The A-League’s latest club, Macarthur FC Bulls, have shown how hard it is to compete in Australia’s number one football competition.
The Bulls’ ability to compete in the 2020-21 A-League season has been called into question.
The Bulls have had financial troubles from day one.
They failed to pay their latest licence fee instalment to the FFA. The club has asked for a discount.
Former owner Lang Walker left after one year with his share purchased by Roy Mammone and Michael Gerace, neither of whom are known in the football industry.
Neither Mammone or Gerace would have the financial clout of Walker.
The club has also had an unsteady back office.
They have lost Archie Fraser, Rabieh Krayem, Neil Favager and Ken Stead, all of whom are experienced people in Australian football.
Frank Farina has also left the club with the Bulls’ Indigenous program, called the Charles Parkins Academy, falling by the way side.
Such a high turnover of personnel even before a ball is kicked creates and unsteady club that would find it hard to attract players.
While the club has recruited some impressive youngsters like Denis Genreau, the rest of their squad has some ageing players like Tommy Oar and Mark Milligan, who are well past their best.
While the A-League needs Macarthur FC to be strong, the club’s infancy has shown how challenging the Australian football market is.
Rodger King
Roar Rookie
When I read these types of articles and the following posts I am always left totally confused. Are they stating an opinion, giving us an update, rehashing old news, or just plain scare mongering? I know there will be 'trolls' from other football codes wanting to stick the boots in, and we are used to it, it seems to be an 'Australian thing'. But honestly guys, can some of you try and least be a bit less obvious and bit more imaginative. From a distance, we, who love the game, want them to succeed [just not at our own clubs expense] I hope they rekindle the passion we saw when WSW entered the league. I truly, sincerely hope the FFA get approved, by the start of next season, the safe smoke, they promised us way back when we FANS started to show them that we too are important to game. With clubs like the BULLS and WU, with their stadium deals and ownership, start to make money [or lose less than the rest of us] it will be the turning point in the road for our code. We will know how successful it is by the cacophony of noise coming from the supporters of other codes.
Shano
Guest
I agree, the bulls will struggle enormously out there in SW Sydney. Peeps out that way are doing it tough and it is a hugely deprived part of Sydney at the best of times. Tickets will have to be appropriately priced for a couple of decades: Adults $4 and kids $2. That is a fair price for the a league to be honest. That price should also include an extra big can of an energy drink which is very popular in those parts of Sydney which is unfortunate as these drinks are unhealthy. To be honest there is absolutely no need or appetite for another Sydney a league club as the current two have low crowds as it is (less than 15,000 which is desperate for a city of 5 million).
Nick Symonds
Guest
Wrong place to post.
Nick Symonds
Guest
Besart Berisha interview: “I’d never say no,” he added if he was asked to coach in the A-League in years to come. “I definitely love challenges. And it’s definitely a part of my thinking [coaching] and if I had one day an A-League team as a coach, it would be amazing."
IJ
Roar Rookie
They would be great for the A League. Let’s hope they make it. Agree on Milligan, though – a marquee from a relegated English 3rd division club?????? And they ditched him! Like Hearts. He’s certainly milking one last pay day from a gullible club with the Bulls. Tommy Oar is hardly over the hill. He’s just a rather ordinary player.
Janakan Seemampillai
Guest
Hopefully the Bulls get up. A western Sydney derby would be amazing for the A-League. They have a $1 stadium deal which is amazing. Shame about their indigenous academy. But Milicic’s a good coach and hopefully imprints his Mark on the club. I think everyone needs to Chill a bit and just let things settle with the A league. Western United will hopefully be in their stadium in 2 years, the Bulls will have settled by then, and maybe Newcastle and the mariners may have new owners. It has to be a patient build up for all concerned.
Waz
Roar Rookie
I doubt MacArthur will make it to the A-League next season. Things couldn’t be worse in terms of timing for them.
chris
Guest
The same article was written about 12 months ago. Rinse and repeat.
Coastyboi
Guest
Cheap as chips!
MisterEdward
Guest
The Bulls are doing well. They wont be perfect but who is. They have a lot of exciting things in the pipeline. Hopefully South Western Sydney have got behind them.
Sydneysideliner
Roar Rookie
I really don't understand this article. Yes they've had some well-publicised teething problems, but they don't appear to be taking any backward steps. They were always paying in instalments and have asked to renegotiate that in light of covid. They have a former Socceroos assistant as a coach with some experienced assisting staff. And I think they've done a good job of developing a distinctive local identity as well. As a neutral observer, I'm excited to see what they can offer under Milicic and really hope the SW can get on board with a team that's 100% theirs (and not shared with some other faraway Sydney suburb).
Rosario FC
Guest
Geez nomates, you’ll have no friends with comments like Western Utd was built on lies & deceit. I just hope the build that stadium they promised the football public. That’ll shut us all up. As for Macarthur I can only hope these are “teething” problems. Certainly with the high turn over one is suspect. Archie Fraser seems to always get punted in football circles, just an observation. He must be difficult to please. Sad to hear the Aboriginal program with Farina is no more. I also noticed the Bulls changed kit supplier from Stanno to Macron recently. Oh well Milicic is there, some sense of stability I suppose.
pete4
Guest
All for $1 :stoked: https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/dollar-dazzler-a-league-club-flips-gold-coin-for-campbelltown-stadium-20190614-p51xtx.html
pete4
Guest
Yes I read a while ago Macarthur Bulls have the best stadium deal in the A-League by some margin the club is also building a training complex so sounds pretty promising https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/macarthur-fc-set-to-move-into-brand-new-training-base-from-2021-20191028-p5350w.html
Coastyboi
Guest
It’s a decent stadium provided for the Bulls - nothing overly fancy, & with good amenities & nearby transport.
Nick Symonds
Guest
Here's how the stadium should look from a fans perspective: https://www.weekendnotes.com/im/002/03/top-february-events-2017-campbelltown-festivals-ev21.jpg - Quite a big difference from Western United's stadiums, plus it's much more accessible.
Harry Selassie
Roar Rookie
I'm with Roberto Bettega, great screen name by the way. I have fond memories of Bettega with Juve and Italia. these next season or two will be of belt tightening or "survival mode" as Roberto phrased it. The new clubs will survive and Macarthur will I think with their community support become a success story very soon.
Pistolpete
Guest
Sad to see so many clubs struggling. I’d be surprised if western United, central coast and the Bulls survive
NoMates
Guest
We need more clubs like the Bulls doing well instead of the boring Roar and SFC in the A-League. Anyway i just hope Bulls FC is not another WU, which was built on lies and deceit.
Roberto Bettega
Roar Rookie
COVID is wreaking havoc across the economy. If Macarthur can make it to the plate next season, they should be fine from then on. Everyone will be in survival mode next season (and most probably in the one after).