By Adrian Musolino
January 9th 2009 @ 5:32am
Gold Coast United will rock the A-League
When Gold Coast United was launched, billionaire owner Clive Palmer claimed the new franchise could win the A-League in its first season. Far from naïve optimism, Palmer’s prediction must be taken seriously with what is shaping up as one of the most impressive squads and a franchise with the potential to be one of the countries’ best.
The soon to be announced signing of Socceroos midfielder Jason Culina is a massive boost for not just the club, but also the A-League.
A player of his calibre will add so much to the team and, as a current Socceroo, a vitally important marketable marquee player to attract the masses.
Gold Coast is also set to announce the signing, on loan according to reports, of fellow Socceroos veteran Mile Sterjovski, who has inexplicably spent his time at Derby County warming the bench.
In addition to the Socceroos pair, Gold Coast United have also snared the A-League’s leading goal scorer, Shane Smeltz, South Australian born, Hartlepool United striker Joel Porter, former Juventus reserve goalie Jess Vanstrattan, the Brazilian trio Jefferson, Milson and Robson and current A-League talents Adam Griffiths, Tahj Minniecon and Michael Thwaite.
It is a squad that offers so much promise and depth all over the park. Should they gel immediately, there is enough talent there to threaten the established A-League franchises.
Despite having never played a game, Gold Coast United has already caused quite a storm with its aggressive signings, while the presence and bravado of one of Australia’s few billionaires ensures the franchise will have the glitz and glamour befitting the region it represents.
The original powerhouse or ‘bling’ club of the A-League, Sydney FC, has fallen in a heap.
Only Melbourne, Adelaide and Central Coast can truly claim to have consistently drawn-in decent crowds, won games, built the foundations for future growth and generated significant momentum as franchises.
In short, the A-League needs another star franchise, a team that will draw in the crowds across the nation – and Wellington – and play an exciting brand of football.
Hitting the ground running is imperative for the Gold Coast.
It will be an overcrowded sporting region once the AFL rolls into town, one of the few cities to host an A-League, AFL, NRL and NBL franchise, so competition amongst the various codes will be intense, especially when you consider the inconsistent crowd figures throughout the various codes.
But as one of Australia’s fastest growing regions, one of the most popular for tourists, and with the cash reserves of Mr. Palmer, there is no reason why an aggressive marketing campaign shouldn’t draw the fans to the first game at Skilled Park.
It will be fascinating to see what sort of crowd the Gold Coast pull given the presence of Australian stars.
The Gold Coast Titans have averaged 21,000 NRL fans for the past two seasons. Is an average of 15,000 too much to expect for United?
The ingredients are there for the Gold Coast to hit the ground running in Season 5 of the A-League. Based on initial signings they could be the forerunners on the pitch and potential stars off it.
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(71)
NUFCMVFC said | January 9th 2009 @ 7:10am | Report comment
Is what the League needs, will really freshen things up, and the fact that it challenges and shakes up the order of things should make for some spicy encounters
Not to mention it has the makings of a fantastic away trip for opposition fans
Good also that we have some players of decent calibre in the A League, will strengthen home based Socceroo squads for ACQ
There is a need fo caution, a salary capped league means that no team can be consistently top year in year out, so if you build your “brand” on the premise of constant success like Man Utd or Chelsea than there will be problems like there were at SFC, there is a bit of a need to learn the lessons from MVFC and CCM, in a competitive market place they may do well to actually work closely in conjunction with the Titans in some respects given they play out fo the same stadium and would even share soem fo the same grassroots facilities like Rectangular based infrastructure
Dave said | January 9th 2009 @ 7:36am | Report comment
Not sure about Culina coming, according to reports from his ‘old man’ yesterday but hey give GCU full credit for trying and getting so much media space in the process (hope they do get him by the way but doesnt really make sense for him to come with the WC in 2010).
As a MV foundation member l look forward to booing GCU when they come to the new rectangular stadium in late 2009. With their owner continuing to boast about his team winning the A League etc it certainly gives extra incentive for fans to show up and rub his nose in it.
Bring it on with the bigger names the better.
If there 1st season is a success on the field then ave crowds of 15,000 would be reasonable IMO.
Koala Bear said | January 9th 2009 @ 8:14am | Report comment
Gold Coast united will add new meaning to the term coined once by ex Chelsea great manager player, Ruud Gullit’s “Sexy Football” .. Yes this will be the motto on the Coast.. We play “Sexy Football” .. bring it on… None of this kick it up the guts stuff you see from the Melbourne Vics …
~~~~~~~~~
KB
Millster said | January 9th 2009 @ 8:57am | Report comment
I think Gold Coast will do more than “threaten the established A-League franchises”. Perhaps with the excpetion of Melbourne, Gold Coast is set to blow them out of the water what with the combination of resources, players and the self-belief that must surely be around the club given how it is being launched. Well done to the guys involved up there. And please don’t thrash my beloved Sydney too badly when you play them…
Koala Bear said | January 9th 2009 @ 9:29am | Report comment
Millster,
no need to worry Lad; the Boys have been told, when playing SFC play sexy 0-0 draws .. However, hitting the posts and crossbar is permitted…
~~~~~~~~~
KB
chris said | January 9th 2009 @ 9:31am | Report comment
Lets just hope the A-League players don’t become the over-paid puffs like the EPL and instead treat sport and fame with respect.
