second straight FIFA World Cup, and to a lesser extent the growth of the A-League, the neglect shown towards association football in the anti-siphoning list clearly does not reflect that the game is bigger than ever in Australia and is indeed an integral part of our sporting landscape."
I strongly encourage fellow Australian football fans wishing to either see the Socceroos on the anti-siphoning list or debate the appropriateness of the scheme to make their own submissions to the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy via this link before 16 October 2009.
"The discussion paper clearly states that the main rationale of the anti-siphoning list is to ensure that 'sporting events of cultural significance and national importance can be made freely available to the Australian public.' I put it to the government that this rationale is not applied fairly to association football in Australia.
How, in any way, are matches involving our national association football teams not of cultural significance or national importance? One may find that of all football 'codes' in our nation, association football is best placed to offer a truly national footprint of interest. As shown in the discussion paper, Australia's World Cup qualifying matches against Qatar and Iraq, were two of the most watched Pay TV programs in 2008. Australia's defeat of Japan in June 2009 set a new record for Pay TV viewing numbers. And yet this is not good enough for the Socceroos to be taken seriously as perhaps our most prominent national sporting team?
In light of this, it is simply baffling that games involving our national association football teams are not included on the anti-siphoning list. One must wonder if it is a manifestation of the anachronistic attitude that association football is a foreign game and has no place on the Australian sporting landscape. This attitude is quite frankly out of touch. The decision to include the English FA Cup final on the list is puzzling on two fronts: the importance of this competition has arguably diminished in recent years, and I would argue that the match itself is not as culturally significant or nationally important in comparison to the Socceroos.
I strongly urge the government to reconsider the omission of our national association football teams from the anti-siphoning list. In regards to the Socceroos, this would ideally include placing all friendlies and Asian Cup and FIFA World Cup qualifiers on the anti-siphoning list.
When one considers the stunning viewer numbers of Socceroos matches on Pay TV, the Socceroos historic participation in a second straight FIFA World Cup, and to a lesser extent the growth of the A-League, the neglect shown towards association football in the anti-siphoning list clearly does not reflect that the game is bigger than ever in Australia and is indeed an integral part of our sporting landscape."
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
AFC players in the A-League: Update Round 6
Just after this season's A-League kickoff I introduced the six players from AFC nations who are taking to the field in this, the fifth season of the A-League. After six rounds fortunes have been mixed for these players, with some struggling for regular game time whilst others have been cementing starting positions.
So, how are these six players faring after Round 6 of this year's A-League season?
Byun Sung-Hwan
Republic of Korea
Sydney FC
Byun has featured in all six matches of Sydney's campaign so far this season and looks to be adapting well to the A-League. The experienced Korean has established himself as Sydney's regular left full-back and will most likely continue to play an important role in Vitezslav Lavicka's team.
Jiang Chen
China
Wellington
Chen has so far failed to make an appearance for Wellington in the matchday squad. With the experienced forward partnership of Chris Greenacre and Paul Ifill improving each week, the Chinese striker's prospects for regular game time look slim under coach Ricki Herbert. Chen, who is on a season-long loan deal from Chinese Super League club Tianjin Teda, will be hoping to at least be included on the bench in the next few weeks.
Kojiro Kaimoto
Japan
North Queensland
Kaimoto played a part in both of North Queensland's opening fixtures against Sydney FC and Gold Coast United, however the Japanese defender has not been included in Ian Ferguson's squad for the last four weeks. Perhaps being part of a defence which conceded five goals to a ruthless Gold Coast United in Round 2 has hindered Kaimoto's prospects of selection. Ian Ferguson has probably decided not to include the Japanese, who signed for North Queensland on a short-term deal only, in future matchday squads. Kaimoto will probably leave North Queensland having made just two appearances.
