Matthew Hall
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Advocaat? Advo-Can!
The Saturday afternoon London pubs around Putney Bridge, closest to Fulham's picturesque riverside Craven Cottage ground, were filled with Australian accents, green and gold scarves and, still bizarrely Wallabies jumpers.
Rugby boss John O'Neill, once football's Australian boss, would have been proud.
Fans stood around, midday pints in hand, explaining to English friends about the A-League and how football, as in roundball, really is popular back home.
These are the discussions that still have to be had.
Before kick-off, Craven Cottage's PA system boomed The Hoodoo Gurus '80s classic "What's My Scene".
That's a question supposed coach-in-waiting Dick Advocaat no longer has to ask.
Football Federation Australia is reeling from Advocaat's decision to stay in St Petersburg rather than honour his agreement to take over Australia.
As late as Friday afternoon, at the team in hotel in Shepherds Bush, Australian officials maintained the line that Advocaat was expected in London to watch his new team in action against Nigeria.
Most players, though, were more realistic. "I have a gut feeling," one senior player told me before wincing.
He wasn't pulling a pained face because of dodgy hotel food. He knew Advocaat was gone before he'd arrived. Other players, too, hedged around questions about Advocaat.
There's one thing that's for sure about football players. Silence can be golden.
Advocaat's absence is not all bad news. Despite FFA's infatuation with all things Dutch, Advocaat is and was no Hiddink.
Now, the options for Australia are wide open - the only enemy is time. Oh, and a bit of money.
A return for Graham Arnold is out of the question and not just because of his Olympic team duties. Several senior players are still feeling the effects of the Asian Cup debacle.
Technical Director Rob Baan has no inclination to take a full-time coaching role. Maybe just as well.
Baan said on Friday that he'd not studied the Nigerian team ahead of the overnight friendly because "their names are difficult" (yes, he actually said this but, giving him the benefit of the doubt, maybe something was lost in translation).
He added "if you live far away in Australia it is difficult to see Nigeria's players in action" (even though they play in Europe).
Then Baan referred to the Asian Cup-winning coach of Iraq as an Argentinean. Jorvan Vieira is in fact a Brazilian who lives in Morocco but what are details, hey?
"Iraq played wonderful tactical football at the Asian Cup," Baan added.
But apparently not wonderful enough or sufficiently astute for FFA to consider Vieira as a candidate for Australia.
I spoke with Vieira last Monday.
He was in Portugal, heading to Paris for some meetings. He's not leading a lifestyle of the rich and famous but is yet to accept an offer after winning the Asian Cup. A position with Australia certainly appeals.
Vieira has attracted attention from Iran, who are also searching for a new coach. Another Dutch legend Ronald Koeman was under consideration by the Iranians but he took a job in Spain with Valencia instead.
Such is football.
Fabio Capello has told friends he's interested in talking with Australia. He was interested in June. He was interested in July. But Australia's Advocaat obsession - and the contract they signed with him in August - ruled out any discussions with Australia.
How long can a shopping list be? As long as the many products on the shelves.
Australia may have no coach but they had spirit to burn against Nigeria in one of the most refreshing performances for some time.
The Nigerian fans, outnumbered by Australians, sang "All we are saying is give us a goal..."
David Carney gave them one from his rocket powered left-foot.
Nick Carle showed hunger and intelligence. He is worth his place even with a fit Tim Cahill available.
A newly beefed-up Harry Kewell always makes Australia look a better team with a mind that is always a few frames ahead of his rivals (and occasionally teammates).
Scott McDonald's pace and movement caused constant problems for Nigeria's defence.
Mark Schwarzer's reactions, especially with a first-half acrobatic save, gave Mark Bosnich, watching from the Fox Sports commentary box, some time to rethink any idea of a comeback.
On the pitch, there's a lot of promise.
Imagine what can be achieved with a real leader.
COMMENTS
I think FFA should start considering a Hiddink type arrangement with some of the top coaches in Europe. I would rather we have a part-time top class coach than a full time B-grade one.
This will mean we don't have to pay as much as the clubs are already offering them big money. It will also be appealing to a lot of the top coaches who want to be at the World Cup but don't want to give up their club committment.
With this we can start thinking big. Capello, Wenger, Lippi, Mourinho etc. All the names that everyone has mentioned. Perhaps even think outside the box and consider coaches like Frank Rjkard, Sven Goran-Erickson, Rafael Benitez/ Louis Van Gaal etc.
