Australia NewsNo Rush For The Exits: Schwab |
AUSTRALIAN PFA chief executive Brendan Schwab believes Hyundai A-League players are no longer looking for the swiftest possible exit to Europe in huge numbers.
While the Hyundai A-League may not enjoy the same hype or untold riches of the English Premier League, it is clear that the continued growth of the Hyundai A-League has changed the outlook and aspirations of some.Thursday's signing of a five-year collective bargaining agreement was another step designed to make playing football in Australia a more desirable prospect, albeit that some players will continue to see a club overseas as the holy grail.
Youngsters such as Bruce Djite and Nathan Burns are thought to be on the verge of moves to Europe but there may come a time where such switches are no longer inevitable.
Schwab said: "Our players surveys are increasingly showing that players see their futures in Australia.
"Over 40 per cent of the A-League players last year have indicated to us that they don't intend to transfer overseas for at least three years and around one in four plan to spend the rest of their career in the A-League.
"That's a very encouraging trend. Players know they are at the table (with a CBA in place), they know they will be protected in the event of injury, they know the financial benefits will increase and that the A-League will become increasingly attractive."
PFA president Simon Colosimo yesterday described the new CBA as a "wonderful day" for Australian footballers.
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