Dave said | January 9th 2009 @ 9:34am | Report comment
KB
“None of this kick it up the guts stuff you see from the Melbourne Vics …” 2nd time you’ve had a go at ‘The Scottish One’ and his band of merry Costa Rican interpreters…currently sitting top of HAL if you dont mind!! Who said EM couldn’t be understood by the lads? Winners are grinners
You have been officially warned MV are untouchable 
BTW Misses old man lives on the coast so might even get to an away game…watch out the Vics are coming!!
The Bear said | January 9th 2009 @ 9:40am | Report comment
chris, is Timmy Cahill an overpaid puff? Lucas Neill? Fair go mate… these GCU players will be paid with the same sorts of wages (except Marquee, of course) as everyone else in Australia. They will have better grounds and the like, but explain why would they all of a sudden have Fame? It’s not like we have an issue with the A League and fame, anyway.
What are you on about?
Jaredsbro said | January 9th 2009 @ 9:41am | Report comment
Right so it’s GC I should be heading too next year eh? Not the CC…gosh it’s good being on any coast these days isn’t it?
I did like Bondi last time I was there tho?
With a virtual free reign (apart from the ‘restrictions’ of a salary cap) The Gold Coast team has potential. But do they really have the supporters? The Titans were a freak of the times and most people ackowledged that would be the case. Think they’ll do better than the AFL franchise, but that’s coz Association Football’s got a niche everywhere. Still its only natural that there should be lower expectations during the first season or two…provided they play it the right way, they’ll succeed. Good effective football, nothing overly showy…just winning the tight games, you’ll have a winning team/culture in no time.
Derbies will be great finally in QLD. 3-0 to GCU against NQL Fury and maybe 1-1 against Roar in their first two derby games. This is what will make or break the first year IMO
The Bear said | January 9th 2009 @ 10:01am | Report comment
J’sbro …welcome to thhis side of the fence, btw. GCU look to have more than a “Good effective football, nothing overly showy…just winning the tight games” sort of squad. The expectations are high just looking at the squad (they have already signed 19 of the 23.. and it’s bloody quality players, too), it’s just now about engaging the community that they need to “kick goals”.
And yes, the extra teams in Queensland will put a rocket up us lazy sunsoaked cane toads, especially those in the media!
Finno said | January 9th 2009 @ 10:03am | Report comment
I think the GCU will go well and have the support the the Gold Coasties, I also think the rise of GCU will hurt the Qld Roar in player numbers and support. I have been talking to a few mates from the Gold Coast and they are generally mad for sport down there they are keen for any team from the Gold Coast in a national sporting league.
The A- League support of a Gold Coast team should pay off in the long run as the growth of the Gold Coast and the need to make them selve seperate from Brisbane will only gather momentum and this should flow through tickets sales.
GCU should do like all A-League focus on youth as the supporters of tomorrow.
Sure the need for immediate success in wanted but if it doesnt pay of a hole will emerge and the decline of the football club will result. But if they work hard in future development as future players or supporters, GCU have great prospects.
Forgetmenot said | January 9th 2009 @ 10:49am | Report comment
Looks like it will be:
- Glitz and Glamour and winning a lot (A-league)
- Tough competition and very grass roots based (AFL)
- established (NRL)
- outsider trying hard (NBL)
Should be interesting to see all the different marketing ploys used in the coming years apart from the ones above.
Jaredsbro said | January 9th 2009 @ 10:52am | Report comment
Good luck to the club actually. Yeah derbies are the main advantage RL (other than the fact that QLD is a Rugby League state) has over other sports. Having teams playing your team within the same state/region makes a comp competitive most of the time. That’s the case in pretty much all sports/codes. Think of Melbourne’s two NBL or SFC and its two ‘rivals’.
However QLDers do derbies better than any other state from what I can tell, so getting a successful club will establish momentum fairly quickly. And the Fury will add a third wheel or cog to the mix, should be fantastic. I’m not sure what people were saying in that other thread, talking about expansion as just prolonging everyone’s misery. Variety and local variants are the best thing that can happen to a ‘new’ comp.
Also who’s the coach? They’re not under salary cap (or are they?) so that’s where your investment as a club begins. Socceroos are fantastic label, having even one will spill out into the local game. Maybe the GCU will prove my comments in that other thread wrong
The Bear said | January 9th 2009 @ 11:00am | Report comment
F’not: Gold Coast folk never had it so good!
I will say that (Assoc) Football has tonnes of juniors in clubs on the coast, and therefore many grass roots already in place. I wonder how much GCU will integrate it, they’d be getting so much “Warm and Fuzzies” when they do.
And there is no doubt a real passion for NRL there… though sometimes I wonder how they deal with Origin time.
I doubt that too much time and effort will be required by the FFA to market GCU and the A League to the area. They know they have a winner; the jurisprudence from the FFA seems quite tough on any newly formed team.
