i was watching foreign corespondent couple nites ago, and frank lowy said hes hope is for a 12 team comp with 30,000 each week.
Which teams would be added?
i reackon, u'd ad an extra one to Vic, NSW and queensland.
So i'd go with...
- Gold Coast
- Geelong
- Hmm maybe just another Sydney club
- And tassie, they need a sport franchise and if they can get behind the soccer u may see some decent support.
just wondering wat ud put in
Full Version: The A-league Expansion Thread
QUOTE(aussiepride2idy @ Jul 20 2006, 04:55 PM) 
i was watching foreign corespondent couple nites ago, and frank lowy said hes hope is for a 12 team comp with 30,000 each week.
Which teams would be added?
i reackon, u'd ad an extra one to Vic, NSW and queensland.
So i'd go with...
- Gold Coast
- Geelong
- Hmm maybe just another Sydney club
- And tassie, they need a sport franchise and if they can get behind the soccer u may see some decent support.
just wondering wat ud put in
Hmm well i wouldnt include a team from the Gold Coast, i would instead get one from northern Qld, I think a team from tassie would be very risky, only because how well would they be in recruiting quality players and coaches. But i'd much rather give a team to tassie than to NZ
If the 4 new teams was up to me, I'd go with these teams:
- Team from Nth Qld
- Team from Sydney's West (Parramatta/Penrith) or a team from the South (Canberra/Wollongong)
- Not too sure about a second team from Melbourne, only cause of the AFL influence..but then again, i could be totally wrong..I'd have to go with you and say Geelong as well, cause i dont know what areas would be best suited.
- Either a team from the Northern Territory or Tassie..both could be risky but im sure they cant be any worse than the Knights and the old Kingz
I get very critical of the NRL, cause they call it the National Rugby League but all their teams come from the eastern states and even NZ, so i think its best if football gives a chance to either Tassie or NT cause i believe they're main sport is AFL? but neither state has a team in the AFL, NRL or Union..so the main national sports event taking place would be football which should = healthy crowds
I'd probably have another team in Sydney, a team in Tasmania as long as it's not based in Launceston, a northern Queensland team and the other one could come from just about anywhere. What kind of time frame was Lowy talking about, do you know? Becuase I can't see there being enough interest for 4 new teams anywhere in the near future.
why isnt anyone saying gold coast, i wudda thought it'd be one of the main one, the gold coast is the biggest expanding area in aus. Maybe a cairns team would work dunno.
i'd rather have a ten team league for atleast the next 10 years, hopefully two teams can be added by about 2010
i'd rather have a ten team league for atleast the next 10 years, hopefully two teams can be added by about 2010
CANBERRA!!! Give a team to the mighty Nat Cap, just look at how successful the Cosmos were 
But seriously the ACT is sports mad and look at how awesome our Rugby team is, just nobody mention the Raiders.
The ACT/SNSW idea is great, that's what the Brumbies are doing now.
But seriously the ACT is sports mad and look at how awesome our Rugby team is, just nobody mention the Raiders.
The ACT/SNSW idea is great, that's what the Brumbies are doing now.
-Gold Coast
-Geelong/Tasmania
-Western Sydney
-?
The ? could be anyone, from NT to Cairns to Canberra perhaps.
-Geelong/Tasmania
-Western Sydney
-?
The ? could be anyone, from NT to Cairns to Canberra perhaps.
Canberra, Tasmania or Nth QLD.
IMO another team in Sydney is not needed. We should be concentrating on getting 40k a week to Sydney FC games instead of taking away potential fans.
Like I have said before, expanding the league too quickly is something I am very cautious about and something which I think could bring back problems of the past. ie. In less quality teams and fan problems.
IMO, one team per city MUST stay and IF we have to add more teams then add them in regions where teams arent close to at all.
IMO another team in Sydney is not needed. We should be concentrating on getting 40k a week to Sydney FC games instead of taking away potential fans.
Like I have said before, expanding the league too quickly is something I am very cautious about and something which I think could bring back problems of the past. ie. In less quality teams and fan problems.
IMO, one team per city MUST stay and IF we have to add more teams then add them in regions where teams arent close to at all.
QUOTE(aussiepride2idy @ Jul 20 2006, 07:53 PM)
why isnt anyone saying gold coast, i wudda thought it'd be one of the main one, the gold coast is the biggest expanding area in aus. Maybe a cairns team would work dunno.
i'd rather have a ten team league for atleast the next 10 years, hopefully two teams can be added by about 2010
Gold Coast is an idea although i think its too close to Brisbane
QUOTE(fraz @ Jul 20 2006, 09:49 PM)
CANBERRA!!! Give a team to the mighty Nat Cap, just look at how successful the Cosmos were
But seriously the ACT is sports mad and look at how awesome our Rugby team is, just nobody mention the Raiders.
The ACT/SNSW idea is great, that's what the Brumbies are doing now.
Ha! the Cosmos...poor bastards, mind you i dont know if you remember but 2 guys that were at the Cosmos play in my clubs first grade side. Ivo De Jesus and Harry James are the two if you were wondering..Either that they were shit too play national league or they've just become real lazy and come down a couple divisions
QUOTE(Djibrilliant @ Jul 20 2006, 10:01 PM)
Canberra, Tasmania or Nth QLD.
IMO another team in Sydney is not needed. We should be concentrating on getting 40k a week to Sydney FC games instead of taking away potential fans.
Like I have said before, expanding the league too quickly is something I am very cautious about and something which I think could bring back problems of the past. ie. In less quality teams and fan problems.
IMO, one team per city MUST stay and IF we have to add more teams then add them in regions where teams arent close to at all.
