Date: February 12th 2010
Author: Grantley Bernard
From: Herald Sun

MELBOURNE Heart coach John van't Schip is set for an overseas trip to recruit several international players.

Having devoted much time to scouting players in Europe since his appointment, Van't Schip will step up the recruiting process.

With four players signed, Heart will announce more local recruits once the A-League season finishes, but Van't Schip wants commitments from several European players.

"We've spoken to about four players with international experience," Heart chief executive Scott Munn said.

"The main job is putting the team on the field and that's the quality of the people we're talking to."

Former Socceroos captain Mark Viduka rejected overtures to play, so the club has options if it wishes to spend big money on a marquee player, who is paid outside the team's salary cap.

But the marquee player is likely to be one of the last players added to the squad once Heart sees what other personnel it can get for its debut A-League season.

Van't Schip has already indicated he will play attractive and technical football and it is logical, especially given his contacts, that he will target Dutch players, although not exclusively.

"My contacts are the best in Holland so it would be normal I would have more chance to get players from Holland," Van't Schip said.

"Them knowing I am the coach would make it easier, but also I've been to two or three other countries to look at players. Maybe we would have two or three players from one country, but it's not set."

While the player nationalities would not be crucial in the recruiting process, it seems likely Heart will look at attacking players in Europe to add some class in front of goal.

Much will eventually depend on the attractiveness of the club's financial offer.
"There are certain group of players that I have seen and they are also more or less interested," Van't Schip said.

"A lot depends on how their season develops and their own situation.

"There are some players possibly who would like to come, but it is a big step for them and they want more time to see what their position is.

"We've looked for players up front and players in the back, but players up front I gave a little more attention to.

"I watch every position and it depends what positions we have signed up. Also we need to look at old player and young players. Do we have a lot of young players and need experience? You need to get good balance."

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/heart-coach-targets-european-recruits/story-e6frf9if-1225829332698