Marquee Players a Thing of the Past - Gorman

The days of franchises making "the Dwight Yorke-type of signing" are over, to quote A-League boss, Lyall Gorman.

Robbie Fowler and Dwight Yorke were two of several high-profile exports from the English Premier League to ply their trade Down Under, in recent years, but marquee signings could soon be consigned to the history books, given that many clubs are tightening their belts.

A shift in clubs being taken over by rich owners in parts of the world such as China, the UAE, Qatar, and even Russia means less wealth reaching Australian clubs. However, with live soccer betting, the chance of a big payout for lucky fans remains intact.

A new focus on unearthing home-grown talent has also led to less demand for distinguished foreigners coming to the end of their careers.

"We've become more discerning about the capacity of marquee players to add value, on and off the field", A-League boss, Gorman, told the Sydney Morning Herald. "Clearly the talent ID work we've done over the last few years is starting to bear fruit."

He added: "Good, young, Australian players are proving they can do the job. That means clubs aren't as keen to go overseas for the big-name player as they used to be. From what I'm hearing, the Dwight Yorke-type of signing has dropped off the radar."

Gorman said it was wise for clubs in austere times to look longer-term, rather than taking the instant-hit approach of bringing in box-office signings.

Adelaide United, Perth Glory, and Wellington Pheonix will move their marquee signings inside the salary cap, next season, and Gorman indicated others should cut their cloth accordingly.

He said: "You've got to run before you can walk, and there's a shift of focus to prudent financial management. To me, that makes sense." Take advantage of the burgeoning soccer game in Australia, with a bet on Socceroos.