I agree with the 1 team per city, but i know a few people who live out far west sydney that would love to come to Syd FC games but cant cause of the total cost(Travel expense,tickets,food etc). So i think either Syd FC should play a couple games at alternate venues although that would not create that 'home team' feeling.
I'm not too sure if we can get 40k week in week out though..I'd be very satisfied with crowds in between 20-30k
Well, I think if there was to be another team in Sydney, especially out west, then it might be best to gage the interests of how many people would actually attend those matches. Although, I do understand that the travel time is a bit of a problem for people living out that way. I think if there would be enough support out there then another Sydney team would be viable. We don't want to have another team that is like NZ that gets hardly anyone going to games.
As for any more teams. Another one from Queensland would be good. Canberra is a good option as well. Really just what has already been said
However, I think right now the FFA should be concentrating more on building the game and the league and the teams that is has now and having it settled down and running as smooth as possible before brancing out and adding more teams. The last thing we want is for there to be more teams and then have that add chaos. Also, building up the game to a higher level, getting more people attending matches on a regular basis, should be the highest on the list as the more people that will take the time to go to a game now or at least show a strong interest in attending (but maybe cannot due to travel etc) the more likely adding other teams will turn out to be a successful venture. More so I am thinking in the Sydney area, for example, where people will have the option to possibly branch out to a diffferent club other than SFC and support one that is closer to their area.
As for any more teams. Another one from Queensland would be good. Canberra is a good option as well. Really just what has already been said
However, I think right now the FFA should be concentrating more on building the game and the league and the teams that is has now and having it settled down and running as smooth as possible before brancing out and adding more teams. The last thing we want is for there to be more teams and then have that add chaos. Also, building up the game to a higher level, getting more people attending matches on a regular basis, should be the highest on the list as the more people that will take the time to go to a game now or at least show a strong interest in attending (but maybe cannot due to travel etc) the more likely adding other teams will turn out to be a successful venture. More so I am thinking in the Sydney area, for example, where people will have the option to possibly branch out to a diffferent club other than SFC and support one that is closer to their area.
I'd have to go:
Gold Coast: 6th largest city in australia, which is also have a specific decent sized rectangular stadium being built for it and cost sharing with the nrl club would only make it and easier choice.
Nth QLD: Always god support for any sport that moves there, not 100% sure it would work though but still one of the better options.
Canberraish area: Only because i'm not to impressed by the idea of having another sydney team in the competition.
The last one is a bit of a crap shoot, with tassie, western/southern sydney, or even an NT team (seriously what else do they have to do) being in the mix.
I'm not sure if a 12 team comp is viable in the near future, 10 teams yes but 12 i'm not convinced.
Gold Coast: 6th largest city in australia, which is also have a specific decent sized rectangular stadium being built for it and cost sharing with the nrl club would only make it and easier choice.
Nth QLD: Always god support for any sport that moves there, not 100% sure it would work though but still one of the better options.
Canberraish area: Only because i'm not to impressed by the idea of having another sydney team in the competition.
The last one is a bit of a crap shoot, with tassie, western/southern sydney, or even an NT team (seriously what else do they have to do) being in the mix.
I'm not sure if a 12 team comp is viable in the near future, 10 teams yes but 12 i'm not convinced.
Another in Sydney, & Melbourne. One in Tassie and 1 somewhere else....
Yeah pretty much what everyone else has been saying. North QLD, Canberra, Geelong, Tasmania.
What about North WA? Does much happen there?
What about North WA? Does much happen there?
Only place in QLD would be north as roar doesn't need competition and the AFL is really stepping up in the gold coast area now. Canberra and hobart have potential another sydney could work, Geelong a definate no!!!
QUOTE(manu182 @ Jul 21 2006, 07:14 PM)
Only place in QLD would be north as roar doesn't need competition and the AFL is really stepping up in the gold coast area now. Canberra and hobart have potential another sydney could work, Geelong a definate no!!!
AFL is stepping it up at the gold coast? Well I guess 3 games there a year is more than its ever been but still, its hardly much. Not that it would matter anyway seeing as their played at different times of the year, could always make the roar play 3 games up in Nth QLD etc or something, but gold coast is a much better area to base a team due to the population.
AFL planning to play more than 3 in the future. Was talks that the kangaroos may even relocate up there. Brisbane lions get 30-40k a week and broncos in the the NRl are strong and if you have the roar pulling in 20k+ do you think the gold coast can support a team with healthy crowds? Just think that to have a second team in same city QLD is not the place to do it. Putting a team in Nth Qld is another story though
i dont think a team in north queensland will work, i doubt thed be enough people living there to get to the games.
> P.S A-league squads are up on there sites<
> P.S A-league squads are up on there sites<
Well if its anything to go by, the Cowboys in the NRL attract fairly good crowds, now why not have an a-league team in the NRL offseason playing at Dairy Farmers? That way the people up there have a team to support all year round.
hmm u can count on there being alot of research before going into anything, i would hate if they brought a second team into the same city tho.
Canberra
Gold Coast or Northern Queensland
if there was just two i'd put those two in.
any extra and i'td prob be tassie n another team in nsw
Canberra
Gold Coast or Northern Queensland
if there was just two i'd put those two in.
any extra and i'td prob be tassie n another team in nsw
QUOTE
> P.S A-league squads are up on there sites<
All but one, Newcastle Jets.
Team in the Gold Coast would be good. Fast growing city and may even be the beginning of a decent rivalry with the Roar.
NSW already has too many teams, one in Canberra might be good.
