Ah well I must have gone to see only the dross (2 Sydney games against very mediocer opposition who did nothing - one was NZ, I can't remember who the other game was against - far too many beers that time). The crowd was decent in size but very quiet - perhaps they are more reserved down here than you drunkards up north :004:
I do agree that the future is bright for football here and the international team can only get better playing against some proper opposition rather than tonking some islanders 23-0. As for the A league it's too early to call, the competition seems to be getting better crowds and coverage than before, but the "stars" are still leaving the league as soon as an offer in Europe comes up - until the league can keep their star Australian players (as that is who the crowd want's to see) then I think it's still on a bit of a sticky wicket.
As for Butcher, I think he has done all he can at Motherwell, but think that he would probably be better off going to a Championship side rather than Sydney (it's not exactly in the spotlight in Europe). Re Asian CL - are Sydney not guaranteed a position in the as next season's A league won't finish before the entry cut off date.