A-League Expansion

[nero]

Good post. We are very lucky to have a team in any competition, let alone the best of them all.

 

[Blair]

AT the start i was bit yer not surre but now im very happy
i thought because we now have a juniors and the w-league i say bring 4 more
1.gold coast
2.townsville
3.canberra
4.mabye another NZ team
lol

 

[northernspirit]

another nz team wont happen for a shiteload of reasons, its a-league not anz league

definately g cost and townsville, then west sydney and the last spot will be up for grabs - 2nd melb team, canberra, wollongong or tassie

 

[midfielder]

Does anyone think that the Central Coast would have a hope in Hell of securing a licence had we not been included in the original 8 teams? The competition for spots in the A-league is so fierce nowadays. I think we owe Singo, Lyall, Lawrie and whoever else a HUGE debt of gratitude.

No way today ....... as others have said hats off to those that started it.

another nz team wont happen for a shiteload of reasons, its a-league not anz league

definately g cost and townsville, then west sydney and the last spot will be up for grabs - 2nd melb team, canberra, wollongong or tassie

I think we may end up with a 14 team 26 round league within 7 years.

The existing 8, + GC, Nth QLD, 2 Syd, 2 Mel, Gong, Canberra

 

[scottmac]

I think the extra four teams SB ....GC, 2 Sydney, 2 Melbourne team, and then either the gong or Nth Qld, at this stage I would prefer the gong over Nth Qld.

Bigger question is if 12 teams do you play 22 or 33 rounds. At 22 rounds we get a fair bit of media but 33 rounds plus finals and allowing for international weeks means a 43 week or thereabouts comp.

Is Hal ready to push further into the AFL & NRL seasons and if so do we finish latter or start earlier or maybe a bit of both.

33 rounds, get rid of the final series with the season culminating in cup competition final. Cup comp midweek games during & before the season with the PSC getting the boot too.

 

[Jesus]

another nz team wont happen for a shiteload of reasons, its a-league not anz league

definately g cost and townsville, then west sydney and the last spot will be up for grabs - 2nd melb team, canberra, wollongong or tassie

Money talks. Appart from the sucess of wellington. The fact is that a 2nd NZ team would likely increase the value of television rights across the tasman. If more money is going to the FFA, and a place like christchurch can handle it, then the FFA will go for it.

Lets face it if we ever miss out on a wrold cup spot to NZ thhen our team will be shite. 2 teams in our league, does not compare to the 11 or so oz teams, plus the literny of players in europe.

Why should we forgoe taking some money back from across the tasman?

Why would we be scared or losing to NZ in the future? We should be making top europeans nations scared of playing us, not being scared by our smaller oceanic competitors.

 

[Jesus]

Does anyone think that the Central Coast would have a hope in Hell of securing a licence had we not been included in the original 8 teams? The competition for spots in the A-league is so fierce nowadays. I think we owe Singo, Lyall, Lawrie and whoever else a HUGE debt of gratitude.

No way today ....... as others have said hats off to those that started it.

another nz team wont happen for a shiteload of reasons, its a-league not anz league

definately g cost and townsville, then west sydney and the last spot will be up for grabs - 2nd melb team, canberra, wollongong or tassie

I think we may end up with a 14 team 26 round league within 7 years.

The existing 8, + GC, Nth QLD, 2 Syd, 2 Mel, Gong, Canberra

My guess would be it will continue 3 times each next year, hence 27 game season. The following year with 2 more teams may drop back to playing each other twice. But possibly with the cup comp coming in. I dont see us returning to as few as 21 games in a season again. Baan and the rest have made it clear that we need to get closer to 30-40 to be competitive internationally. That will be the plan, to slowly push forward into nrl/afl territory.

 

[northernspirit]

another nz team wont happen for a shiteload of reasons, its a-league not anz league

definately g cost and townsville, then west sydney and the last spot will be up for grabs - 2nd melb team, canberra, wollongong or tassie

Money talks. Appart from the sucess of wellington. The fact is that a 2nd NZ team would likely increase the value of television rights across the tasman. If more money is going to the FFA, and a place like christchurch can handle it, then the FFA will go for it.

Lets face it if we ever miss out on a wrold cup spot to NZ thhen our team will be shite. 2 teams in our league, does not compare to the 11 or so oz teams, plus the literny of players in europe.

Why should we forgoe taking some money back from across the tasman?

Why would we be scared or losing to NZ in the future? We should be making top europeans nations scared of playing us, not being scared by our smaller oceanic competitors.

i didnt say anything about losing to a n.z team, in fact i was gunning for wellington last night - i just cant see there being enough support in n.z for a 2nd football team, we all know how badly the nz knights flopped in auckland and whilst wellingtons gone well so far its way too early to tell once the novelty factor wears off.

 

[Jesus]

another nz team wont happen for a shiteload of reasons, its a-league not anz league

definately g cost and townsville, then west sydney and the last spot will be up for grabs - 2nd melb team, canberra, wollongong or tassie

Money talks. Appart from the sucess of wellington. The fact is that a 2nd NZ team would likely increase the value of television rights across the tasman. If more money is going to the FFA, and a place like christchurch can handle it, then the FFA will go for it.

Lets face it if we ever miss out on a wrold cup spot to NZ thhen our team will be shite. 2 teams in our league, does not compare to the 11 or so oz teams, plus the literny of players in europe.

Why should we forgoe taking some money back from across the tasman?

Why would we be scared or losing to NZ in the future? We should be making top europeans nations scared of playing us, not being scared by our smaller oceanic competitors.

i didnt say anything about losing to a n.z team, in fact i was gunning for wellington last night - i just cant see there being enough support in n.z for a 2nd football team, we all know how badly the nz knights flopped in auckland and whilst wellingtons gone well so far its way too early to tell once the novelty factor wears off.

Agreed about only so far, but that can be said for the whole league. NZ has about 4mil people if i remember correctly. If QLD can have 3 teams in a state where most people live outside the major cities, than a similar sized NZ could surely have a chance for a 2nd team. I am not saying they will. But if Well continues to do well, Other NZ business men may start to look at bringing a team into the league from different areas.

I doubt Auckland will come in given there struggling in the past. But, other areas could be an option.

I prefer Oz teams in it, but prefer the strongest possible league and national team. On that note i think that involving NZ does not harm the situation for either, only helps.

 

[nero]

I think we may end up with a 14 team 26 round league within 7 years.

The existing 8, + GC, Nth QLD, 2 Syd, 2 Mel, Gong, Canberra
[/quote]

You are close to the mark. However, would like another team other than Canberra.I would rather see a Geelong, Tassie or 2nd New Zealand team then Canberra. They are too close to NSW clubs and there are too many clubs in that area who don't get decent crowds.
I know its the best option but I would rather a 3rd Vic(Geelong Maybe) team/Tassie or 2nd NZ, just to spread the teams alittle.

 

[midfielder]

Nero

On the Canberra bid here is a clip of five youtubes videos.....To me the interesting point is the Chief Minister of the ACT John Stanhope on the site saying they'll chuck in the dosh if the fans are there. Also the opposition leader as well getting behind it.

http://www.a-league4canberra.com.au/

 

[JT]

there goin to expand in 2009/2010

 

[mariners4ever]

yes we know that

 

[clarence]

ACT bid seems to have plenty of fan support, but they are already putting the bite on them by asking for fans to come up with increased memberships and money.

If the bid can't say to the FFA they already have the money or some serious expressions of interest from business and sponsors in the ACT that will provide them with all the capital to mount the bid, how the hell are they going to keep the team running when they are ( they hope) accepted into the A-League and have to keep the team running? Chook raffles on matchday?

Asking the 'foundation' members for money just to mount the bid is a bit rich.

 

[goingtoadisco]

i think its a clever idea., they build up a base of members showing the level of support that a act team would have, they then use the money to attract more commercial interest and the whole thing becomes a building snow ball.

 

[~Floss~]

NQ and GC officially announced today. Nothing on HAL website yet.
Just heard on Triple J

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/08/28/2348941.htm

 

[kevrenor]

NQ and GC officially announced today. Nothing on HAL website yet.
Just heard on Triple J

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/08/28/2348941.htm

Now past the embargo time:

SYDNEY
28 August 2008 EMBARGOED to 2.15pm

The entry of two new teams to the Hyundai A-League for the 2009-10
season was confirmed by the Board of Football Federation Australia (FFA)
yesterday.

Teams from the Gold Coast and Townsville will expand the Hyundai
A-League to a ten team competition in only its fifth season.

Speaking from Skilled Park on the Gold Coast, FFA CEO, Ben Buckley, said
today it was another "fantastic news day" for the Hyundai A-League. 

"The Gold Coast is a vitally important region for football.

"It is one of the fastest growing regions in the country with a
population already over half a million and a strong level of
participation and interest in the sport.

"We know that the people of the Gold Coast enjoy supporting local teams
and I have no doubt Skilled Park will be one of the best home grounds in
the country."

Buckley said that the Gold Coast should also be an attractive team for
players and coaches.

"Having a local team will also help encourage talented young players
from the region, as it gives them a clear pathway into Australia's
premier competition."

Gold Coast born players currently participating in the Hyundai A-League
include Karl Dodd, David Dodd, Griffin McMaster, Mitch Nichols and Tom
Oar.

Gold Coast's CEO, Clive Mensink, echoed Buckley's delight.

"This is absolutely tremendous news for the Gold Coast.

"FFA has worked with us tirelessly to finalise our bid and to get this
club up and running. We thank them for their diligence and attention
throughout the process.

"As a club, we want to contribute as much as we can to the long term
enrichment and development of the game. That begins with harnessing
support and input from the Gold Coast community, then producing a
successful, entertaining team for them to support and be proud of.

"This is a fantastic outcome and we couldn't be happier, and it is only
the beginning of what is an exciting new era for football on the Gold
Coast," Mensink said.

Buckley said that a license has also been approved for the
Townsville-based North Queensland consortium but final legal
documentation is yet to be completed.

"North Queensland has met all the commercial criteria we set for them
last month, including local community and business support which has
been terrific.

"Like the Gold Coast, North Queensland people are very proud of their
local teams.

"We know that there are many people in the city of Townsville, and
beyond, who are looking forward to the Hyundai A-League being part of
the North Queensland sporting landscape.

"North Queensland has a fine record of producing outstanding home grown
players, and having a local Hyundai A-League team will be another
impetus to encourage more talented young footballers," Buckley said.

Current Hyundai A-League players from North Queensland include Steve
Corica, Tahj Minniecon, Mitchell Langerak and Michael Thwaite.

Other former prominent players from North Queensland include Socceroo
great, Frank Farina, Glenn Gwynne, Wayne Srhoj, Shane Stefannuto, Kasey
Wehrman and Jason Polak.

North Queensland FC consortium head, Don Matheson, said he was also
delighted to have the license approved.

"I would like to thank Ben and all his people at FFA for their patience
and hard work with us.

"It's been a fast and furious four weeks since we were granted exclusive
negotiation rights and it has been very rewarding to see the wonderful
response from local people.

"I'm very appreciative of the opportunity to finalise the legal
paperwork.

"We're all so committed to the long term future growth of football and
of ensuring North Queensland is a leading team in the Hyundai A-League
in the years to come."

Buckley estimated it would be a few weeks before all legal requirements
were finalised between North Queensland FC and FFA but reiterated this
was the only matter outstanding.

"Expansion of the Hyundai A-League is a critical issue to the continuing
evolution and growth of football and this is a very exciting day for
FFA, everyone involved in the Hyundai A-League, Gold Coast United and
North Queensland," said Buckley.



He reiterated the FFA's earlier view that, ultimately, the Hyundai
A-League has the capacity to be at least a 12 team competition and
possibly 14 teams. 



Buckley also confirmed that FFA is continuing discussions with a number
of consortia on the basis of a successful entry in to the Hyundai
A-League in 2010-11.

ENDS

Bonita Mersiades
Head of Corporate and Public Affairs
Football Federation Australia

 

[Gav...]

Great news for football in australia and i am happy to see a longer season now

 

[northernspirit]

we all knew it was coming but doesnt take away from the excitment of it all, great news
gold coast is a particuarly good move, fastest growing population and getting a head start on the AFL, the challenge there will be combatting the AFLs millions of $ it will pour into marketing etc up there

 

[Bear]

Gold Coast away trip you say......

Im already there  ;D