VIC definately deserve another team and maybe another n Adelaide or something. I'm not sure if Tasmania would be able to support a good team pulling in sufficient crowds.
NSW already has too many teams, one in Canberra might be good.
VIC definately deserve another team and maybe another n Adelaide or something. I'm not sure if Tasmania would be able to support a good team pulling in sufficient crowds.
QUOTE(manu182 @ Jul 21 2006, 08:38 PM)
AFL planning to play more than 3 in the future. Was talks that the kangaroos may even relocate up there. Brisbane lions get 30-40k a week and broncos in the the NRl are strong and if you have the roar pulling in 20k+ do you think the gold coast can support a team with healthy crowds? Just think that to have a second team in same city QLD is not the place to do it. Putting a team in Nth Qld is another story though
Didn't the kangaroos just sign a deal to play just 3 matches there a season for 3 seasons or something? Not to mention the slush fund to prop up struggling clubs means that for at least 5 years no clubs are going to be merged or relocated. And while the lions pull around 30k (which is getting smaller the more unsuccesful they become) its' still at a different time of year to the a-league. Also to say that the gold coast and brisbane are the same city... its like saying newcastle and sydney are the same city, takes the same amount of time to drive from one to the other as well. True it could be a problem being close to the roar but I still think its a slighty better option than Nth Qld.
Should not of given a spot to the Kiwi's, they say they wanted to change everything from the NSL days, well they kept a part of it by keeping an NZ team in the A-League, i would of much rather give another city a chance here.
Why should we help another country help develop its footballers when we still need to give more pathways in improving our own?
Why should we help another country help develop its footballers when we still need to give more pathways in improving our own?
QUOTE(Bresciano23 @ Jul 22 2006, 09:21 AM)
Team in the Gold Coast would be good. Fast growing city and may even be the beginning of a decent rivalry with the Roar.
NSW already has too many teams, one in Canberra might be good.
VIC definately deserve another team and maybe another n Adelaide or something. I'm not sure if Tasmania would be able to support a good team pulling in sufficient crowds.
Victoria could not support another team, unless it was in melbourne but then u would have the same problem as in the nsl, races going for specific teams. Teams should only be decided by distance. Adelaide i doubt could support either.
I guess it could be a problem, if u put gold coast in, because CC and roar are pretty close. Canberra is the best choice i reckon. Also northern queensland ppl proberbly wont even support soccer, gotta think bout that to. Any team that can get 10k a week for now, shud be added.
Yeah we here in adelaide could not support another team. Is great having everyone united behind one team unlike when everyone was divided in the old days. If hindmarsh is packed everyweek well fair enough. Hope they don't rush into extra 4 teams anyway until absolutley sure where the right markets are. Bit sceptical over regional areas as it may become a hit for a while but if people stop going then who is your new market audience to try to appeal to?
QUOTE(ragnarok @ Jul 23 2006, 02:40 AM)
Didn't the kangaroos just sign a deal to play just 3 matches there a season for 3 seasons or something?
They did.
I found this article about expanding the A-League. Possibly with extra fixtures, but also with more teams. Though it really just says that there is the contract that says not for the next 5 years :
QUOTE
Players want more matches
By David Davutovich
July 25, 2006
A-LEAGUE players believe FFA should consider expanding the competition to 28 rounds next season, following impressive pre-season cup crowds.
FFA initially thought increasing the home and away season to four rounds of games would have seen the novelty factor wear off, but this year's Pre-Season Cup competition has opened the door for relocating matches in regional centres and non A-League cities.
To date, Launceston's Aurora Stadium (6834 for Melbourne Victory v Adelaide United), Carrara (7130 - Queensland Roar v Sydney FC) and Canberra (7226 - Sydney FC v Newcastle Jets) have attracted bumper crowds considering the relative lack of promotion.
The waters will be tested further in the coming weeks, with fixtures pencilled in for Wollongong, Toowoomba, Tamworth and Port Macquarie.
At least two teams are set to play more matches, when they compete in next year's Asian Champions League, which kicks off in May.
The A-League champion and minor premier are likely to qualify, while if it's the same team then the other grand finalist will advance.
But players' representative John Didulica said many viewed 21 rounds as too few, which has stopped some from returning to Australia and meant the likes of Perth Glory's under-21 player of the year Nick Ward has left for England, where he signed with Championship side QPR.
"If we want to start genuinely competing with European leagues, there's still a few years' work remaining. We're only playing 21 games compared to 40 or 50 overseas, so the Asian Champions League will be very important," Didulica said.
FFA chairman Frank Lowy wants to expand the A-League to 12 teams in the near future because of the potential benefits in Asia, with increased Champions League spots up for grabs.
The eight existing clubs signed an exclusivity deal with FFA, ensuring new clubs couldn't be introduced in the same cities for the first five years.
If the A-League does expand, it's likely clubs from Canberra, North Queensland, Wollongong or Tasmania would be considered before a second team from Sydney or Melbourne.
"At the moment, expansion, in terms of additional teams or rounds, isn't at the top of the priority list. We're all about quality and improving the on-field standard first and foremost," FFA's Geoff Parmenter said.
The Daily Telegraph
By David Davutovich
July 25, 2006
A-LEAGUE players believe FFA should consider expanding the competition to 28 rounds next season, following impressive pre-season cup crowds.
FFA initially thought increasing the home and away season to four rounds of games would have seen the novelty factor wear off, but this year's Pre-Season Cup competition has opened the door for relocating matches in regional centres and non A-League cities.
