An open apology to North Queensland Fury FC
Columnist
By Davidde Corran, 29 Nov 2009 Davidde Corran is a Roar Expert
145 Have your say
Former English premier league soccer player Robbie Fowler, right, pictured with the North Queensland coach Ian Ferguson at a news conference in Townsville, Australia, Sunday, March 15, 2009. Fowler will play for the North Queensland Fury in Australia's A League competition later this year. AP Photo/ Michael Chambers
“They could be the worst team to have played in the A-League”; “They’re going to be worse than the New Zealand Knights”; “They could kill this competition.” They are all things that I, and many others in the media, privately said about North Queensland Fury in the lead up to their A-League debut.
The signs just weren’t looking good. As the club made the astounding move of signing Jade North as their inaugural marquee player, only for him to jump ship, things seemed to be going bad for the club. The truth is North’s defection was only one of many worrying signs, and a lot of people were worried, including myself.
Instead Don Matheson, Ian Ferguson and co have proved me very wrong, so I only think it’s fair that I apologise.
Truth is I’ve had the opportunity to watch a number of their games this season and have enjoyed almost all of them. Certainly more then I have the Central Coast Mariners efforts despite them sitting four spots higher on the table.
The Fury might have spent most of this season propping up the league standings, and a couple of their performances have been just dire, but they are far from the worst team to have played in this competition. On the contrary, they’ve brought a lot to season 5 of the A-League.
Bringing Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler into the country is something we’re all grateful for now that the doubts over his fitness and ability have been shown up as pessimistic concerns.
On the pitch, the Fury’s football can be quite enjoyable to watch, even if at times it lacks fluency or that cutting edge. Their first half performance last night against Adelaide was as comprehensive as it was easy on the eye.
While Gold Coast United’s game against Brisbane Roar at the start of the season may have been the highest quality I’ve seen in the A-League this year, I’d rather watch the Fury at the moment then Gold Coast. That’s something I never expected to say.
Even the crowds, considering the population pool they’re able to draw from, have been reasonable enough; especially when you think that there have been enough poor performances at Dairy Farmers Stadium to scare the locals away.
I’m also loving the ‘Furgins’ initiative by the club. First time fans to Dairy Farmers are handed a team coloured t-shirt with “Furgin” written across it. It’s a great initiative and is proof that the club are showing their fans more respect than Gold Coast Untied have so far.
Certainly it hasn’t all gone well for the Fury. They still made far too many rash and silly player signings in the first few months after they were given their license. It says a lot that nearly all North Queensland’s standout players joined the club after most of the squad was already assembled. In fact, I think this drip feed of talent coming into the side is a bit embarrassing.
The club’s financial troubles have been a worry as well, though they aren’t alone on that point.
Most importantly the club has at least admitted their errors and have looked to make up for them. I get the sense that as long as they can survive financially over the next couple years then this club will be around for the long-term.
While I’m at it I’d like to give credit to the Fury’s marquee man Robbie Fowler. When he signed for the club and then missed most of the pre-season through injury, I was worried. In fact the only people I thought that would get to see his talent in action would be Townsville’s real estate industry.
So, despite their flaws and mistakes, I think the Fury have added something special to this competition. Personally I’m glad to have them as a part of our domestic football landscape and I don’t think I’m alone on that one.
Comparatively there are a couple of other A-League teams who should take a long hard look at themselves, though that’s for another day. Today I’d just like to say sorry North Queensland, and its good to have you on board.
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cruyff turn said | November 29th 2009 @ 3:48am | Report comment
Davidde,
I too am pleasantly surprised by North Queensland’s current position. Even last week when they got trounced on the scoreboard by the Mariners, I thought they played some decent stuff, and with a bit of luck could have pegged the score back before the horse truly bolted. Like you say, they also seem to have done well in engaging the community, unlike the other new team.
Fowler especially, has been terrific. Had the feeling he was going to be a bit of a mercenary and just go through the motions, but he’s really impressed me with his commitment. At times it must be frustrating for him to play with guys of far less ability (certainly compared to what he was used to), yet he’s never whinged or complained about his team. Just got on with the job and scored goals.
