Having such a legend grace our shirt? As a MUFC fan I will try and set aside my prejudice and say: [size=9]Yes please![/size]

Ok, I have an insane but not so impossible idea.

Does anyone remember when Harry Kewell signed for Melbourne Victory and Greg Griffin came out and slammed the huge SA based corporations for not getting behind Adelaide United with the big bucks (ie. BHP who are currently digging up the state)? Imagine if those words actually DID resonate with such a company.

Now here is the scenario. Slory has left. We now have a vacant place on our roster. To be able to purchase a marquee player we'd need to be able to fit Sergio or Dario into the cap, which may be possible as Slory was supposedly one of our highest paid players. If we signed an Aussie marquee, Dario would have to fit into the cap; if foreign, Sergio would have to. As Slory was a foreign player, we now have licence to look abroad again.

Who are some foreigners that we could chase? Many have mentioned Flores (we'd definitely need BHP money); I was even thinking we could go after that kid, Diego Estrada, who we were previously linked with and could now offer a handsome salary. Let's face it. Some Latin American talent is exactly what we need to spark our front third.

But I have an even CRAZIER idea! Who is the most high profile player that comes out of contract in a matter of weeks and, not only that, will be visiting Australia in a matter of DAYS?







David Fucking Beckham!!!

Ok, now before people complain about his age, the fact that he will always be Man United scum, that MLS is a lower standard than the A-League (which is an outright fallacy), etc., think about what a player could offer.

The MLS draws attention (whether the attention is positive or negative) all around the world. It nurtures the U.S. national team players of which, in recent times, many have gone on to Europe and are doing well at various clubs in quality leagues (or simply playing for the NT based out of their MLS team, and there are a large number). It is of a standard and profile that now attracts interest from other big names including Henry, Marquez, Angel, as well as Anelka most recently. It also attracts some of the best talent in the region outside of America (think Asia in Australian terms), and the playing level is probably that of a high quality European second division and improving every season, much like our own A-League. He has revolutionised the MLS and can easily do the same for the A-League.

The reality is, all these qualities (and many more) would simply not exist in the way they do today if it was not for the arrive of David Beckham to L.A. Galaxy, all those years ago. The reality is, also, that Beckham is still being chased by a number of very big clubs in Europe, including Paris St. Germain. He would not treat the A-League lightly, as he never treated MLS lightly. He wants to win titles (as he has in three different leagues) and win titles is what Adelaide United need to do. The profile of our club would grow enormously; sales of Adelaide United shirts with Beckham printed on them would not only sell well around Australia, but also Asia and the rest of the world, our club would constantly be in the forefront of Australian media, all our matches would sell out (and would re-ignite calls for a larger venue, whether that be a new facility or an upgraded Hindmarsh), other high profile players from all around the world would look to the A-League as an option, and the interest around the entire league would grow enormously, with all our away games also selling out. Our club and league would pick up enormous in sponsorship value and T.V. ratings would go through the roof (our new T.V. deal could use something like this, because now we'd be looking at figures closer to what the AFL got recently), and our league broadcasting rights would now have significant value outside of Australia, especially in Asia. AUFC would suddenly be a target for high profile touring teams, and would also attract large appearance fees from promoters for our own international tours as well. The thing is, David Beckham is one of the reasons the marquee concept exists and he is the ideal marquee, because at the age of 36 he has won the MLS Cup as one of the standout players in the league.

Ultimately, I've seen where the MLS has gone since Beckham joined the Galaxy and I want a piece of it for Adelaide United and the A-League.

In reply to this idea, please do not question his age, because he'd undoubtedly be among the best players in the A-League, and certainly the most valuable asset.

What do you all think?

Edited by Tom AUFC: 23/11/2011 12:46:59 AM

Purchase of the Veneto Club without catering & pourage would have been a complete waste of money. If that was the string attached then well done on walking away, it isn't like the value of the Veneto Club is going to go up whilst they go further into debt.

Mmmmmmm. Disappointed but I back the club on this one. A bit naive on Veneto's behalf

RedsUnited alluded to it a few weeks ago and i can state with a fair amount of confidence from a source that talks between AU and the Veneto Club have stalled and AU have walked away.