To date, Launceston's Aurora Stadium (6834 for Melbourne Victory v Adelaide United), Carrara (7130 - Queensland Roar v Sydney FC) and Canberra (7226 - Sydney FC v Newcastle Jets) have attracted bumper crowds considering the relative lack of promotion.
The waters will be tested further in the coming weeks, with fixtures pencilled in for Wollongong, Toowoomba, Tamworth and Port Macquarie.
At least two teams are set to play more matches, when they compete in next year's Asian Champions League, which kicks off in May.
The A-League champion and minor premier are likely to qualify, while if it's the same team then the other grand finalist will advance.
But players' representative John Didulica said many viewed 21 rounds as too few, which has stopped some from returning to Australia and meant the likes of Perth Glory's under-21 player of the year Nick Ward has left for England, where he signed with Championship side QPR.
"If we want to start genuinely competing with European leagues, there's still a few years' work remaining. We're only playing 21 games compared to 40 or 50 overseas, so the Asian Champions League will be very important," Didulica said.
FFA chairman Frank Lowy wants to expand the A-League to 12 teams in the near future because of the potential benefits in Asia, with increased Champions League spots up for grabs.
The eight existing clubs signed an exclusivity deal with FFA, ensuring new clubs couldn't be introduced in the same cities for the first five years.
If the A-League does expand, it's likely clubs from Canberra, North Queensland, Wollongong or Tasmania would be considered before a second team from Sydney or Melbourne.
"At the moment, expansion, in terms of additional teams or rounds, isn't at the top of the priority list. We're all about quality and improving the on-field standard first and foremost," FFA's Geoff Parmenter said.
The Daily Telegraph
yeah IMO have to increase games to 28 before add new teams
cud wollongong support a team and how far away from sydney is it
Not sure if they could, its about a 40/50 minute drive, depends where in syd your leaving from, if its from the city, then it would take much longer
Was it John O'Neil on TWS tonight talking about them seriously looking at a team in canberra, townsville and woollongong, while after that some serious consideration to a second team in either sydney or melbourne which they didn't seem to big on.
No surprises there I guess. 3 areas where we've been discussing in this thread.
I recon there should only be a further two teams added not 4 and those would best be at ACT and wollongong.
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory -- 324,786
Wollongong, New South Wales -- 275,883
^^These populations should definatly be able to support a 10k-20k a week team, especially if central coast is anything to go by.
And also these two places both have good stadiums for soccer(win stadium and canberra stadium)
while townsville and tasmania would be would be much worse choses because there populations arent really big enough to support another team
11 Greater Hobart, Tasmania 202,138
13 Townsville, Queensland 148,767
Plus Hobart doesnt have a stadium good for soccer. Infact i would much rather gold coast than either of those even if it is pretty close to roar.
Gold Coast-Tweed, Queensland/New South Wales 482,037
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory -- 324,786
Wollongong, New South Wales -- 275,883
^^These populations should definatly be able to support a 10k-20k a week team, especially if central coast is anything to go by.
And also these two places both have good stadiums for soccer(win stadium and canberra stadium)
while townsville and tasmania would be would be much worse choses because there populations arent really big enough to support another team
11 Greater Hobart, Tasmania 202,138
13 Townsville, Queensland 148,767
Plus Hobart doesnt have a stadium good for soccer. Infact i would much rather gold coast than either of those even if it is pretty close to roar.
Gold Coast-Tweed, Queensland/New South Wales 482,037
This is now a few days old but what the hell I'll post it anyway. Will be interesting to see what the further details are when they are announced on Friday such as the logo and that.
Townsville Step Up Campaign
Townsville is set to reveal its A-League bid's name and logo.
Tropical Football Australia – the company behind Townsville's bid to enter the A-League – will reveal these key details around November 23.
It's understood the logo and name have been worked on for some time and will be fresh and innovative.
Also set to be announced will be information on the bid's foray into international sponsorships and partnerships with several blue chip football sponsors and partners.
Details of timelines that Tropical Football Australia will be working toward will also be outlined at this time.
Queensland had become a very competitive battleground for A-League expansion.
The Gold Coast's governing body last week announced its move to a new training and administration base considered one of the best in Queensland while Townsville's bid has been in the mix since March this year.
Townsville was slated to be part of this year's A-League after New Zealand appeared doomed at the end of last season but the Kiwis recovered at the last minute and the Wellington Phoenix franchise was born.
With Townsville's tropical climate, bid organisers feel the club has exactly the right conditions to prepare its players for the Asian Champions League.
For this reason, Townsville could also become a base – along with Darwin – for Socceroo camps ahead of Asian World Cup qualifiers next year.
Bid organisers also believe there is good support for a team based at Dairy Farmers stadium, home to NRL club the Cowboys.
QUOTE
Townsville Step Up Campaign
Townsville is set to reveal its A-League bid's name and logo.
Tropical Football Australia – the company behind Townsville's bid to enter the A-League – will reveal these key details around November 23.
It's understood the logo and name have been worked on for some time and will be fresh and innovative.
Also set to be announced will be information on the bid's foray into international sponsorships and partnerships with several blue chip football sponsors and partners.
Details of timelines that Tropical Football Australia will be working toward will also be outlined at this time.
Queensland had become a very competitive battleground for A-League expansion.
The Gold Coast's governing body last week announced its move to a new training and administration base considered one of the best in Queensland while Townsville's bid has been in the mix since March this year.
Townsville was slated to be part of this year's A-League after New Zealand appeared doomed at the end of last season but the Kiwis recovered at the last minute and the Wellington Phoenix franchise was born.
With Townsville's tropical climate, bid organisers feel the club has exactly the right conditions to prepare its players for the Asian Champions League.