There is no point have a mediocre coach sitting around watching A-League games. We have Arnie, Kozzie, Alex Tobin etc to do this along with Rob Baan's input.
- by Brad on November 18, 2007 at 04:01 PM
I'm relieved that we lost Advocaat. I never wanted him in the first place, he is a poor-man's Hiddink, his spell with South Korea after Hiddink was disastrous and it is clear that he has very little integrity after this fiasco. Fabio Capello would be perfect (even if his playing style is a little boring) - he gets results and terrifies his players.
- by Jane on November 18, 2007 at 04:20 PM
News.com is reporting that Frank Rijkaard is being considered while Baan has named Klinnsman.
I think that Rijkaard would be a great choice. Klinsmann has not proved himself as a coach yet.
Martin Jol should definitely also be considered.
- by Michael on November 18, 2007 at 04:30 PM
Would have loved to have seen Neeskens given a go after Hiddink left. Had a great rapport with the players and loved the country (sung the national anthem with hand on heart at Cup, priceless). He went on to be a very active assistant at Barca. He is also a cheap alternative and would provide some continuity in style. Whoever it is to be, we need to know quickly.
- by matt on November 18, 2007 at 05:03 PM
Following Russia's loss to Israel, dare I say it, but how about the return of Hiddink? Unless Croatia beat England at Wembley, Russia will not qualify for Euro 2008. Will the Russians still want to hold onto him then? It may be wise for Mr. Lowy to give Guus a quick call now...
- by Lex on November 18, 2007 at 07:00 PM
Will russia make euro???? could hiddink be an option?
- by Jacob on November 18, 2007 at 07:09 PM
I think Hiddink has a contract with Russia until October 2008, although as Mr Advocaat has demonstrated, a contract, without some personal integrity doesn't count for much.
- by Marc on November 18, 2007 at 10:36 PM
Well some of these names are quite exciting if true. I was never really sure about Advocaat. He just seemed like a knee jerk signing after not getting Hiddink.
I like the idea of Jorvan Viera, with what he did in 2 months with a no-name Irag team, just think what he could do over 2 years with Australia.
Johann Neeskins was some-one I thought we should have signed up straight away after the World Cup as he already has experience with the side.
Frank Rijkaard will always be way too expensive. Martin Jol could be good. Klinsmann will never sign and he'll want to live in the States as he did while in charge of Germany. If Capello is interested that would be a very interesting manager to through into the mix.
Lets just hope this all sorted out very soon.
- by Pete on November 18, 2007 at 10:37 PM
There are plenty of better coachs in the world than Dick Advocaat. He was a pretty average coach who had reasonable success at Glasgow Rangers and Holland with pretty decent squads and easier competition.
I found it funny that Advocaat actually did the same thing to the UAE back in 2005 and has a reputation for going against his word.
As for the Nigeria game, i wouldn't read too much into it. Nigeria are a team who are hot one minute and cold the next. Whats the point in having these types of games when we should be playing against some of the asian nations who so easily walked all over us a few months ago.
- by Jason Bronx on November 18, 2007 at 10:40 PM
Dick Advocaat was overrated and not as good as Hiddink or Beenhaker. His time in Scotland was successful but then again it is easy to coach Rangers or Celtic in Scotland..the rest of his coaching record is frankly mixed..we can and should get someone better than him
- by rick samimi on November 18, 2007 at 11:03 PM
BRING BACK GUUS NOW!!!! Russia won't make it, Gus will be unemployed..Perfect. Start writing those cheques Mr Lowy
- by Chris in the UK on November 18, 2007 at 11:16 PM
Letīs get Guus, it doesnīt matter how much, just get him back!
- by Ernel on November 19, 2007 at 07:09 AM
Hiddink has already re-signed with Russia. I agree with Brad. We're better going for a part-time "A Grade" coach than a full time "B-Grade" coach. And Martin Jol - you have got to be kidding!
- by Jane on November 19, 2007 at 07:49 AM
I'm pretty sure i remember Hiddink saying he was not interested in coming back. I guess we will be back to hearing rumours abotu Houllier and the like. I have to admit, when it took so long for anyone to confirm anythign about Advocaat i thought he would not end up coming and when he was offered the spot by his russian club to coach in the champions league i knew he wouldn't come. Australia is not an attractive option for most coaches. Coaching in the best club competition in the world is.
- by Andrew on November 19, 2007 at 08:03 AM
Dissapointing to miss out on Dick. But lets start focusing on another good manager. there is plenty out there.
