Culina’s Homecoming A Step In The Right Direction

Gold Coast United continued on their merry way this week, adding the signature of Socceroos lynchpin Jason Culina to an already impressive squad. The former PSV midfielder joins the A-League’s leading goal scorer Shane Smeltz, experienced defenders Adam Griffiths and Michael Thwaite, youngsters Tahj Minniecon and Joel Porter, Juve’s backup keeper Jess Van Stratten, as well as a trio of Brazilian imports.

The team is to be coached by wily Miron Bleiberg (who is totally the A-League’s version of Claudio Ranieri) and former Socceroo great Paul Okon.

While the squad is looking very exciting, the most intriguing signing must be that of Culina, as it represents something much more than just a marquee player. His homecoming is a big step towards building a better league. The fact that a current Socceroo first team member chose to pass up on the overseas paycheque for the A-League is a significant coup, not only by Gold Coast but by the league in general.

His return becomes a symbol for other Socceroos and high profile players that the A-League is growing. One of the main concerns for Aussies abroad is the perceived weakness in our league and how this places their Socceroo status in jeopardy if they chose to come home. However, Pim Verbeek lent his support behind the move, publically stating that Culina’s spot in the national side is safe. If anything, Culina’s status now as the biggest name in the A-League will enhance his position within the green and gold.

To build a better league, we naturally need more quality players, and the likes of Culina, Craig Moore, and to a lesser extent John Aloisi (back off, his return was initially met with great enthusiasm!) choosing to play at home is an encouraging sign. It shows the public that we’re not just a breeding ground for foreign clubs to poach our players from, that it’s not necessarily a one way street for quality players. Importantly, it also shows youngsters that the A-League is worth playing in, and that you don’t need to go abroad to get a career in football.

Traditionally, former greats will come home at the end of their careers and slug it out for a season or two living off their reputation, but the fact that 28 year old Culina chose to come home in the prime of his career is a step in the right direction for football in Australia.

What do you think? Was it a smart move for Culina? Did he just commit career suicide by signing with Gold Coast? Who are the other Socceroos you see coming home in the near future?