You’re right about some of their early signings being rash. Jacob Timpano, with his history of injuries, was a leap of faith which has so far backfired. You get the feeling that the Fury’s list was assembled depending on who was out of contract, who wasn’t getting a game at their last club, or who wasn’t getting a run in the A-League at all. It’s in stark contrast to Melbourne Heart, where van’t Schip seems to have a vision of the football he wants his team to play, and will pick the appropriate players. Maybe with a good first season under their belt, the Fury will be in a far better position to entice new signings?
So in conclusion, they’ve done OK, but if you took Fowler’s contribution out of this season’s performances, the Fury’s position would be somewhere closer to our original predictions.
Mick said | November 29th 2009 @ 6:30am | Report comment
About time that those in the southern media apologised. For some reason, it’s always hard to convince people down south that North Queensland can produce a competitive team in any sport. The Cowboys went through similiar motions when they started up in 1995. It took them a few years, but now they are usually considered a top 8 side. While as a loyal fan, I’ll be the first to admit the some of the Fury’s performances have been dismal this season, their typical North Queensland fighting spirit as the underdog and attacking style of football will win them more respect from other clubs and hopefully more fans in the coming years. Last night’s win is symbolic of that: a come from behind victory which was all heart. It certainly proves that with the right coach (Fergie), having half your main squad out injured and limited funds to shop around for replacements, the Fury can still put in a result. Thanks Davidde for giving us some credit at last.
Cheers,
Mick
Pippinu said | November 29th 2009 @ 6:41am | Report comment
I don’t mind saying that from day one, when the Fury came back from 0-2 down against SFC, that I have had no such qualms about the Fury being well behind the rest of the comp.
It was obvious even on that day that they had reasonable strength in the wide positions ( a bit of a weakness in many A-League clubs), and that Fowler was not going to be a passenger.
In fact, I can recall being very happy to play them early in the season in Towsville, to score a lucky 1-0 win, because I knew they were going to give all teams plenty of trouble.
Realfootball said | November 29th 2009 @ 8:10am | Report comment
Well done Davidde. I graceful and timely piece of journalism. Perhaps also not only an apology is due to the club (and I include myself in this) but also to coach Ferguson who was widely criticised for his CV and his nationality, with all sorts of assumptions made about the kind of football his team would play. In fact, the Fury at their best play one of the more attractive passing games in the League – much more so than the Mariners who, with the odd exceptional game – are mostly still very ordinary to watch. Ferguson has had a very, very difficult brief and he is fulfilling it exceptionally well. Congratulations to him and to everyone at the Fury. As a Gold Coast member, I can only wish that the GCU admin people had shown the same commitment to engaging with their community that the Fury have.
As for Robbie Fowler, in terms of his commitment to the cause he is easily for me the standout marquee player to have graced the A League, and the Fury’s long term survival (which I am assuming) will be put down in no small degree to his personal commitment.
midfield general said | November 29th 2009 @ 8:32am | Report comment
You can compare the difference in body language between Fowler and Jason Culina on the pitch. As it was mentioned previously they’re playing with players of lesser ability than in Europe, but Fowler just gets on with it whereas we see Culina sulking and abusing his team mates if things don’t go his way.
I was wrong about Ferguson, too. I expected Scottish kick and rush but the way they’ve been keeping possession is a pleasant surprise. Just hope Fowler doesn’t get injured.
Pippinu said | November 29th 2009 @ 10:02am | Report comment
True – Culina’s demeanour on the field is absolutely pi$$ poor.
gaz said | November 29th 2009 @ 8:54pm | Report comment
Oh get over it people! Fowler is a striker, Culina’s a midfield general. Both command the respect and friendship of their team-mates, which is all that matters,
And as for showing anger, at least Culina doesn’t roll onto his head and kick people in the face with his studs. M’kay?
