FFA to make Roos candidates earn it

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CANDIDATES to coach the Socceroos are likely to face a series of interviews, with Football Federation Australia CEO David Gallop determined that the selection process is as thorough as possible.

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Though Melbourne Victory boss Ange Postecoglou is widely seen as favourite for the job, a shortlist of candidates is likely to be formulated with each given a chance to present their case before a decision is reached.

With Gallop and the new head of national teams, former Socceroo Luke Casserley, in London for Wednesday morning's (EDT) friendly with Canada, the precise parameters for the search will not be set until the end of the week when they return to meet with national technical director Han Berger.

After the ambiguity over what exactly Holger Osieck was tasked with overseeing - World Cup qualification v regeneration of the side - there will be detailed criteria established for the selection of the new coach and for the areas he will be measured against.

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That latter area of accountability is seen as vital as Osieck had argued recently that in qualifying for the World Cup he had met the terms of his appointment.

By contrast, FFA chairman Frank Lowy had described a grandiose list of objectives on Osieck's appointment, including "the capacity to rebuild teams and to work with young footballers and develop them into internationally competitive players [and] be prepared to work with the national technical director and his department to enhance the elite player pathway program."

Once that has been formalised both Postecoglou and Mariners boss Graham Arnold - and foreign coaches seriously interested and meeting the criteria - are likely to be invited to be interviewed and questioned on a variety of areas from tactics and personnel to the structure around the team, the importance of media and marketing, and involvement in the younger national teams.

FFA also has to decide the structure alongside the new man from next June, with Berger due to step down after the World Cup. One suggestion on the table is for the new manager to be given a far wider remit, rather than have Berger replaced directly as technical director.

While no salary package has formally been established for Osieck's replacement, his $1.5m a year was seen as pushing the envelope and it's highly unlikely it would be increased - unless someone of the calibre of Guus Hiddink indicated a desire for the job.  

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Neill putting his legacy at risk

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LUCAS Neill has been a fine player, an inspirational leader and a wonderful ambassador. Now he threatens to trash his legacy. The Socceroos' 35 year-old skipper risks ageing disgracefully.

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Neill is just the latest athlete in the modern age whose understandable desire to prolong earning potential, and to achieve personal goals, has obscured the inevitability of sporting mortality.

Although this seems a particular problem in a Socceroos change room where there are more expired use-by dates than in Apu's Kwik-E-Mart. Where walking frames seem more useful than shin guards.

Ricky Ponting risked a similar fate. But wisely, when he lost the Australian captaincy, Ponting acknowledged his selection would be based on weight of runs. When they were measured in ounces, not tons, the great batsman walked.

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Neill, however, seems stuck in an alternate footballing universe. One in which his guile and strength still compensate for his lack of pace.

Where he does not look like a department store mannequin as the world's best strikers breeze by.

It is a quandary that is both sad and inevitable. Although one in which Neill's decisions, not just his birth certificate, have played a part.

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Neill's excellent European adventure ended in 2011. He then chose to play for petro-dollars with substandard clubs in the United Arab Emirates, rather than a team that would provide a solid World Cup preparation.

For any ageing professional athlete, the end is just a snapped ligament away. However, by feathering his nest, Neill put his performance - and subsequently his place in the national team - in jeopardy.

Yet, at a press conference in London on Monday, Neill said: "My question to the younger guys who want to play for Australia is: do you dream of playing for Australia? And, if you do, show me the hunger and desire. I think that's where we are lacking, our attitude towards our national team."

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That statement seems at odds with Neill's recent career choices. Something that suggests he, and perhaps others, feel they are owed an enduring place in the national team based on services rendered.

Former Socceroo John Aloisi makes sense when he says veterans such as Neill should not nominate their departure dates. Rather, they should know they are finished when their name is missing from the team sheet.

That cuts to the heart of a problem that has gripped Australian sport. Socceroos announce they will play on until the next World Cup, not simply play on in the hope they will be selected.

Cricketers state they will keep going until the next Ashes series, not merely hope they are still good enough to make the squad.

The selectorial tail too often wags the dog. When combined with national contract systems, and coaches who sometimes play favourites with pliable veterans, we risk creating a small and indulged pool of players who lack the most basic motivation.

The possibility of losing their spot.

It seemed telling that some veteran Socceroos expressed displeasure about coach Holger Osieck's sacking despite the team's dismal performances.

Clearly, they felt safe while the German was in charge. So safe their performances have suffered?

Neill was clearly upset that Fox Sports pundit Mark Bosnich was one of many critics to express the opinion he should step aside.

"Football is a game of opinions," said Neill. "He's entitled to his, (but) I expect better from people who've played the game and certainly people that call themselves my friend."

