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I really worry about private owners in charge of football teams. Nathan Tinkler, for example, is giving off an image that he is a strong personality who will insist on having things his own way.
As he is the owner, no-one can disagree with him. Tinkler has no history in football administration or professional football as a player, so will lack technical knowledge.
Private owners often employ yes-men, not the right people for the job.
I fear private owners will start to try giving advice to the team on tactics and technical matters. Adam MacDougall said it was laughable having Russell Crowe trying to give rugby league advice.
And I hope A-League owners don’t follow suit.
The other worry is when the going gets tough in an industry in which he has no experience, an owner like Tinkler will be vulnerable and will hate it. If Newcastle start losing matches, will Tinkler simply leave?
Will a private A-League club owner constantly sack coaches like the Saudi Arabian national football team for example?
Private owners have other business interests, so they may be start to become time poor. I would say Crowe has scaled back but he still puts a lot of time into South Sydney. Maybe Clive Palmer and Tinkler may prove me wrong.
Owning a sports team is like a marriage: long term. Not a honeymoon or a fun weekend.
It takes a big commitment of time and energy.
And a love for the sport when the going gets tough and motivation levels are tested.
A professional football club is not a toy or a promotional tool, it is part of a real professional sport, where making money and winning is the goal. Will private owners have that long-term motivation or passion to help develop football in Australia?
Are you the ultimate team manager? Pick your own superstar team and go head to head with other football fans for glory and cash prizes on Draftstars. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.