By 4two
February 16 2004

The Australians are restructuring their football league, and are looking to recruit players like Paul Merson to boost its profile.

This story has been carried in the Sydney Morning Herald and the 4-4-2 magazine. It centers around the fact that the Australian Soccer Association (ASA) is trying establish an Australian Premier League, and restructure the game.

The ASA and its teams are experiencing financial problems, as ASA chief Frank Lowy  revealed that Australian clubs had lost $52 million between them during the last 3 seasons.

The new plans would be backed by TV Money and corporate sponsors who would pump an estimated $20 in to the league.

The Sydney Morning Herald said...."British agents have said their clients, including Premier League stars Teddy Sheringham, Paul Merson, David Seaman and Paul Ince, are within reach for a well-financed TV-backed Australian league"

While top Players agent Leo Karis said "We need to get people off the beach and attending games and these are the sort of players that will get fans excited. The reason Stamford Bridge is a sell-out when Chelsea play is because people get to see quality players."

Although this is just paper talk, with no quotes from players or specific clubs it does raise the question as to whether Merse could be tempted elsewhere for a fresh start following his continuing problems.