Of course, the mark of true friendship is telling someone how it is. Not just what they want to hear.  

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Hussey backflips for Indian bully

Michael Hussey is inadvertently embroiled in a scandal. Source: News Limited

MIKE Hussey has become inadvertently embroiled in the scandal enveloping cricket's most dodgy and dangerous bully, Indian board president N.Srinivasan.

The former Australian champion and current IPL star with the Chennai Super Kings felt the need to apologise to Srinivasan following the recent release of Hussey's autobiography, Under the Southern Cross.

Srinivasan owns the Super Kings through his company India Cements but his now disgraced son in law Gurunath Meiyappan ran the franchise until he was arrested for alleged illegal betting on the IPL in May.

From that moment Srinivasan suddenly distanced himself from his son in law, describing him as a cricket "enthusiast."

Hussey's book said: "Our owner was Indian Cements, headed by Mr Srinivasan. As he was also on the board of the BCCI, he gave control of the team to his son-in-law Mr Gurunath. He ran the team along with Kepler Wessels, who was coach."

Now Hussey, who hopes to continue his involvement with the Super Kings, has become part of a growing Australian tradition of back-flipping for fear that the rivers of gold available through cricket in India may suddenly dry up.

Hussey told Cricinfo he might have been "a little bit wrong" and that Srinivasan would "know a lot better" who ran the Super Kings.

President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), N. Srinivasan. Source: AFP

"I knew he (Gurunath Meiyappan) was a close part of the team, no question about that, and I saw him around the team pretty much every day. [But] I am certainly not going to question the word of Mr Srinivasan."

Srinivasan has been shameless and ruthless wielding India's vast cricket wealth despite facing serious allegations himself.

The Central Bureau of Investigation is probing allegations of rorting water rights to double his cement company's profit and the failure to pay import duty on 11 luxury cars.

Following the arrest of his son in law Srinivasan was forced to step aside from daily administration of the Board of Control for Cricket in India by the Supreme Court.

Despite all this the BCCI took the remarkable step of re-electing him unopposed as president.

Such is his power as BCCI boss that Srinivasan may bankrupt Cricket South Africa, until recently a close ally.

Michael Hussey addressed his time in the IPL in his book. Source: News Limited

India is refusing to confirm a tour of South Africa because CSA appointed former International Cricket Council chief executive Haroon Lorgat as its CEO.

Srinivasan took exception to Lorgat when as ICC chief he attempted to reform the moribund governing body, which would have reduced India's power and influence.

So petty are Srinivasan and the BCCI that they employ a number of the television commentators who work on India home series and anyone who is remotely critical of any aspect of the board is sacked.

Earlier this year Tim May, the former Australian spinner, was forced off the ICC's cricket committee by the BCCI and replaced by BCCI employed commentator Laxman Sivaramakrishnan.

As chief executive of the Federation of International Cricketers' Associations May had been a constant critic of the BCCI.

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Morgan boosts Thunder firepower

Eoin Morgan will play the Big Bash League with Sydney Thunder. Source: IAN KINGTON / AFP

ENGLAND'S Irish short form specialist Eoin Morgan has become the latest star to sign with the Sydney Thunder.

A basket case for the first two years of the newly expanded Big Bash League, the Thunder is now shaping as a genuine contender, with Morgan joining new skipper Mike Hussey at the reinvigorated franchise.

And Morgan, 27, is hoping that spending time with Hussey will help the clever left hander reinvigorate his Test career.

"To play under a guy like him is going to be huge for me," Morgan said.

"I'm no different to any other left-handed middle order batsman. I'm a guy who aspired to be like him since I was very young having watched him progress his international career and kill it since he broke into the Australian side. It's been great to watch.

"I'll be picking his brain as much as he can. 

"Anything to help me (play Test cricket again). I'm still an aspiring Test match cricketer.

"I've really enjoyed the Tests that I did play and I got a bit of a taste for it even though it was only 16 matches.

"It's where I want to be, especially playing Ashes cricket."

Eoin Morgan has played plenty of short-form cricket. Source: Getty Images

Morgan was reserve batsman on England's previous Ashes tour four years ago but failed to make the 17-man squad this time around.

However he is an integral member of England's one-day team, captaining the side in the absence of a resting Alastair Cook during the post Ashes one-day series earlier this year that Australia won.

Morgan will be available for the first four Thunder matches then joins the England one-day and Twenty20 squads following the five-Test series.

He is currently holidaying on the Gold Coast, where his South Australian girl friend is attending university, and will link up with an extended England training squad during the Test series, which begins in Brisbane next month.

