- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
Stoic Gold Coast United captain Michael Thwaite says his team have done the right thing by Football Federation Australia by agreeing to finish the A-League season.
Now he wants the FFA to return the favour and decide their fate by this weekend – for better or worse.
The FFA have hinted that they may not determine United’s future for weeks after a new Gold Coast consortium presented a proposal to take over the licence from next season.
However, Thwaite could only see his impressive band of youngsters staying on the tourist strip if an FFA call was made by Sunday’s regular season finale against arch rivals Brisbane Roar at Skilled Park.
Thwaite said his Gold Coast teammates had ensured the A-League’s integrity by staying on and giving a fighting on-field display since the FFA stripped billionaire owner Clive Palmer of the United licence on February 29.
And with uncertainty swirling around the former A-League glamour club once again, Thwaite believed United’s anxious young brigade deserved some closure – one way or another.
“I would like to see it (a decision on the club’s future) done by the weekend,” Thwaite said on Thursday.
“We have done our part by signing with the FFA (after Palmer’s axing) and it is up to them to let us know before the league is finished.”
Interim coach Mike Mulvey backed Thwaite’s call.
“I think the players should know what their future is – whether it be good or bad,” he said.
“Because I know there are deals on the table for some players.
“They need to be sure of their future. Some have mortgages, kids, schools, deciding where they live.
“I think the powers that be should give them an answer as soon as possible.”
Mulvey had not tried to persuade youngsters one way or another as the offers piled up but kept his fingers crossed there was a future for all on the Gold Coast next season.
“The majority want to be involved here. They love what is happening on the field,” he said.
“They see a future here but they need some positive intent from FFA to let them know it is a possibility.”
Gold Coast have gone down swinging in the six games to date since Palmer’s high-profile departure, culminating in a stunning 3-0 win over finals-bound Perth Glory at Skilled Park last round.
And the stage is set for a memorable finale on Sunday in a game that may determine whether Brisbane grabs back-to-back minor premierships.
Meanwhile, the A-League were making no promises.
“A discussion paper has been put forward however any proposal must come with guarantees for the long term sustainability and viability for a club on the Gold Coast,” said A-League boss Lyall Gorman.
“We are talking to interested parties and will provide guidance on how they approach the issues but everyone should recognise that the timelines are relatively short and the hurdles relatively high.
“We will continue discussions and work with those interested parties on the Gold Coast to see if an effective model can be produced for next season and beyond.”
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.