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Heart broken by last-place finish so Mark Bresciano, Josh Kennedy are marquee targets
  • DAVID DAVUTOVIC
  • HERALD SUN
  • APRIL 29, 2014 10:30PM
 
131927-02d3d556-cf85-11e3-ae84-eacdfc097

Melbourne Heart are reportedly interested in Mark Bresciano and Josh Kennedy as marquee players.Source: News Limited

JOSH Kennedy and Mark Bresciano have been identified as Melbourne Heart’s Australian marquee targets as the 2014-15 recruiting drive begins in earnest.

The new owners — The City Group — want to make two statement signings, pledging to fill both the international and Australian marquee positions after a poor campaign which saw them finish bottom.

They also plan to sign a guest player which, as revealed by the Herald Sun, could be New York City FC’s maiden marquee signing.

Heart officials will hold talks with the pair in the coming weeks when they join the Socceroos squad for the pre-World Cup camp in Sydney and are ready to make Kennedy or Bresciano the club’s highest paid player.

 

132749-b23aa8d4-cf86-11e3-ae84-eacdfc097

Josh Kennedy scores for Australia in the World Cup qualifier against Iraq at Stadium Australia. Source: News Limited

 

However they’re likely to be gazumped by the foreign marquee, with the new owners ready to spend well in excess of $1m to snag a quality attacker, eclipsing the $750,000 paid to Orlando Engelaar.

Kennedy, 31, looms as the most likely option with his Nagoya Grampus contract expiring at the end of the season — however the J. League season doesn’t conclude until December.

But the striker’s wife and former Australian Opal Jacinta Kennedy (nee Hamilton) returned to Melbourne with their three children in December before signing with WNBL outfit Dandenong Rangers after seven years abroad.

Bresciano, 34, trained with Heart in the summer during his controversial ban but he is contracted to Qatari club Al-Gharafa beyond this season on a lucrative contract.

 

132775-19abda92-cf87-11e3-ae84-eacdfc097

Aaron Mooy will join Heart from the Wanderers on a $300,000 annual contract next season. Source: Getty Images

 

Rival A-League clubs could make a play for Kennedy, including Sydney FC, but both he and Bresciano plan to live in Melbourne once they retire.

Last season’s Aussie marquee David Williams will be included inside the salary cap next season, so too Aaron Mooy who accepted a $300,000-a-year offer from Heart to sign from Western Sydney.

Engelaar, who won the goal of the year, has been offered a new deal which would also keep him inside the cap, although he’s likely to return to Holland to continue his career.

Coach John van’t Schip and football manager John Didulica are holding talks with Manchester City’s football officials Txiki Begiristain and Brain Marwood in the UK.

MELBOURNE HEART REPORT CARD

THE SEASON

6 wins, 8 draws, 13 losses

36 goals scored, 42 conceded

Finished 10th

DAVID DAVUTOVIC’S TOP 5

1 David Williams

2 Orlando Engelaar

3 Massimo Murdocca

4 Mate Dugandzic

5 Aziz Behich

MOST IMPROVED

Jason Hoffman

THE FLOP

Michael Mifsud

COMING

Aaron Mooy (Wanderers)

GOING

Orlando Engelaar

Patrick Gerhardt

GONE

Harry Kewell (retired)

Michael Mifsud (released)

WHAT IT NEEDS

Two marquee players will help and it can build from there, but a sharpshooting striker and creative attacking midfielder are necessities if Heart wants to play finals.

SEASON LEADERS

Best-and-fairest: David Williams

Top scorer: David Williams 12

Assists: Mate Dugandzic 8

Intercepts: Patrick Kisnorbo 123

Tackles: Massimo Murdocca 90

DAVUTOVIC’S VERDICT

A massively disappointing season. Heart should not have finished bottom with this squad. John Aloisi was sacked after going the first 12 games without a win, and while John van‘t Schip steadied the ship, Heart fell away late.

 

 

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/football/heart-broken-by-lastplace-finish-so-mark-bresciano-josh-kennedy-are-marquee-targets/story-fnk6rlg0-1226900132803

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http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/football/heart-broken-by-lastplace-finish-so-mark-bresciano-josh-kennedy-are-marquee-targets/story-fnk6rlg0-1226900132803

The HeraldSun is reporting we are chasing Josh Kennedy and Mark Bresciano. Our guest player is likely to be New York's marque player. I would think that player would be quite a big name given the cash that they're splashing around and given the Aleague usually gets the name players a tier down from the MLS.

IMO I think Kennedy is the better get as he's been playing at a higher level in recents years.

 
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<p>

Heart broken by last-place finish so Mark Bresciano, Josh Kennedy are marquee targets

DAVID DAVUTOVICHERALD SUNAPRIL 29, 2014 10:30PM

131927-02d3d556-cf85-11e3-ae84-eacdfc097

Melbourne Heart are reportedly interested in Mark Bresciano and Josh Kennedy as marquee players.Source: News Limited

JOSH Kennedy and Mark Bresciano have been identified as Melbourne Heart’s Australian marquee targets as the 2014-15 recruiting drive begins in earnest.