Forgetmenot said | January 9th 2009 @ 11:15am | Report comment
The Bear,
I probably should have mentioned that all the sport will have strong grass roots programs. But as a club i feel that the GCFC will be focused more on grass roots than the others, probably because they have to yes, but also because they know the need to get support for the club as well as the game.
Maybe they wont need much marketing, but they will definitely need some in the initial few years, even if it is just stories in papers, or having high profile people saying that they follow the team regularly. When the AFL moves in there in force you can bet that they will have a ton of marketing during both the on and off seasons, and the NRL and FFA will both want to counter this.
Towser said | January 9th 2009 @ 11:16am | Report comment
Jaredsbro said
“But do they really have the supporters?”
Whilst the history of Gold Coast sporting teams is problematic, the Gold Coast is a much bigger area in population than previously with a much greater proportion of families also in the mix who may identify with that area rather than the area these families origonally came from.
However whether this area can support several professional sporting teams,only time will tell unless you have a crystall ball & are a fortune teller.
I can tell you one thing though as an ears to the ground Roar fan that this club has already stolen supporters from the Roar who live on the Gold Coast & Brisbanes Southside.
Essentially because GCU is potentially shaping up as a more exciting vibrant club than the Roar by its recruitement so far.
The Roar average crowds are 5000 fans down this season ,many according to various forums are Roar fans from the GC/ BS who were put off the club by its previously(until the last 3 matches)dismal home record.
Another factor in favour of GCU in estabilishing itself with the community down there from the start is that several Roar backroom staff were poached by GCU at the end of the last A-League season.
These staff were instrumental in marketing the Roar to a dysfunctional Brisbane Football market, The fact that they succeeded in the Roar averaging 17,000 in their 3rd season despite their pathetic home record says a lot for the quality of their marketing, They have been sorely missed this year.
So its not just on the park that GCU are scoring goals its off it also. My opinion is that if anybody is going to suffer from GCU’s presence it will be the Roar. There again it may force them to lift their game to keep up.
Interesting times in SE QLD sporting circles.
The Bear said | January 9th 2009 @ 11:20am | Report comment
J’sbro: Not sure what disparinging remarks you made about GCU, but I am sure you are not the only one envious of their opportunites as a club
To answer your question, Paul Okon is their coach. He is relatively young and a much decorated Socceroo, and general all round good guy of Australian Football. He will be watched over by a Technical Director (the only club in the HAL now to have such a person on their books – in itself an amazing feat) in the form of Miron Bleiberg (ex Qld Roar Coach).
Gold Coast have a team and club befitting their region. Golden. I expect they will become a bench mark for this League.
Towser said | January 9th 2009 @ 11:33am | Report comment
The Bear said
“I will say that (Assoc) Football has tonnes of juniors in clubs on the coast, and therefore many grass roots already in place. I wonder how much GCU will integrate it, they’d be getting so much “Warm and Fuzzies” when they do. ”
Further to your above comment & what I said above. Not only is their many juniors on the GC but also in Brisbane South & Northern NSW. I know for certain that GCU have targeted NNSW as a recruiting area for fans,so theres nothing to stop them targeting Brisbane South in the same way CCM do with the Northern Suburbs of Sydney.
The Bear said | January 9th 2009 @ 11:36am | Report comment
Towser: does this mean Craig Foster, Lismore boy, will be standing in the terraces at Skilled Park next season? Expect SBS to be “on board” with Okon’s crew doubly so then. Finally a team SBS can identify with, eh?
Towser said | January 9th 2009 @ 11:41am | Report comment
The Bear
From GCU’s perspective I hope not. He will report back to SBS on TWG that they are not playing what I call “Fossie Football”. That is a game so technically pure that only angels can play to that level.
The Bear said | January 9th 2009 @ 11:48am | Report comment
Ohh, Towser, but maybe they will play “Fossie Football”! Maybe they will!
Koala Bear said | January 9th 2009 @ 1:51pm | Report comment
Gold Coast lure Culina for $3.6m
Sebastian Hassett — SMH
January 9, 2009
JASON CULINA will become the first starting member of the Socceroos to return to the A-League after the dynamic midfielder yesterday agreed to a three-year deal to become the marquee player at Gold Coast United. JASON CULINA will become the first starting member of the Socceroos to return to the A-League after the dynamic midfielder yesterday agreed to a three-year deal to become the marquee player at Gold Coast United….. Capped 36 times for his country, Culina spurned offers from his current team, Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven, as well as Croatian powerhouses Dinamo Zagreb, to sign with the newly created club. The deal is a landmark for the competition, which has regularly been overlooked by Socceroos players in favour of staying in Europe.
Dave,
btw Mile said that Man U really have no hope in catching the Chelsea; from what he had seen yesterday…. 
after successfully negotiating a leanency deal for the SFC fixtures on the GC with all parties in full agreement (the Special One Kossie) .. However, unfortunately, that policy cannot be extended to include your Melb Vics .. But after some serious thought and discussion with Paulie and as a special favour; we can offer you (the Vics) a mercy contract if you so desire to take up, ie If the scoreline blows out above 6 nil we are prepared to replace the lads with our youth team…
~~~~~~~~
KB
The Bear said | January 9th 2009 @ 2:02pm | Report comment
for real? If so…..OUTSTANDING IMO.