For this reason, Townsville could also become a base – along with Darwin – for Socceroo camps ahead of Asian World Cup qualifiers next year.
Bid organisers also believe there is good support for a team based at Dairy Farmers stadium, home to NRL club the Cowboys.
James Gage, the man heading up the Townsville bid, was interviewed on Fox Sports news an hour or two ago.
We not only have a name (Northern Thunder - rubbish IMO), but also a logo and colours!
We not only have a name (Northern Thunder - rubbish IMO), but also a logo and colours!
interesting. rubbish name though.. thunder? when will people learn that the club nickname does not need to sound COOL or POWERFUL to 10 year olds?
Interesting to see if the corporate backing goes ahead as planned like they've said all along with Asia being a target. Don't really like the name and logo but the admin side seems to be quite solid at this stage and Wynton Rufer knows what he's doing and is a good person to get involved. If this team in North Queensland is indeed the next team to get in how much would that then hurt the Gold Coast bids chances? Wouldn't think they'd want 3 Queensland teams in a hurry so they'd have to choose but maybe as it's far away it wouldn't be that much of an issue.
Thunder head expansion race
November 21, 2007
NORTH Queensland's team in any expanded A-League will be called the Northern Thunder and bid organisers say they could have the team up and running by next season.
Those behind the north Queensland bid say they have already secured around $2 million in financial backing for the Thunder.
All they need is the green light from Football Federation Australia (FFA), which is yet to decide when or if it will expand the A-League beyond its current eight teams.
The FFA has commissioned a consultant to advise on the competition's expansion, with a report expected early next year on the best timeframe and locations for new franchises to be added.
As well as the Thunder, Gold Coast and Wollongong bids are already well advanced, while Canberra have also expressed interest in housing an A-League team.
But the Townsville bid has been up and running for more than 12 months, with the region considered as a possibility to take up the New Zealand Knights franchise when it fell over late last season.
It took a huge step forward today with officials confirming a name, a T-shaped thunderbolt club logo and a sizeable chunk of the start-up capital it would need for its first season.
”Geographically, we feel we fit the picture perfectly. We're going to be submitting a proposal to the FFA at the end of February and we'll see what they do from there,'' Thunder head of operations James Gage said.
Former Kiwi soccer great Wynton Rufer has been involved with the bid since the start of this year and is almost certain to be named the Thunder's inaugural head coach should they get the nod to join the league.
The Thunder are confident their bid will gather further momentum next week when a north Queensland delegation, including Rufer, visits the Soccerex international soccer expo in South Africa.
The bid has made no secret of its desire to target Asia in its quest for sponsorship and financial backing and will attend another soccer expo in China in June next year to further lift the would-be A-League club's profile.
”We've had significant interest from corporates - we've got about 14 or 15 meetings in South Africa next week,'' Gage said.
QUOTE
Thunder head expansion race
November 21, 2007
NORTH Queensland's team in any expanded A-League will be called the Northern Thunder and bid organisers say they could have the team up and running by next season.
Those behind the north Queensland bid say they have already secured around $2 million in financial backing for the Thunder.
All they need is the green light from Football Federation Australia (FFA), which is yet to decide when or if it will expand the A-League beyond its current eight teams.
The FFA has commissioned a consultant to advise on the competition's expansion, with a report expected early next year on the best timeframe and locations for new franchises to be added.
As well as the Thunder, Gold Coast and Wollongong bids are already well advanced, while Canberra have also expressed interest in housing an A-League team.
But the Townsville bid has been up and running for more than 12 months, with the region considered as a possibility to take up the New Zealand Knights franchise when it fell over late last season.
It took a huge step forward today with officials confirming a name, a T-shaped thunderbolt club logo and a sizeable chunk of the start-up capital it would need for its first season.
”Geographically, we feel we fit the picture perfectly. We're going to be submitting a proposal to the FFA at the end of February and we'll see what they do from there,'' Thunder head of operations James Gage said.
Former Kiwi soccer great Wynton Rufer has been involved with the bid since the start of this year and is almost certain to be named the Thunder's inaugural head coach should they get the nod to join the league.
The Thunder are confident their bid will gather further momentum next week when a north Queensland delegation, including Rufer, visits the Soccerex international soccer expo in South Africa.
The bid has made no secret of its desire to target Asia in its quest for sponsorship and financial backing and will attend another soccer expo in China in June next year to further lift the would-be A-League club's profile.
”We've had significant interest from corporates - we've got about 14 or 15 meetings in South Africa next week,'' Gage said.
More talk coming from Tasmania. So since we have a few people from Tasmania who posts here i'm wondering if you agree with the statement that they'd "quite easily be able to attract a 10,000 average support base per game". I'm not so certain that it would be that easy to maintain crowd figures like that over the long run but then again I'm not exactly certain how popular the sport is in Tasmania but as he said the PSC crowd of about 8k was quite impressive.
QUOTE
Football Federation Tasmania (FFT) CEO Martin Shaw believes Tasmania is a viable option for a Hyundai A-League license but any bid would require State government support.
So far the biggest noises from potential consortia looking for a way into the A-League have come from Townsville and the Gold Coast.
But with an 8000 strong crowd for the Pre-Season cup match in Launceston between Melbourne Victory and Adelaide United, the largest of any regional centre including those in Queensland, the FFT supremo feels the island state has the credentials.
“There’s no doubt that we’ve got the fan support there,” said FFT CEO Martin Shaw. “If we have a team up and running next year I’d say we’d quite easily be able to attract a 10,000 average support base per game.
“Tasmanians love their sport but they love supporting Tasmanian teams, so they’d get behind a state team playing in a national league.