The new owners — The City Group — want to make two statement signings, pledging to fill both the international and Australian marquee positions after a poor campaign which saw them finish bottom.

They also plan to sign a guest player which, as revealed by the Herald Sun, could be New York City FC’s maiden marquee signing.

Heart officials will hold talks with the pair in the coming weeks when they join the Socceroos squad for the pre-World Cup camp in Sydney and are ready to make Kennedy or Bresciano the club’s highest paid player.

132749-b23aa8d4-cf86-11e3-ae84-eacdfc097

Josh Kennedy scores for Australia in the World Cup qualifier against Iraq at Stadium Australia. Source: News Limited

However they’re likely to be gazumped by the foreign marquee, with the new owners ready to spend well in excess of $1m to snag a quality attacker, eclipsing the $750,000 paid to Orlando Engelaar.

Kennedy, 31, looms as the most likely option with his Nagoya Grampus contract expiring at the end of the season — however the J. League season doesn’t conclude until December.

But the striker’s wife and former Australian Opal Jacinta Kennedy (nee Hamilton) returned to Melbourne with their three children in December before signing with WNBL outfit Dandenong Rangers after seven years abroad.

Bresciano, 34, trained with Heart in the summer during his controversial ban but he is contracted to Qatari club Al-Gharafa beyond this season on a lucrative contract.

132775-19abda92-cf87-11e3-ae84-eacdfc097

Aaron Mooy will join Heart from the Wanderers on a $300,000 annual contract next season. Source: Getty Images

Rival A-League clubs could make a play for Kennedy, including Sydney FC, but both he and Bresciano plan to live in Melbourne once they retire.

Last season’s Aussie marquee David Williams will be included inside the salary cap next season, so too Aaron Mooy who accepted a $300,000-a-year offer from Heart to sign from Western Sydney.

Engelaar, who won the goal of the year, has been offered a new deal which would also keep him inside the cap, although he’s likely to return to Holland to continue his career.

Coach John van’t Schip and football manager John Didulica are holding talks with Manchester City’s football officials Txiki Begiristain and Brain Marwood in the UK.

MELBOURNE HEART REPORT CARD

THE SEASON

6 wins, 8 draws, 13 losses

36 goals scored, 42 conceded

Finished 10th

DAVID DAVUTOVIC’S TOP 5

1 David Williams

2 Orlando Engelaar

3 Massimo Murdocca

4 Mate Dugandzic

5 Aziz Behich

MOST IMPROVED

Jason Hoffman

THE FLOP

Michael Mifsud

COMING

Aaron Mooy (Wanderers)

GOING

Orlando Engelaar

Patrick Gerhardt

GONE

Harry Kewell (retired)

Michael Mifsud (released)

WHAT IT NEEDS

Two marquee players will help and it can build from there, but a sharpshooting striker and creative attacking midfielder are necessities if Heart wants to play finals.

SEASON LEADERS

Best-and-fairest: David Williams

Top scorer: David Williams 12

Assists: Mate Dugandzic 8

Intercepts: Patrick Kisnorbo 123

Tackles: Massimo Murdocca 90

DAVUTOVIC’S VERDICT

A massively disappointing season. Heart should not have finished bottom with this squad. John Aloisi was sacked after going the first 12 games without a win, and while John van‘t Schip steadied the ship, Heart fell away late.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/football/heart-broken-by-lastplace-finish-so-mark-bresciano-josh-kennedy-are-marquee-targets/story-fnk6rlg0-1226900132803

The disturbing thing about this article is the Aziz Behich is rated in our top 5 players of the year.

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<p>

Heart broken by last-place finish so Mark Bresciano, Josh Kennedy are marquee targets

DAVID DAVUTOVICHERALD SUNAPRIL 29, 2014 10:30PM

 

131927-02d3d556-cf85-11e3-ae84-eacdfc097

Melbourne Heart are reportedly interested in Mark Bresciano and Josh Kennedy as marquee players.Source: News Limited

JOSH Kennedy and Mark Bresciano have been identified as Melbourne Heart’s Australian marquee targets as the 2014-15 recruiting drive begins in earnest.

The new owners — The City Group — want to make two statement signings, pledging to fill both the international and Australian marquee positions after a poor campaign which saw them finish bottom.

They also plan to sign a guest player which, as revealed by the Herald Sun, could be New York City FC’s maiden marquee signing.

Heart officials will hold talks with the pair in the coming weeks when they join the Socceroos squad for the pre-World Cup camp in Sydney and are ready to make Kennedy or Bresciano the club’s highest paid player.

132749-b23aa8d4-cf86-11e3-ae84-eacdfc097

Josh Kennedy scores for Australia in the World Cup qualifier against Iraq at Stadium Australia. Source: News Limited

However they’re likely to be gazumped by the foreign marquee, with the new owners ready to spend well in excess of $1m to snag a quality attacker, eclipsing the $750,000 paid to Orlando Engelaar.

Kennedy, 31, looms as the most likely option with his Nagoya Grampus contract expiring at the end of the season — however the J. League season doesn’t conclude until December.

