Is it for the money, the level of play, or is it just closer to the big clubs' scouts?

R: What do you think are the main differences between the NSL and overseas leagues?

SJ: I'd have to say that two years ago the NSL would have compared favourably with the 3rd or even 2nd division of England. However, I think it's probably fair to say that clubs like Sydney Olympic (for example) would struggle against the likes of Tranmere, Carlisle and even lowly Northampton would take some beating. I really can't see why the standard of football in this country should have dropped so dramatically and surely the player drain to overseas markets isn't the only resaon but must be seen as one of the major factors. We will never be able to stop players heading overseas of course but they should be playing in far better teams at a much higher standard.

R: Is it fair to say that the lower divisions of Europe offer our players a way of improving their game or is it just that they pay more?

SJ: Compared to the Belgian 2nd division, the NSL would certainly be on a par but the cash would have to be seen as the major reason for going there. The other possibility is that it's nearer to where the 'big boys' ply their trade and the chances of being 'spotted' are far greater than being stuck in Australia on the other side of the world. As for improving their game over there, difficult question, but I'd say no, it won't. It's become a joke that our players head off to 2nd division clubs and then don't get a start!

R: Should the ASF/SA use these players when they retire unlike what's gone before when ex-players have not been utilised and basically lost to the game?

SJ: YES! Frank Farina - although still playing at present - has had a few years o/s and played under some of the games best coaches, Graham Arnold and Robbie Slater are the same. If the current regime are serious about getting things moving they should employ the likes of these gentlemen.
If the governing body is committed to finding the 'Australian style' of play, to pick the brains of these guys is imperative. Indeed, until such time as they are ready to adopt a coaching position - albeit that they want to stay in the game that is - the ASF/SA should employ the game's best overseas coaches on a short-term basis. Learn what they have to offer and practice it but implemented with 'home-grown' ideas and the game must improve. We have a history of losing talented people like Mick Hickman who is now at Leicester City. Why should someone of his immense talent have to ply his trade overseas when the game here is crying out for what he has to offer? I also believe that ALL players returning to Australia from playing overseas for a number of years should be used as much as possible before years elapse and the ideas become out of date. Mitchell, Van Blerk, Edwards and Oldfield should also be used when they return because although they don't play in England's top flight the standard of the English 1st division is far superior to here and to become a Premiership side of note will require a great deal of effort and flair. With so many overseas players heading to England these days, their top flight must be seen as the greatest league in the world at this time and so the ideas will already be instilled which could help the game here.

R: Would this help stop the player drain?

SJ: It might but that's unlikely, Australia and the NSL clubs cannot compete with the money that is in the game overseas. What will need to be done is for the clubs here to discover and develop new talent. Sounds hard I know but the talent is here obviously otherwise we wouldn't be losing so much of it to Europe, would we?

R: How could clubs afford to discover/develop talent AND keep costly overseas coaches on their books too?

SJ: Mick Hickman reckons that promotion is the key. The clubs need to promote the game and themselves more. At Leicester they employ around 100 people in the Commercial Department. Okay, so the game is bigger there and Australian clubs could never afford that but Leicester City is situated in an area probably far better known for its rugby union side. The NSL clubs must surely realise that they must expand and to do so means to stop the practice of staying within the community. In order to broaden their horizons they must reach a bigger audience but that does not mean they have to forget their origins as some suggest. As an Aussie kid growing up in Sydney I felt threatened going to certain games as I was not of the 'team's background' shall we say. Whilst we at the UKSSD/ASFA acknowledge that these supporters have every right to follow their clubs, perhaps some of them can think about the future, accept that without FULL integration of football supporters from ethnic backgrounds, the game can only stagnate and remain a backwater for producing tadpoles that turn into frogs in Europe. I agree with Brockie when he says: "we must ALL work together".

R: So you feel that better promotion of the game is what is sorely needed?

SJ: Better promotion is certainly needed as virtually EVERY club is missing out on even the simplest forms of it. A Marketing Dept wouldn't go amiss either and we would be happy to help any club with suggestions etc. You have to congratulate the ASF/SA on appointing Dave Woolley but he needs someone in there to support him. Probably the first question I was asked in the UK by the writers over there is: "Is football in Australia professional?" I could only reply that possibly two or three clubs are but the rest are part-timers. With this answer most of them looked bemused and shook their heads. Most people know about 'non-league' football in the UK and the standard there would certainly raise a few eyebrows here but that aside, the idea of a 'non-professional' national league beggers belief. Marketing has to be seen as the answer and a fuller integration of the supporters is a must.

R: Is there any truth in the rumour that you have been talking with the ASF/SA recently?

SJ: No! Micky spoke with George Negus and apparently a meeting will be set up between AFSA, Studs Up and themselves but he hasn't heard anything to date. (Micky Brock butts in) For the record, yes I have spoken to George and the possibility of a meeting between the aforementioned parties cannot be ruled out but at this point in time I'm not holding my breath waiting. I've heard this phrase before and am still waiting but I'm told George is a down to earth sort of bloke and so have no reason to believe anything different other than what was said. I spoke to Kevin ('SU' editor) about it and obtained a few papers from him which were forwarded together with a six page document from us.

R: What did these papers contain?

MB: The details of what the papers contained are not for public airing at this time. Should they become an issue in the future we will happily discuss them. This interview is with "Mrs Jones' boy", thank you.

R: Is there any point in asking Micky another question and do you know what the papers contained?

SJ: No, once he says that, that's your lot and yes, I do know what the papers are about as I helped to compile them.

R: Can you tell us a little more perhaps?

SJ: NO!

R: Thanks for your time Stuart.
So, the game would appear to have worsened recently, at least in the eyes of one young Aussie. And I did try to get some news out of the guys about the chat with Mr Negus but to no avail.