Mark Bridge moved to Sydney FC because they are willing to provide him with a easy get out clause in his contract if a foreign club comes knocking. I would like to commend Newcastle for standing by its conviction and I think Sydney FC are setting a dangerous precedent for this league.
If you look at all other countries that exports its best talent, the funds gained from transfer fees is an important part of the clubs income. For Mark Bridge to deny the club that has developed him and made him the player he is the benefit of a transfer payment is a travesty. The FFA should take a stand against such terms in a contract as such clauses are potentially very damaging to an exporting league if they become prevalent in player contracts. To see the effects of such clauses, contrast the transfers of David Carney and Nick Carle. While Nick Carle’s transfer pocketed the Jets $650,000, a figure that could rise to a cool $1 million, Sydney FC received $125,000 for Carney. That is a minimum of $500,000 that Newcastle Jets can inject into the club, its facilities, youth football etc.
I can see why a player wants an easy get out clause. However, before they leave, perhaps they should have a look around the stadium where the fans have cheered them on and the facilities they have used to improve their game and realise the numerous expenses the the club has incurred to allow them to showcase and develop their talent. To then leave the club with nothing after they are gone is a real slap in the face to all those that have assisted them or cheered them on.
We know that no A-League player are rolling in the money, given the tight salary cap, like their counterparts in Europe. However, the A-League clubs are also not rolling in it either. They need the players help when the player leaves the club, much like the player needs the assistance of the club to get their foot into the footballing door.
1 Comment
March 1, 2008 at 9:24 am
If Bridge leaves in 1 or two seasons for as little as Carney did I’d chuck a scream.