JASON Spagnuolo is leaving me.

After three years together he wants out. He says that he still loves me but he just can’t commit any further. Irreconcilable differences. I hold no grudge.

(I should point out at this juncture that the part of Adelaide United in this love story is being played by me, Brenton Cox. I fully acknowledge that my acting skills need a little work.)

Jason and I have been happy but he now feels that it’s time to move in a different direction. I was shocked at first but I’ve accepted it.

There is no third party involved, as far as I know. I trust him. There’s never been any mysterious lipstick smudges on business shirt collars.

We’re still going to live together for a while though. At the same time Jason plans to start meeting potential new lovers right away. He’s working on the internet dating profile right now.

For my part, I’ve not been dormant either. I have some exciting news. His name is Iain. Iain Fyfe. He’s an Adelaide boy who for the past few years has been living in Sydney.

Never let the bed go cold they say.

Iain also has been in another relationship. He’ll continue to sleep with her for a while yet and then at the same time that Jason moves out, Iain will move in.

Cut! Ok everyone, five minutes break on the set.

What a cosy arrangement this scene presents. From a fan’s point of view it’s one that irks me. In fact I’m extremely irked and I’m not acting.

What sort of virus have we allowed into our A-League system that allows a player to sign for another club whilst continuing to play for a competitor? Has someone been fooling around in an unprotected manner with the NRL?

It stinks and it’s a blight on the game. It undermines the integrity of the A-League product and does nothing for supporter confidence.

Both Sydney and Newcastle are cases in point at the moment. Fans of these two clubs now have to endure watching a number of their existing players, for the rest of this season, in full knowledge that the players have committed to going elsewhere next year. There’s something not right about that.

It’s naive to think that players won’t change clubs. They will. It seems to be the football way these days. Surely though we could set up a system where the timing of departures and the announcements thereof, is better.

At least let me believe, even if it’s in ignorance, that anyone who pulls on a Reds shirt is giving their all for the club and not keeping something in reserve for their next employer.

Anyway, I wish Jason well. We’ll still remain friends.