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Adelaide and Melbourne fire up over signing of Blackburn youngster Rostyn Griffiths
By Grantley Bernard and Richard Earle
February 05, 2009
ADELAIDE have dismissed arch-rivals Melbourne's anger over the signing of Blackburn Rovers star Rostyn Griffiths for the A-League finals series.
The Victory are stunned United were permitted to sign a player just for the finals.
The Reds have taken advantage of an A-League rule that allows them to bring in an injury replacement - Griffiths - on a four-week deal as cover for little-used Jason Spagnuolo.
It is believed an outraged Victory hierarchy have officially registered their disappointment with the A-League.
"We're surprised, but it's obviously within the regulations," Victory football operations manager Gary Cole said.
"If that's what the rule is, then that's what they can do."
Reds football manager Michael Petrillo said there was an established precedent of players being signed as injury cover.
"We have not done anything wrong and have followed all A-League regulations as required," said Petrillo.
The Newcastle Jets set the precedent last season, signing Korean Jin-Hyun Song for the semi-finals and went on to win the championship.
While Adelaide are within their rights to sign Griffiths, Melbourne believe it undermines the league's credibility after teams had agreed to promote youth team players to cover for injuries.
However, Petrillo said: "There is no difference - we are in season. I can't see what the issue is. We just want to concentrate on the game now."
It is understood the Victory agree that a player such as Adelaide captain Travis Dodd would merit being replaced by a special signing at this stage of the season but not Spagnuolo, who has appeared in 10 games and started in three.
The Victory can do nothing about the ruling now, just days from Saturday's semi-final first leg away to Adelaide, which will likely start with Griffiths on the extended four-man bench.
Adelaide and Melbourne fire up over signing of Blackburn youngster Rostyn Griffiths
By Grantley Bernard and Richard Earle
February 05, 2009
ADELAIDE have dismissed arch-rivals Melbourne's anger over the signing of Blackburn Rovers star Rostyn Griffiths for the A-League finals series.
The Victory are stunned United were permitted to sign a player just for the finals.
The Reds have taken advantage of an A-League rule that allows them to bring in an injury replacement - Griffiths - on a four-week deal as cover for little-used Jason Spagnuolo.
It is believed an outraged Victory hierarchy have officially registered their disappointment with the A-League.
"We're surprised, but it's obviously within the regulations," Victory football operations manager Gary Cole said.
"If that's what the rule is, then that's what they can do."
Reds football manager Michael Petrillo said there was an established precedent of players being signed as injury cover.
"We have not done anything wrong and have followed all A-League regulations as required," said Petrillo.
The Newcastle Jets set the precedent last season, signing Korean Jin-Hyun Song for the semi-finals and went on to win the championship.
While Adelaide are within their rights to sign Griffiths, Melbourne believe it undermines the league's credibility after teams had agreed to promote youth team players to cover for injuries.
However, Petrillo said: "There is no difference - we are in season. I can't see what the issue is. We just want to concentrate on the game now."
It is understood the Victory agree that a player such as Adelaide captain Travis Dodd would merit being replaced by a special signing at this stage of the season but not Spagnuolo, who has appeared in 10 games and started in three.
The Victory can do nothing about the ruling now, just days from Saturday's semi-final first leg away to Adelaide, which will likely start with Griffiths on the extended four-man bench.
