Given all the glowing publicity surrounding the new Gold Coast United franchise early in the season, including a cloying puff piece on Channel 9's 60 Minutes, this makes particularly depressing reading.
Yes, stadium deals are tricky things. Sydney FC, for one, suffered from an onerous deal with the SFS (Aussie Stadium, as it then was) in the first A-League season, one which was largely responsible for the loss the club made in 2005/06. Click to continue reading...

I admit I laughed when I saw the cardboard cut out. But Frank made it very clear it was not his idea.
After some 'interviewed questions' - a lot seemed to be about how long the preseason was - the journalists were invited up front to ask questions. All the questions seemed to be about Miron and Clive's stand. Click to continue reading...

SMH stirring the pot
According to Mike Cockerill, Frank Farina said this, but when did he say it?

"To me, the FFA needs to respect local coaches a lot more, and value them more. There hasn't been enough recognition. It's all very well getting in a heap of Dutch coaches but are they all going to hang around after the World Cup?

Click to continue reading...

The Newcastle soap opera continues, with Branko Culina taking a second shot at the A-League after the surprise departure of Gary van Egmond.
Culina has a considerable cheer squad within Australian football, with one of his long-term fans welcoming his return with open arms. If he can indeed get Newcastle playing football similar to that of his Sydney United and Sydney Olympic sides during the fading days of the NSL, the fans will be grateful. Click to continue reading...

"I think he's selling himself short, but I think it's a lifestyle decision." so says Chris Turner Hartlepool manager talking about Joel Porter's decision to play for the Gold Coast.
No Chris, you blinkered Englishman, it's about the football:
He'll play alongside Champions League player Jason Culina,
He'll play at a Stadium Hartlepool can only dream of,
His first game will be in the Bird Nest Stadium in Beijing, followed by SunCorp in the League. Click to continue reading...

With Melbourne's Kevin Muscat on his last legs, should they have kept Milicevic.
What a player? He's played a couple of A-League games, a couple of Asian Champions League games but I'm desperate to see him sign for the full A-League season
Seeing him controlling the Newcastle back four in recent weeks, playing the ball from the back, surging forward is joyous to watch. Click to continue reading...

FFA investigations
Spitting in rugby league is worth 3 weeks. In football, a minimum of 12 months unless the FFA decides to downgrade to a lessor charge.Lucky Dino Djulbic. Perth could not afford to end the career of one of its outstanding performers from last year.
At the same time, the FFA decided not to charge Mark Bosnich for his un-carded professional foul on Massimo Murdocca. Click to continue reading...

Is Deco our first marquee?
We're aiming for August 2010 for our A-League debut.
Imagine the scene. The Socceroos at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa in June/July. The feel good factor for football.
2010 August 12: Canberra Stadium. ateam4canberra FC v Sydney FC. Sold Out! Click to continue reading...

The younger Jan Versleijen, thank god he's Dutch!
FFA have announced the appointment of the new AIS Coach Jan Versleijen and four "young" coaching scholarship worth $25,000 per year for three years for Alistair Edwards, Paul Okon, Alex Tobin and Nicola Williams. Full release below.
SYDNEY
24 June 2008
Three former Socceroos, including two Socceroos captains, and a former national women's league player have been named today as the recipients of the inaugural Elite Coach Development Scholarships by Football Federation Australia (FFA), simultaneously with the announcement of 53 year old Jan Versleijen as the new Australian Institute of Sport (AIS)/Qantas Young Socceroos Head Coach. Click to continue reading...

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We chat to former Socceroos and Lazio star Paul Okon,
Matildas star Heather Garriock on her 100th Cap and Womens European football.
Asian Champions League and all the footballl news, dedications, quiz questions and more. Click to continue reading...

AIS, Matildas, Paul Okon, SBS telly talk, Tony Antonis, Kanga Cup, Harry Kewell, Sydney FC and more.
Paul Okon, David Zdrillic, Michael Valkanis, Carl Veart and Steve Corica are in Canberra this week. They are all currently undertaking their B Licence Coaching certificate. Click to continue reading...