Sunshine Coast Wanderers head coach Paul Arnison is itching to get back to business once it is safe to do so as the resumption of the Queensland National Premier League hangs in the balance.
The competition came grinding to a halt in early March after the outbreak of COVID-19. As Queensland begins to take tentative steps back towards some sort of normality, the resuming of play in July – with 15 weekend and seven midweek rounds – has been mooted.
Such an arrangement may prove problematic for some clubs, most notably Magpies Crusaders, who are located in Mackay, more than 900 kilometres north of Brisbane.
Arnison claims he knows of one fellow NPL side who are looking at a $50,000 shortfall in lost sponsorship, and another club who are reluctant to restart due to forecast losses of food and drink revenue and gate receipts, as gatherings are due to be limited to a maximum of just 100 people.
The Wanderers got off to a bumpy start in 2020 in their maiden NPL season following promotion last year. They have shipped in 21 goals and lost their first five games to leave them rock bottom on the ladder prior to play being stalled.
(Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images)
“It’s been hard for everyone,” Arnison said.
“Lots of clubs are doing it tough. Given our league position it would have been easy for us to say let’s null and void it and start up again in 2021, but I firmly believe we can turn it around.”
That might seem like an unlikely claim, but a sliver of hope is offered by the fact that the Buderim-based club were leading late in games against Peninsula Power and Capalaba before caving in.
Arnison admits a lack of game management and experience had cost his young side at times.
“It’s frustrating,” said the Englishman, who amassed over 300 appearances in the English lower leagues for the likes of Darlington, Hartlepool and Carlisle United, where current Brisbane Roar skipper Tom Aldred cleaned his boots.
“There are still positives to take. We’re a fairly young group and with all due respect, some of the mistakes we are making now wouldn’t have been punished last season in the Queensland Premier League. Everyone is still learning, myself included.”
When the NPL finally does return, the Wanderers will be bolstered by the return of ex-Brisbane Strikers fullback Sammy Knight after a long-term injury, and the arrival of former Young Socceroos captain Brodie Boyce.
A switch to substance over style may also be on the cards for the Wanderers.
“I do like to set us up to be entertaining and play on the front foot,” said Arnison.
“But there are times when we need to dig in and grind out games.”
The coronavirus has also seen Arnison unable to complete his coaching duties at nearby Matthew Flinders Anglican College, and in a bid to keep busy he has been carrying out labouring work through a building company owned by Glen Duncan – father of Wanderers midfielder Ollie.
“I’ve been very fortunate to be involved in football in some shape or form since leaving school,” he said.
“It’s been quite humbling to be on the building site doing some proper graft!
“I’m very grateful to Glen for the opportunity.”
Football Queensland are expected to make a further announcement on the resumption of the NPL later this month.
Derek
Guest
Another useful update Adam - thanks. Fingers crossed for a early restart!
Waz
Roar Rookie
The divisions under NPL/QPL appear to be trying a full and complete season - although the BPL/Capital Leagues aren’t bothered by inter-state travel at all, but that shows there’s enough time to get a season done. NPLQ has advanced so much over the past couple of years with the reemergence of Lions, arrival of Pen Power and resurgence of Knights & United on the Coast really raising standards so hopefully this year doesn’t set the competition back.
Voice of Reason
Roar Rookie
Interesting article Adam, thank you. I am hoping that the WA NPL can restart soon. We are really a Perth metro competition without the travel challenges Queensland has. That’s hard for a part-time competition.
Adam Cattell
Roar Pro
Thanks Waz, appreciate those comments. I, like many others, think the establishment of a Second Division is imperative for the growth of the game here. In terms of the NPLQ restart, you are right, midweek fixtures are going to prove a nightmare- particularly for the Magpies who will have to organise travel and accommodation on top of their part time players seeking time off work. Interesting times ahead.
Waz
Roar Rookie
Congratulations on this article Adam. There is lots of talk surrounding a potential National Second Division but without a broader interest in our lower leagues that division can’t happen, at least not happen and survive - articles like this help generate interest. NPLQ highlights the problem a NSD will face - geographic distance and the required travel. If current trends continue NPLQ will become a South East Queensland completion, and possibly even the QPL beneath it will follow suit. These are “today’s challenges” that need fixing if an NSD is to succeed. In terms of finishing the NPLQ competition; midweek games won’t work and the best option is probably a single fixture against each opponent instead. That will fit in the 15 or so weeks available.