Born in Dublin, he is a third generation "cricket nut" despite the game being a minor sport in Ireland.

"It's a lot bigger than you think," he said, claiming it has grown significantly over the past decade.

Eoin Morgan is looking forward to playing with Michael Hussey. Source: AP

His two sisters also played for Ireland and three brothers were part of provincial representative teams.

Morgan joined Middlesex as a 16-year-old claiming that Irish players moving to England was a natural progression for anyone who aspired to play Test cricket.

He has been followed by fast bowler Boyd Rankin, who is a part of the Ashes squad.

"I knew what I wanted to do from quite a young age so from when I was a young teenager I was an aspiring professional cricketer and knew the only pathway was to go across and play in England, to ply my trade over there," Morgan said.

He captained England to victory over Ireland in June, scoring 124 not out. It was the third time he had played against his former country.

"It didn't really feel that awkward," Morgan said. "I played against a lot of guys I grew up with and the big realisation for me is that if they were given the chance that I have been they would take it with both hands.

"There's no hard feelings between me and any of my mates."

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Aussies in rush for Cup tickets

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THE doom and gloom surrounding the Socceroos have not deterred Australians from applying for World Cup tickets in huge numbers.

It comes as the possibility of a grudge match with England at Wembley next month gathers momentum.

A total of 6,164,682 requests for tickets were received by FIFA when the first application period ended on the weekend, 88,082 from Australia.

Only applications from host nation Brazil, the US, Argentina, Germany, Chile and England outstripped those of Australia.

Tickets for group matches range from $95 to $185. Tickets for the final at the Maracana stadium range from $465 to $1040.

Sales of leftover seats will begin on November 5 on a first-come, first-served basis. Another phase will begin on December 8 after the World Cup draw determines where and when each nation will play.

Australia's preparations for the tournament, which begins on June 12, may step up another gear next month with reports in England suggesting national team manager Roy Hodgson had lined up a friendly with the Socceroos.

The England match would be played just days before our cricketers recommence their battle for the Ashes in Brisbane.

The Socceroos shocked the Three Lions in the most recent meeting between the two nations, winning 3-1 at West Ham's Upton Park in 2003 courtesy of goals from Tony Popovic, Harry Kewell and Brett Emerton.

Football Federation Australia officials said negotiations with potential opponents for the November FIFA window would gather steam in the coming days after a glut of World Cup qualifiers this morning determined the availability of rival nations.

A match in each of Sydney and Melbourne against a European or South American opponent on November 15 and 19 had been mooted, and is still possible, but the English Football Association is said to be keen to see the Socceroos match take place at Wembley.

Socceroos captain Lucas Neill, speaking before this morning's friendly against Canada in London, said his side would welcome the England clash.

"It's another huge game for us against one of the biggest teams in the world, one of the most famous teams in the world," he said.

"Like playing Brazil in Brazil, like playing France in France, these are all very tempting matches and I'm sure that the people who arrange those games will definitely take serious consideration of the possibility."

WE GO TO RIO

Ticket applications for the 2014 World Cup
Brazil 4,368,029
USA 374,065
Argentina 266,937
Germany 134,899
Chile 102,288
England 96,780
Australia 88,082
Japan 69,806
Total requests: 6,164,682

Thousands of Socceroos fans have applied for World Cup tickets. Picture: Toby Zerna

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Bosnich tells Neill to deliver

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THE angry war of words surrounding Lucas Neill's captaincy of the Socceroos continued last night, after Neill hit back at Bosnich's call for him to retire from the national team.

Told by Neill that he expected better "from someone who has played the game", Bosnich said that Neill should "stop telling us and show us" — while former Socceroo Robbie Slater dubbed it the "worst captain's interview I've ever seen".

As the row threatened to overshadow this morning's friendly betweent the Socceroos and Canada, the first game since Holger Osieck's sacking, Football Federation chairman Frank Lowy sought to calm the issue by suggesting the words came "in turbulent times".

Earlier Neill, at the pre-match press conference, was asked what he thought of calls for generational change — a reference to Bosnich calling on Neill to retire after Saturday's 6-0 defeat to France.

Neill, 35, emphatically denied he was set to give up his spot in the side, saying: "Retirement is not a word that has been on my agenda.

"Mark Bosnich is entitled to his opinion, but I would expect better from people who have played the game and certainly from those who call themselves my friend.

"People who know football know games are won and lost by a team and it's not about one person.

"I am committed to remaining captain for as long as the people in charge give me that status.

"I add value to the team and I bring a lot of good attributes, but I am the victim, the same as everybody in this team, of a side which has lost two games in a row 6-0."

