http://au.sports.yahoo.com/060306/2/kxb0.htmlAs a triumphant A-League plans an even bigger and better second season, the two key architects of Sydney's inaugural victory are no certainties to be part of it.
Coach Pierre Littbarski and captain Dwight Yorke were both coy about their futures after steering glamour club Sydney FC to a 1-0 grand final win over the plucky but unlucky Central Coast Mariners.
Littbarski, who signed a one-year contract with a one-year option, was unable to take part in Sunday night's celebrations which one team source described as a terrific finale to a terrific season which produced a "terrific hangover".
He flew straight back to his native Germany to take part in a television special about Germany's triumphant 1990 World Cup team.
He will return to Sydney for talks with club officials, but was tight-lipped when asked about his future.
"I've got an invitation from Robbie Slater to swim in his pool," Littbarski quipped.
"So I will come back and at the end of March we will see what I will do."
Littbarski's marquee player, $900,000 man Dwight Yorke, was similarly up in the air.
Man-of-the-match Yorke, who set up Steve Corica's match-winning 62nd minute goal, is halfway through a two-year contract with Sydney.
But he said after the match: "The number one priority was to win a championship and now that's been done it's back to the drawing board.
"There are a few options on the table and there have been discussions in the past week.
"In the next few days we'll make a decision.
"I have got a contract with Sydney FC next season, but now I'm not sure.
"I would say anything could happen in that time."
Yorke's most immediate priority is to get regular top-flight football to prepare for June's World Cup finals in Germany, where he will lead Trinidad and Tobago.
"Three months is a long time without football," said Yorke, who has been invited to train with his old club Manchester United.
"You need games. I don't want to go to the World Cup lacking match fitness."
Yorke, 35, is believed to have received offers from Europe, Japan and the Middle East.
He was a leg-weary but enthusiastic participant at last night's celebrations, helping teammates parade their A-League trophy before around 1,000 supporters at Sydney's Star City casino before attending a dinner for family and staff attended by Hollywood actor and club backer Anthony LaPaglia.
"Anthony was enjoying himself," said a team spokesman.
The players left their dinner soon after midnight, heading out to a Darlinghurst nightclub.
Yorke is not the only grand final player whose days in Australia may be numbered.
Central Coast defender Michael Beauchamp, considered a chance of making Socceroo coach Guus Hiddink's World Cup squad, is also keen to play overseas and his Gosford-based club has indicated it will not stand in his way.
Beauchamp gave another commanding performance in the grand final, prompting his coach Lawrie McKinna to say: "I think Michael Beauchamp just cemented his Socceroos spot.
"He was probably head and shoulders above the rest of the boys and he's not done himself any harm for going to Germany."
The Mariners spent Monday visiting various pubs and clubs on the Central Coast to have a few beers with their supporters.
Football Federation Australia chief executive pronounced the A-League's debut season a roaring success, but said corporate backing was one of the big priorities for next season to make sure clubs start recouping start-up losses.
"This (success) is repeatable," he said.
"There's no reason not to see great development of the game from here.
"We've put together a bright, new, innovative, exciting, entertaining national league.
"But one season isn't the answer - it's endurance, it's sustainability, it's viability and making sure that everyone lives within their means.
"We will become more financial, more robust," he said.
"Player salaries will be more in keeping with other professional sports in the country.
"It can only get better."
FFA is reportedly close to a deal with broadcaster Fox Sports which could wipe debts per club of up to $2 million a year.
O'Neill said Canberra and Wollongong had expressed interest in joining the eight-team league but he was concerned that the under-performing New Zealand outfit should develop a competitive team, crowds and sponsors next season.
