A-League: Where All Good Careers Come To Die?

There was a time when dribbling senior citizens were confined to retirement villages but in the wake of two major signings and a possible third on the way, the A-League is shaping as the league that time forgot. In addition to Sydney FC star recruit Alessandro Del Piero (37), and Newcastle Jets new signing Emile Heskey (34), the Western Sydney Wanderers has been tossed up as a possible home for former German mid-field star Michael Ballack (35). Going on their FIFA 01 stats and attributes, all three players are game breakers but has the interim 11 year gap dulled their firepower. Has the the A(dult diaper) League just become a cash cow for players who should have been put out to pasture?


When did this become A-League recruitment policy?

So there is obviously a point to recruiting someone like Del Piero or even a Heskey or Ballack. The money and publicity generated from their signings alone probably justifies the exercise and the fact that all three have been competing well in superior leagues will hopefully lift the standard of our own but at what point does the money and time invested in aging stars become counter productive for the League? Dwight York is the grandaddy of marquee signings and was essential in attracting exposure to the revamped and re-launched A-League but there have been many more notable flop. Signings such as New Zealand Knight’s 3rd rate British striker Sean Devine, Perth Glory’s washed up mid fielder Brian Deane, and Newcastle Jets’ shockers Mario Jardel and Edmundo Zura are just the tip of the iceberg for ‘marquee’ signings that promised it all but flopped hard and brought the credibility of the league into question. It would be a 1-step-forward-2-steps-back move should Del Piero or Heskey flop this season, such has been the publicity and interest around their signings.


Brisbane Roar could do worse than nab this speedy winger

Ok, so maybe we can drop the cynicism for a moment. If Del Peiro, Heskey and possibly Ballack, fire then the A-League wins big. More people will come through the gates, more kids will play soccer, more quality players will come over, the standard of play will improve, and soccer (sorry, football) will finally receive due mainstream recognition. And finaly that long shelved Tourism Australia/A League campaign might see the light of day.The pitch reads reads as such:

An Aging disorientated soccer star with cash money bulging from his pockets stumbles out on to the field –

Where the bloody hell are ya? Seriously, I can’t find my glasses. Which way are we running? My left knee is aching, I think it’s going to rain? I remember when football boots were all black and we had to use bailing twine for laces? Would you like a like a boiled sweet? etc etc etc.

It’s a winner.

Old timers Emile Heskey and Michael Ballack in their heyday.



Picture by Getty Images

More Stuff From PEDESTRIAN.TV