In a further twist, Neill appeared to question the motivation of some teammates, when he said that there was no point making mass changes if there were few replacements ready to go.

"I think the biggest problem in Australia right now is not the older guys who have been doing it for a long time — I still have as much passion now as I had when I was 17 — but my question to the younger guys who want to play for Australia, is: Do you really dream of playing for Australia?" he said.

"And if you do, then show me the hunger, show me the desire that you want to be in the Socceroos and you want to represent your country. That's where we are lacking now, our attitude towards the national team."

Later Bosnich offered a succinct response. "Lucas is entitled to his opinion as anyone is, and it's good he's had it," Bosnich said. "Now stop telling us all, and show us."

Made aware of the exchanges yesterday afternoon, Lowy said the remarks had to be put in the context of a heavy defeat and its subsequent fallout.

"He led the Socceroos with distinction for all the time he has been in there, and I think these are heated times at the moment," Lowy said of Neill. "I don't think we should hang on to every word said in the heat of the moment.

"I have a great respect for him, and if he makes himself available and the coach picks him, fine. If he doesn't make himself available, or the coach doesn't pick him, that's the coach's decision."

Asked if the comments were strange for a captain to make, Lowy added: "You could say that, but we need to be mindful of these turbulent times and what is said in the heat of it all, which we can maybe take as not very serious."

But Slater had already labelled Neill's declaration as a sign that "he's not seeing things clear and he's not seeing the reality."

"(It was) disgraceful," Slater told Fox Sports. "Quite possibly, the worst captain's interview — in a football sense — I've ever seen."

"When you have a coach in survival mode (like Holger Osieck was), it can reflect on the squad and players. Lucas is in the survival mode.

"He has a siege mentality ... and he's living in a cocoon. He's not seeing things clear and he's not seeing the reality.

"That squad is torn apart … If it wasn't before because of the results, it will be now because of what the captain has said.

"The amount of times I hear 'I' ... for him to have a go at younger players, that's exactly the opposite of what the captain should be doing."

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Socceroos skipper Lucas Neill remains defiant in the face of immense pressure.

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Sheens in frame for Eels job

Tim Sheens is in the frame for the Eels coaching job. Source: mark evans / DailyTelegraph

TIM Sheens has soared into contention for a coaching role at the beleaguered Parramatta Eels, with the Kangaroos mentor on a shortlist of interviewees.

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After North Queensland on Tuesday hired Roosters assistant Paul Green to lead the club for the next two seasons, the wooden spooners are now the only club with their entire 2014 coaching structure still to be finalised.

As well as looking for a man to replace Ricky Stuart, Parramatta are also speaking to candidates for a football director role that's similar in scope to Phil Gould's position at Penrith.

The Daily Telegraph has learned Sheens is firmly in line to fill the senior spot, and was scheduled to be interviewed this week until an illness he suffered from the PM XIII trip to Papua New Guinea struck.

Sacked by Wests Tigers last year, 63-year-old Sheens has repeatedly declared his wish to resume coaching another NRL club.

But well-placed sources at Parramatta believe his seniority might be better suited to the football director position - a role that's also featured talk about former Eels coach Brian Smith returning to the club.

Another impediment to Sheens landing the head coaching role is his commitment to Australia's World Cup campaign, which could extend until 26 November - almost a month after preseason training resumes.

Past and present players are campaigning for a younger man to handle the football team, with two other former Eels coaches - Brad Arthur and Jason Taylor - their preferred selections.

Recently retired stars such as Nathan Cayless, Nathan Hindmarsh and Luke Burt have thrown their weight behind Taylor, who is also working under Dally M Coach of the Year Trent Robinson at the Roosters.

But current Eels players fronted board members a fortnight ago to petition for their old caretaker coach Arthur, who took over for the final six games of 2012 after Steve Kearney's sacking.

It's understood both Arthur and Taylor would be comfortable working under Smith should they get the job. The Eels still have to hire assistant staff as well as a new under-20s coach.

Ironically, Eels chairman Steve Sharp has told sources that his preference is NRL referees boss Daniel Anderson. However, Anderson has turned down the overtures and will remain at League Central.

Neither Sharp nor Sheens returned calls Tuesday night.

Now at Manly, Arthur was eyeballing Green for the Cowboys job along with former Wests Tigers assistant Steve Georgallis. Both Arthur and Georgallis were informed they'd narrowly missed out late Monday night.

Green was also convinced he'd missed out, telling Roosters officials over the weekend of his belief the Cowboys had poached seven-time premiership winner Wayne Bennett from Newcastle.

Coy about his future last week, Bennett only made a public commitment to see out the final two years of his Newcastle contract on Monday.

