Tough Times for Australia's A-League

As if North Queensland FC's recent ownership woes haven't given Football Federation Australia enough headaches in recent weeks, Australia's fledgling A-League may yet further be rocked by the sad revelation that Gold Coast United are set to fold after only one season of football. If that's the case, then A-League fans needn't bother about waiting for an anticipated 30-round season at all.

The collapse of the South-East Queensland club will deal a massive blow to the credibility of the league, and indeed may dissuade members of the business community from investing in football, particularly in targeted regional expansion areas such as Tasmania and Wollongong. The collapse of the Gold Coast would effectively take the FFA back to the drawing board in terms of expansion, and may make the organisation less willing to hand out licences to regional areas which hold a key stake in the future growth of the A-League.

I think that a stable, well-supported Gold Coast side would be a fabulous addition to the A-League, however the approach of the club in terms of community engagement and supporter base building has, from an outsider's view at least, been an utter failure. It may well be a simple case of not too many people on the Gold Coast particularly caring about football, however I find it hard to believe that there aren't enough fans in this rapidly growing area to average somewhere around 10,000 spectators per game.

Expanding into previously unchartered territory, at least at national league level, was never going to be easy for football in Australia. What is perhaps most disappointing about the Gold Coast's failure is billionaire owner Clive Palmer's attitude to the whole process, with him seemingly choosing to cut his losses and run without appreciating the fact that building a stable club on the Gold Coast may take years, but perhaps more importantly - millions of his cash.

So, if indeed we bid goodbye to Gold Coast United, what will they be remembered for? Apart from having the embarassing distinction of lasting a season less than even the disastrous New Zealand Knights, they certainly won't be remembered for their pulling power after drawing record low crowds all season. Things started relatively positively: a billionaire owner, a great rectangular stadium, and managing to lure back established Australian international Jason Culina on a million dollar a year deal, as well as a whole host of talent including Joel Porter, Bas Van Den Brink, and young Adama Traore from the Ivory Coast. Indeed, many experts tipped Gold Coast to challenge for the A-League title, however erratic form throughout the season put bed to that dream.

The Gold Coast eventually finished a respectable 3rd, before succumbing to 6th-placed Newcastle in a home final in front of another disappointing crowd. Their National Youth League side, however, went on to win the championship in what may sadly be the only piece of silverware the club ever takes.

With the potential loss of the Gold Coast, and the inclusion of yet another expansion side Melbourne Heart, next year's A-League may look like this: Adelaide United, Brisbane Roar, Central Coast Mariners, Melbourne Heart, Melbourne Victory, Newcastle Jets, North Queensland FC, Perth Glory, Sydney FC, Wellington Phoenix.

Daal Screamer Wins it for North Queensland

A left-foot screamer by perennial second half substitute Dyron Daal has secured North Queensland FC a deserved inaugural home victory over Perth Glory in Townsville this evening. North Queensland's habit of conceding cheap first half goals continued as Dutchman Victor Sikora scored for Perth in the 25th minute. A sense of 'this is all too familiar' clouded Dairy Farmers Stadium as Perth took their 1-0 lead to the half-time break.

Notorious for securing results in the second half, North Queensland came out of the half-time break a much better outfit and asked plenty of questions of the Perth defence. Star striker Robbie Fowler scored his sixth goal of the season on 65 minutes with a cheeky quick free kick which lifted the spirits of the home faithful. Minutes later coach Ian Ferguson emptied his bench by bringing on big Netherlands Antilles international Dyron Daal. Daal has been an impressive contributor off the bench in recent weeks, but tonight would be his most significant contribution for a club desperately looking to stay in touch with the rest of the competition.

Daal began on the right before moving up forward alongside Robbie Fowler. On 71 minutes, with his second touch of the game Daal received the ball in the penalty box. He turned onto his left foot before unleashing a left-foot drive past Perth goalkeeper Tando Velaphi which sent the green-clad stands into delirium. His goal was just reward for his recent performances and handed North Queensland hope of a first home win. The Greens held on to the 2-1 advantage and secured their first ever home victory - a deserved result and badly needed for the club's off-field credibility as well.

Daal is on a short-term contract replacing Karl Dodd. Once Dodd regains his fitness, it remains to be seen what will happen to Daal although I think he would be a loss for North Queensland. His chances of securing a full-time deal in the A-League have surely increased thanks to his history-making strike this evening.

In the other match of the evening, Thai international Sutee Suksomkit made his debut for Melbourne Victory in their 3-1 defeat of Adelaide United in front of more than 21,000 fans.

Suksomkit to Melbourne and other A-League Movements

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.