“There’s not a lot of other national sport that happens down here especially over summer.”
York Park (Aurora Stadium) in Launceston has already hosted Pre-Season Cup matches in 2006 and 2007 but a potential stumbling block is finding a facility to play a large percentage of home games in Hobart.
The State’s premier venue, Bellerive Oval, does not contain drop-in pitch technology rendering it unsuitable for anything other than cricket.
According to Mr Shaw this is where the Government could step in to provide support in redeveloping an AFL venue in North Hobart.
“I think if a consortium comes along and says they want to finance an A-League team then they’d have a pretty good case to go to State Government and Hobart City Council to start talking about a redevelopment,” he said.
“To be able to have a Tasmanian team in that league, we need some support from the government in terms of a facility.”
FFT has also recently overhauled their player development programs and have begun initiatives through the Tasmanian Institute of Sport.
Through these programs, officials feel that players capable of playing at a higher level will increase and potentially form the back bone of a Tasmanian team.
“The league down here, generally what’s happened the last ten years or so, is players come through and play in our premier league,” said Shaw.
“Then if they’ve got the potential they’ll generally move on to say, the Victorian Premier League and go play over there because that’s the next step up for them.
“In the early days maybe there wouldn’t a large number of Tasmanian players forcing a way into the side, but we would think as some of the young players coming through the programs now get to their late teens, early twenties that we’ll be able to have players coming through into a Tasmanian A-League team.”
Traditionally teams across the Bass Strait have struggled to maintain momentum in national competitions with only cricket’s Tasmanian Tigers remaining constant.
But Shaw does not see this as a hazard to any potential investors looking to form an A-League club.
“I think with the A-League and the nature of it, we’re not looking at regional companies coming on as main sponsors,” he added.
“It’s not a case of this being Tasmanian financed. You’re able to look outside into large companies, national, multi-national companies to help try and finance the team.”
The FFT boss also believes any team would be one of the smaller clubs in the competition and could look to the example of Central Coast Mariners.
“You’ve got to make sure the team is well managed and go out and target players fairly wisely," he said. "They’re not going to be able to throw around large amounts of money.”
Federation officials also feel an A-League team is something that is needed for the future of the game locally but there are no plans just yet to launch an immediate license bid of their own.
“Right now we’re waiting to see what comes back from the investigations FFA are doing in terms of looking at the potential cities for expansion and Tasmania is being included in that,” said Shaw.
“Once we get some information back from them in what the likelihoods are in being able to support a team, then we’ll be in a stronger position to try and move forward a little bit.”
So far the biggest noises from potential consortia looking for a way into the A-League have come from Townsville and the Gold Coast.
But with an 8000 strong crowd for the Pre-Season cup match in Launceston between Melbourne Victory and Adelaide United, the largest of any regional centre including those in Queensland, the FFT supremo feels the island state has the credentials.
“There’s no doubt that we’ve got the fan support there,” said FFT CEO Martin Shaw. “If we have a team up and running next year I’d say we’d quite easily be able to attract a 10,000 average support base per game.
“Tasmanians love their sport but they love supporting Tasmanian teams, so they’d get behind a state team playing in a national league.
“There’s not a lot of other national sport that happens down here especially over summer.”
York Park (Aurora Stadium) in Launceston has already hosted Pre-Season Cup matches in 2006 and 2007 but a potential stumbling block is finding a facility to play a large percentage of home games in Hobart.
The State’s premier venue, Bellerive Oval, does not contain drop-in pitch technology rendering it unsuitable for anything other than cricket.
According to Mr Shaw this is where the Government could step in to provide support in redeveloping an AFL venue in North Hobart.
“I think if a consortium comes along and says they want to finance an A-League team then they’d have a pretty good case to go to State Government and Hobart City Council to start talking about a redevelopment,” he said.
“To be able to have a Tasmanian team in that league, we need some support from the government in terms of a facility.”
FFT has also recently overhauled their player development programs and have begun initiatives through the Tasmanian Institute of Sport.
Through these programs, officials feel that players capable of playing at a higher level will increase and potentially form the back bone of a Tasmanian team.
“The league down here, generally what’s happened the last ten years or so, is players come through and play in our premier league,” said Shaw.
“Then if they’ve got the potential they’ll generally move on to say, the Victorian Premier League and go play over there because that’s the next step up for them.
“In the early days maybe there wouldn’t a large number of Tasmanian players forcing a way into the side, but we would think as some of the young players coming through the programs now get to their late teens, early twenties that we’ll be able to have players coming through into a Tasmanian A-League team.”
Traditionally teams across the Bass Strait have struggled to maintain momentum in national competitions with only cricket’s Tasmanian Tigers remaining constant.
But Shaw does not see this as a hazard to any potential investors looking to form an A-League club.
“I think with the A-League and the nature of it, we’re not looking at regional companies coming on as main sponsors,” he added.
“It’s not a case of this being Tasmanian financed. You’re able to look outside into large companies, national, multi-national companies to help try and finance the team.”
The FFT boss also believes any team would be one of the smaller clubs in the competition and could look to the example of Central Coast Mariners.
“You’ve got to make sure the team is well managed and go out and target players fairly wisely," he said. "They’re not going to be able to throw around large amounts of money.”
Federation officials also feel an A-League team is something that is needed for the future of the game locally but there are no plans just yet to launch an immediate license bid of their own.
“Right now we’re waiting to see what comes back from the investigations FFA are doing in terms of looking at the potential cities for expansion and Tasmania is being included in that,” said Shaw.
“Once we get some information back from them in what the likelihoods are in being able to support a team, then we’ll be in a stronger position to try and move forward a little bit.”
Marconi Stallions. Christian Vieri style. 
It now seems almost certain that a new AFL team based in the Gold Coast is going to happen in the next few years judging by comments made in the past few days. One of the reasons that they gave for rushing to get a team up there soon is that they have done thier research and feel that there is a market for it, but that they have to act fast so that they can gain the 'first mover advantage' as there are other codes looking to enter the same market such as football of the round ball variety which are valid threats.
This then poses the question, what should the FFA be doing as a response now that we know the AFL's intentions now that they have made their position very clear. The FFA seem keen on a new team in North Queensland as well as some other areas around Australia, but should they be focusing on getting a Gold Coast based team in the A-League sooner rather than later now?
I don't think that we should be influenced completely by what other codes are doing, but we have to keep it in mind and should only bring teams into the A-League if they are ready as we don't want to rush into things now. How does everyone else think this will influence the Gold Coast's bid for an A-League team?
This then poses the question, what should the FFA be doing as a response now that we know the AFL's intentions now that they have made their position very clear. The FFA seem keen on a new team in North Queensland as well as some other areas around Australia, but should they be focusing on getting a Gold Coast based team in the A-League sooner rather than later now?
I don't think that we should be influenced completely by what other codes are doing, but we have to keep it in mind and should only bring teams into the A-League if they are ready as we don't want to rush into things now. How does everyone else think this will influence the Gold Coast's bid for an A-League team?
I think its bad news for the prospect of an a-league team on the gold coast, not so much because there is a massive conflict between the codes but more so because the market is going to be flooded with new sporting teams, the Titans were smart and moved quickly, they'll be fine and are motoring along, any AFL bid for market share up there now is going to cost a lot of money and will more than likely not take off, will be a poor imitation of the swans start up in sydney (which only took 20 odd years).
I think its pretty clear now that unless there is a very favourable deal done in terms of stadium sharing with the titans any bid for an a-league team wont get off the ground. So Nth Qld is pretty much a dead cert, with it now being a toss up between Canberra/the gong and tassie (outside chance but one I would take either there or canberra).
I think its pretty clear now that unless there is a very favourable deal done in terms of stadium sharing with the titans any bid for an a-league team wont get off the ground. So Nth Qld is pretty much a dead cert, with it now being a toss up between Canberra/the gong and tassie (outside chance but one I would take either there or canberra).
Michael Cockerill is reporting that Queensland look set to have 3 teams in the A-League in the near future. The FFA seem to be worried about the AFL's latest statements regarding a Gold Coast team and are keen to act fast which is not surprising at all. I didn't think that if 2 teams were to join the league they would both be from Queensland but they are both quite advanced compared to others and it seems as though it may well be the case, although a lot can change before the decision is eventually made. The new Gold Coast stadium looks quite impressive and with a capacity of 25,000 it's really a perfect size for the A-League.
Two Queensland teams set to score spots in expanded A-League
Link
THE path has been cleared for two new Queensland teams to enter the A-League, possibly as early as next season.
Backers of the cashed-up Gold Coast Galaxy met Football Federation Australia chief executive Ben Buckley in Sydney yesterday, and it is understood that it is no longer a matter of if it will join the league, but when. Another consortium based in Townsville, tentatively called Northern Thunder FC, is due to meet Buckley next week. Both groups would prefer to join the league in 2009, but say they can step into the breach next season if required.
While FFA's A-League review is not due to be completed until April, it is understood FFA is keen to fast-track expansion to take advantage of the AFL's delay in finalising its new team on the Gold Coast but it does not want a nine-team competition, so North Queensland may also be pressed to bring forward its submission. An FFA delegation is expected to travel to both Gold Coast and Townsville next month to run a final rule over both bids.
Other bidders interested in joining the league - notably Wollongong, Geelong, western Sydney and a second Melbourne franchise - may now have to take a back seat while FFA beds down its new-look 10-team competition.
Gold Coast Galaxy is believed to have impressed FFA with a financial model that will use profits from a property development company to fund the club. It is close to finalising colours and has all but secured the soon-to-be completed 25,000-seat stadium at Robina as its home ground.
The Galaxy is also close to completing a sister club deal with Los Angeles Galaxy.
A buoyant Galaxy executive chairman Fred Taplin said last night he had "no doubt" the Gold Coast would be in the A-League before it was in the AFL, but he wasn't sure of the exact timing.
It is understood if FFA had given the green light before last month's transfer window, the club would have been a lot more confident about assembling a competitive squad next season. "If we're asked to come in next season, we will, although it would be a challenge," he said.
QUOTE
Two Queensland teams set to score spots in expanded A-League
Link
THE path has been cleared for two new Queensland teams to enter the A-League, possibly as early as next season.
Backers of the cashed-up Gold Coast Galaxy met Football Federation Australia chief executive Ben Buckley in Sydney yesterday, and it is understood that it is no longer a matter of if it will join the league, but when. Another consortium based in Townsville, tentatively called Northern Thunder FC, is due to meet Buckley next week. Both groups would prefer to join the league in 2009, but say they can step into the breach next season if required.
While FFA's A-League review is not due to be completed until April, it is understood FFA is keen to fast-track expansion to take advantage of the AFL's delay in finalising its new team on the Gold Coast but it does not want a nine-team competition, so North Queensland may also be pressed to bring forward its submission. An FFA delegation is expected to travel to both Gold Coast and Townsville next month to run a final rule over both bids.
Other bidders interested in joining the league - notably Wollongong, Geelong, western Sydney and a second Melbourne franchise - may now have to take a back seat while FFA beds down its new-look 10-team competition.
Gold Coast Galaxy is believed to have impressed FFA with a financial model that will use profits from a property development company to fund the club. It is close to finalising colours and has all but secured the soon-to-be completed 25,000-seat stadium at Robina as its home ground.
The Galaxy is also close to completing a sister club deal with Los Angeles Galaxy.
A buoyant Galaxy executive chairman Fred Taplin said last night he had "no doubt" the Gold Coast would be in the A-League before it was in the AFL, but he wasn't sure of the exact timing.
It is understood if FFA had given the green light before last month's transfer window, the club would have been a lot more confident about assembling a competitive squad next season. "If we're asked to come in next season, we will, although it would be a challenge," he said.
I wouldnt mind have teams from the Gold Coast and North Queensland. I think the fan base up there would be exceptional and the way the population have got behind their respective Rugby League teams in recent years is evidence of this.
wouldnt there be a problem if we play more matches. i would of thought that grounds would not be available if the seasons went longer
GOLD COAST GALAXY??? WTF. NO NO NO NO NO NO NO. 2 more queensland teams is ridiculous. at least one will be another nz knights disaster.
If the A-league is to move forward and wants to be taken seriously they should add atleast one more team in Sydney and Melbourne. A West Sydney team could easily atract crowds of 20 000 + if it is managed properly and fans feel they can relate to the club. I feel with Sydney FC many Fans of the old NSL have developed a hate for the club after NSL clubs such as Marconi Olympic and Sydney United weren't able to register for the A-league. I also think that Lowy is a hated figure amongst wogs and I doubt he will allow any new sydney teams to register in the league.
Verbeek hasn't been here that long but he already recognises that the league neeeds to expand as soon as possible with the main factor being the number of games as we all know that the more games players are involved in the better they become through increased experience and an increased level of fitness.
A-League must expand - Verbeek
NEW Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek has backed plans for A-League expansion, arguing that domestically based players need as much football as they can get if they are to lift local standards and improve the national team.
Football Federation Australia is considering introducing two new Queensland sides next year - from the Gold Coast and Townsville.
Verbeek, who coached at club level in Holland and Japan and also was in charge of the South Korean national team, said the players could only benefit from greater opportunities, and long-term the national team and the game as a whole would gain significant impetus.
"The Korean league is bigger, spread out over 10 or 11 months. I cannot imagine that the league here is only for six months. I saw the schedule for the A-League and I thought, 'What are we going to do between March and June?'
"The leagues in Asia start in March and finish in November and December - they have a lot of games and a lot of training sessions, and that makes it a lot easier for a national team coach.
"But it's not only the national team, the whole league in the end will gain. What I have noticed also in Japan and Korea is that people start to get bored to see the Mariners play Sydney again. I think everyone knows that, of course, you have to create a bigger competition."
QUOTE
A-League must expand - Verbeek
NEW Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek has backed plans for A-League expansion, arguing that domestically based players need as much football as they can get if they are to lift local standards and improve the national team.
Football Federation Australia is considering introducing two new Queensland sides next year - from the Gold Coast and Townsville.
Verbeek, who coached at club level in Holland and Japan and also was in charge of the South Korean national team, said the players could only benefit from greater opportunities, and long-term the national team and the game as a whole would gain significant impetus.
"The Korean league is bigger, spread out over 10 or 11 months. I cannot imagine that the league here is only for six months. I saw the schedule for the A-League and I thought, 'What are we going to do between March and June?'
"The leagues in Asia start in March and finish in November and December - they have a lot of games and a lot of training sessions, and that makes it a lot easier for a national team coach.
"But it's not only the national team, the whole league in the end will gain. What I have noticed also in Japan and Korea is that people start to get bored to see the Mariners play Sydney again. I think everyone knows that, of course, you have to create a bigger competition."
QUOTE(dannny @ Dec 15 2007, 11:53 AM)
I also think that Lowy is a hated figure amongst wogs and I doubt he will allow any new sydney teams to register in the league.
I'd hope that everyone hates Lowy, he's a crook.
I've always wanted to see the a-league have 16 teams. I've had a few thoughts about a-league expansion, i thought if there were 16 there could be the possibility of the a-league having 4 spots in the asian champions league and also if there were 16 maybe every year the bottom team or bottom two teams get relegated to the new south wales premier league and the top two teams from the new south wales premier league get promoted.
Possible new teams:
- Geelong
- Ballarat
- Bendigo
- Wollongong
- Canberra
- Auckland
- Hobart
- Darwin
maybe a possible Australia Cup (a-league version of the fa cup)
Possible new teams:
- Geelong
- Ballarat
- Bendigo
- Wollongong
- Canberra
- Auckland
- Hobart
- Darwin
maybe a possible Australia Cup (a-league version of the fa cup)
Or FFA cup - wow thats genius
QUOTE(wizzard400 @ Dec 17 2007, 09:13 PM)
Possible new teams:
- Geelong
- Ballarat
- Bendigo
- Wollongong
- Canberra
- Auckland
- Hobart
- Darwin
- Geelong
- Ballarat
- Bendigo
- Wollongong
- Canberra
- Auckland
- Hobart
- Darwin
Geelong- Lol. geelong cats runs the town.
Ballarat, Bendigo- not enough people, no facilities.
Wollongong- There we go, I'd like to see them in.
Canberra- Possibility, not too sure what kind of following they'd get.
Auckland- well that worked well last time didn't it?
Hobart- Once again not sure if anyone would get behind the team, more of a possibility than bendigo etc.
Darwin- You must be kidding.
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