But the striker’s wife and former Australian Opal Jacinta Kennedy (nee Hamilton) returned to Melbourne with their three children in December before signing with WNBL outfit Dandenong Rangers after seven years abroad.

Bresciano, 34, trained with Heart in the summer during his controversial ban but he is contracted to Qatari club Al-Gharafa beyond this season on a lucrative contract.

132775-19abda92-cf87-11e3-ae84-eacdfc097

Aaron Mooy will join Heart from the Wanderers on a $300,000 annual contract next season. Source: Getty Images

Rival A-League clubs could make a play for Kennedy, including Sydney FC, but both he and Bresciano plan to live in Melbourne once they retire.

Last season’s Aussie marquee David Williams will be included inside the salary cap next season, so too Aaron Mooy who accepted a $300,000-a-year offer from Heart to sign from Western Sydney.

Engelaar, who won the goal of the year, has been offered a new deal which would also keep him inside the cap, although he’s likely to return to Holland to continue his career.

Coach John van’t Schip and football manager John Didulica are holding talks with Manchester City’s football officials Txiki Begiristain and Brain Marwood in the UK.

MELBOURNE HEART REPORT CARD

THE SEASON

6 wins, 8 draws, 13 losses

36 goals scored, 42 conceded

Finished 10th

DAVID DAVUTOVIC’S TOP 5

1 David Williams

2 Orlando Engelaar

3 Massimo Murdocca

4 Mate Dugandzic

5 Aziz Behich

MOST IMPROVED

Jason Hoffman

THE FLOP

Michael Mifsud

COMING

Aaron Mooy (Wanderers)

GOING

Orlando Engelaar

Patrick Gerhardt

GONE

Harry Kewell (retired)

Michael Mifsud (released)

WHAT IT NEEDS

Two marquee players will help and it can build from there, but a sharpshooting striker and creative attacking midfielder are necessities if Heart wants to play finals.

SEASON LEADERS

Best-and-fairest: David Williams

Top scorer: David Williams 12

Assists: Mate Dugandzic 8

Intercepts: Patrick Kisnorbo 123

Tackles: Massimo Murdocca 90

DAVUTOVIC’S VERDICT

A massively disappointing season. Heart should not have finished bottom with this squad. John Aloisi was sacked after going the first 12 games without a win, and while John van‘t Schip steadied the ship, Heart fell away late.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/football/heart-broken-by-lastplace-finish-so-mark-bresciano-josh-kennedy-are-marquee-targets/story-fnk6rlg0-1226900132803

The disturbing thing about this article is the Aziz Behich is rated in our top 5 players of the year.

 

Agreed - Where is Kisnorbo?

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<p>

Heart broken by last-place finish so Mark Bresciano, Josh Kennedy are marquee targets

DAVID DAVUTOVICHERALD SUNAPRIL 29, 2014 10:30PM

 

131927-02d3d556-cf85-11e3-ae84-eacdfc097

Melbourne Heart are reportedly interested in Mark Bresciano and Josh Kennedy as marquee players.Source: News Limited

JOSH Kennedy and Mark Bresciano have been identified as Melbourne Heart’s Australian marquee targets as the 2014-15 recruiting drive begins in earnest.

The new owners — The City Group — want to make two statement signings, pledging to fill both the international and Australian marquee positions after a poor campaign which saw them finish bottom.

They also plan to sign a guest player which, as revealed by the Herald Sun, could be New York City FC’s maiden marquee signing.

Heart officials will hold talks with the pair in the coming weeks when they join the Socceroos squad for the pre-World Cup camp in Sydney and are ready to make Kennedy or Bresciano the club’s highest paid player.

132749-b23aa8d4-cf86-11e3-ae84-eacdfc097

Josh Kennedy scores for Australia in the World Cup qualifier against Iraq at Stadium Australia. Source: News Limited

However they’re likely to be gazumped by the foreign marquee, with the new owners ready to spend well in excess of $1m to snag a quality attacker, eclipsing the $750,000 paid to Orlando Engelaar.

Kennedy, 31, looms as the most likely option with his Nagoya Grampus contract expiring at the end of the season — however the J. League season doesn’t conclude until December.

But the striker’s wife and former Australian Opal Jacinta Kennedy (nee Hamilton) returned to Melbourne with their three children in December before signing with WNBL outfit Dandenong Rangers after seven years abroad.

Bresciano, 34, trained with Heart in the summer during his controversial ban but he is contracted to Qatari club Al-Gharafa beyond this season on a lucrative contract.

132775-19abda92-cf87-11e3-ae84-eacdfc097

Aaron Mooy will join Heart from the Wanderers on a $300,000 annual contract next season. Source: Getty Images

Rival A-League clubs could make a play for Kennedy, including Sydney FC, but both he and Bresciano plan to live in Melbourne once they retire.

Last season’s Aussie marquee David Williams will be included inside the salary cap next season, so too Aaron Mooy who accepted a $300,000-a-year offer from Heart to sign from Western Sydney.

Engelaar, who won the goal of the year, has been offered a new deal which would also keep him inside the cap, although he’s likely to return to Holland to continue his career.