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.

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.

North Queensland pick up first A-League point

North Queensland FC picked up its first A-League point in yesterday evening's entertaining 3-3 draw with Adelaide United, however it could and probably should have been the club's first ever victory. Adelaide, however, amazingly almost snatched victory in the 93rd minute through a misdirected Cristiano header in what would have been another huge blow to the new A-League side. Australian football fans can breathe a sigh of relief that the A-League strugglers have finally picked up a point, but perhaps more importantly played decent football and outplayed an opponent for long periods of a match.

North Queensland perhaps surprisingly opened the scoring in the 5th minute through a composed Robbie Fowler finish. Fowler sweetly met fellow Englishman James Robinson's cross leaving Hindmarsh Stadium stunned. The Greens' habit of surrending cheap goals continued however, as defending and goalkeeping errors let in Reds pair Lucas Pantelis and Lloyd Owusu to claim the lead for Adelaide heading into half-time.

The second half belonged to North Queensland as Adelaide looked disjointed and struggled to move forward with real purpose. Ufuk Talay and Rostyn Griffiths both hit the post before big Netherlands Antilles international Dyron Daal gave the Townsville-based club a deserved equaliser in the 84th minute. Striker Daniel McBreen gave North Queensland the lead in the 87th minute with a bullet header. Adelaide, quite frankly, did not look like making a comeback until Daal bizarrely handled the ball in the Adelaide box in injury time. Pantelis obligingly scored from the spot, no doubt shattering the dreams of North Queensland fans for a first A-League win.

The talking point of the match has been Dyron Daal's bizarre injury time handball. Was it a foul by Reds defender Robert Cornthwaite? Was Daal pushed? What were Daal's hands doing up there in the first place? I do think Daal was fouled by Cornthwaite, but what Daal did was indeed very conspicuous and clumsy especially given his height. I feel for North Queensland and Daal. North Queensland were impressive and did not deserve to be robbed of their first A-League victory in such cruel circumstances, and Daal looked useful coming off the bench. Hopefully North Queensland can collect their first victory soon with Daal redeeming himself by being a big part of it.

In the other A-League match of the evening, defending champions Melbourne Victory continued their shocking record in Western Australia, succumbing 2-1 to an improving Perth Glory outfit.

Sukha makes promising A-League debut

Thai international Surat Sukha made history in Melbourne Victory's dramatic draw with Brisbane last night, becoming the first ever player from an ASEAN nation to play in the A-League. As expected, Sukha started on the bench, but was thrust into the pulsating encounter in the 79th minute as a substitute for Evan Berger. Sukha operated in his usual left full-back role and demonstrated a composed head on the ball and a willingness to go forward. The highlight of Sukha's debut was undoubtedly his driving run and long range effort on goal. It certainly roused the Thai-speaking fans sitting behind me who willed on their countryman with his every touch during the 3-3 draw.

Sukha's brief debut performance has been widely praised by Melbourne fans, with most wanting to see what the former Chonburi man can do in a starting role. Whether Ernie Merrick will give Sukha the chance to start against the bottom of the table North Queensland is up for speculation, as so far the Melbourne coach has preferred other defensive options. If Sukha does not start in the Townsville heat, however, we can probably expect to see him once again in a role off the bench and with another impressive performance can further stake his claim for a starting role in the coming weeks.

Sukha exuded spark and composure during his A-League debut and both Melbourne and Thailand fans should be pleased with his prospects.

AFC players in the A-League 2009/10

The 2009/10 season of the A-League will feature more players from fellow AFC nations than any season before. The reasons for the shift in recruitment focus from the lower leagues of England and Brazil to Asia are probably three-fold:

1. Australian clubs realising the need to become more integrated into the AFC. In the case of qualification for the AFC Champions League, signing an AFC player gives a club an extra foreign player in light of the 3+1 foreign player rule.
2. Australian clubs beginning to recognise and embrace the technical qualities of players from fellow AFC nations.
3. The growing credibility of the A-League as not only a decent league to play football in, but also as a viable gateway to a possible European move.

Also, while I don't think marketing and dollars plays a large part in persuading a club to sign an AFC player, signing an AFC player undoubtedly gives any A-League club a little more exposure in Asia. It also gives an A-League club a positive image as a welcome place for AFC players to play.

This year, six players from four AFC nations will line up in the A-League. They are:

Byun Sung-Hwan (Sydney FC, 1 game 0 goals)
Previous Club: Jeju United (Republic of Korea)
Position: Left Back

Byun is a 29-year old left back joining Vitezslav Lavicka's foreign legion at Sydney FC. He has been capped for the Korean national team twice and is signed to a two-year deal at Sydney. Made his debut and played the full 90 minutes against North Queensland on August 8. He looks a handy inclusion into the squad.