PS: Good article Davidde, well said. To be fair, many of us critics were very keen on the Fury to begin with, but only became vocal critics after a long string of mind-blowing cock-ups. I’m sure everybody’s happy to see NQ grab a few wins.
midfield general said | November 30th 2009 @ 7:28am | Report comment
Nah, Culina’s body language says `I should have stayed at PSV for one more year’ Hehe
KB said | November 30th 2009 @ 9:51am | Report comment
I will never forget the night Muscat did a dummy spit and walked off the pitch against Newcastle Jets in Newcastle, because he was frustrated with his team-mates.. Leaving a pleading Merrick and Cole urging him to stay on the field ha ha… Finally replacing himself that evening and sat sulking on the bench…
~~~~~~
KB
Realfootball said | November 30th 2009 @ 8:29am | Report comment
Comeon, Gaz, I’m a Gold Coast member to but it doesn’t mean I have to say black is white. Jason Culina isn’t playing well and his attitude on the pitch is not helpful. All this is understandable but still not, in the end, forgivable. Personally, I have been surprised at the lack of impact he has on games over 90 minutes. Compare him to Hernandez in terms of him influence on games, or Fowler. Compare the spirit in the Fury team with GCU. I honestly think it comes down to the coaching. Miron Bleiberg, for all the admirable work he did getting the club up and running, isn’t the coach the club needs. He is all style (and quite annoying style at that) and not enough substance. Ferguson is precisely the opposite. As things got tougher, Ferguson got better; exactly the opposite of Bleiberg, whose coaching performance mirrors the woes at the Roar before he was sacked. Yes I know all that stuff about how depleted GCU were, but what kind of a coach puts their “playmaker” on the right wing in that situation? Answer: either a clueless coach or a one who is being told what to do by his star player.
Pippinu said | November 30th 2009 @ 8:36am | Report comment
Very good appraisals of the responses to two coaches who started the seasons in very different fashions.
In aussie rules, we often use an expression: down hill skiers, i.e. players who are great when everything clicks into place, but as soon as things get a little tough, these sorts of players go missing in action.
I hate to say it – but Culina reminds me of such a down hill skier – he was sensational those first 3 to 5 rounds – but as soon as it got a bit harder – he has gone missing – and what’s worse – his body language basically says he’d rather not be there.
Interestingly, it’s also coincided with Smeltz’s form falling into an absolute black hole over the last 6 to 8 weeks.
At one point, people were saying that if Smeltz had been Australian – he would have been playing up front for the Socceroos!!
Whoah – slow down people!!
dasilva said | November 30th 2009 @ 8:45am | Report comment
Well, if Smeltz chose to represent Australia ( he was eligible for Australia before representing New Zealand). I’m quite sure Smeltz would have had a few token caps (A-league only game) for Australia and be an outside chance of making to the squad.
KB said | November 30th 2009 @ 10:08am | Report comment
At least Culina excepts his responsibilities and doesn’t generate FFA conspiracy theories
Pippinu said | November 30th 2009 @ 10:22am | Report comment
That’s the problem – Culina is “excepting” his responsibilities – big time!!
KB said | November 30th 2009 @ 10:31am | Report comment
How..? Culina has played every game “except” when called upon for national duty… Muscat has not played as much topline football as Culina… Therefore not as fresh at times
Art Sapphire said | November 30th 2009 @ 10:27am | Report comment
Why was Culina playing out wide on Saturday night?? With GC having a depleted team you would have expected Jason to line up in front of the defenders and directing traffic. Tactical masterblunder!
Pippinu said | November 30th 2009 @ 10:33am | Report comment
They should have put Culina in goals, Thwaite on the right wing, and Smeltz in the centre of defence – they may have had half a chance then.
KB said | November 30th 2009 @ 10:49am | Report comment
You were lucky we didn’t put Culina in goal — next time we meet you won’t be facing our youth team..
