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.
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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.