Dave said | January 9th 2009 @ 2:12pm | Report comment
KB
Great news on Culina but l guess until they unveil him at a signing press conference there will still be some doubts…hope it comes off though as it will make it sweeter when ‘The Scottish One’ and his merry band of Costa Rican interpreters travel back in time to pay a visit to GCU and belt them 2-0
BTW A few of the mates and myself may make the journey north for the game… do they rent out rooms at the RSL? What about post game entertainment?
BTW 2 ManU were saving themselves for the title decider at OT this weekend…all the lads should be up for that one to finally show the ‘Brazilian One’ who the real champs of England are…
Kazama said | January 9th 2009 @ 2:14pm | Report comment
Meanwhile, the Fury are apparently chasing Robbie Fowler as their marquee:
http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,24889311-5000940,00.html
Koala Bear said | January 9th 2009 @ 2:17pm | Report comment
The Bear’
do mean the deals with SFC and Melb Vics ? lol — yes I think they might be considered as outstanding …
Sorry I jumped the gun he still hasn’t signed I read the report after I posted up on the roar, but is extremely close in striking a deal… It seems he is awaiting on a phone call from Alex Ferguson… (tongue in cheek)…
~~~~~~~~~
KB
The Bear said | January 9th 2009 @ 2:31pm | Report comment
Koala the talks seem “advanced” going by that article. However, not sure if the press gagging at the mouth for this homecoming is doing anyone any good. How many times have we seen contracts fall apart in the public eye?? Not really a good look for any League, not too mention a particular team. Must be said tho that GCU have the runs on the board in respect to signings so far. Depth and talent, GCU are already “kicking goals”.
Koala Bear said | January 9th 2009 @ 2:35pm | Report comment
Kazama,
If only we can keep these old men injury free… But what a draw card he would be (the man they call God) ..
~~~~~~~
KB
Finno said | January 9th 2009 @ 2:41pm | Report comment
Towser I think you have a point alot of the people southside who live in between Brisbane and the Gold Coast (i.e Logan area) are going to be backing the GCU team. They might even grab a few numbers from inland and the Northern NSW region.
Along with the new GCU team and the moving to Ballymore I think that the Roar are going to have thier crowd go from 11,000 average to 8,000 average. They are going to have to work over time on PR to get the crowds back. They are going to struggle next year. Which is ashame that Australia 3rd biggest city with 1 million people cant get 10,000 to a game. And its not like the Roar have been playing rubbish either I gone to a couple of thriller home games lately.
A previous comment about this being a league territory is right but I do know of quite a few parents wont have a thing to do with league because of the player reputation. At a grass roots level there are thousands of regular player and hundreds of clubs that operate in Brisbane area. I cannot understand why they cant get a regular 15,000 crowd. Every school has a football team, I would say 90- 95% of kids have played football in Brisbane. The Roar cant seem to translate that player participation into bums on seats. And it is probably because there is so many other sport at a national level in Brisbane.
The GCU, only have basketball and League and a will to succed as a entity that isnt Brisbane.
Finno ( the worried Roar Supporter)
The Bear said | January 9th 2009 @ 2:55pm | Report comment
Finno, is it a matter of cost of living in Brisbane? I hear ticket prices are pretty high at Roar games. Tho not sure comparatively how they stack up to the rest of Australia.
Koala Bear said | January 9th 2009 @ 3:01pm | Report comment
Towser and Finno ( the worried Roar Supporters)
I don’t know if the Roar are really serious about going to Ballymore; they put that one on last time and the end result was they secured a better deal at Suncorp .. I hope it’s a bluff.. They still have a season to run after this one at Suncorp (I think ?) .. And I don’t think they will lose too many supporters as most will follow both teams; for one will play in the region while the other is playing away…
~~~~~~~~~
KB
Adrian Musolino said | January 9th 2009 @ 3:05pm | Report comment
I did write about the Queensland Roar in relation to expansion in this column – http://www.theroar.com.au/2008/12/18/queenslanders-must-share-the-love-in-a-league-expansion/
I do think the Roar will be moving to Ballymore.
The Bear said | January 9th 2009 @ 3:14pm | Report comment
I see Ballymore being a sensible decision. Much like Melbourne’s immenent bubble dome it will have a decent capacity and surely more economical for the club. Location wise it sucks for transport, basically a cul-de-sac …though perhaps i am being pessimistic. It is close to the Valley – that has to be a plus.
And if the Roar are losing supporters to the South, then moving the home ground more North, isn’t going to really effect numbers of attending.
Adrian Musolino said | January 9th 2009 @ 4:08pm | Report comment
I agree. When watching games from Suncorp I notice the lack of atmosphere. It will be easier to fill Ballymore and create that intimate feeling like Adelaide enjoys at Hindmarsh.
