Greed Of Coyne`s Suitors Killing A-League?

Adelaide coach, Aurelio Vidmar, has hit out at the free-spending policy of clubs like Perth Glory as both continue pursuing Colchester United skipper, Chris Coyne.

Vidmar accused the top teams of spending "ludicrous" sums to lure star names - as per A-league rules - which state that the best signings are exempt from a standard salary cap. He says rash budgeting is threatening the long-term stability of the newly-founded division.

The ceiling limit is $2.25, from which as many as four players in each squad are excused.

In recent seasons, former Manchester United treble-winner Dwight Yorke and ex-Liverpool legend Robbie "God" Fowler have crossed the pond to earn astronomical annual salaries. Fowler, playing for North Queensland Fury, is earning $1.2 million a year.

Fowler could soon be joined in Oz by one-time Celtic legend, Henrik Larson, being linked with Gold Coast United after earlier speculation, reported here on Vital, that Colchester United were considering offering him a contact.

Even former Brentford striker, Lloyd Owusu, who recently became Adelaide`s highest earner, commands £400,000 in wages for a two year deal.

Vidmar is bitter about the way all sides including Glory, hopeful of making Coyne another marquee signing, are doing business.

On Friday, he told Adelaide Now: "Most A-League clubs are trying to find their feet still after four years and some of the money that's being thrown around is just ludicrous."

"We've tried to make some big plays for some big players, Aussie boys that are playing overseas and Aussie boys that are playing in the A-League currently. There's just not enough money for them."

Vidmar said ten days ago that he would be looking to hijack Perth Glory`s high-profile chase of Coyne, although it is understood he has since been offered a firm three-year contract by Glory.


Sydney FC was also suggested as another destination for the player.

"He's one of the players on the list. He`s a leader and we'd like to help his chances for the World Cup squad.

"There would only be some hurdles with the [Asian] Champions League that we'd have to jump, and that would be registrations," Vidmar explained.

A barrier to Adelaide`s Coyne move is, bizarrely, that that competition is hosted at the same time as the World Cup 2010 in South Africa.


So the race for Coyne is three-way: but is it killing the A-League?

Let us know with a comment below, or comment on this article in the forum. Not yet a member? Don't panic, click on the banner below to join in.

For the very latest League One odds

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.