Soccer: Clash problems in new signing

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Signing Mark Burton as the 23rd member of their playing staff could bring problems for the Football Kingz later in the season.

With midfielder Burton almost certain to be required for the All Whites - as could up to 13 of his Kingz team-mates - clashes between National Soccer League and international matches are likely.

Burton, who was taken to German club Werder Bremen by Kingz coach Wynton Rufer several years ago as a young player of promise, has been signed by the club through an arrangement with the same group of Canterbury businessmen who brought Aaran Lines to the club.

"Our player budget had gone, so we are really grateful we have secured Burton in this way," Kingz general manager Chris Turner said. "Provided his clearance comes through, he will be available for selection this week."

Turner, New Zealand Soccer chief executive Bill MacGowan and national coach Ken Dugdale have already had preliminary discussions, and will talk further when Dugdale returns from Europe in about three weeks.

"The All Whites are set to play in the Fifa-sanctioned tournament in India in January, the Merdeka tournament in early June and the World Cup qualifiers later that month," MacGowan said.

"New Zealand Soccer has first call on the players for those tournaments, but we want to work closely with the Kingz before making any decisions."

The problem facing both parties - if the Kingz have their games in January postponed - is a likely end-of-season clash between the NSL play-offs and the All Whites games.

Last season, in a rash of late catch-up games, the Kingz played five matches in less than two weeks. Turner says the club is keen to avoid a repeat of that, but will talk to Dugdale before making any decisions.

"It could be - if Dugdale does not want too many of our players - we would play through our games in January to avoid a late burst which could leave the players tired for the internationals."

The January 5 home clash with the Wollongong Wolves will be rescheduled because the Australians will be in Papua New Guinea for the Oceania world club championship play-offs.

"We are going to suggest that game be brought forward and be played in December," Turner said.

Of concerns that a number of All Whites might not get much football for the Kingz this season, Turner said it was planned to play friendly matches on Monday or Tuesday each week against local opposition.

"Players not involved with the NSL match the previous weekend will play in these games."

Only Michael Cartwright (glandular fever), Burton (university exams) and player-coach Rufer (injured) will not be available for the away game against Northern Spirit.

All are expected to be available within a couple of weeks.

Meanwhile, the club's backers, Sky Television, say tomorrow night's game in Sydney will not be televised, meaning only a radio commentary will be available.