midfielder
Well-Known Member
Interesting if true ............ and great news
http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/79502,neills-bid-for-sydney-club.aspx
SOCCEROO skipper Lucas Neill is putting together a bid to launch a new Sydney A-League club and aims to finish his career there - possibly as soon as next year.
His agent, Paddy Dominguez has spoken of Neills passion and determination to start a new Sydney-based club to play in the A-League.
West Ham United captain Neill is part of a group looking to establish a new Sydney franchise - and he could be part of the A-league as soon as next year.
His contract with the Hammers expires next year and at the age of 31, he could still return to Australia at young enough age to have a big impact on the local league.
He remains a Hammer for now but the player's agent says Australia is still very much in the defender's thoughts.
Dominguez told Setanta Sports: "As far as Lucas is concerned, he has a huge emotional attachment to this.
"When he eventually quits Europe he'll come back here (to Australia) to play for the franchise.
"As far as Lucas is concerned, he is determined to put something back into the game in this country.
"Lucas has shown with his player scholarship scheme in the Manly district that he wants to make a significant contribution. He wants to leave a lasting legacy for Australian soccer.
"I can tell you that some of the names we are dealing with at the moment will blow your mind. But the real aim of the club is to develop and foster local football.
"Our charter is to have, within three or four years of our existence, a starting line-up made up of at least eight local players. That's the dream, that's the intention."
Neill's A-League bid is being put together by Dominguez's firm, Inspire Sports Group, and has been working behind the scenes with the FFA.
He added: "We have been working tirelessly on this for nine months and we are ready to go as soon as the 2009-2010 season.
"It is an exciting concept and we believe it will be great for the sport in this country."
http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/79502,neills-bid-for-sydney-club.aspx
SOCCEROO skipper Lucas Neill is putting together a bid to launch a new Sydney A-League club and aims to finish his career there - possibly as soon as next year.
His agent, Paddy Dominguez has spoken of Neills passion and determination to start a new Sydney-based club to play in the A-League.
West Ham United captain Neill is part of a group looking to establish a new Sydney franchise - and he could be part of the A-league as soon as next year.
His contract with the Hammers expires next year and at the age of 31, he could still return to Australia at young enough age to have a big impact on the local league.
He remains a Hammer for now but the player's agent says Australia is still very much in the defender's thoughts.
Dominguez told Setanta Sports: "As far as Lucas is concerned, he has a huge emotional attachment to this.
"When he eventually quits Europe he'll come back here (to Australia) to play for the franchise.
"As far as Lucas is concerned, he is determined to put something back into the game in this country.
"Lucas has shown with his player scholarship scheme in the Manly district that he wants to make a significant contribution. He wants to leave a lasting legacy for Australian soccer.
"I can tell you that some of the names we are dealing with at the moment will blow your mind. But the real aim of the club is to develop and foster local football.
"Our charter is to have, within three or four years of our existence, a starting line-up made up of at least eight local players. That's the dream, that's the intention."
Neill's A-League bid is being put together by Dominguez's firm, Inspire Sports Group, and has been working behind the scenes with the FFA.
He added: "We have been working tirelessly on this for nine months and we are ready to go as soon as the 2009-2010 season.
"It is an exciting concept and we believe it will be great for the sport in this country."