Shin In-Seob
Republic of Korea
Adelaide United
Young Shin In-Seob has enjoyed the least amount of game time out of this year's A-League Korean legion. Widely criticised for his Round 2 debut against Sydney FC, Shin is yet to start but has caught the eye with a decent technique and passing game. He looks a little raw and unrefined so perhaps coach Aurelio Vidmar will be exercising patience with this young player on his first professional contract.
Song Jin-Hyung
Republic of Korea
Newcastle
After the disappointment of missing most of Newcastle's AFC Champions League, the lively Korean has enjoyed six starts this season and 525 minutes of football in the midfield. The Newcastle crowd favourite looks to have stepped up a notch this season, linking up well with teammates such as fellow youngster Kaz Patafta. Song scored his second A-League goal against the Central Coast in Round 2 and has provided two assists. He will play an important part in Newcastle's prospects of finals football this year.
Surat Sukha
Thailand
Melbourne Victory
The Thai international made his Melbourne debut in the pulsating Round 2 encounter against Brisbane, coming on in the 78th minute and slotting in at left full-back. Sukha has played in every game since then, including his first start in the North Queensland heat in Round 3 thanks to the absence of regular defensive options such as Matthew Kemp. Hard working and with good skills, the Thai has already established himself as a favourite in Melbourne. He does however have a tendency to administer rash challenges and was lucky to stay on the pitch in Melbourne's 2-1 loss to Perth. Sukha is still most likely coming to terms with the physicality of the A-League. Discussion of his progress has to an extent been overshadowed by the departures and injuries of key Melbourne players, as well as Melbourne's underwhelming start to its A-League title defence.
So, how are these six players faring after Round 6 of this year's A-League season?
Byun Sung-Hwan
Republic of Korea
Sydney FC
Byun has featured in all six matches of Sydney's campaign so far this season and looks to be adapting well to the A-League. The experienced Korean has established himself as Sydney's regular left full-back and will most likely continue to play an important role in Vitezslav Lavicka's team.
Jiang Chen
China
Wellington
Chen has so far failed to make an appearance for Wellington in the matchday squad. With the experienced forward partnership of Chris Greenacre and Paul Ifill improving each week, the Chinese striker's prospects for regular game time look slim under coach Ricki Herbert. Chen, who is on a season-long loan deal from Chinese Super League club Tianjin Teda, will be hoping to at least be included on the bench in the next few weeks.
Kojiro Kaimoto
Japan
North Queensland
Kaimoto played a part in both of North Queensland's opening fixtures against Sydney FC and Gold Coast United, however the Japanese defender has not been included in Ian Ferguson's squad for the last four weeks. Perhaps being part of a defence which conceded five goals to a ruthless Gold Coast United in Round 2 has hindered Kaimoto's prospects of selection. Ian Ferguson has probably decided not to include the Japanese, who signed for North Queensland on a short-term deal only, in future matchday squads. Kaimoto will probably leave North Queensland having made just two appearances.
Shin In-Seob
Republic of Korea
Adelaide United
Young Shin In-Seob has enjoyed the least amount of game time out of this year's A-League Korean legion. Widely criticised for his Round 2 debut against Sydney FC, Shin is yet to start but has caught the eye with a decent technique and passing game. He looks a little raw and unrefined so perhaps coach Aurelio Vidmar will be exercising patience with this young player on his first professional contract.
Song Jin-Hyung
Republic of Korea
Newcastle
After the disappointment of missing most of Newcastle's AFC Champions League, the lively Korean has enjoyed six starts this season and 525 minutes of football in the midfield. The Newcastle crowd favourite looks to have stepped up a notch this season, linking up well with teammates such as fellow youngster Kaz Patafta. Song scored his second A-League goal against the Central Coast in Round 2 and has provided two assists. He will play an important part in Newcastle's prospects of finals football this year.
