Frustrated Gold Coast United captain Michael Thwaite has demanded answers as the future of his A-League club and its players remain in limbo.
Thwaite spoke passionately about the club he joined as a foundation member for the 2009-10 season at the post-match press conference on Sunday night following United’s 2-1 loss to a depleted Brisbane Roar outfit at Skilled Park.
“To be honest I’m very frustrated,” the 28-year-old Cairns product said.
“Three years ago I was made a lot of promises.
“I bought a house and moved my family here. I took on a mortgage and started coaching a local under-12 team.
“I want answers. I want some people to start talking, (stop) hiding away and (start) taking responsibility for the rise and demise of Gold Coast United.
“I want to know why the club wasn’t run properly.
“Obviously we’re waiting for an answer, most likely at the end of this week, but be it positive or negative, I’m very disappointed.”
The FFA is mulling over the merits of a consortium, led by entrepreneur Geoffrey Schuhkraft and Gold Coast mayoral candidate Tom Tate, which is bidding to take over the A-League licence previously held by United’s maverick billionaire owner Clive Palmer.
But the FFA says it wants $5 million of funding guaranteed from the consortium in just two weeks.
“We need more time,” Thwaite said. “These decisions can’t be rushed.”
But while Thwaite and other United players have had their careers put in limbo, the defender is not about to look elsewhere until all hope is lost.
“I’ve had interest from A-League (clubs) and in Asia,” he said.
“I’ve got ambitions to play for the national team but I’m a very loyal person and I’ve put a lot of time and effort into this club.
“I won’t go down without a fight.”
Roar coach Ange Postecoglou made a point of acknowledging United fans after Sunday’s match, despite some nasty sledging between rival supporters at Skilled Park.
“They’re football lovers,” he said.
“We have to embrace anyone who loves the game, friend or foe.
“We have to expand the football family, not turn people away.”
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