I'm not too sure how much of this part is accurate... but my same source tells me that some of the reasons included the Veneto Club wanting to retain some control in operations of the venue such as catering for events and bar service. AU have walked away but still keeping an eye on it and may re-visit the deal and make another offer in the future if it's still available.

Personally speaking, if the above is true, then i could understand why they'd walk away. North Adelaide FC execs have experience in managing their own venues and they would fare better controlling it 100%. Hopefully the Veneto club does not sell to someone else, and perhaps when they're a little more desperate to sell, AU can make another offer... if anything... less than the current one. We'll see soon enough i spose.

Yep

That's about the long and the short of it unfortunately

Let's just hope the players know this but also that it doesn't just inspire even MORE fear and doubt in them

It's hard to play free flowing relaxed football when you aren't winning games I guess

I'm thinking the next 3 rounds are going to define our season.

If we can beat a resurgent Newy and a combative Mariners (both at home) then we should be able to get another one over the Tards (with most likely a new manager installed) in December. If we dodn't deffo win the next 2 home games then the pressure is piled on for the Tards game.

We don't win these next couple of games we lose touch and well we hope for next season IMO.

Edited by RedTillDead: 21/11/2011 10:51:14 PM

Pretty sure there is no 'last man' rule anymore. Reminds me of Van Dijk's second against the Victory at AAMI park. IIRC Petkovic wasn't even cautioned either.

Keeper only had eyes for the man, he was so far away from the ball his intention was clear " get the ball and if you can't get the man ".

The only thing I can think of is it was a goal and for the ref to award a card he'd have to award a penalty & a Red - I think I'd prefer the goal, but an 80% chance of a goal and them playing with ten men for 45mins sounds pretty sweet as well.
\
I've been uneasy with Rini from the moment he was appointed, as him taking over a winning Twente team to be sacked after he changed the personnel and Twente langushed down near the bottom

Edited by redcup: 21/11/2011 02:44:04 PM

[-o<

What more can be said?

Exactly
I have been waiting with ever growing anxiety for the end of Round 1

After the first 4 games and sitting on 3 points(after that game whose mention will stand along side Macbeth's for me) I said we needed 10-12 points from 15 remaining round 1 points up for grabs at least to be happy ie. 3 wins a draw and a loss. Not impossible given all but the Phoenix games were/are at home lest we forget...

We so far have drawn with Heart, beaten Gold Coast and drawn with Phoenix.

2 home games now vs Newcastle and Mariners. 6 points and my knuckles will regain some colour, my bitten tongue will begin to heal and I can just forget that first month happened.

Yeah, we're three points off second. Considering how we've been playing it shows just how tight this season is.

Still need to give Rini and the boys at least until round ten to pull it together.

Teeth are gritted. Fingers are crossed. Prayers are said.

If anyone has an answer to any of these questions I would LOVE to hear them.

I can't help but think in the back of my mind that Rini was very lucky last year to inherit a squad capable of winning a trophy. He then proceeded to put his mark to it in the January transfer window....and our season went to shit.

I'd like to think it was just a coincidence but I think the "issues" around the squad may clearly have started with established names being booted for unproven imports at the pointy end of a (until that point) successful season.

Oh and I agree Slory has tried to prove himself in the last few games off the bench and the fact he feels the need to call a meeting and the club feels the need to let the world know...I don't know. Man management indeed appears to be lacking here.

We look like clueless robots out there. There is absolutely no system. There might be a shape, a very rigid one, but no one knows what they are doing within that shape.

We had a 7 month off season with which to work on this master plan. 7 months...

Still, had we not conceded an own goal we would be equal 4th with Perth now.The A-league is always gonna be a tight and a few wins means a few positions on the ladder.

Oh and as crazy as that diving header was, I blame Vidosic up the other end for not putting them away. That was insanely shitty composure on display there.

What was I saying? Don't worry, I don't know either

Bloody lucky Brucie is built like a truck. The fact he just got up and ran of to celebrate probably saved the keeper. But it shouldn't have.