Finno said | January 9th 2009 @ 4:32pm | Report comment
Roar tix behind the goal are $25. Didnt think it was to steep.
You can’t really walk from the Valley to Ballymore unless its 2am and cant get a cab.
Im stressing because I loved going to the Paddo or Caxton Street before and after the game.
Adrian, i read your column, they might have to re invent them selves indeed.
We shall wait and see.
Adrian Musolino said | January 9th 2009 @ 4:35pm | Report comment
I think the name change is the big thing. A Brisbane V Gold Coast derby sounds a lot better than Queensland V Gold Coast.
The Bear said | January 9th 2009 @ 4:39pm | Report comment
Finno, i feel your pain…especially regarding the watering holes. Normanby? or The Old Vic? Definitely neither walking distance. On the upside, less temptation to spend money on pre game beers.
Koala Bear said | January 9th 2009 @ 5:45pm | Report comment
Interesting story in the goldcoast.com website…
David Lewis
January 9th, 2009
SOCCEROOS star Jason Culina will be officially uncloaked as Gold Coast United’s marquee signing at a gala unveiling of head coach Miron Bleiberg’s squad at Skilled Park next Wednesday.
The PSV Eindhoven midfielder has ironed out the final chinks in protracted contract discussions with the expansion outfit, and his contract has been lodged with Football Federation Australia.
It was the final hurdle in his route to becoming the youngest senior national player to return to his football roots.
Culina, who will be United’s captain on an annual salary of $1.1 million over three years, was first sounded out by United’s ebullient billionaire boss Clive Palmer while on Socceroos duty against Qatar in Brisbane last October.
Sceptics claimed he would be foolish to forsake a nine-year European career for the fledgling A-League, claiming it would be a retrograde step for a player with three Dutch titles and over 20 Champions League appearances in his resume.
But, with his family at the forefront of his mind along with a desire to become a poster boy for the national competition, Culina turned his back on a $1.8 million offer to stay in the Netherlands for three more years with defending champions PSV.
He will complete the season in Holland before returning to Australia in May.
~~~~~~~~~
KB
Billo said | January 9th 2009 @ 6:51pm | Report comment
The Gold Coast will play a key role as the A-League faces a battle for survival outside Melbourne, Adelaide and the Central Coast.
The key question is whether the local people will support a team that looks to be the plaything of Clive Palmer.
The problem with the club at the moment is that it seems to be making the same noises that Sydney FC was making before the A-League started, taking success for granted. I hope it’s not a recipe for disaster.
Midfielder said | January 9th 2009 @ 10:16pm | Report comment
Fark the beach worms … let me put the boot in right away … a chant we should use on the coast … you need to know the song from about 2004 / 05 it went ” Were not gonna take it , No we aint gonna take it anymore.”
The CC chant at Bluetounge often change the words but kepp the tune.
So a good chant for the Beach Worms is ” We got better beachs , Yes we got better beachs, We got better beachs and you know”.
Show no mercy … so all together now “We got better beachs, ….
Adrian Musolino said | January 10th 2009 @ 11:30am | Report comment
Billo, that is always a concern for a club that sets itself such high expectations. They should look to Sydney FC as an example of how not to develop. The key is building the crowd foundations. The Gold Coast is a very different market from Sydney.
Koala Bear said | January 10th 2009 @ 11:46am | Report comment
Midfielder,
It will be interesting with the supporters banter… The word up here is that James Bond will be leading the Gold Coast supporter’s response with the Gold Finger Salute…
btw another big crowd at Hindmarsh last night .. Happy days again and Melbourne back with the pack Dave… eh, eh…
~~~~~~~
KB
Al said | January 10th 2009 @ 12:13pm | Report comment
MIdfielder thats a Twisted Sister song circa 1984 not 2004/5
Koala Bear said | January 10th 2009 @ 12:15pm | Report comment
Culina captain of the Gold Coast United Football Team … He’s coming home….
http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/92449,culina-i-am-coming-home-to-oz.aspx
Yes lads .. The Currumbin RSL Ladies Auxiliary will greet the ‘Roo at the Gold Coast Airport with a bouquet of flowers and Lord Mayor Ron Clarke with the keys to the City…
Dave, Bear and Midfielder,
suddenly weekend rentals have just gone through the roof; if you were planning a trip with your supporters .?. CRSL booked out solid since the news broke.. Too late lads…
~~~~~~~~
KB
The Bear said | January 10th 2009 @ 12:21pm | Report comment
LOL, big news KB. Perhaps the best Marquee to be signed EVER so far. I wonder if Robbie Slater still has a whinge tho…
Will they ever put it on the big screen at the RSL, tho? For those away games??
Midfielder said | January 10th 2009 @ 12:59pm | Report comment
Al
Thanks for the update on holidays and limited internet can you put up the youtube
Bear .. without doubt the best signing in Hal to date.
Sam said | January 10th 2009 @ 1:31pm | Report comment
Adrian
One thing that annoyed me is that Sydney get hyped to such an extent, it is as if when they fail then the whole league will come crashing down like a house of cards. This is too much pressure to put on one club. Especially in a salary capped league. I cannot wait till a Western Sydney team comes in as it will take the pressure of both Sydney teams and the league itself.
