ID :
24233
Mon, 10/13/2008 - 19:13
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/24233
The shortlink copeid
Chipperfield puts off A-League swansong
Veteran Socceroo Scott Chipperfield is considering prolonging his European crusade to aid his 2010 World Cup ambitions. Chipperfield's contract with Swiss club FC Basel expires in June and he is known to
be keen to finish his career in the A-League. But the 32-year-old has indicated he'd probably be better off continuing to ply his trade overseas to cement his spot in the Australian squad for another World Cup tilt.
Chipperfield was a regular starter in defence at the 2006 World Cup and new coach Pim Verbeek last month swiftly returned him to left fullback after he recovered from a foot operation. The 57-cap stalwart, Australia's most experienced current international behind Brett Emerton and Mark Schwarzer, repaid the faith by scoring the match-winner in the 1-0 qualifying triumph over Uzbekistan in Tashkent.
Chipperfield played down an instant return to Australia next year, preferring to take the best course of action to stay in the thick of the Socceroos' qualifying campaign for a berth in South Africa.
"I'm not sure, it may be a little bit too early," he said. "My contract expires in June so obviously I'll be looking to either stay in Basel for another year or head back to the A-League.
"I still want to be a part of the World Cup in 2010 and maybe looking at that I might be better off staying overseas for one more season and then maybe come back after the World Cup if I'm keen to keep playing."
If the left fullback followed that path, it could make for perfect timing to slot straight into the A-League as a foundation player for competition aspirants Wollongong.
Chipperfield is a former Wollongong Wolves player, helping the now defunct club to
successive National Soccer League titles in 2000 and 2001, and is now an ambassador
for Wollongong's bid.
The Illawarra syndicate is competing with bid teams from Melbourne, western Sydney
and Canberra to be one of the two teams Football Federation Australia admits to an
expanded 12-team A-League as early as 2010-11.
Chipperfield has also been linked to playing for Gold Coast United in their debut
season in 2009-10.
"I'll definitely be one player (Wollongong) will be looking at but it's still a
little way off before the Wollongong team comes in, although it will be great for
the A-League if they do get a side," he said.
"They've got a strong bid and they have put it forward to the FFA and are waiting to
hear back where they have to improve so hopefully in 2010-11 they will be a part of
the A-League."
be keen to finish his career in the A-League. But the 32-year-old has indicated he'd probably be better off continuing to ply his trade overseas to cement his spot in the Australian squad for another World Cup tilt.
Chipperfield was a regular starter in defence at the 2006 World Cup and new coach Pim Verbeek last month swiftly returned him to left fullback after he recovered from a foot operation. The 57-cap stalwart, Australia's most experienced current international behind Brett Emerton and Mark Schwarzer, repaid the faith by scoring the match-winner in the 1-0 qualifying triumph over Uzbekistan in Tashkent.
Chipperfield played down an instant return to Australia next year, preferring to take the best course of action to stay in the thick of the Socceroos' qualifying campaign for a berth in South Africa.
"I'm not sure, it may be a little bit too early," he said. "My contract expires in June so obviously I'll be looking to either stay in Basel for another year or head back to the A-League.
"I still want to be a part of the World Cup in 2010 and maybe looking at that I might be better off staying overseas for one more season and then maybe come back after the World Cup if I'm keen to keep playing."
If the left fullback followed that path, it could make for perfect timing to slot straight into the A-League as a foundation player for competition aspirants Wollongong.
Chipperfield is a former Wollongong Wolves player, helping the now defunct club to
successive National Soccer League titles in 2000 and 2001, and is now an ambassador
for Wollongong's bid.
The Illawarra syndicate is competing with bid teams from Melbourne, western Sydney
and Canberra to be one of the two teams Football Federation Australia admits to an
expanded 12-team A-League as early as 2010-11.
Chipperfield has also been linked to playing for Gold Coast United in their debut
season in 2009-10.
"I'll definitely be one player (Wollongong) will be looking at but it's still a
little way off before the Wollongong team comes in, although it will be great for
the A-League if they do get a side," he said.
"They've got a strong bid and they have put it forward to the FFA and are waiting to
hear back where they have to improve so hopefully in 2010-11 they will be a part of
the A-League."
