Almost two weeks ago, I posted an article outlining my opinions on what the A-League should look like in 2022.
After a good response from readers giving their personal opinions on the teams in the league, it’s time for part two.
We’ve given ourselves a fair idea on what the clubs should look like in 2022, but how should these clubs run? Is the current club model flawed and can it be refined?
One of the main ideas that plays on my mind is a completely independent league body. The FFA often shows its conflicting interests and lacks the manpower to manage the national game, from grassroots all the way up to national teams.
So giving the A-League to the control of an independent board that will look after the game in its best interests will provide a better, more refined footballing experience on the domestic league scale.
Decision making in terms of the A-League is a tough one with an independent board. It’s very easy to give the board no power, or complete power and be done with the issue.
However, the precarious balance could result in a conflict of interest between the independent board and the FFA. In the interest of the game, giving the FFA a number of seats (not majority) on the board gives the FFA some power over the decision-making process.
Finances are to be centered around the clubs, however salaries are independent from the clubs. The salaries are to be paid by the FFA to ensure no wage problems. The FFA will invoice the clubs for the wages.
Any club that falls behind the payments will receive no competition points. There will be no salary cap, except club wage budgets are to be accompanied by a bank guarantee.
Clubs shouldn’t fall behind payments due to the bank guarantee. This is to ensure that all clubs are able to meet player salaries, even in times of uncertain future (Newcastle Jets under Con Constantine).
Other aspects of finances are to be completely controlled by the clubs, unless the clubs fall 10 per cent below their projected mark at the beginning of the season.
This is to ensure the clubs are targeting growth, and if they do not reach their projected total, the FFA will move in to take control of the clubs, and work out the flaws with the season strategy. This tactic, however, will only work if the boards of the clubs create achievable totals for their club.
Clubs are to have complete control of their own marketing strategies. One of the biggest downfalls for the A-League is the lack of community integration of the teams by comparison to international clubs.
The Central Coast Mariners are the only club in the A-League that has made a viable futuristic connection with the local communities, working directly with local league clubs – however, having said that, almost every other club is working toward this goal.
Clubs need to have separate media and marketing strategies, and need to have the freedom and funds to connect using locally based marketing and advertisements.
Create not just league advertisements, create club specific ones, which connect to a local area. Advertise player meetings, publicity events, such as training sessions etc. Just small things bridging the gap between players and the community.
These are all many ideas for the A-League of the future, but if you have any other ideas for the club models, please feel free to post them below in the comment section.
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