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I very much doubt that our A-League is in serious long-term trouble, but right now, we are looking pretty sick. The Queensland clubs are looking troublesome. And all three have had problems during Ben Buckley stewardship.
I often argue that at the end of the day, it is management or lack of it, or poor management, that will determine a sports’ success or failure.
With this in mind, I have had a look at Ben Buckley’s record to date.
My limited understanding is that Ben Buckley, as the CEO of FFA, has a number of main issues he is in charge of. These are, as I see them:
* Qualify the World Cup
* Qualify for the Asian Cup
* Establish National representative & training procedures
* Expand the A-League
* Establish Australia as a major player in Asian Football
* Expand and promote football in the media
* Negotiate the next media deal
* Ensure any Crawford recommendations not delivered are set developed
* Finally have FFA seen as a professional and in control
The first three have been achieved. Of the others, the A-League has expanded, but events of recent days need analysis. The remaining issues are very much as they were when Buckley took over.
Moreover, on his watch, crowds in Hal 4 and 5 have been in decline. And here are some more recent events over the last five or so months.
* John O’Sullivan (FFA’s commercial chief), Dec 9 2009
* Bonita Mersiades (spokesperson for the FFA on most matters), Jan 25 2010
* Archie Fraser (FFA’s Head of Operations), April 9 2010
Right now FFA are looking anything but professional.
Ben Buckley has a lot on his plate: the World Cup, the World Cup bid, and a number of issues in and around the A-League.
Is he up to the job? Time will tell, I guess. I hope he gets it right.
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