Melbourne city, end of the salary cap ??

[shinAUFC]

I was wondering is Man city to big of a fish for our pond ? Are we ready?

-City have signed david villa as a 10 game guest player.

-there are a string of rumours frank lampard could play an entire season with city and one would have to assume they only need to pay him minimum wage (60k..ish) , simply because New York Red bulls can let him go at that rate in the offseason as they are basically loaning him to themselves.

- then there are strong rumours of kennedy and bresciano.

So it is completly reasonable and within the rules for city to have david villa , frank lampard , marco bresciano and josh kennedy all on the pitch at the same time having only spent $60k inside the cap with those 4 players.........just think about that.

With city able to make a mockery of the salary cap how long will ffa leave it in place ?

What does it mean for clubs not from the 3 biggest eastern cities and the integrity of the league?

Thoughts?

[EdDog]

Definitely a concern for every other club. Hopefully the FFA are onto this.

However on one side, all these big names are coming to promote the league and they would be loving it, on the other, 9 teams will be hugely disadvantaged for the reasons you mentioned.

I think the fact that FFA said City couldn't use sky blue gives me hope that they will stand up to them on other matters in the best interest of the league.

[shinAUFC]

SFC has the millionaires and sponsors to compete

Victory will always have 3rd party groups backing big signings

Roar have the Bakries plus access to Eredivisie clubs through the Bakrie group.

WSW are so profitable they would probably be up there also.

I think it would create a clear top 5 in the league and probably end up seeing the other clubs fighting for that one finals berth.

This is all hypothetical of course and may never happen. Id just hate to see AUFC become a feeder club for the eastern capital cities.

Of course it may serve a purpose and force clubs to take youth development seriously plus we all know money does not guarantee success but its certainly going to help city that is for sure!

You are right though about the other side to it, how can any other code is Australia compete with such huge world class players still on the top of their game playing in our league.

[EdDog]

What do you think are AU's chances of doing well with Gomby the next three years and attracting some big new investors?

[shinAUFC]

Well i suppose if the eastern states attract some truly world class names that it will bring a massive exposure to the league nationally and internationally. So there could be some carry over to AUFC crowd sizes and interest and hopefully more investors.

Outside of Melbourne city its easy to assume we have some of the strongest european contacts in the league due to Gombau so its anyones guess i suppose.

Personally i think Gombau will continue on his merry way and continually bring things to the A-league no other manager has to date.

As a Reds fan im still excited about AUFC and excited what Man City group will bring to the A-league but also a little concerned in the back of my mind.

[Stuckey]

Melbourne City FC have announced that they have signed former Republic of Ireland international Damien Duff on a one-year deal (under the cap) for the forthcoming 2014/15 season.

[Stuckey]

Alright I've made my mind up. I'm happy this is all happening. I was concerned as I thought there is a good chance this is AU's year. IMO it still can be but these signings for City are massive and will be another boost for the game.
Now we also have Sydney and MV to announce who they are going to throw money at this season. Lots of news to come!

[sevengoals]

We are on the radar.

[ZANZIBAR]

our coach is worth two massive signings in my opinion

[EdDog]

our coach is worth two massive signings in my opinion

At least

[sevengoals]

Has anyone noticed that Damien Duff has joined MC?

[shinAUFC]

And within the cap!!

[ganas]

i dream that barcelona purchase aufc and use us as a feeder/trainer club. they will set up a world class academy here and send their youth for 1st team game time. they will send their upcoming coaches here and train ours also. imagine the next crop of messi's playing here as kids before going back to barca!

it is just a dream though

[blahblah]

All these concerns about the big clubs with big players and big wallets makes be think of but one word..................."Bunyodkor"

[sevengoals]

Toys for the rich.

It never lasts.