The Cowboys decided to appoint Green later that day, fuelling speculation they'd made a secret approach to Bennett that had been knocked back because the master coach still has unfinished business in Newcastle.

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Mike's Top 50: Crowley gets respect

RYAN Crowley gets some much deserved respect while Tigers duo Trent Cotchin and Dustin Martin find themselves a little down the pecking order.

Mike's top 50 players: 50-31

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Joe's shot at Grand Final miracle

Joe Galuvao thanks fans during his lap of honor during the game between Manly and Penrith earlier this season. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: Gregg Porteous / DailyTelegraph

EXCLUSIVE: Joe Galuvao thought he'd achieved the ultimate grand final fairytale a decade ago, battling his way from the mean streets of Auckland to win a premiership with Penrith in 2003.

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But this Sunday could be something else entirely.

The Daily Telegraph has learned Galuvao - ruled out for the season in April with a ruptured Achilles tendon - has this week resumed intensive training with the Sea Eagles in an extraordinary bid to bow out on the biggest stage.

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Having already announced his retirement, the 35-year-old was not named on Manly's six-man bench on Tuesday and still must overcome huge odds to force his way into the team.

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But insiders at Brookvale confirmed that Galuvao trained with the team Tuesday, and also completed intensive fitness work on Sunday.

Since being placed in a moon boot after collapsing in Manly's clash against Cronulla in round six, Galuvao has been condemned to rehab work and studying for a personal trainers' certification.

He was present for Monday's team photo.

Should he complete the unlikeliest of revivals, Galuvao's story would be the greatest grand final miracle since Andrew Johns played the 1997 decider just eight days after suffering a punctured lung.

The door has opened for his return thanks to another serious injury - Richie Fa'aoso's broken neck.

Either David Gower or James Hasson were favoured to replace Fa'aoso. Gower on Tuesday gained the early edge after claiming Fa'aso's No. 14 jersey, but coach Geoff Toovey won't settle his team until later in the week.

Toovey did not return calls or texts about Galuvao on Tuesday night.

With Manly already without senior prop and co-captain Jason King, the Sea Eagles will miss Fa'aoso's punch off the bench and also his experience.

Fa'aoso was a member of Melbourne's premiership-winning side last year, while Hasson and Gower have made just 25 appearances between them this year.

Hasson is a highly rated rookie with another year to run on his contract at Manly, while Gower is set to be cut by the club after Sunday night's decider.

Galuvao's grand final pedigree is strong, playing in three deciders since making his debut for the Warriors in the NRL's inaugural season, 1998.

After winning the premiership with Penrith in 2003, the 240-game veteran received a runners-up medal with Parramatta in 2009 and then played a key role in Manly's 2011 triumph.

Just last month, Galuvao farewelled the Sea Eagles faithful at the team's final appearance at Brookvale Oval for the year.

"Thank you club, I appreciate all you have done for me,'' he told the fans.

"To all the supporters, fans, sponsors, owners, players and everyone associated with the club, I love all you guys and wish you all the best for the future."

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Cherry-Evans avoids Dally M curse

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HERE is the reason for Manly's Daly Cherry-Evans to overcome the disappointment of narrowly missing being crowned Dally M player-of-the-year.

The Daily Telegraph can today reveal the great Dally M curse.

Only once in the past 26 years has the Dally M winner gone on to win the first grade premiership in the same season. That occurred in 2008 when Manly's Matt Orford won the double.

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On Tuesday night, Cherry-Evans surged late but couldn't reign in Melbourne halfback Cooper Cronk, who polled 28 points to win rugby league's premier individual award.

It was a thrilling finish between some of the game's biggest names.

Cherry-Evans polled eight points over the final three rounds but ran equal second with North Queensland's Johnathan Thurston and Cronulla's Todd Carney, all on 26 points.

Rugby league turned on the glitz and glamour on Tuesday night as 700 players, officials and VIP's people attended the back tie dinner at The Star.

The biggest star though wasn't necessarily Cronk.

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Hollywood actor and South Sydney co-owner Russell Crowe was special guest and presented the top award to Cronk.

Victory for Cronk helped overcome a numbing loss for Melbourne in week two of the finals.

"It is a wonderful honour," Cronk said.

Cronk led the tally on 16 points when voting went behind closed-doors after round 16. He polled in five of the final six games to fend off his rivals.

Carney could be deemed unlucky.

He finished just two points off winning but missed rounds 25 and 26 with a hamstring injury.

Melbourne's Cam Smith and Newcastle's Jarrod Mullen were further back on 20 points.

Judges were the Fox Sports rugby league commentary team.  

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