KB said | November 30th 2009 @ 10:40am | Report comment
A gamble trying to nullify Hernandez perhaps, but he put is some quality crosses for Porter and Smeltz… that almost resulted in goals
KB said | November 30th 2009 @ 10:03am | Report comment
Realfootball,
the club may be going through a bad patch, but to not support the club, when it needs the encourage from it’s supporters is much worse… The club is third on the latter in its first year, no matter what has happen in the past … that’s still not bad a position to be in for the present…
~~~~~
KB
Realfootball said | November 30th 2009 @ 11:00am | Report comment
I’m supporting the club, no question, KB. But that doesn’t mean pretending problems aren’t there. Culina, as Pippinu points out, goes missing from games and his overall attitude is not constructive in present circumstances. Bleiberg’s coaching is an issue too. I began as a supporter of Miron. Now after having seen every game GCU has played, plus having been at Suncorp since game 1 of the A League before this, I am convinced that Bleiberg lacks the motivational and tactical skills needed for the job. Further, the behaviour of Culina and others on the pitch indicates to me that Bleiberg does not have the respect of the core team members. The real waste in this situation is that after spending so much on a marquee player, Palmer didn’t finish the job and hire a marquee coach.
KB said | November 30th 2009 @ 12:41pm | Report comment
Gone missing?? I was at Skilled to see them play the SFC and he made the goal, and played a commanding role in the win… At Skilled when they played MV, GCU had 10 men and played very well — a retake penalty for MV and were so unlucky not to win the match..
Against the Reds again 10 men and nearly won that one … Gosh third on the table and you are saying he hasn’t been performing… You are a hard task master lad…
Btw.. I said I put my faith in Paul Okon and that has not changed one bit.. Never mind about Miron, Okon will get the team into the final .. he is the football brains behind the team… 3rd on the table not bad..
I’m hoping for a SFC v GCU … I don’t care who will win that one as they are both my teams…
That said, I’m enjoying my football on the GC
AndyRoo said | November 30th 2009 @ 8:53am | Report comment
They have also lost 3 of their 1st choice defenders to long term injuries.
I can’t think of many A league clubs where that kind of luck wouldn’t ruin their season.
Pippinu said | November 30th 2009 @ 10:25am | Report comment
AndyRoo
the blokes they’ve lost are plodders.
GC still had their very best players out on the park the other night (Culina, Smeltz, Porter, Thwaite, couple of Brazilians, etc)
At the start of the season, MV was forced to play with Kemp in the centre of defence.
AndyRoo said | November 30th 2009 @ 10:40am | Report comment
Sorry I was talking about Nth QLD Pip.
For Nth QLD with a small and suspect squad (calculated gambles) 3 players out for the season could have been game over but I think they are in 7th or 6th.
KB said | November 30th 2009 @ 10:43am | Report comment
GCU had no less then 5 youth players out there on Sat night…
Realfootball said | November 30th 2009 @ 11:04am | Report comment
Good point Pippinu. The game was lost in the midfield, not in the defence. Caravella, once again, was awful, constantly mishitting passes and getting caught in possession, and Culina was on the wing and featured only occasionally when he should have been in the middle of everything.
As I said above, Culina on the wing can only mean one of two things – Bleiberg is an idiot (he is not) or Culina is making the calls (much more likely). GCU has big problems in the team, no getting away from it.
Gweeds said | November 30th 2009 @ 10:30am | Report comment
I also have to apologise. I thought that it was the wrong move. But I was unaware that football has had a tradition in Townsville and FNQ that quite frankly, as a Victorian, surprised me. I thought that it was a totally non-football area.
Mick said | November 30th 2009 @ 11:12am | Report comment
Glad to see people ‘waking up’ so to speak. Yes, North Queensland (Townsville to Cairns) does have a football culture. It may be small compared to down south, but it is there. You know, if people want the ‘World Game’ to expand, this is where you need to be doing it-in regional areas otherwise deprived of national teams in the A-League. No reason why Rockhampton, Darwin and eventually Cairns can’t have teams. It can’t all be in Sydney and Melbourne: that’s how the old NSL fell apart: city-centric arrogance. Give the Fury a couple of years and watch those crowds increase tenfold. Though the Cowboys are great fo NQ, it’s not all about Rugby League up here.
