Roar Pro
Joined January 2012
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I am football writer currently, living, working and playing football in Scotland. I write on Australian and International Football, whilst still earning a living as a footballer. I previously played in the A-League for North Queensland Fury and Sydney FC.
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As the Socceroos prepare to meet Scotland in the early hours of Thursday morning, it will be one of the few times in recent…
He put together the best team the A-League has seen, playing a style that delighted most across the country. But perhaps Ange Postecoglou's biggest…
The excitement ahead of this weekend's Grand Final clash between Brisbane Roar and Perth Glory has been subdued but few previous clashes have offered…
The A-League is enduring its most difficult period since its establishment seven seasons ago. While many issues indeed require attention, the success the competition…
It was not meant to be like this for the Newcastle Jets: a new owner with deep pockets and willingness to invest and a…
It was an era that started with a bang, faded in the middle and then saw a slight renaissance at the end. As Sydney…
With a decision on Gold Coast United’s future likely in the coming weeks, the biggest question for Football Federation Australia is how to ensure…
The introduction of the Football Federation Australia Cup appears to have been placed firmly on the back burner with the governing body focusing on…
As the A-League season moves towards the end of the regular competition rounds, those in power will no doubt be planning for next season.…
The likely demise of Gold Coast United at season’s end has cast a dark shadow over the A-League, but whilst the competition will eventually…
The past week has seen some of the Australian football community express concern over the mentality of some of the nation’s footballers. From easy…
Conflicts between players and coaches are far from rare in professional football, but how can these relationships spiral out of control? And would some…
With A-League clubs moving closer to establishing fully-fledged youth academies, the development pathway will be dramatically strengthened. But a key question will have to…
With A-League clubs moving closer to establishing fully-fledged youth academies the development pathway will be dramatically strengthened but a key question will have to…
Talk of A-League growth to Tasmania has raised the issue of expansion for the sport into new markets, with opinions divided on the wisdom…
Having moved across to the other side of the world to try my luck in British football things took an unexpected turn and I…
I like the comparison of Stoke v Arsenal ! Agree that the potential 50,000 crowd is a good sign considering AFL and NRL matches. Hopefully in the future the season is able to be extended to reduce the off season. Going to be gutted at the final whistle no A-League for 6 months.
Classic A-League Grand Final just what is needed
Some really interesting points on staffing, stadium costs and Ticketec. I really believe that more emphasis has to be placed on stadium deals when awarding new franchises. The MLS encountered many of the same problems as the A-League early on before making it a key component of any new club. The results have been spectacular both in terms of crowds and improving the financial stability of the league. Cheers for your insight Qantas supports Australian Football.
Where to now for football and the Gold Coast?
Some great points Futbanous. Agree that many clubs in the world muddle through year to year but as the A-League does not have the benefit of 100 years of history that sense of community must be established in other ways and feel a way of playing is an important element. As you say Barca is the classic example but there are many others whose identity to a lesser extent is aligned to way of playing West Ham, Liverpool from the 80’s and 90’s. Then there are teams who their way of doing things is a huge part of their identity Athletic Bilbao for the promotion of local talent or even Crewe for the development of young players. My point being is it is something to buy into for supporters, I realise it is not easy to achieve but nor is it impossible.
A-League prosperity needs clubs to offer more than just football
Very good point! I think expertise from either the MLS or J-League would be a benefit to the league because as you say they have been through many of the same problems.
Gold Coast United's plight will hit players hard
I think you summed up the situation so well and it should have been handled very differently. There was so much potential for the club, which appears likely to go unfulfilled. If the club was to be handed over to the community, as you say was the plan, the future no doubt could have been very bright.
Gold Coast United's plight will hit players hard
Sorry Philip you are right should not have made that mistake, apologies.
Postecoglou's legacy likely to be enduring