Macarthur FC is set to become the newest team in the A-League, but have looked shaky in recent weeks without even playing a single game.
They have lost a CEO, a major backer and their chairman, while Tommy Oar is the only player contracted.
Macarthur FC started with a bang, announcing they wanted to sign former Socceroos captain Mile Jedinak on a marquee contract, as director Sam Krslovic stated that they had a good chance.
Mile Jedinak (Photo by Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images)
However, nothing has materialised, and Jedinak has retired from professional football.
Then came the 2020 January transfer window. Macarthur set out to disrupt Sydney FC’s contract renewal talks with their biggest stars, with news Milos Ninkovic was one of the new club’s top transfer targets.
They offered a three-year marquee deal, with promises to help him establish a youth academy in the future, but Ninkovic signed a two-year extension at the Sky Blues.
Then came attempts to snag Michael Zullo, Paulo Retre, Luke Brattan and Andrew Redmayne, but all signed on with the league leaders.
News also emerged about a potential contract for Adam le Fondre, before it was discovered that if he hit a certain goal-scoring target, he would trigger a contract extension with Sydney, forbidding him from negotiating a contract with any other Aussie clubs.
Macarthur did manage to get a player out of the transfer window, signing Oar from the Mariners on a two-year contract.
Tommy Oar (AAP Image/Football Federation Australia)
Off the field, former CEO Archie Fraser resigned before a ball was kicked, stating that after a few months in his role he wanted to head back to Melbourne to pursue a role in the technology sector.
Chairman Rabieh Krayem then took up the role of executive chairman, however five months later he has also departed the club.
At this time last season, new club Western United had only signed two players, so Macarthur has hope.
The club also have a coach in Ante Milicic and also an assistant coach in Ivan Jolic, which are both good signings.
But will players be lured to a club that has already lost management? And will they attract fans when two of the most highly supported clubs in Australia are in the same city?
Are Macarthur Bulls FC just getting started, or are they already faltering?
Chapo
Roar Rookie
I'm a foundation member of the Bulls and I think its great we have our club as far as players go the FFA Cup has great players involved in it why not start of with these players some have played against A league teams in the comp and won games so if the AFL giants can do it why cant we.
Chopper
Guest
Just to add to that Stead is looking at sueing Macarthur according to reports. I would say any money they pay to get rid of him will be money well spent.
Chopper
Guest
Stead is no loss to Macarthur as he was a divisive figure at Brisbane Roar when he grabbed too much power after Ange left.
chris
Guest
Tend to agree with you.
Jack George
Roar Guru
I wasn't 'disclosing' them, I was stating the facts that have been given to us. They will most likely succeed, but we won't know until later. Thanks for your comment.
Micko
Roar Rookie
Hey, that's Nick Symonds' job! :silly:
Footyball
Roar Rookie
Jack George hey? Boardrooms re-arrange their deck chairs often and has Nothing to do with the football club, as said by Rabieh Krayem to George on FNR Podcast tonight. Gino Mara replaced Krayem cause the two new 50% owners want their own guy in there. Article by a true AFL diehard. Jedinak is too old now, they will get someone still playing. Players have come to terms but its not fair on them to disclose now.
Samuel Power
Roar Rookie
NEWS: Western United unlikely to play games in Geelong next season and is seeking for a new home until their stadium in Tarneit is built: https://www.theage.com.au/sport/soccer/western-united-seek-alternatives-after-last-match-in-geelong-20200227-p544wy.html
chris
Guest
Keep riding it Jack. You're doing great!
Jack George
Roar Guru
Thanks mate.
Newie
Guest
Reminds me of Newcastle. Better in fact. Lots of nearby parking. Restaurants, train and only a minute from the motorway.
Punter
Roar Rookie
I don't thinks he means anything at all, he has no idea what he is talking about. WSW were a very successful team with lots of supporters, unfortunately the FFA led by Gallop allowed the media to bully the FFA into thinking that these were not the fans they wanted. The FFA led by Gallop did not understand football fans.
Christo the Daddyo
Roar Rookie
I think he meant that the attendance could have been 25k and 50k members by now if SFC had had the Sydney market to itself.
Punter
Roar Rookie
Exactly Beni, as per Kangga, when your team is down its when they need most. Chin up Beni, ride thru the storm.
Bob
Guest
Sydney had 1 team for several years. Average attendance was not near 25,000, not showing any positive growth season on season when they were flying solo.
Jack George
Roar Guru
NEWS: Macarthur has reportedly agreed on terms with multiple players, while Ken Stead has been forced out. Shortly after Greg O'Rouke has reported that everything is fine at Macarthur.
Marcel
Guest
https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/billionaire-walker-sells-share-in-a-league-newcomers-macarthur-20200218-p5421r.html
Nick Symonds
Guest
NEWS: Greg O'Rourke says everything is fine at Macarthur FC and there's no cause for concern - https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/sport/soccer/everything-s-fine-a-league-boss-defends-macarthur-fc-after-another-off-field-exit-20200226-p544p0.html
Kanggas2
Roar Rookie
dont be so insecure Beni. Your team will get better Chin up
Beni Iniesta
Guest
I'm sure they'll be fine. They couldn't possibly be any worse than Western United or Melbourne City could they?