Sydney FC was hyped to such an extent unduly, that when their form slipped a little then people refused to go to games. Also don’t forget the reality that Sydney FC represents a more white collar area / demographic, whereas Western Sydney will be more working class / grassroots. The reality is that Melbourne is the biggest club in Australia now anyway.
Adrian Musolino said | January 10th 2009 @ 3:34pm | Report comment
Yes Melbourne and Adelaide have pulled away from the pack with Central Coast completing the podium.
Sam said | January 10th 2009 @ 3:50pm | Report comment
Adelaide have been the best team this year.
But I suppose I mean Melbourne in terms of their potential to get bigger. Just remember Newcastle were getting decent crowds last year and were seen as a team with potential to grow. It’s amazing what one bad season does to you.
Gold Coast have a good competitive team, but Okon is an inexperienced coach and a good team is always better than a team of egos and stars. If they get it right though I think they will cause problems for other teams, especially at home.
Adrian Musolino said | January 10th 2009 @ 5:53pm | Report comment
Yes. When I made that comment about Adelaide, Melbourne and Central Coast being the forerunners of the league I considered all factors from off field (supporter base, development, ability to maintain a decent crowd despite form) and on pitch success.
Kazama said | January 10th 2009 @ 8:42pm | Report comment
Sam: “Sydney FC was hyped to such an extent unduly…”
I’ve had the feeling from day one of the A-League that there’s been this pressure on Sydney to become the footballing capital of Australia. Ironic that this sentiment has contributed to Sydney FC’s downfall, in terms of crowd numbers at least. With the salary cap in place it would be very difficult for one club to be successful every season – so far 3 campaigns 3 different champions, and unless Sydney FC performs a miracle no club will have made the finals in each year. That in mind, the fact they were made out to be the glamour club of the competition looks suicidal in hindsight.
Sam said | January 10th 2009 @ 8:59pm | Report comment
Kazama
I think at the beginning they were meant to be the glamour club. But they lost a lot of money in the first year despite winning the title, and then went downhill from there.
I don’t think Sydney was meant to be the footballing capital. It is in terms of grassroots participation, but this is just one aspect. It was just placed as a headquarters and maybe people see it being Sydneycentric.
Just shows what too much hype does..Gold Coast can have the Bling tag if they want it, although that won’t solve the problem of SFC overnight.
Sam said | January 10th 2009 @ 9:09pm | Report comment
Also forgot to mention that there is a really bad culture of attending all sporting events in this city now. I can only say that national teams tend to get supported well to some extent. At club level in any sport it is very poor. Too much celebrity maybe, or people just have better things to do..
dasilva said | January 10th 2009 @ 9:45pm | Report comment
It seems a lot of people are celebrating the return of Jason Culina to the A-league
I’m not too sure if this is great news for Australian football
It’s definitely great news for the A-league to have a returning regular socceroos and will certainly raised the profile of the league. It would also be great to see Culina being unleashed as a creative attacking player and regular goal scorer instead of a workmanlike player that Guus Hiddink converted him to.
However one major problem of this move: The World Cup. We all know the season of the A-league is short. Part of the reason why A-leagues players aren’t selected because for a lot of WCQ or Asia Cup qualifiers or tournament they will be out of season and lacking match fitness where they havent played a competitive match in 4-5 months (or they have been playing at a lower standards in the State leagues). Culina is a regular and a guaranteed starter (whether people like it or not) for the Socceroos. He could become a liability for the socceroos if he started to play at a lower level and have lengthy periods without competitive matches.
If he comes here in the A-league I hope they have some plan to loan him out once the A-league has ended or this Gold Coast move could work badly for Australia
I wish he moved back to the A-league AFTER the world cup.
dasilva said | January 10th 2009 @ 9:48pm | Report comment
I also wonder how much game time Culina will get now for PSV (interestingly as a right wing back) for the rest of the season now that they know he will move on. If they benched him for the rest of the season that may even hurt us for the WCQ as well
Midfielder said | January 10th 2009 @ 10:43pm | Report comment
Das
We need quality to lift the pack Jason Culina could be the spur.
westy said | January 10th 2009 @ 10:49pm | Report comment
Sam ..Hakoah Sydney City reincarnated has never represented Sydney end of story. Sydney FC is not a community based club and never will be.It is a viable club that if doing well can put 15 to 18 k bums on seats and if in a semi could fill SFS but it represents anarrow range of support..It is not a heartland team and never will be. I remind you that Sydney Youth FC is a homebred team filled with greater Sydney local talent.and do not look to closely at where some of the other local A league players grew up.
Any Sydney team that harnesses the heartland could be potent indeed. The question is is this possible. for astart I think it should be a Mutual and community based. There is the rub. No private owner is going to mutualise and there is only a few truly community based Aleague teams and that is the Mariners and probably the Jets and Victory and Reds.