Jiang Chen (Wellington, 0 games 0 goals)
Previous Club: Tianjin Teda (China)
Position: Striker

Chen trialled with Wellington during their pre-season tour of China. He seemingly impressed enough to be offered a one-year loan deal. Chen did not feature in Wellington's Round 1 clash with Newcastle and it will be interesting to see how much game time he will get with Chris Greenacre, Paul Ifill, and Costa Barbarouses all offering striking options.

Kojiro Kaimoto (North Queensland, 1 game 0 goals)
Previous Club: Bonnyrigg (Australia), Tokyo Verdy (Japan)
Position: Right Back

Kaimoto was signed by North Queensland from NSWPL outfit Bonnyrigg on a short-term loan deal. The 31-year old is something of a journeyman in Asian football, having turned out for Gamba Osaka, Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma, Nagoya Grampus, Albirex Niigata, and Tokyo Verdy during his career. Kaimoto somewhat surprisingly played the full 90 minutes of North Queensland's first ever A-League match against Sydney FC. The first Japanese player in the A-League since season two, Kaimoto looks competent at A-League level and might be looking to secure a full A-League contract.

Shin In-Seob (Adelaide United, 0 games 0 goals)
Previous Club: Konkuk University (Republic of Korea)
Position: Attacking Midfielder

Shin is a dynamic 20-year old midfielder recruited straight from the Korean university league. He failed to play in Adelaide's opening weekend win over Perth due to his international clearance not coming through in time. He is untried at professional level although according to Adelaide United coach Aurelio Vidmar, "if he didn't come here he would probably have been chosen in the K-League somewhere." Shin's interest in playing in Australia was sparked by seeing Adelaide play in the AFC Champions League. Set to line up against Sydney FC in Round 2, Shin could well prove to be an astute get by the Reds.

Song Jin-Hyung (Newcastle, 22 games 1 goal)
Previous Club: FC Seoul (Republic of Korea)
Position: Attacking Midfielder

Song is another young Korean to watch in this season's A-League. Song disappointly missed most of Newcastle's AFC Champions League campaign through injury but will resume his midfield role this season with the Jets. Always energetic and looking to take players on, Song memorably nutmegged Melbourne's Matthew Kemp in the 2008/09 season. Probably needs to step his game up a bit this season.



Surat Sukha (Melbourne Victory, 0 games 0 goals)
Previous Club: Chonburi FC (Thailand)
Position: Full Back/Defensive Midfielder

Included in Melbourne's matchday squad for the Round 2 clash against Brisbane, Sukha will be hoping to make his A-League debut. Sukha has been capped 14 times by the Thai national team and actually played against Melbourne alongside fellow Melbourne recruit Ney Fabiano during Chonburi's 2008 AFC Champions League campaign. The first player from an ASEAN nation in top flight Australian football, Sukha will be hoping for a stellar season although Melbourne coach Ernie Merrick may prefer other defensive options.

Sukha to make A-League debut?

A-League champions Melbourne Victory have included Thai international Surat Sukha in their matchday squad for Saturday night's clash against Brisbane at Docklands Stadium. It is the first time Sukha has been included in Victory's matchday squad for an A-League fixture. Sukha has so far turned out for the club in just a handful of pre-season matches, most notably a friendly against English Premier League club Fulham.

Sukha was curiously omitted from last week's matchday squad which disappointly succumbed to a 2-0 home defeat at the hands of the Central Coast Mariners. With the injury of club captain Kevin Muscat, Victory's defensive stocks are thin and critics of coach Ernie Merrick's recruitment policy are growing more vociferous as the club looks to sign yet another striker.

Sukha is the first ever player from an ASEAN nation to play in Australia's top flight, and is one of a handful of AFC players recruited by A-League clubs in the off-season. He was signed from Thai Premier League club Chonburi to a two-year deal and should Sukha's stay in Australia prove to be a success, it is hoped that other A-League clubs will be encouraged to look for often underrated talent plying their trade in South-East Asia.

In being the first Thai player to sign for an A-League club, Sukha is something of a trailblazer and indeed an experiment. Australian football fans have become well aware of the technical quality on show in South-East Asia thanks to exposure to the Asian Cup and AFC Champions League. "I am very happy that I will be the first Thai player to play in Australia's top football league," Surat said. "I hope this will be the first step for other Thai players to follow", Sukha told the Bangkok Post in this article.