EXCLUSIVE: Overseas Aussies are contacting the PFA in ever greater numbers to seek advice on an A-League return with today’s expansion decision expected to accelerate that trend.
Gold Coast United and North Queensland FC’s acceptance into the competition from next season has been described by the PFA as an essential step in becoming a premier football league in Asia.
CEO Brendan Schwab is delighted that eight will become 10 next season and feels it can only benefit Australian football.
He told au.fourfourtwo.com today: “Our members voted overwhelmingly for expansion and today’s development is an essential step along the way to becoming a premier football competition in Asia.
“There’s no doubt we need a longer playing season and with 10 teams you are looking at a player having around 30 matches if you take into account finals football, should he and his team get to that point. Now that’s a far more meaningful season.
“We are being continually contacted by (Australian) players in Europe, who are anxious to talk about opportunities in the A-League.
"There is clearly a sense among them that the A-League is going places and they can also see now that there is a relationship between the A-League and representing their country.”
Schwab was part of the taskforce set up to prepare for the A-League and he is delighted with the quality and quantity being tempted home.
He said: “I was speaking to Jon McKain in Wellington the other day, a great example of someone who has come home, seen what the A-League has to offer and in turn he can use his experience and leadership to help younger players.
“Craig Moore is another good example of that.
“One of the taskforce goals was to bring 50 players back (from overseas) for a 10-team competition and I think we can be very happy with the progress that’s been made.
“You also hope that expansion opens up opportunities for youngsters already here to see the career path that's there for them."
The players' union is expected to sit down with Football Federation Australia in the coming weeks to discuss the practical issues thrown up by the arrival of two new Queensland teams.
Schwab said: “There’s the issue of increased travel and the heat factor for example. I can’t think of another league in the world that offers the same challenges to players than in Australia.”
CEO Brendan Schwab is delighted that eight will become 10 next season and feels it can only benefit Australian football.
He told au.fourfourtwo.com today: “Our members voted overwhelmingly for expansion and today’s development is an essential step along the way to becoming a premier football competition in Asia.
“There’s no doubt we need a longer playing season and with 10 teams you are looking at a player having around 30 matches if you take into account finals football, should he and his team get to that point. Now that’s a far more meaningful season.
“We are being continually contacted by (Australian) players in Europe, who are anxious to talk about opportunities in the A-League.
"There is clearly a sense among them that the A-League is going places and they can also see now that there is a relationship between the A-League and representing their country.”
Schwab was part of the taskforce set up to prepare for the A-League and he is delighted with the quality and quantity being tempted home.
He said: “I was speaking to Jon McKain in Wellington the other day, a great example of someone who has come home, seen what the A-League has to offer and in turn he can use his experience and leadership to help younger players.
“Craig Moore is another good example of that.
“One of the taskforce goals was to bring 50 players back (from overseas) for a 10-team competition and I think we can be very happy with the progress that’s been made.
“You also hope that expansion opens up opportunities for youngsters already here to see the career path that's there for them."
The players' union is expected to sit down with Football Federation Australia in the coming weeks to discuss the practical issues thrown up by the arrival of two new Queensland teams.
Schwab said: “There’s the issue of increased travel and the heat factor for example. I can’t think of another league in the world that offers the same challenges to players than in Australia.”
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