THEY SAY you should go out while you’re on top. But even with front-page billing and over three thousand hits, I think I’ll take a leaf out of the books of the Rolling Stones and U2 and keep going until I just become a bad joke.

A man who has quickly made the jump back from lost soul to cult hero is Mark Bosnich. His time between the sticks with Central Coast this season has shown that he is still undoubtedly a talented and able keeper, quite possibly the best the league has seen; and at 36 still must have a couple of seasons left in him.

After playing for the Oceania ‘All Stars’ (perhaps the stars they were seeing after countless LA sucker-punches) and pulling off some fine saves, talk was that he could be in line to be the injury replacement for Mark Paston, some optimistic feverites going as far as suggesting he could replace the outgoing Moss next term.

Apparently, a report on TV3 news suggested a deal may be on the cards, but given the way the ‘media’ in New Zealand source their stories it could have been lifted straight off the Yellow Fever forums.

It seems the fans were pretty keen on the idea, except for the few who would complain even if we signed a reincarnated Lev Yashin. In fact the consensus was that he should be tied down and made our number one for the foreseeable future. He would certainly get bums on seats at the Ring of Fire, and with his straight-talking and articulate personality, not to mention immense experience, he could have been just the man to organise our shambolic defence.* Its just a pity I can’t seem to find him on the new Football Manager.

Alas it was not to be and Scott Higgins was revealed as the ring-in back-up until Gold Coats get under way.

But the other bloke to make any other sort of showing for the OAS on Saturday is also being touted as a marquee for next year.

Edgar Davids reportedly ran his heart out and played like it was a cup final on Saturday night, and would certainly spark interest in a town that has grown rather apathetic about the Phoenix this season. While another old bloke, he could be just the creative force we need in the midfield and is certainly not going to fall down like some of the other imports, who just need to be breathed on before they sprawl on the turf.

They are certainly two players with the skills and experience to not only improve the team, but also the standard and profile of the league. I experienced some of the ill-feeling towards the Phoenix the day before the Melbourne game while handing out flyers; one bloke in particular really gave me the impression he thought the team were a bunch of losers.

Regardless of their skill, we need something to rouse interest in the team, even if it is people coming along to see Bosnich dance around his 18-yard box.

*Does anyone else find it odd (and depressing for Nix fans) that despite playing as a defender in the old, old English second division, Ricki Herbert can’t coach a decent defence?

James Malthus recently became an advisor to the Australian Ministry of Defence, working on operation Invaaaaaasion.