Coach John van’t Schip and football manager John Didulica are holding talks with Manchester City’s football officials Txiki Begiristain and Brain Marwood in the UK.

MELBOURNE HEART REPORT CARD

THE SEASON

6 wins, 8 draws, 13 losses

36 goals scored, 42 conceded

Finished 10th

DAVID DAVUTOVIC’S TOP 5

1 David Williams

2 Orlando Engelaar

3 Massimo Murdocca

4 Mate Dugandzic

5 Aziz Behich

MOST IMPROVED

Jason Hoffman

THE FLOP

Michael Mifsud

COMING

Aaron Mooy (Wanderers)

GOING

Orlando Engelaar

Patrick Gerhardt

GONE

Harry Kewell (retired)

Michael Mifsud (released)

WHAT IT NEEDS

Two marquee players will help and it can build from there, but a sharpshooting striker and creative attacking midfielder are necessities if Heart wants to play finals.

SEASON LEADERS

Best-and-fairest: David Williams

Top scorer: David Williams 12

Assists: Mate Dugandzic 8

Intercepts: Patrick Kisnorbo 123

Tackles: Massimo Murdocca 90

DAVUTOVIC’S VERDICT

A massively disappointing season. Heart should not have finished bottom with this squad. John Aloisi was sacked after going the first 12 games without a win, and while John van‘t Schip steadied the ship, Heart fell away late.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/football/heart-broken-by-lastplace-finish-so-mark-bresciano-josh-kennedy-are-marquee-targets/story-fnk6rlg0-1226900132803

The disturbing thing about this article is the Aziz Behich is rated in our top 5 players of the year.

 

Agreed - Where is Kisnorbo?

 

Did Davutovic even watch any of our games? 

On no planet was Behich a better player than Kisnorbo this season.

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<p>

Heart broken by last-place finish so Mark Bresciano, Josh Kennedy are marquee targets

DAVID DAVUTOVICHERALD SUNAPRIL 29, 2014 10:30PM

 

131927-02d3d556-cf85-11e3-ae84-eacdfc097

Melbourne Heart are reportedly interested in Mark Bresciano and Josh Kennedy as marquee players.Source: News Limited

JOSH Kennedy and Mark Bresciano have been identified as Melbourne Heart’s Australian marquee targets as the 2014-15 recruiting drive begins in earnest.

The new owners — The City Group — want to make two statement signings, pledging to fill both the international and Australian marquee positions after a poor campaign which saw them finish bottom.

They also plan to sign a guest player which, as revealed by the Herald Sun, could be New York City FC’s maiden marquee signing.

Heart officials will hold talks with the pair in the coming weeks when they join the Socceroos squad for the pre-World Cup camp in Sydney and are ready to make Kennedy or Bresciano the club’s highest paid player.

132749-b23aa8d4-cf86-11e3-ae84-eacdfc097

Josh Kennedy scores for Australia in the World Cup qualifier against Iraq at Stadium Australia. Source: News Limited

However they’re likely to be gazumped by the foreign marquee, with the new owners ready to spend well in excess of $1m to snag a quality attacker, eclipsing the $750,000 paid to Orlando Engelaar.

Kennedy, 31, looms as the most likely option with his Nagoya Grampus contract expiring at the end of the season — however the J. League season doesn’t conclude until December.

But the striker’s wife and former Australian Opal Jacinta Kennedy (nee Hamilton) returned to Melbourne with their three children in December before signing with WNBL outfit Dandenong Rangers after seven years abroad.

Bresciano, 34, trained with Heart in the summer during his controversial ban but he is contracted to Qatari club Al-Gharafa beyond this season on a lucrative contract.

132775-19abda92-cf87-11e3-ae84-eacdfc097

Aaron Mooy will join Heart from the Wanderers on a $300,000 annual contract next season. Source: Getty Images

Rival A-League clubs could make a play for Kennedy, including Sydney FC, but both he and Bresciano plan to live in Melbourne once they retire.

Last season’s Aussie marquee David Williams will be included inside the salary cap next season, so too Aaron Mooy who accepted a $300,000-a-year offer from Heart to sign from Western Sydney.

Engelaar, who won the goal of the year, has been offered a new deal which would also keep him inside the cap, although he’s likely to return to Holland to continue his career.

Coach John van’t Schip and football manager John Didulica are holding talks with Manchester City’s football officials Txiki Begiristain and Brain Marwood in the UK.

MELBOURNE HEART REPORT CARD

THE SEASON

6 wins, 8 draws, 13 losses

36 goals scored, 42 conceded

Finished 10th

DAVID DAVUTOVIC’S TOP 5

1 David Williams

2 Orlando Engelaar

3 Massimo Murdocca

4 Mate Dugandzic

5 Aziz Behich

MOST IMPROVED

Jason Hoffman

THE FLOP

Michael Mifsud

COMING

Aaron Mooy (Wanderers)

GOING

Orlando Engelaar

Patrick Gerhardt

GONE

Harry Kewell (retired)

Michael Mifsud (released)

WHAT IT NEEDS

Two marquee players will help and it can build from there, but a sharpshooting striker and creative attacking midfielder are necessities if Heart wants to play finals.

