Since its inception in 2014, a cheeky friend of mine has regularly criticized the FFA Cup.
However, the Sky Blue’s fanatic had a change of heart, when Round of 32 fixtures was released. I wonder if “God” influenced his flip-flop decision?
Brisbane Roar play Sydney FC at Leichhardt Oval on Wednesday the 7th of August. The famous mortal, known as Robbie Fowler (commonly praised as a football deity), will get the chance to coach his first official game for the Queensland club, albeit in an opposing state. Still, at least the stadium seats will be a familiar orange in colour.
Fowler has practically rebuilt the Roar with a growing roster of new signings, including Irish powerhouse Roy O’Donovan. The new manager’s presence at Leichhardt Oval will undoubtedly boost ticket sales. The former Liverpool legend might even attract international media coverage, thus raising the status of the fledgeling knockout competition overseas.
Optimistically, a crowd of over 10,000 supporters turning up is not out of the question. If this happens, rugby league will be relegated from the back pages of the Daily Telegraph, and “soccer” will take its place instead – even if it’s only for one day.
Such a nostalgic feat during winter would be pleasing, especially since the old National Soccer League was initially run during the colder months. One can vividly recall watching big John Markovski on SBS, playing for Morwell Falcons on a freezing Sunday afternoon.
For unenlightened, the FFA Cup features a few former NSL teams, such as Marconi Stallions, who possibly have interest in joining a second A-League division when it finally eventuates.
As my Italian Nonno and Nonna lived in Fairfield, my affinity towards the Stallions is strong. Still, I won’t apologise for my bias towards advocating the FFA Cup, because I enjoy the sentimentality of the event.
As a fan, if you exclusively follow the A-League, and you prefer watching marquee signings to emerging talent, then most of the smaller Member Federation clubs probably won’t ring a bell.
This is a shame. It neglects paying respect to other teams, such as the Brisbane Strikers, a semi-professional club that once contended for an A-League licence.
Coincidently, the Strikers are also playing for silverware in August, but their opponent will be the Wellington Phoenix. If only our two Queensland teams could meet on the field.
Now, if you believe in serendipity, the Roar must first beat Sydney FC at Leichhardt Oval. After that, there’s a chance our two Sunshine State sides will contest a fierce derby in the later rounds.
The Roar and Sydney game, however, could go either way. Yet the result might be predicted based on events taking place a week earlier. Let’s rewind and visit the country of China.
If the Sky Blues win against Paris Saint-Germain on the 30th of July, then their thriving confidence will likely be unstoppable the following week. Only then will a miracle stop Steve Corcia’s lads from achieving glory once again.
Punters, for the sake of protecting the FFA Cup from Foxtel’s questionable budget cuts, it might be time to clasp our hands together and look towards Robbie Fowler. The gentleman potentially holds the future of the competition in his hands.
Brendan
Roar Pro
Leichhardt Oval is a bit rough around the edges, but the hotchpotch venue has still got character and charm. There’s something unworldly about marching down the side streets full of DIY food vendors, and then finding a spot on the grassy hill.
Brendan
Roar Pro
I’m still optimistic of a large crowd at Leichhardt Oval. After a year of travelling between stadiums, Sydney FC supporters have shown themselves to be reliable fans. As a side note, over 8,000 punters were drawn to a FFA Cup game between Wollongong Wolves and Sydney FC in 2016. Still, Dolphin Stadium is certainly a desirable venue to play football at.
BA Sports
Roar Guru
I am sure former Leeds star ( ;) ) Robbie Fowler is rightly looking forward to his new role and is proud of his position in charge of the Roar. But I reckon he would be happy if the international media paid no attention to this one game given it is at a facility that is worse than what many amateur clubs call home in the UK....
Waz
Roar Rookie
There’s been plenty of international coverage of Fowlers activities, especially in the UK. Most Roar supporters will have read about rumours and transfer deals in the international media rather than the lazy but local Courier Mail. But that doesn’t do Roar or the HAL much good, nor will it do the FFA Cup much good to get this international exposure. Roar would have sold out the 10k Dolphin Stadium has this been at home (we got over 6k this time last year for City) but I’m not sure we should expect sydnyites to react the same. A settled SFC are clearly favourites, Roar players will still be new to each other but will hope SFC have an off night - it is the Cup after all alas, it’s also the 6th consecutive draw Roar have pulled a fellow HAL side as opponent.
Brendan
Roar Pro
Vey true - Sydney’s had more time to gel as a team. From a marketing perspective, Brisbane winning will put the FFA Cup on the map. A beaming image of Fowler on TV might encourage more international coaches over to Australia.
Fadida
Roar Rookie
An extreme talented footballer who lacked physical discipline
Jack George
Roar Guru
They will also have the advantage of knowing each other. Most of them would have played together for at least a year or 2, usually more except for the new imports. Brisbane will not know each other's style fully. When you looked at the combinations of Le Fondre, Ninkovic, O'Neil, and even Buhagiar in the FFA cup last year. They will only build on that, and Brisbane Roar will start from scratch. Although the stronger squad on paper may not always win, the stronger team usually does.
Brendan
Roar Pro
I wonder if there will be any red Liverpool jerseys in the crowd? The extra support might lift Fowler’s Roar. Yet, Sydney FC appears too strong on paper.
Brendan
Roar Pro
Very valid information. My reminiscence of the NSL can sometimes cloud my wistful mind. The 1990’s for me were about friends buying Australian & British Soccer Weekly, trips to Bossley Park, and seeing the great John Markovski play football.
Max Payne
Guest
Typical Sydney FC supporter, always flip-flopping! This year Brisbane will be “Roaring” with Fowler at their helm!
Evan Askew
Guest
The great John Markovski started his career in 1986 with Sunshine George Cross and moved to Preston Makedonia for the last winter season of the NSL in 1989. He then played for Melbourne Croatia, Marconi, played with the Olyroos at the 1992 olympics before moving back to Preston for their what would be their last season in the nsl. He then moved to Morwell Falcons in the NSL which was by then a summer comp. Though being in victoria the weather could very well still be freezing.
Lionheart
Roar Rookie
I don't expect instant success from Robbie Fowler and the rebuilt Roar. It will only be a fluke if they beat Sydney FC first up. They'll take time to develop. That they drew Sydney first up is no surprise, given the history of Rd32 FFA Cup draws. I'll be supporting my team but something rather farcical is going on with the FFA Cup. It happens every year.