Contrary to the hype Sydney’s real team might be a little less bling and a little more part of the community.Oh for a team with Red Cross / Sydney Childrens hospital / Refugees Australia/Lifesaving Australia / emblem across its chest.barcelona has Unicef. You get a community based team in Sydney and see what a difference it could make in these times bling may not be not the key
.
Michael DiFabrizio said | January 10th 2009 @ 10:59pm | Report comment
Midfielder, dasilva,
I think it’s handy to have one Socceroo over the line in the year before the World Cup. It sets a precedent and a good example for Culina’s national team teammates.
But of course the year we really want them to flood back home is the season after the World Cup; when the profiles of these players (at least locally) will be at their peak. That would be great for the A-League.
As for Culina and the World Cup campaign, perhaps an Archie Thompson-like (or should that be David Beckham-like?) loan to Europe at the conclusion of the A-League season may be in order. Only problem would be the fact the Gold Coast are likely to push deep into the finals, so the timeframe might not help.
Midfielder said | January 10th 2009 @ 11:04pm | Report comment
Westy where have you been me I am just back from another Byron party … maybe I will make it back to work one day but I am having so much fun ………… Pip I have been parting to much drank way to much beer, JD, JW swimming surf, drive, fark me why would I go back to that hole that is Sydney
dasilva said | January 10th 2009 @ 11:09pm | Report comment
Loan to europe will be difficult if not impossible
Correct me if I’m wrong but I believe the only opportunity for that will be during the january transfer window in which Culina will have to miss out the rest of the A-league season and the finals series. Not an acceptable option for Gold Coast United.
I believe the only option is a loan to a japanese or korean club after the A-league season has finish. Not the worst scenario but it will have to do.
dasilva said | January 10th 2009 @ 11:10pm | Report comment
I meant to say. – not the best scenario but ti will have to do.
dasilva said | January 10th 2009 @ 11:30pm | Report comment
Culina move can only really be considered a success if he stars in the A-league and then have a very good World Cup and then keeps his place for a lengthy period afterwards showing that returning to the a-league is not going to affect your international selection.
If Pim decides that Culina lost his match fitness or sharpness due to playing in the A-league (due to less intensity during training sessions) or long end of season break and then loses his place in the team to someone playing regularly in europe. Let’s say his place is taken by Nick Carle (wouldn’t some people love that). THen I don’t believe move will do the A-league that much good and act as a deterrant for future returning Socceroos and send a message to A-league players to move out of A-league as soon as possible.
westy said | January 10th 2009 @ 11:44pm | Report comment
Midfielder all the best for the New Year
Koala Bear said | January 11th 2009 @ 9:19am | Report comment
westy said: Sam ..Hakoah Sydney City reincarnated has never represented Sydney end of story.
Westy,
In defence of SFC; I never once thought of myself ever, past or present, as a “Hakoah Sydney City Supporter” (not that I thought Hakoah was a bad club). I will always support SFC .. In my 50 years or so involvement as a player and supporter of Football.. I felt SFC a club that represented me and the Sydney football community had finally arrived and still do..
In my opinion they still represent “Greater Sydney” and always will .. However, outer Sydney West, you, they, have not taken to the club because of Frank Lowy’s ownership, I presume, of the SFC Franchise he has held in the past.. If you feel that way fine, fair enough .. But no one complained that Lowy who has chaired the FFA for the past 4 years has called the FFA, the Israeli FA ..
This whole bitchiness seems to come from the bad performances of SFC for not delivering on the park.. Well maybe it was a blessing in disguise for the HAL, for Sydney not to dominate the HAL with too much Bling..
At any rate, the SFC colours are the NSW colours, Sky Blue and Navy with a touch of orange to separate it from being a state club.. This club plays out of one of the most beautiful stadiums in Australia, and the amenities are first class. The club is on cusp of a new exciting step forward.. And after all the HAL needs SFC to remain in the HAL.. Support SFC until a West Sydney FC is formed .. Hopefully sooner rather than later for you guys..
~~~~~~~~
KB
Midfielder said | January 12th 2009 @ 1:07pm | Report comment
KB
Admire you passion regarding the Choppers and you defense of there record…. accept you never followed Hakoah but ..mate… for football to advance it needs a successful football team connecting to the broader football family in Sydney.
The Choppers have been of the worst of the Australian teams management wise … they have failed football … of all the teams that was / is needed to get media … a Sydney team is essential …. nothing I have seen of their operations has given me hope .. I have been to a number of their games the half time is a joke most nights.
KB the second Sydney team will become the team Sydney football family will follow … your comment to Westy about WS and it not taking to SFC becuase of FL ownership is BS TBH … most in WS admire and praise FL…. Its the 20 mins to the train station the 1 hour to central, the walk from Central to Moore park or sit in traffic for two hours or pay $25.00 in tolls … As many have said from day one MOORE PARK SUITS THE PEOPLE OF EASTERN AND INNER SYDNEY … maybe SS as well but WS / NW / SW / Norther Beaches it to farking hard to get to.
BTW KB in most parts of WS football is by far the main game played and followed and in many parts the only game followed they adore Frank Lowy … have produced more socceroos than any other part of the country… have six former NSL clubs and currently have 5 teams in the NSW state league and have about 60 players in European clubs this year.