SEASON LEADERS

Best-and-fairest: David Williams

Top scorer: David Williams 12

Assists: Mate Dugandzic 8

Intercepts: Patrick Kisnorbo 123

Tackles: Massimo Murdocca 90

DAVUTOVIC’S VERDICT

A massively disappointing season. Heart should not have finished bottom with this squad. John Aloisi was sacked after going the first 12 games without a win, and while John van‘t Schip steadied the ship, Heart fell away late.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/football/heart-broken-by-lastplace-finish-so-mark-bresciano-josh-kennedy-are-marquee-targets/story-fnk6rlg0-1226900132803

The disturbing thing about this article is the Aziz Behich is rated in our top 5 players of the year.

 

Agreed - Where is Kisnorbo?

 

Did Davutovic even watch any of our games? 

On no planet was Behich a better player than Kisnorbo this season.

 

 

Whats even more disturbing is that the Behich name wasnt mentioned in the 'GOING' section. Hope his Turkish club doesnt think they can leave him here. 

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As much as people think Aziz is crap at what he does... There are more pros than cons if he does stay.

He is better than most LB's, his contact is mostly paid for by Turkey, he has the experience, he plays with conviction, he is a leader would the club and has a professional demeanar. I can only see him getting better under new direction. It could be beneficial for both parties, manc and bersa, if he stayed for another season.

Unless bersa want him back for preseason with them to see how he's tracking and make a decision then.

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As much as people think Aziz is crap at what he does... There are more pros than cons if he does stay.

He is better than most LB's, his contact is mostly paid for by Turkey, he has the experience, he plays with conviction, he is a leader would the club and has a professional demeanar. I can only see him getting better under new direction. It could be beneficial for both parties, manc and bersa, if he stayed for another season.

Unless bersa want him back for preseason with them to see how he's tracking and make a decision then.

Can't defend and track back to save his life...

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As much as people think Aziz is crap at what he does... There are more pros than cons if he does stay.

He is better than most LB's, his contact is mostly paid for by Turkey, he has the experience, he plays with conviction, he is a leader would the club and has a professional demeanar. I can only see him getting better under new direction. It could be beneficial for both parties, manc and bersa, if he stayed for another season.

Unless bersa want him back for preseason with them to see how he's tracking and make a decision then.

Can't defend and track back to save his life...

 

Also, he barely made any of his dashing runs down the wing this season either so as a result, was largely ineffective for most of the season.

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http://www.afr.com/p/lifestyle/sport/anger_as_ffa_fee_hits_glamour_tour_K4qT2R599mo2jvAncNisGL

Anger as $250k FFA fee hits glamour tour games

PUBLISHED: 2 hours 10 MINUTES AGO | UPDATE: 2 hours 10 MINUTES AGO

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John Stensholt

 

Football Federation Australia has attracted the ire of A-League club owners by moving to impose a $250,000 sanction fee on any international friendly matches the clubs organise against famous overseas teams.

Clubs were recently informed of the change, which could put in jeopardy future tour matches such as the clash between Melbourne Victory and English Premier League giants Liverpool last year that attracted 95,000 spectators to the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

FFA also organises its own matches against overseas opposition through the A-League All Stars team, which played Manchester United last year and will meet Italian club Juventus in Sydney in August.

Previously it charged the club 5 per cent of gate takings to sanction other matches.

The Juventus match is the next high-profile event on the football calendar after the Socceroos play South Africa on May 26 and Sunday’s A-League grand final, in which Brisbane Roar beat Western Sydney Wanderers 2-1.

It is understood the FFA is in negotiations with a top English side for the 2015 off-season and has approached European clubs to tour in 2016. It is hoped an announcement on the 2015 match will come by the end of this year.

Club sources say the increased payment, as well as the FFA already holding broadcast rights to the matches, is aimed at deterring clubs from organising their own matches and instead leaving the overseas tours for only the All-Stars, from which the FFA can make up to $1 million a match.

Manchester City have already withdrawn from a May tour during which they had planned to play their ­subsidiary, Melbourne Heart, and Brisbane Roar, while clubs such as Melbourne Victory are reconsidering plans for 2015 matches.

However, it is understood the FFA sees the move as ensuring clubs only bring out top-class opponents capable of generating large financial returns that would allow for the new sanction fee to be affordable.

Some matches in recent years, including Victory versus Greek team Olympiakos, have failed to generate large financial returns.

 

What a selfish, short-sighted and stupid decision by the FFA. Clubs should be free to play whoever they want, whenever they want. The MV vs Liverpool match was probably one of the greatest attended matches with the best atmosphere of any sporting event in many years. Why would you want to risk that. Even if you organise against a no name foreign team and only get 5000 turning up who cares? Its the clubs decision and they will runthe risk and reap the reward or suffer the financial loss

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<p>

http://www.afr.com/p/lifestyle/sport/anger_as_ffa_fee_hits_glamour_tour_K4qT2R599mo2jvAncNisGL Anger as $250k FFA fee hits glamour tour games

PUBLISHED: 2 hours 10 MINUTES AGO | UPDATE: 2 hours 10 MINUTES AGO

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John Stensholt

Football Federation Australia has attracted the ire of A-League club owners by moving to impose a $250,000 sanction fee on any international friendly matches the clubs organise against famous overseas teams.

