One of the worst kept secrets recently.
SYDNEY FC have pulled together a recruiting coup from both sides of the country by snaring A-League stars Simon Colosimo and Mark Bridge for next season.
But it's the double-whopper deal that's supposed to remain a secret, all parties reluctant to cause upheaval in the countdown to the finals.
Colosimo, the Perth Glory skipper, and Bridge, the Young Socceroos and Newcastle Jets striker, have each agreed to join Sydney for the 2008-09 season.
But it's believed the prize pair, through agent Leo Karis, have asked to hold off any announcements because of the distraction it could cause at their present clubs.
Bridge and Newcastle, in particular, are in a dogged battle with Sydney FC for a place in the top-four.
Karis and Sydney FC chief executive George Perry both declared their interest, but denied any deals had been finalised.
They claim to have put negotiations on hold until after the A-League season.
"We'd be screaming from the roof-tops if it was done because they'd both be good buys, but they're not done yet,'' Perry insisted.
Karis said it was "premature'' and "inaccurate'' to suggest Colosimo and Bridge had signed with Sydney.
Newcastle chief executive John Tsatsimas was more forthcoming.
Tsatsimas said he had heard Bridge would link with Sydney, but he hadn't sought any confirmation from the 22-year-old.
Tsatsimas said the Jets withdrew their offer to Bridge when he did not meet any of their negotiation deadlines.
Bridge had told the Jets he was not willing to negotiate until the end of the season.
"It was pretty obvious from that chain of events that there were other things on his mind, but we've got to look at our options as well,'' Tsatsimas said.
"At the end of the day players come and players go. We can't stand still hoping and praying that Mark stays. We've got to move on and secure our future.''
Tsatsimas denied the contract drama would cause any turbulence at Newcastle as the Jets aim for their third consecutive finals appearance.
"Obviously Mark would have been an ideal player to stay here, we like the kid, but at the end of the day he's got to look after his future as much as we've got to look after ours.''
The details of the Sydney deals do remain secret.
But Karis told The Sunday Telegraph he had been seeking multi-year contracts for both Colosimo and Bridge.
Karis said Bridge's contract would also likely contain a get-out clause for lucrative international offers.
"In the case of Bridge, I think he needs another year or so in Australia,'' Karis said.
"I could get him a club overseas tomorrow but will it be the right club for him and his development?''
Bridge, born in Sydney and a former Parramatta player, was Newcastle's leading goal-scorer last season.
A Socceroos representative, Colosimo, 28, was Perth Glory's most valuable player last season.
The midfielder was also at Perth for the club's National Soccer League title in 2003-04.
http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,22985843-5001023,00.html
SYDNEY FC have pulled together a recruiting coup from both sides of the country by snaring A-League stars Simon Colosimo and Mark Bridge for next season.
But it's the double-whopper deal that's supposed to remain a secret, all parties reluctant to cause upheaval in the countdown to the finals.
Colosimo, the Perth Glory skipper, and Bridge, the Young Socceroos and Newcastle Jets striker, have each agreed to join Sydney for the 2008-09 season.
But it's believed the prize pair, through agent Leo Karis, have asked to hold off any announcements because of the distraction it could cause at their present clubs.
Bridge and Newcastle, in particular, are in a dogged battle with Sydney FC for a place in the top-four.
Karis and Sydney FC chief executive George Perry both declared their interest, but denied any deals had been finalised.
They claim to have put negotiations on hold until after the A-League season.
"We'd be screaming from the roof-tops if it was done because they'd both be good buys, but they're not done yet,'' Perry insisted.
Karis said it was "premature'' and "inaccurate'' to suggest Colosimo and Bridge had signed with Sydney.
Newcastle chief executive John Tsatsimas was more forthcoming.
Tsatsimas said he had heard Bridge would link with Sydney, but he hadn't sought any confirmation from the 22-year-old.
Tsatsimas said the Jets withdrew their offer to Bridge when he did not meet any of their negotiation deadlines.
Bridge had told the Jets he was not willing to negotiate until the end of the season.
"It was pretty obvious from that chain of events that there were other things on his mind, but we've got to look at our options as well,'' Tsatsimas said.
"At the end of the day players come and players go. We can't stand still hoping and praying that Mark stays. We've got to move on and secure our future.''
Tsatsimas denied the contract drama would cause any turbulence at Newcastle as the Jets aim for their third consecutive finals appearance.
"Obviously Mark would have been an ideal player to stay here, we like the kid, but at the end of the day he's got to look after his future as much as we've got to look after ours.''
The details of the Sydney deals do remain secret.
But Karis told The Sunday Telegraph he had been seeking multi-year contracts for both Colosimo and Bridge.
Karis said Bridge's contract would also likely contain a get-out clause for lucrative international offers.
"In the case of Bridge, I think he needs another year or so in Australia,'' Karis said.
"I could get him a club overseas tomorrow but will it be the right club for him and his development?''
Bridge, born in Sydney and a former Parramatta player, was Newcastle's leading goal-scorer last season.
A Socceroos representative, Colosimo, 28, was Perth Glory's most valuable player last season.
The midfielder was also at Perth for the club's National Soccer League title in 2003-04.
http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,22985843-5001023,00.html
