Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou has advocated the introduction of a national second division to sit beneath the A-League and act as a stepping stone to professional football.
Citing the positive effect of the FFA Cup on state league football, Postecoglou believes there is merit in the idea of bringing together the top clubs from the various National Premier Leagues in one competition and give more opportunities to players and coaches.
The goal would be for promotion to and relegation from the top tier – but until that becomes feasible, he reckons a new division would serve a purpose in giving second-tier clubs an incentive to grow and bridging the gap between the A-League and the NPL.
“When I was coaching A-League I used to get quite a few players from NPL clubs and even the training load was a massive jump for them,” Postecoglou said.
“The divide between what we’re seeing in the A-League and in the NPL will become wider and wider unless we can provide a link between the two, because I see the A-League clubs becoming more and more professional.
“A really strong second-tier competition can surely help.
“We’ve seen the FFA Cup provide that little of window of opportunity and you see how it’s been embraced by the whole football community.
“If you can bridge that gap by giving some incentive to some of the second-tier clubs to become a bit more professional, there’ll be more (talent) coming out of there.”
Postecoglou said there would have to be “tight controls” around the administration of a second division, who would be allowed in, and how it would link with the A-League, if not immediately by direct promotion and relegation.
Australia is one of only two major footballing nations, along with the United States, without promotion and relegation in their top-flight domestic leagues.
It is a topic of increasingly hot debate in Australia and while FFA chief executive David Gallop recently described it as the “ultimate prize” for the sport, there are no plans to introduce it, and Australia’s geography and tough sporting market presents numerous challenges.
Postecoglou described himself as “pretty bullish” about immediate A-League expansion, with a second tier and promotion and relegation ideally to follow.
“For me the first stage is to say let’s get some more teams in the top division, provide more opportunities for players and supporters and I think you’ll find from there, growth will kind of happen anyway,” he said.
“I understand there’s economics behind it but from where I sit, I think there’s a real need for it, and sooner rather than later.”
punter
Guest
Love is all you need, call someone!!!!
Fussywussy
Guest
Two issues here: firstly the article refers to Australia as a major footballing nation. This is obviously false. Australia has won only a handful of World Cup games in their history and failed to qualify for the World Cup for over 30 years. To describe Australia as a major football nation is laughable. Having said that I actually support the introduction of a second tier as the league at the moment is ridiculous with no incentive for teams to win. Last season the mariners coach said he wasn't interested in results but that it was more about style! As a cricket and rugby fan the second division will divert ffa funds away from the game and lead to huge financial loss. Cricket Australia must be big supporters of Angie's comments.
MatthewSkellett
Guest
I fondly hope that the women get wage justice with a salary increase commensurate with their talent and skill as part of the new deal. Despite Fox not meeting the deadline with an exclusive offer they nevertheless seem keen to champion the HAL and the W-League regardless and look like they are training up more commentators and support staff to handle expsnsion of the league(s) .
Griffo
Roar Guru
Ange has released a book recently, and expanding the A-League and the number of professional opportunities has been common. I can't disagree with him though, nor with the refrain that 'economics' are holding this back. Are the two closely linked? More teams may mean more money. More money means more teams. With Gallop bullish on the next media deal, it will be interesting to see what is done with the extra money as they current owners are clamoring for reducing the red ink, while the FFA will want to try and grow the game. From Ange's perspective, what national coach wouldn't want a greater and wider talent pool to chose from?
Lionheart
Guest
I think it's good he weighs in occasionally JB, he's well respected by fans, and the broader public too, so long as he keeps winning/not losing. I wonder in what context he made these comments? Most likely in response to a question posed by media I would think, rather than speaking out or issuing a statement.
j binnie
Guest
It is notable that after 24 hours this piece has attracted no comment & it is easy to understand why for the subject matter has been done to death in recent months so reducing it's importance to nothing more than AP keeping his profile in front of the public psyche. After "covering all the angles" it is his final sentence that returns the reader to "reality" for when he states"I understand there's economics behind it" he simply nullifies all the discussion points he has raised yet again. Simple analysis? There is not enough money.jb