Yes
Yes it is

I felt that collision at home

If Slory goes I won't miss him but don't think for a moment that it will fix the problems. Slory has tried pretty hard his last few games. I don't think he has much to offer anymore but, as Davide says, he is actually a winger and our system - despite relying on wingers - hasn't got many.

What worries me more is the issue of team/man management. Why has it got to the point of Slory publicly calling a meeting? Why is our CEO talking about it to the media? Why were so many players pissed off last year? Why does the team look like it doesn't know what it's doing or who it's doing it with?

Compared to these questions the issue of Slory is VERY minor.

And (I know it's been discussed elsewhere) why didn't the Phoenix keeper get sent off for trying to kill Bruce when he scored. Last man. Didn't touch the ball. Completely played the man. Anywhere else on the field that's a red. Isn't it?

Will be very disappointed to lose Slory, especially as who are we going to replace him with? Don't suggest Flores as he is in a massive 3 year contract and is carrying a long term injury anyway.

What a fucking waste of time money and energy he has been
Last season and this one

Kinda have to lay a bit of blame at rini's feet too

The way he handled the new arrivals right before finals last season still shits me

He dropped player like Cornthwaite for Bodrusic, Dodd for Slory and Reid for Usucar even though we were sitting in 2nd or 3rd I cant remember

Still, won't be that sad to see Slory go I must admit

Funny that we would then have ONE official winger on our books for a team that wants to play counter attacking lone striker football that relies on wing play ahahaa

We
Are
Fucked
(maniacal laughter)

Just saw Val's article saying Slory has demanded a meeting with Rini today to discuss his playing career at the reds. I reckon he's on the way out. Didn't realise his contract was up in April anyway.

do a swap flores for slory would they fall for it ? lol

Oh my dear fucking Christ, please let it happen!!!

Slory out, Flores in.

I may be sensationalising here...

Yet another aimless pass straight to the other team so as to give them the ball 25 metres out.
If we're going to play out of defense EVERY pass must be to us! - not a difficult concept to grasp for professional players I'm sure!

That's two goals that I'm aware of that we've gifted to the opposition by cheap turnovers in our defensive mid ( how Dilevski keeps making the squad is beyond me )

Been worried about Eugene for a while now, his high ball gathering and communication with his fellow defenders seems sus. But with Birra away we have no choice - not that Rini has given Birra a decent go in my book anyway?

Interesting that the cross that gifted the Nix a goal came from Cassio's possy.
Cassio has lost a yard of pace, but he still manages to deal with his defensive duties still there should be some young guy to take his role - perhaps Nor...... oh hang on?

Well at least I was happy for 80 mins this time and not the 15 as in Brisbane

Edited by redcup: 20/11/2011 10:25:38 AM

Definitely a chant heard regularly on the North Terrace. Usually finishes as liverpoolfan2010 suggests or We all come from Snowtown Oh we all come from Snowtown! Most often heard against the tards of course or even the Jam Tards, but has been heard against most teams who come to hindmarsh. Our other big theme sin-song is probably "My Adelaide is rolling along", but that wouldn't have fit into their article I guess. NBD.

This.


:shock: You've probably only heard the part that goes like:
Home in a barrel!
You're going home in a barrel!
Home in a baaaaaaaaaaaaaarrel!
You're going home a barrel...

The 'verse' tends to be a bit quieter.

To be fair, one of your train drivers wouldn't move his single-carriage diesel locomotive until we shut up last time I was over in '09...

I wouldn't chant it :oops: im glad it has not been sung when im around. i have never hear it in 3 yrs ?

It is one of our chants, can confirm 100%. But I was also under the impression we picked it up off of the PG boys...

I haven ever ever heard this chant anywhere lol how would this even be a chant Adelaide would want to sing. its astonishing the crap people can make up someone should complain lol

It is like someone came to Adelaide and said hay mate do you know a chant they use here in Adelaide and the person came up with that. And be coincidence Melbourne played in Adelaide that weekend and it was a person from Melbourne lol

I was under the impression we starting singing that to Adelaide teams... but fair enough if you got to it first :lol: