IS IT possible that disgraced Scotsman Barry Ferguson could be coming to the soon to be renamed Queensland Roar FC?
While I wouldn't be betting the proverbial sheep station just yet, it certainly seems to be a possibility. Newspapers in the British Isles are claiming that Ferguson is looking to leave Scotland behind following a controversial fortnight that has seen him banned from the national team for life and deposed from the post of Rangers captain.
A player of Ferguson's capabilities would definitely require some fancy salary adjustments from the Queensland Roar accountants, it would seem enticing for the undeniably talented midfielder to step out of the media spotlight at home and into the warm Queensland sunshine.
Central most to the arguments linking him to the Brisbane based club is the presence of former teammates Charlie Miller and Craig Moore. It is no secret that marquee player Moore was an influence in Queensland's acquisition of Miller last season and the prevailing logic is that lightning could indeed strike twice.
The murmurs of this transfer are currently spreading through the Brisbane football community and are generally being greeted quite favourably. However the question does need to be asked, is this in the best interests of the club and the league?
While I do not wish to compare Ferguson with the renowned antics of Paul Gascoigne or George Best, it is obvious that the player's discipline will figure highly in any potential discussions. If signed, he would be very high profile and, as such, many in the local media with an anti-football bias will be watching closely for any hint of controversial behaviour.
One of the great positives of the A-League has been the players presenting themselves as outstanding role models to their fans, especially when compared to the off-field shenanigans of some NRL and AFL stars. The A-League clubs must do their utmost to ensure that similar incidents do not occur with their players in the future as the league further increases its profile.
That being said, there are some undeniable benefits in signing a player like Ferguson. His acquisition would further boost the reputation of the fledgling league around the world, coming so soon on the back of North Queensland's signing of Scouser legend Robbie Fowler.
In addition, his skill would be an undoubted bonus to Queensland's midfield ranks. Miller and Ferguson in the centre of the park would provide ideal service to the Roar strikers and wingers. It would also result in Danny Tiatto becoming a permanent fixture at the back, thus plugging a looming hole on the left side.
There would also be the fantastic marketing opportunities that his signing would afford. The three Scotsmen could become Queensland Roar's very own version of the 'Ipswich Connection' - the combination of Allan Langer and Kevin and Kerrod Walters that garnered so much press in the nineties for the Brisbane Broncos.
There would be a host of merchandising opportunities. They could release a song, like the former Broncos trio regrettably did, with my personal preference being a reworking of an old hit by The Proclaimers - I want to score 500 goals, and I want to score 500 more, just to be a man who scores 1000 goals for the Queensland Roar.
In addition to that guaranteed ARIA winner, I believe official Queensland Roar kilts could become the fashion statement of the year. If worn traditionally, they could even alleviate some of the uncomfortable moisture build up that one can experience during a Brisbane summer, if you know what I mean.
Then there is also, of course, the opportunity for the shrill sound of bagpipes to echo through the grandstands on match days. And let's not discount Loch Ness Monster plush toys for the younger fans - decked in a bright orange Roar jersey of course. Although, I think we could all agree that the line must be drawn at haggis being served at the stadium's food outlets.
It may only be a rumour at this stage, but I would not put it past Frank Farina, with a little help from Miller and Moore, to yet pull off the coup of the A-League off-season. I just hope that the club settles on their new name before Ferguson is signed - I doubt I could live with myself if the marketing boffins decided that Brisbane McRoar FC had a nice ring to it.
