Dutch obsession, who's obsessed now?

SMH stirring the pot

According to Mike Cockerill, Frank Farina said this, but when did he say it?

"To me, the FFA needs to respect local coaches a lot more, and value them more. There hasn't been enough recognition. It's all very well getting in a heap of Dutch coaches but are they all going to hang around after the World Cup? What happens when the fascination wears off? Where's the succession planning? Will local coaches step back into these positions, and will they be paid as much?"

I was amused to see this article and this quote in yesterday's SMH. Journalist Mike Cockerill and Frank Farina hitting out at the FFA.

But what timing!

In fact my first thought that this was a recycled piece, and maybe the rumours Mike C wants to move on are true.

Because while this Dutch criticism has been aroound for awhile here's the rub:

1. FFA has just appointed Australian Gary Van Egmond to a rumoured new-improved $200,000 AIS Head Coach contract. A good start.

2. The FFA or indeed Soccer Australia never had this sort of money to pay the underpaid and undervalued Steve O'Connor, Ron Smith and Ray Junna in days gone past.

3. Everyone knows that if Gus hadn't got Australia to the World Cup the whole new football things was gone. We were a financial basket case in those eary FFA days.

4. As for planning for the future, why do you think the FFA have appointed 4 FFA Scholarship Holders including Paul Okon and Alex Tobin. Because they can afford it, and becasue they are planning for the future.

5. Will Pim stay after the World Cup, maybe maybe not. But I'd expect Jan Versleijen Under 20's Coach and Technical Director Han Berger to stay around providing results at this years Under 20 World Cup and Tech Direction is on the move, and it seems to be.

So chill out lads, the Dutch thing has been done. The new generation is coming, just be patient.





Type rest of the post here