KB said | November 30th 2009 @ 2:22pm | Report comment
Mick,
I’m not apologising to the Fury… I had always felt they would show character when they entered the HAL and when they announced that Robbie Flower was going to be their Marquee Player; I was delighted for them… Too often, too many people, expect instant success from start up clubs, but if the regional teams can attract 10k eventually that will be an astounding success.. I believe that the GCU and the Fury will eventually reach that figure… I also agree with you that regional Australia is the true barometer of a codes acceptance…
The one thing I will apologise for is that the Bligh Gov. with fed monies will be spending some $126m on a white elephant stadium to support an AFL ghost team with its inaugural captain an ex Bronco player (Karmichael Hunt) that will spend the first 3 seasons at the foot of the table…
Instead of pouring in that sort of cash into the Cowboy’s and Fury’s home ground, Dairy Farm Stadium… I simply can’t understand that our tax payers have to foot the bill on an absurd stadium being built for a ghost team called GC17 with no track record… When a fresh coat of paint and a new toilet block would have done for the first few years of competition, which would have been suffice…
I apologise Mick, on the behalf of the Qld taxpayers for this misuse of state taxes…
~~~~~~
KB
bever fever said | December 1st 2009 @ 6:22pm | Report comment
i applaud the Bligh government on their foresight in heiping the AFL fund the redevelopment of Carrara for the community club GC!17 which will draw much larger crowds that the privatly owned GC soccer club which caps the amount of people attending its matches.
Might come over to see my father in law who lives on the GC when the Dockers play.
Commonwealth games can also be held at Carrara.
KB said | December 1st 2009 @ 6:54pm | Report comment
you will look quite silly standing there alone — you will be standing alone on the terrace with your dog — no bid lodge yet and if ever it is it will be a waste of Qld tax payer’s money — Qld are broke Anna wants to sell off the gov assets so she will be gone in the next election and the Com games are going to NZ…
The Grooky Ghost team will be a nightmare up against the Titans and in the mean time the GCU FC will play and grow with no competition …. not even drawing one cent from the Qld tax payers now that’s good for the Gold Coast Community … Didn’t know you managed a father in-law.. Are you sure you got one to visit..?
Mick said | November 30th 2009 @ 4:02pm | Report comment
KB,
Thanks mate. Yeah I hear you on the State Government’s misuse of funds. NQ always cops the rough end of the stick when it comes to funding. With the exception of the Titans and GCU, it’s long been known that the Gold Coast is where teams go to die. I hope that’s not the case for GC17, but with League, Football, AFL and possibly Union in the mix, how can a population base under 1 million people support that many codes?
Realfootball said | December 1st 2009 @ 8:25am | Report comment
The GC AFL team will have to compete with the Titans. That will be very, very tough. There are a lot of southern climate refugees on the Coast, but enough to fill a stadium? I personally doubt it. GCU will be ok long run because they complement the Titans rather than compete. But the AFL is taking them on head on. This is the first time the AFL has done this and it will be a very interesting litmus test for the code’s glass ceiling in northern rugby league states. My hunch is that the Gold Coast AFL franchise will fail and only stay afloat via vast subsidies.
Redb said | December 1st 2009 @ 8:30am | Report comment
Is that you Clive Palmer?
The Gold Coast has a strong expat community that is more than strong enough to get 10-15K in crowd levels in its early years.
People forget that AFL fans travel to see their teams. That is why the QLD Govt is putting in money for ther new stadium. tourist wise the GC is a favourite for a short break. They’ll play Carlton, Ess, Coll, Rich and get good crowds.
The AFL team on the Gold Coast will still be standing in 25 years you can bank on that.
Redb
Pippinu said | December 1st 2009 @ 8:46am | Report comment
The Bad News Bears occasionally got 18,000 at a rundown Carrara back in the late 80s – so I wouldn’t be too worried about the chances of GC17′s survival.
Also, the term “subsidy is used quite loosely.
If the two extra teams help drive the current TV rights from $780 mill to $900+ mill – then once could argue the two new teams deserve whatever the competition wants to give them (it costs about $35 mill per annum to run a club, the AFL may need to subsidise up to 20% of that in the early years – but that’s a fraction of the extra money being received from TV rights).