- by Jimmy on November 19, 2007 at 09:07 AM
Rijkaard Hiddink ... give me a break.
It's like asking Paul Roos to manage an junior team. Coaches like that do not drop to much lower jobs, which the aussie job still is.
- by Stephen on November 19, 2007 at 09:53 AM
Despite the coaching debacle, Australia looked the best I've seen them since the World Cup. Carle and Kewell are a sensational combination, and Valeri was a revelation.
I agree Viera's Iraq team looked sensational in the Asian Cup, and he should definitely be sounded out/interviewed.
Missing out on Neeskens could be the biggest mistake the FFA has made yet though. Apparently he asked the FFA to put an offer on the table during the World Cup, but they wanted to wait until the end of the tournament. Neeskens had the offer from Barca waiting, so had to take it. He would have been perfect - a seamless transition from the Hiddink era, and also (realistically) the 'level' of coach we should be looking.
I think this talk of Capella et al is off the mark and unrealistic - I just don't think managers of that reputation are going to want to commit to a lower-tier nation this far out from a major tournament.
- by Rob on November 19, 2007 at 10:43 AM
Advocaat has shown himself to be a scumbag without integrity and probably that was a good thing to learn before he joined the team as coach. FFA were perhaps naive but should definitely sue. I'm sure his club side has agreed, as part of his new deal, to foot the legal bill and any damages that may arise due to breach of contract. Hiddink wont come back. And talking of Russia losing to Israel.....suspicious to say the least.
- by Tim on November 19, 2007 at 10:45 AM
And why not Jorvan Vieira? Anybody who can coach a team from a strife-torn country to win a major tournament (that's the Asian Cup, remember?) has to be worth their money, especially that that team managed to beat the crap out of our own team. If you can't beat them, employ them (as Microsoft does with successful hackers).
- by Robert Z on November 19, 2007 at 10:58 AM
One word: Klinsmann.
- by Alex on November 19, 2007 at 12:05 PM
Let's not forget that the FFA had a signed contract with Advocat....completely unacceptable to do a complete turn around and shows that he has no integrity. Does he really think St Petersburg are going to win the champions league....give me a break. I was in Germany and saw all the Australian games. When I saw Guus standing in the Australian corner you couldn't help but feel confident that we had arrvied as a football nation. Come back Guus......we love you!!!!
- by Muz on November 19, 2007 at 12:17 PM
Klinsman has not proved himself! Michael, Klinsman took Germany to a WC semi-final.
- by Rod on November 19, 2007 at 02:12 PM
... and following Poland's first-ever qualification for Euro they have now re-signed Leo Benhaaker, another old Dutch coach (who previously took Trinidad and Tobago to the World Cup). If I recall, Hiddink was telling FFA to look at Benhaaker as a possibility.
- by Robert Z on November 19, 2007 at 03:44 PM
....get a reality grip here - Rikaard, Hiddink and the top names will not be coming to Australia. Quite simply, there is general consensus in Europe that the best days of the Australian team are not going to be over the next few years.
The team peaked at the World Cup and the next few years will be tough in trying to negotiate Asian qualifying. Australia will be the country who have to travel furthest, and have traditionally been poor when playing in Asia.
As for slagging Advocaat....the simple fact he has won championships in Holland, Scotland and now Russia and has also led his country to the semi-finals of a World Cup and Euro Championship (each time beaten on penalties). This was a great opportunity lost on Australia's part....not the opposite.
Quite simply, the top coaches want to be coaches in countries where football is the number one sport......they yearn excitement, prestige and pressure.....which, you don't get as Australian boss.
Expect a has-been rather than anyone who will take the game further.
- by John on November 19, 2007 at 05:49 PM
Klinsmann is not a coach. He's a pep talk speaker.
Get Neeskens and GIVE JOHAN CRUIJFF a call!! What a combination that would be!!
- by Steve on November 19, 2007 at 10:26 PM
Did anyone actually watch the World Cup in Germany? Australia only won one game.. against Japan. Our performance was mediocre at best. Guss did well to get us there, but nothing for us while we were there. We should be looking for someone new, not looking backwards.
- by Sunny on November 20, 2007 at 04:03 PM
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Is it me or are the Football reporters going over the top with the A-League and are forgetting about the European Champions League ? Don't get me wrong, the A-League has been a huge success, but it's really dissapointing that since the A-League came in, The European scene has now been forgotton.