Adanaspor Star Ersan Gulum Warns Australia: Turkey Want Me

[Juvefan 08]

Australian defender Ersan Gulum is another of many Australian talents currently facing a dilemma common in international football today – deciding on which national team to represent.

In Gulum's case, the decision rests on the nation first to select him – Australia or Turkey.

Last season, he notched 30 appearances for Adanaspor in the Turkish second tier – as well as claiming a spot in the league’s official team of the season – therefore making Gulum one of few European-based Aussie defenders to enjoy regular first team action.

Despite the impressive record, he remains an obscurity from the Socceroos, with coach Pim Verbeek opting for more established names in Patrick Kisnorbo, Mark Milligan and Jade North for the vacated central-defensive slot alongside Lucas Neill.

Therefore, leaving Gulum the option of representing 2008 European Championship semi-finalists Turkey a wide possibility for the young stopper.

He revealed to Goal.com of emerging interest from the Turkish national team, stating they are keen to secure the 22 year old's services ahead of the 2012 European Championship qualifiers in 2010.

“I started to play really well in my [centre-back] role, and my manager said to me if I continue playing well then I will receive a call-up to the Turkish national side,” says Gulum.

“My manager usually calls the day before my games to tell that Metin Tekin [Turkish national team assistant] would come see me play, he actually went to watch me on several occasions.

Despite the interest, Gulum maintains that Australia is his first preference, however, could not rule out the possibility of a future with ‘Ay Yıldızlılar’.

“Turkey has an excellent national team but because I've grown up in Australia, the Socceroos is where my heart is.

“Right now he [Verbeek] probably doesn't even know who I am, but it’s still my dream to represent Australia, especially in the World Cup.

“But if you wait for Australia to call you up, and they don't – but Turkey do, then of course you will accept, which player would reject,” he says reluctantly.

Finally, Gulum confirms his future ambitions of playing in the A-league.

“One day I’ll return home to play in the Australia, but right now my focus is to develop in my current league, which I consider stronger than the A-league”, declared the player.

From Goal.com

[the_gun]

honestly ive never heard of him. hopefully if he is good enough he'll get a call up.

apparently has played 2 u23 games of australia.

[Chade]

honestly ive never heard of him.

Exactly. Who? Good work by his agent though...

[the_gun]

ummmmmmmm...... the payer this thread is about

[Kitchimo]

It's these kinds of players that Graham Arnold should have been scouting and looking at whilst he was forming his Olympic squad. How did Jamieson not make that team? GA had no idea who he was. The FFA must at least CONTACT young Australian players playing overseas at least once or twice a season to let them know that they are in the frame, otherwise we risk losing another generation of players like Didulica, Simunic, and Seric.

[Chade]

Kitchimo: if this guy really is good enough (who knows? I'm betting his agent's the one instigating the story), then there's a multiple failure - FFA scouts and Australian media... and like you say, where was Jamieson at the Olympics? But then after all, who wants to hear about up-and-comers when you can have the latest update on Lucas Neill's left toe?

ummmmmmmm...... the payer this thread is about

...no, really...?

[Ronnie#10]

Never heard of the guy, but his agent think he's awesome hay

[the_gun]

Kitchimo: if this guy really is good enough (who knows? I'm betting his agent's the one instigating the story), then there's a multiple failure - FFA scouts and Australian media... and like you say, where was Jamieson at the Olympics? But then after all, who wants to hear about up-and-comers when you can have the latest update on Lucas Neill's left toe?

ummmmmmmm...... the payer this thread is about

...no, really...?

you edited your original post

[Chade]

you edited your original post

Not 3 hours later, I didn't...

[the_gun]

you edited your original post

Not 3 hours later, I didn't...

originally you said something along the lines of "exactly who are we talking about", i made my comment.... then you edited it sometime afterwards.....

[Microwave Hamster]

originally you said something along the lines of "exactly who are we talking about", i made my comment.... then you edited it sometime afterwards.....

You're talking bollocks because if he edited it sometimes afterward there would a statement below it saying it was edited at what time, edited x times in total.

[the_gun]

originally you said something along the lines of "exactly who are we talking about", i made my comment.... then you edited it sometime afterwards.....

You're talking bollocks because if he edited it sometimes afterward there would a statement below it saying it was edited at what time, edited x times in total.

no i dont think that shows up on this forum.

[Microwave Hamster]

I just edited my above post (didn't actually edit the content) and it quite clearly comes up with Last edited by Microwave Hamster on August 21st, 2009, 6:30 am, edited 1 time in total.

[Chade]

you edited your original post

Not 3 hours later, I didn't...

originally you said something along the lines of "exactly who are we talking about", i made my comment.... then you edited it sometime afterwards.....

Er... except that I leave work at 5:30, and don't post at home - and you posted at 6:30. Nice way to drag a thread completely off topic though.

[White Hart Lane]

honestly ive never heard of him. hopefully if he is good enough he'll get a call up.

apparently has played 2 u23 games of australia.

If so doesnt that mean he is now locked to australia or am i wrong?
Bradden Inman also heard he's locked to scotland now hes played for U21 Scotland?

[Microwave Hamster]

no i dont think that shows up on this forum.

Last edited by the_gun on August 21st, 2009, 11:48 am, edited 2 times in total.

:?

[Chade]

If so doesnt that mean he is now locked to australia or am i wrong?
Bradden Inman also heard he's locked to scotland now hes played for U21 Scotland?

Nah, until someone plays for the senior team, they get the chance to switch. I'm fairly sure that players can only switch once.

[rooboy1986]

It's these kinds of players that Graham Arnold should have been scouting and looking at whilst he was forming his Olympic squad. How did Jamieson not make that team? GA had no idea who he was. The FFA must at least CONTACT young Australian players playing overseas at least once or twice a season to let them know that they are in the frame, otherwise we risk losing another generation of players like Didulica, Simunic, and Seric.

Where was Nathan Burns??? GA was just too stupid!!

[santaigo14]

ersan is linked with super league giants Galatasaray SK. They are reported to make a move for him within the next month.

[Kitchimo]

I hope that the next Socceroos coach reads FN.

[the_gun]

yeah understand why a guy like this doesnt get a call up. cant wait to see who the new coach of the socceroos will be.

[Chade]

I hope that the next Socceroos coach reads FN.

lol

[Urgh! A Music War]

I hope that the next Socceroos coach reads FN.

Please dig up this thread when he gets appointed.

[Kitchimo]

yeah understand why a guy like this doesnt get a call up. cant wait to see who the new coach of the socceroos will be.

Not necessarily get a call-up, but at least have some contact made and get someone to watch him. If he goes to Gala that is good for us because Neill and Kewell will ensure he is known (despite what you may think of them they have Australia's best interests at heart).

[DOC]

honestly ive never heard of him. hopefully if he is good enough he'll get a call up.

apparently has played 2 u23 games of australia.

If so doesnt that mean he is now locked to australia or am i wrong?
Bradden Inman also heard he's locked to scotland now hes played for U21 Scotland?

no as lowry and williams played for ireland and wales U21 sides