interesting the comments about cutting the operational costs and doing headcounts in clubs as well as the apl

glad to hear a goal of 1-2 milion in player sales per year

I think it's the way forward, the only thing I would say when bringing in young players the clubs should bring them in sooner and not wait for the young players to be around 19 to say 22 the more earlier the better experience and development they will accumulate.

If they bring in young players from 15 to 18, it will also give them a greater scope when it comes to transfer fees as well especially if they tied into long term contracts.

Throw in exposure to international football as well it should help get the attention for big clubs and big leagues as they always will look to find their next talent anywhere in the world that fits their profile such as Irankunda.

Arnie just said our talent 16 and below can match it with anyone which is why senior level exposure is crucial in creating more elite talent for our national teams.

But transfer fees could turn the fortunates around for the a-league but it has to be done properly.

If other countries see their leagues with a lot of U20 talent then why can't ours? Particularly now that clubs have less money to spend. One of the better seasons was the Covid season with local talent. I'm all for decent imports and some marquees. A number of older imports have actually been decent, mostly centre backs. 

I don't mind imports when they're well considered and the player is actually here to put in. Marquees that don't add anything to the field, to appeal to fans that will never care about the AL anyway, and require lots of money is a poor model. For e.g., watching Nani on the coin he had vs output was hard work, though at least he tried unlike others. 

Funny that.... The old NSL had next to no money in the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s and 2000s.... Yet some how made players for the national side.

A-league men's sides from 2005- 2018 had money but barely produced enough Socceroos.

Funny that.... There used to be Aussie "journey men" aged 23 -32.

Now A-league men's sides are forced to play and sell their players aged 18-23. 


Hmmm

No more Aleague clubs hoarding kids on "scholarship" wages mate... WE NEED MORE CLUBS!!!!!

Dont worry the Aleague just has to survive 7 more seasons to claim it revolutionised football in this country.....  Its gonna be a lllloooooonnnnngggg 7 seasons though :)

this is one of your better posts I've seen Gillette.

Adelaide have just signed a lad to a 5 year contract. Maybe the clubs are starting to figure out if you sign talent to a decent contract when they leave to go OS you can get a few dollars for them instead of seeing them walk out the door for fuck all cash.

Let's hope it becomes a trend.

I think I read Max Balard left CCM for $0.00.

Smart business for the club but lets just hope the lad is getting paid a decent wage otherwise he has just rooted his career. 

Well that's the difficulty with offering long contracts and accepting long contracts. Difficult for both parties.

Ballard had a player option for next season that he didn't take up. 
He'd probably have been on a lower wage last season in return for the flexibilty that he's now benefited from.

All Contracts can be written all kinds of ways, club options, player options, buy out clauses, on sell %

They only have to conform to minimum CBA requirements and the rest is negotiation

Adelaide seem to be running with this PSV youth tie-up, so don't be surprised if PSV are able to take him on loan or buy at mates rates