Clubs were recently informed of the change, which could put in jeopardy future tour matches such as the clash between Melbourne Victory and English Premier League giants Liverpool last year that attracted 95,000 spectators to the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

FFA also organises its own matches against overseas opposition through the A-League All Stars team, which played Manchester United last year and will meet Italian club Juventus in Sydney in August.

Previously it charged the club 5 per cent of gate takings to sanction other matches.

The Juventus match is the next high-profile event on the football calendar after the Socceroos play South Africa on May 26 and Sunday’s A-League grand final, in which Brisbane Roar beat Western Sydney Wanderers 2-1.

It is understood the FFA is in negotiations with a top English side for the 2015 off-season and has approached European clubs to tour in 2016. It is hoped an announcement on the 2015 match will come by the end of this year.

Club sources say the increased payment, as well as the FFA already holding broadcast rights to the matches, is aimed at deterring clubs from organising their own matches and instead leaving the overseas tours for only the All-Stars, from which the FFA can make up to $1 million a match.

Manchester City have already withdrawn from a May tour during which they had planned to play their ­subsidiary, Melbourne Heart, and Brisbane Roar, while clubs such as Melbourne Victory are reconsidering plans for 2015 matches.

However, it is understood the FFA sees the move as ensuring clubs only bring out top-class opponents capable of generating large financial returns that would allow for the new sanction fee to be affordable.

Some matches in recent years, including Victory versus Greek team Olympiakos, have failed to generate large financial returns.

What a selfish, short-sighted and stupid decision by the FFA. Clubs should be free to play whoever they want, whenever they want. The MV vs Liverpool match was probably one of the greatest attended matches with the best atmosphere of any sporting event in many years. Why would you want to risk that. Even if you organise against a no name foreign team and only get 5000 turning up who cares? Its the clubs decision and they will runthe risk and reap the reward or suffer the financial loss

Tbh I don't mind the FFA taking a cut, Aslong as they either put it back directly into the game or give it to the financially strapped clubs as an equilisation measure

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This isn't a problem for City coming down next season, they don't have to split the profets.

While they won’t have to split the profits they will still need to pay $250,000. If they think the A-league All Stars will make up to $1million, any Man City game would probably make less. Man City being not that well supported compared to the other big Euro clubs. So maybe they’d make $750,000. So 1/3 of the profits would go to the FFA.

 

They might be able to get around a loop-hole but if they did the FFA would look for payback in some other way

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http://www.afr.com/p/lifestyle/sport/anger_as_ffa_fee_hits_glamour_tour_K4qT2R599mo2jvAncNisGL Anger as $250k FFA fee hits glamour tour games

PUBLISHED: 2 hours 10 MINUTES AGO | UPDATE: 2 hours 10 MINUTES AGO

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John Stensholt

Football Federation Australia has attracted the ire of A-League club owners by moving to impose a $250,000 sanction fee on any international friendly matches the clubs organise against famous overseas teams.

Clubs were recently informed of the change, which could put in jeopardy future tour matches such as the clash between Melbourne Victory and English Premier League giants Liverpool last year that attracted 95,000 spectators to the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

FFA also organises its own matches against overseas opposition through the A-League All Stars team, which played Manchester United last year and will meet Italian club Juventus in Sydney in August.

Previously it charged the club 5 per cent of gate takings to sanction other matches.

The Juventus match is the next high-profile event on the football calendar after the Socceroos play South Africa on May 26 and Sunday’s A-League grand final, in which Brisbane Roar beat Western Sydney Wanderers 2-1.

It is understood the FFA is in negotiations with a top English side for the 2015 off-season and has approached European clubs to tour in 2016. It is hoped an announcement on the 2015 match will come by the end of this year.

Club sources say the increased payment, as well as the FFA already holding broadcast rights to the matches, is aimed at deterring clubs from organising their own matches and instead leaving the overseas tours for only the All-Stars, from which the FFA can make up to $1 million a match.

Manchester City have already withdrawn from a May tour during which they had planned to play their ­subsidiary, Melbourne Heart, and Brisbane Roar, while clubs such as Melbourne Victory are reconsidering plans for 2015 matches.

However, it is understood the FFA sees the move as ensuring clubs only bring out top-class opponents capable of generating large financial returns that would allow for the new sanction fee to be affordable.

Some matches in recent years, including Victory versus Greek team Olympiakos, have failed to generate large financial returns.

What a selfish, short-sighted and stupid decision by the FFA. Clubs should be free to play whoever they want, whenever they want. The MV vs Liverpool match was probably one of the greatest attended matches with the best atmosphere of any sporting event in many years. Why would you want to risk that. Even if you organise against a no name foreign team and only get 5000 turning up who cares? Its the clubs decision and they will runthe risk and reap the reward or suffer the financial loss

Tbh I don't mind the FFA taking a cut, Aslong as they either put it back directly into the game or give it to the financially strapped clubs as an equilisation measure

 

I think a share is fair enough like it was previously 5% maybe 10%. But not a flat $250k. At that amount at least FFA would make 1/4 of the profits

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"Some matches in recent years, including Victory versus Greek team Olympiakos, have failed to generate large financial returns."

There it is in a nutshell. Force them to pay FFA $250k. Then the FFA is happy and doesn't have to give a shit if the games go bust and clubs don't make any money from them.

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What we have in a nutshell is the fact that FFA continues to own the franchises, and the so-called "club owners" actually own only the licences to operate the franchises in the A-League...and, presumably, the FFA Cup... and now even friendly matches.

 

Football in this country can never realise its potential with this ludicrous arrangement. I can see the "club owners" and FFA eventually squaring up on this issue and bringing matters to a head.

 

I have a fundamental opposition to these exhibition/friendly matches in the first place, having been so bitterly disappointed in what was on offer at excessive prices in the past, and an even greater antipathy to this "All-Stars" concept, which I will never support.

 

The exception for me would be matches between Heart and the other members of the City "family." They would have some meaning for me. The rest are, quite frankly, just a crock of shit and are not worthy of support.

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Are you arguing against friendlies at all, or high profile friendlies in particular? Surely there is some benefit to friendlies, the likes of which Heart play against local teams? You have to go into the season having had at least some opportunity to gel your squad before beginning competitive action?

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I'm against the all stars games but I don't see why the big games for clubs against EPL teams is so bad. Not everyone travels overseas so at the very least it's a chance for some fans to see their favourite team strut their stuff. Sure, make the prices fair but other than that I don't see why they are a bad idea. 

 

As for the FFA wanting 250K well that's just ridiculous. 

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I'm against the all stars games but I don't see why the big games for clubs against EPL teams is so bad. Not everyone travels overseas so at the very least it's a chance for some fans to see their favourite team strut their stuff. Sure, make the prices fair but other than that I don't see why they are a bad idea. 

 

As for the FFA wanting 250K well that's just ridiculous. 

OK, yes, it was a bit of  "Monday morning rant"...I guess really about the heavy hand of FFA than anything else. I don't resile from the view that football in this country will not realise its potential unless the A-League "clubs" are allowed to develop their individual identities. To do that they need to be allowed freedoms that they don't have now.

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I'm against the all stars games but I don't see why the big games for clubs against EPL teams is so bad. Not everyone travels overseas so at the very least it's a chance for some fans to see their favourite team strut their stuff. Sure, make the prices fair but other than that I don't see why they are a bad idea. 

 

As for the FFA wanting 250K well that's just ridiculous.

I don't resile from the view that football in this country will not realise its potential unless the A-League "clubs" are allowed to develop their individual identities. To do that they need to be allowed freedoms that they don't have now.

This

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Studs Up: following the A-League’s conclusion, who are the top free agents available?

 

David Davutovic

 

May 5, 2014, 11:04AM

 

THE A-League season has concluded and some of the competition’s biggest guns have yet to re-sign with clubs.

 

Six months ago I compiled my top 25 list of contracted players. Most have signed on or departed overseas.

And some have already joined rival A-League clubs, including Besart Berisha (Melbourne Victory), Aaron Mooy (Melbourne Heart) and Youssouf

Hersi who is understood to have signed a multi-year agreement with Perth Glory.

 

A few players’ futures remain up in the air, such as Heart marquee Orlando Engelaar who’s been offered a reduced deal for next season.

 

But below is my top 10 list of free agents, who could yet be poached by rival clubs.

 

1 Gui Finkler

Melbourne Victory, 28

Negotiations have been ongoing for several months. Was close to penning a deal a few weeks ago, but Sydney FC is showing serious interest.

 

2 Shane Smeltz

Perth Glory, 32

Revealed that Perth Glory’s lack of professionalism and resources contributed to his lack of game-time this season. At 32, still has goals in him.

 

3 Matthew Spiranovic

Western Sydney, 25

The Socceroo is unlikely to leave Western Sydney for another A-League club, with overseas a more likely option after the World Cup.

 

4 Adama Traore

Melbourne Victory, 24

Victory had hoped to stitch him up by now. Having secured Australian citizenship, the left-back becomes a more enticing prospect.

 

5 Stein Huysegems

Wellington Phoenix, 31

A number of A-League clubs could have done with the Belgian’s 10 goals this season and Brisbane Roar is leading the chasing pack. Turns 32 in June.

 

6 Richard Garcia

Sydney FC, 32

Sydney FC won’t be re-signing the talented attacker, with a romantic WA (Perth Glory) homecoming looming. Otherwise he has offers from abroad, though his preference is to stay in Australia.

 

7 James Brown

Newcastle Jets, 24

The A-League’s forgotten young star, starting just three games this season. The boy still has oodles of potential, but he needs a new home.

 

8 Marcos Flores

Central Coast (owned by Victory), 28

The forgotten man of the A-League after his knee reconstruction. He’s close to resuming full-scale training and still has plenty to offer.

 

9 Patrick Gerhardt

Melbourne Heart, 28

Massively under-utilised at Melbourne Heart and with his ability to play stopper or defensive midfield, would be a smart signing for anyone looking to solidify the defence.

 

10 Jon McKain

Adelaide United, 31

Unlikely to be re-signed by Adelaide United despite playing most games and another who could add value to a number of A-League defences.

 

 

Davutovic is online ATM, fielding questions I think until 1pm. I recommend going to the link below and bombarding him with Heart questions (you don't have to do anything really to sign up to ask questions).

 

http://www.foxsports.com.au/football/a-league/studs-up-following-the-aleagues-conclusion-who-are-the-top-free-agents-available/story-e6frf4gl-1226905761346?from=public_rss

Edited by Murfy1
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a minute ago

Hi dave, just wondering when you think heart and city might be finally be making announcements? Ive been restless for weeks and just want to be put out of my misery!
steve
at 11:56 AM

Steve, announcements should commence within a fortnight. I think some of the key delegates are still in Manchester. They're PR conscious though so with the World Cup coming up there is a small window now, then July onwards is free.

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Hi David, do you know which positions Heart's marquees will likely play in? And what leagues they might come from? Heart could really use a good striker and a good creative midfielder.

 

[Davutovic:] Unsure re leagues, they have a global scouting network of 30+ so you're guess is as good as mine right now. But they will sign attackers (attacking mids and/or strikers) I can guarantee

 

 

 

Enlightened question/s, and alright answers. Good to get confirmation on the positions.

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Hi Dave, Any rumours as to who Heart may be signing. Have heard Jacob Melling is a chance, and is Barker-Daish another possibility? Are there many if any full backs on the market that Heart should/would be looking at? Also do you know the status of some of the young guys like Archibald, Schroen and Retre and whether they are sticking around or is it too early?

 

[Davutovic:] Jacob Melling has fallen off the radar and Heart coaches do like him. Archibald will be on a youth-senior contract, unsure where Schroen and Retre fit in - Aloisi liked them, unsure of JVS's assessment right now though they didn't seem to feature in his plans during his short stint.

 

 

 

 

DD Heart released 5 players last week but no mention of Engelaar. Possibility he's considering the reduced offer?

 

[Davutovic:] Ben, he is considering the offer. May be another month or so before he decides, will depend on offers he receives from Holland + family.

 

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Are you arguing against friendlies at all, or high profile friendlies in particular? Surely there is some benefit to friendlies, the likes of which Heart play against local teams? You have to go into the season having had at least some opportunity to gel your squad before beginning competitive action?

I'm against any high profile friendlies tbh, they do nothing for me and are quite boring tbh. They should be adding an extra week or two to the season over getting Liverpool or some other club i don't give a fuck about to play against the 'a-league all stars' :droy:

Edited by kingofhearts
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Are you arguing against friendlies at all, or high profile friendlies in particular? Surely there is some benefit to friendlies, the likes of which Heart play against local teams? You have to go into the season having had at least some opportunity to gel your squad before beginning competitive action?

I'm against any high profile friendlies tbh, they do nothing for me and are quite boring tbh. They should be adding an extra week or two to the season over getting Liverpool or some other club i don't give a fuck about to play against the 'a-league all stars' :droy:

 

Every United fan that I knew who went to the All Stars Game said it was boring as fuck...

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Are you arguing against friendlies at all, or high profile friendlies in particular? Surely there is some benefit to friendlies, the likes of which Heart play against local teams? You have to go into the season having had at least some opportunity to gel your squad before beginning competitive action?

I'm against any high profile friendlies tbh, they do nothing for me and are quite boring tbh. They should be adding an extra week or two to the season over getting Liverpool or some other club i don't give a fuck about to play against the 'a-league all stars' :droy:

 

Every United fan that I knew who went to the All Stars Game said it was boring as fuck...

 

IIRC I've been to three - a game at Princes Park vs. some Italian outfit (it was so exciting I can't remember who it was), one at Olympic Park vs. West Ham (drew about 4,000 people) and vs. Manchester United at the MCG (agreed, totally boring).

 

Would be very reluctant to go again, and certainly would not go to an AFL ground.

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Are you arguing against friendlies at all, or high profile friendlies in particular? Surely there is some benefit to friendlies, the likes of which Heart play against local teams? You have to go into the season having had at least some opportunity to gel your squad before beginning competitive action?

I'm against any high profile friendlies tbh, they do nothing for me and are quite boring tbh. They should be adding an extra week or two to the season over getting Liverpool or some other club i don't give a fuck about to play against the 'a-league all stars' :droy:

 

Every United fan that I knew who went to the All Stars Game said it was boring as fuck...

 

IIRC I've been to three - a game at Princes Park vs. some Italian outfit (it was so exciting I can't remember who it was), one at Olympic Park vs. West Ham (drew about 4,000 people) and vs. Manchester United at the MCG (agreed, totally boring).

 

Would be very reluctant to go again, and certainly would not go to an AFL ground.

 

AC Milan. $35.00-$50.00 a ticket or thereabouts. My parents said I was mad paying to watch. They were right.

The Hype v The Truth.

Edited by Peter
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