ALESSANDRO Del Piero will play in the A-League in 2013-14.

The Del Piero camp has told Sydney FC he wants to remain for a second season and the club could confirm this by the end of January.



Del Piero signed a two-year deal, but the contract had a clause in there where either party could terminate.



But Del Piero has confirmed to FC and Football Federation Australia officials - who pay the former Juventus star a marketing retainer - that he has no intention of leaving.

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FC chairman Scott Barlow returns from a business trip this week where he will continue talks with Del Piero.



Studs Up understands some minor issues still need ironing out, but the key issues are sorted including his salary, which will remain at around $3m a year.



The retention of Del Piero is almost as important as signing him in the first place.

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It will help legitimise the A-League, which again received global exposure over the weekend after his four-goal haul.



Having Del Piero on its books gives FC bargaining power when recruiting - players want to play with the legend - and so should the rest of the A-League when it comes to recruiting internationally.



The 7-1 trouncing of Wellington gives Sydney a massive shot of confidence heading into the final 10 games of the season and sets up for a mouth-watering Big Blue on Australia Day.



The arrival of Joel Griffiths changes the landscape at Sydney, perfectly highlighted by the opening goal.



Griffiths peeled of, Del Piero not only spotted him but put it on a platter for him and the former Newcastle Jet did the rest.



Griffiths is the kind of striker defenders hate marking - he’s quick, clever, clinical and can be an absolute pest.



Not only will he take some heat off Del Piero but force defences deeper, leaving more space for Jason Culina and company in midfield and ease pressure from FC’s frail defence.



Sydney FC will give the top six a shake, with sixth position the most likely outcome.



With Western Sydney contending for third position, imagine a Wanderers v FC final in the opening week of April.



While the Wanderers love playing at Parramatta Stadium, FFA runs the finals and playing at Homebush (ANZ Stadium) would be worth at least an extra $1m for their bottom line.



Herbert pressure

I’m not surprised by Phoenix’s 7-1 capitulation and the blowtorch will be applied to Ricki Herbert.



Phoenix’s new owners have become worryingly hands on this season, calling for a more attractive brand of football mid-season which is absolutely ludicrous.



Becoming accustomed to such a radical change in gameplan usually takes months.



And Herbert is no Pep Guardiola - his teams are and usually have been honest, hard-working, organised, with his man-management the key.



Herbert’s done outstandingly to juggle club and country commitments, but it’s appearing increasingly likely his sole focus will soon be with the All Whites.



Goal of the week

Take your pic of Del Piero’s three goals from open play.



He may have lost his pace from yesteryear but the cunning remains, as he danced and spun past Phoenix opponents, picked his spot and finished clinically.



For young players, Del Piero is the perfect role model. Watch his technique, his stepovers, his body movement and try and replicate them in the park and at training.



Originally published as Del Piero to remain Down Under