IMO Gabbie stadium at Seven Hills should be developed from its existing 7, 000 capicity and it would / will work.
Koala Bear said | January 12th 2009 @ 3:55pm | Report comment
Midfielder,
you have a funny way of adoring Frank Lowy ex chairman of SFC accusing him of reincarnating the Hakoah Football Club.. (not that they were a bad club) That sentiment came through quite loud and clear.. But as I wrote SFC are far removed from the Hakoah FC club and play in the state-of-the-art SFS, a magnificent modern stadium, 45k the perfect home ground for a eventually successful SFC for all Sydneysiders to embrace.. as far as the Blue Mountains …
Parramatta Power failed to survive in Parramatta .. there are no guarantees a WS FC will be successful and if it struggles you will then have your detractors saying; well it’s really the old Marconi Club or it’s the old Croatian Club reincarnation .. So your criticism of SFC is BS .. Yes SFC have failed to perform in the last two seasons on the pitch but once they get a few wins together they will fill the SFS with 30+k like they did last year for their final home league game against Melb Vic.. even with Kossie in charge..
Next year will be a vastly improved SFC performance as they have the most exciting youth team coming through of all HAL Football clubs.. Marry that with a decent “Experienced European Central Defender Import” and they will win the Championship. The SFS will flow twice over of that of the Bluetongue stadium…
~~~~~~~~
KB
Mick of Newie said | January 12th 2009 @ 4:35pm | Report comment
KB and Midfielder,
CCM and the Choppers have the opposite problem. FC fans will turn up when the team is succesful but the rusted on base remains at 10K. CCM have a great attacking team that play end to end exciting football and the club are lauded for their “community engagement” but they still only get 10K to their games. They seem unable to convert on field success to 20K crowds.
Yes SFC will be better next year (provided they find a striker (not Bridge) to be fed by their great young players) and the crowds will come back. CCM are yet to have an annus horribulus and it will be interesting to see what their crowds look like when they do.
Sam said | January 12th 2009 @ 6:10pm | Report comment
KB
I think that the real issue for people attending games at SFS which Midfielder alluded to is the cost of tolls, parking tickets, food etc. It’s just so much easier to watch it at home or the pub for people who don’t live close to the city. The whole Bling thing should be discarded. It kind of reminds me when Warwick Capper was at the Swans. Tacky. Sydney should market to Inner West, East, Southern Sydney and Shire regions. This makes it simple for them and these people who live in these areas have high disposable incomes and a day at the SFS is no problem.
Leave the West to the West. There might be that old Marconi, Sydney Croatia nostalgia there, but KB when I talk to people from this area I know that I am talking with people who truly understand football if you know what I mean. Just like the way you and I do. Leave it to Lucas Neill and the marketers to get these people to the games.
Koala Bear said | January 12th 2009 @ 8:23pm | Report comment
Sam,
sure I agree leave it to Lucas and the lads .. I’m just a bit tired of the pundits saying that SFC are the old Hakoah club, which is rediculous; not that it’s offensive to me, they were a real force in the old NSL.. However, we have left old soccer behind and need to focus on new Football..
I would welcome a successful WS FC I’m not against the concept, but to unite the old Macaroni and Croatian fans maybe a much more difficult task to do than launching the revitalized SFC .. That’s why I still support and think John O’Neill’s concept is the correct one at this point in time, one-city-one-team policy until the HAL has a solid footing; a new TV deal with more cash.. Until then concentrate on spreading the code nationally
I appreciate the travel and surcharges aspect one from the west has to make to get to a match at the SFS but unfortunately such a venue can’t be discarded.. It must be utilised to its fullest.. And as you say by all means watch on Fox that’s fine as you still support the club in around about way..
Don’t forget last season 30k turned out for the final round at SFC .. Therefore West Sydneysiders should not knock the SFC club but talk it up.. That’s how any club becomes successful with the supporters backing the club not trying to destroy it… By that I mean its image.. WS FC will come at the appropriate time when you get a committed consortium to put a bid on the table to play out of Parramatta Stadium ..
But you don’t try to bring one down to install the other as some want to do here.. The time will be right eventually in the normal course of proceedings .. You just need to wait for the right people to come forward with a good business plan and that has not happened so far; its been only piss and wind so far…
~~~~~~~~~
KB
Sam said | January 12th 2009 @ 8:41pm | Report comment
KB
I don’t see it as Hakoah. I can see why others do though.. It will change once they can start playing some good football. Even I would have to criticise Kossie’s coaching. By the way West Sydney has more than just the old NSL supporters, and I think if these old NSL supporters don’t turn up there are many others in the area who follow a-league.
It will turn around eventually for Sydney FC. Just a matter of time.
Midfielder said | January 12th 2009 @ 8:42pm | Report comment
KB
The late great JW make mistakes at time … TBH I doubt Obie One had much to do with the day to day running of the Choppers … but that it was Hakoah re visited was the cry of many .. and I agree it was that way it now has new owners I hope they change the management