A-League expansion might be on the back-burner, but Australia's National Premier League clubs are determined to press for a second division and the chance to one day play in the top flight.
None has pursued this agenda with more vigour in recent months than former National Soccer League powerhouse South Melbourne, and it says a planned visit by former Brazil and Real Madrid defender Roberto Carlos illustrates how serious it is about staking a claim at the top table.
South declared this year that they would pursue Carlos as a potential coach should they advance to the A-League.
That won't happen in the forseeable future as FFA boss David Gallop and CEO Steven Lowy have ruled out expansion for at least two years.
But, says South's A-League spokesman Bill Papastergiadis, Carlos will still spend time with the club next month.
"South is committed to being part of the A-League. The Carlos tour of South is an example of this and our commitment to play in the A League," Papastergiadis said.
As part of Carlos' trip to Melbourne, he will supervise coaching clinics with South junior players and tour South's A-League facility at Lakeside - the subject of a recent $3 million social club and futsal facility upgrade.
"This is an integral part of the bid by South. We are a complete football club that values all aspects of its football operations from men's and women's including our future stars, the juniors," Papastergiadis said.