Surat Sukha
Thailand
Melbourne Victory
The Thai international made his Melbourne debut in the pulsating Round 2 encounter against Brisbane, coming on in the 78th minute and slotting in at left full-back. Sukha has played in every game since then, including his first start in the North Queensland heat in Round 3 thanks to the absence of regular defensive options such as Matthew Kemp. Hard working and with good skills, the Thai has already established himself as a favourite in Melbourne. He does however have a tendency to administer rash challenges and was lucky to stay on the pitch in Melbourne's 2-1 loss to Perth. Sukha is still most likely coming to terms with the physicality of the A-League. Discussion of his progress has to an extent been overshadowed by the departures and injuries of key Melbourne players, as well as Melbourne's underwhelming start to its A-League title defence.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
ASEAN and Australia
An interesting discussion was raised on FourFourTwo Australia's forums some weeks ago. It centred around Australia's status within the ASEAN Football Federation and Australia's possible participation in any future AFF Suzuki Cups. My understanding was that Australia was not a full member of the AFF and therefore is not entitled to participate in the AFF Suzuki Cup. Australia's youth teams, however, participate in all AFF youth tournaments as an invited nation. It is an interesting predicament which Australian football sits within, and for clarification I decided to contact the AFF themselves to see what they had to say. The response was thus:
"Hi there, just to clarify that Australia is not part of the Asean Football Federation (AFF) because the AFF was borne out of the political, social and economic partnerships between countries from South East Asian, which is ASEAN. But Australia is part of Asean in terms of qualification matches of the AFC. And as far as competitions organised by AFF, Australia is an invited team. I hope that it clarifies things. Thank you."
The response neglected to mention whether Australia has any place in future AFF Suzuki Cups however was largely predictable in content. Federations such as the AFF and EAFF are unique to Asia, reflecting the sheer size of the continent and continuing continental power politics.
Unlike most, if not all other nations in the AFC, Australia does not officially belong to a federation under the AFC such as the AFF or the EAFF. Australia does not benefit from the extra matches played within these federation tournaments. However, it can be argued that they are largely irrelevant for nations such as Japan and China and Australia would find it difficult to secure the release of players for federation tournaments. For the AFF, at least its tournament serves as a development platform and offers much needed matches to developing football nations such as Laos and the Philippines.
It is unlikely that we will see senior Australian teams participating in any AFF tournaments soon, however the participation of Australian youth teams in AFF tournaments can only benefit our integration into the region. Whether or not Australia can one day become a fully-fledged member of the AFF may have more to do with the fostering of political, social, and economic partnerships to which the AFF employee alluded.
Will Australia ever be seen as belonging to Asia in more than a footballing sense?
"Hi there, just to clarify that Australia is not part of the Asean Football Federation (AFF) because the AFF was borne out of the political, social and economic partnerships between countries from South East Asian, which is ASEAN. But Australia is part of Asean in terms of qualification matches of the AFC. And as far as competitions organised by AFF, Australia is an invited team. I hope that it clarifies things. Thank you."
The response neglected to mention whether Australia has any place in future AFF Suzuki Cups however was largely predictable in content. Federations such as the AFF and EAFF are unique to Asia, reflecting the sheer size of the continent and continuing continental power politics.
Unlike most, if not all other nations in the AFC, Australia does not officially belong to a federation under the AFC such as the AFF or the EAFF. Australia does not benefit from the extra matches played within these federation tournaments. However, it can be argued that they are largely irrelevant for nations such as Japan and China and Australia would find it difficult to secure the release of players for federation tournaments. For the AFF, at least its tournament serves as a development platform and offers much needed matches to developing football nations such as Laos and the Philippines.
It is unlikely that we will see senior Australian teams participating in any AFF tournaments soon, however the participation of Australian youth teams in AFF tournaments can only benefit our integration into the region. Whether or not Australia can one day become a fully-fledged member of the AFF may have more to do with the fostering of political, social, and economic partnerships to which the AFF employee alluded.
Will Australia ever be seen as belonging to Asia in more than a footballing sense?
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