Glory boss wants to see Singapore’s finest footballers Down Under
While a move to Europe is the dream, one elsewhere in Asia is usually the reality for successful Singaporean footballers, Alistair Edwards belives that shouldn’t always be the case.
The Perth Glory Coach, a former Singapore Lions striker, believes more young Singaporeans should ply their trade in Australia.
Speaking to The Malaysian Times Edwards outlined the benefits of Australia to a young professional.
” Australia, like Singapore and Malaysia, is a multicultural society and, as such, players would feel very much at home.
The standard of the league is high and still improving. While I have not seen any of the LionsXII players in action, I reckon that, if they are good enough to represent the country, there is no reason why they cannot succeed in Australia.”
He also explained some of the many pitfalls that can face professional footballers in Europe.
“The hurdles are formidable for Singaporean and Malaysian players. The weather, which can be nail-bitingly cold in the winter, is one huge obstacle.
“”The food and language barrier if you are not playing in England can also be very problematic.
“To someone who is 23 or 24 now, I’d say come to Australia, play two seasons and then you will be ready for the next giant leap into Europe,”