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With the A-League season finally over, we can now reflect on what has happened during a hectic past seven months or so. Many believe this has been the best season so far, in terms of quality and entertainment on the pitch.
This is a point which was reiterated by the grand final on Sunday.
However, off the pitch, the league has never looked worse. Many clubs are struggling financially, due to the drop in crowds and league popularity.
This is summed up by the fact that North Queensland Fury now do not exist.
How can the on-field and off-field environments differ so greatly? Shouldn’t the two rise and fall along with each other? What needs to be done in order to grow the A-League?
Well, these questions have been asked for the past 6 years, and no one has the answers.
This is why I have created a To-Do list. Some things on this list are minor issues, others are important ones.
My list could not drastically change the A-League.
However, I believe that in order to move forward as a league and a code, these measures must be put into place.
1. New kits.
Word on the football forums around the country is that the Reebok contract, which entitles them to produce all A-League kits, was to end following the 2010-11 season.
If my sources are correct, A-League clubs will now be able to negotiate with other kit suppliers. The logos of Nike, Adidas and Puma could soon be stitched next to the badges of Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory.
Not only would the kits look better, they would also give the clubs a major cash injection. Imagine if Melbourne Victory was to have Adidas or Nike produce their shirts next year? Thousands would be sold..
2. No more Etihad Stadium.
AAMI Park has been a breath of fresh air. Over the years, the league has had to cope with pathetic pitches to play on, due to Motorbikes, concerts, rave parties etc.
To see such a beautiful ground as AAMI Park has set a benchmark of what A-League clubs should be aiming towards. Perfect pitch, rectangular ground, 30,000 capacity.
However, for one reason or another (mainly money), the Victory have decided to play a handful of games at Etihad Stadium.
These games consisted of crowds between 10-20 thousand, apart from the one Melbourne Derby. The stadium looked empty, and the atmosphere did not hit the heights it does at AAMI Park.
Yes, it used to be the Victory’s fortress, but they need to move on. The club only averaged just over 15,000 this season. They definitely don’t need the extra seats.
3. An October start.
Another issue that has been widely gossiped about. There’s no doubt that the A-League cannot compete with the other codes at this stage. The fact that the A-League starts when the NRL and AFL are during their finals series severely damages the league, in terms of crowds and media/publicity.
The FFA have admitted themselves that a October start is ideal and will benefit the league, so I’m sure that next season we will be seeing this in action.
4. Proper Benches.
Now many of you have probably never realised or thought about this issue, however, I believe the A-League needs a new rule. From the 2011-12 season, all matches must have two proper benches, no plastic chairs.
We have seen the rule implemented in the ACL, and I can’t understand why it is not the case in the A-League.
Not only does it look more professional, it is also much safer. I’m actually surprised there hasn’t yet been an occasion where a fan has injured a player or coach. All it takes is one angry fan to throw a bottle at the bench (or chairs as they are now) for the newspapers to have a “Soccer Hooligans” story on the front page.
5. Keep the salary cap the same.
Rumours are that the FFA could be lowering the salary cap in order to help clubs financially. As much as it may help the clubs now, it will hurt the league in the future.
Lowering the salary cap will mean the league is taking a backward step. It means we will lose even more quality players to overseas leagues. The clubs must find other ways to make money, for this option should only be the last resort.
6. Fix midweek games.
Although the statistics may point otherwise, I believe midweek games have been a success; however, they are not being used correctly.
Midweek games finish at around 9:30 – 10:00pm, which means it is hard for a family to attend matches. That is why the games must only be played during the summer school holidays.
The six-week period should be the “Football Feast” of the season, with as many games as possible crammed in, just like it is in the English Premier League.
The fact that the league will now go back to 27 rounds means it will be easier to schedule. If the FFA follows this rule when scheduling, there is no reason why midweek games won’t work.
7. Free to Air Coverage.
Probably the most discussed topic in terms of A-League development. Nobody argues with the fact that A-League on free to air television would significantly grow the publicity and respect that the league deserves.
However, with Fox Sports owning the rights to Australian Football for several years to come, many believe that they would never even think of selling the rights to a free to air channel. However, this is where I disagree.
The following equation shows why:
Free to Air coverage of A-League = Football popularity increase
Football Popularity Increase = More Fox Sports/Foxtel subscribers
Fox Sports want Football, in particular the A-League, to grow rapidly, for it would mean more people would want to watch their live coverage.
So how do they grow the interest? Sell a ‘Match of the Week” to a Free to Air Channel.
This way, the A-League grows. However, Fox Sports are still the number one football destination for fans.
Those fans who want more than just one match a week will then be forced to purchase Foxtel and subscribe to Fox Sports. It’s a win-win situation.
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