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

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.

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…

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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.

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…

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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.

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..

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KB

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.

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.

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.

We need quality to lift the pack Jason Culina could be the spur.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Will they ever put it on the big screen at the RSL, tho? For those away games??

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…

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KB

btw another big crowd at Hindmarsh last night .. Happy days again and Melbourne back with the pack Dave… eh, eh…

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KB