I think you'll find that what Ben is saying is the truth - It's like McDonalds Suing people for using Mc in their name in the food industry, Apple suing Woolworths for using an Apple in their logo etc.

Additionally - South Melbourne Hellas Soccer Club Limited have a trademark on the WORD - SMFC for the following categorys:
- Class: 41 Sports club services

I think you'll find that what Ben is saying is the truth - It's like McDonalds Suing people for using Mc in their name in the food industry, Apple suing Woolworths for using an Apple in their logo etc.

So that puts an end to Sporting Melbourne then? If they knew this was the case then why was it an option for consideration?

[quote=forbze]
The Swans using SMFC is an interesting one though. Shouldn't SMFC be defending that (ala Apple) Ben?

Van 't Schip Returns To Australia
Tuesday, 26 January 2010

Melbourne Heart Syndicate Head Coach John van 't Schip has touched down in Victoria following a two-month scouting trip through Europe.

Van 't Schip traveled throughout the continent in search of fresh talent for his inaugural Hyundai A-League squad, attending games in the likes of Holland's Eredivisie and Spain's La Liga.

The former Dutch international, who has now linked up with club assistant coaches Ante Milicic and Jesper Olsen, spoke to www.melbourneheartsyn.com as preparations for the Melbourne Heart Syndicate's competition debut intensify.

How did you find the find the scouting trip through Europe?

It was very interesting and I saw a lot of games. I visited three different countries and held many talks. I think I got a good view of how things could work out for us.

How receptive were people to the prospect of playing in the A-League?

The responses were different. Some players were very interested, but much depended on what kind of person they are and what stage they are at in their career. A very talented, promising player normally would not take the next step to come to Australia, which is also what you see here with young players who if they have the chance, would love to play in Europe. So they would first of all think of making a career in Europe, but there are a lot of players also who are at a certain level or certain period in their career that are open to listen and think about coming to Australia.

Do you feel the profile of Australian football has lifted overseas?

With Pim Verbeek coaching the Socceroos, Han Berger as technical director and Guus Hiddink previously working for the national team as well, there has been increased attention paid in Holland to Australian football and the A-League. However, it still is a long way from home, and the big competitions are still played in Europe, so it is going to take a long time to improve and develop that big name which will make players think ‘yeah, I’m going to go play in Australia’. The financial aspect and the influence of the salary cap play a part also. But we are still a young league and have room to grow.

Are you confident of being able to attract the club’s main targets to the A-League?

Yes, there is a chance, and I think it will only increase at the end of the European season when the players will know more about the situations at their actual clubs and the possibility of resigning. If the situation is clearer, they can make a decision to come or to say, ‘No, I would like to stay because I have another opportunity in Europe’.

Which areas of the park are you focusing on at this stage of the recruiting process?

For the moment, we will be looking for the players up front. That’s where our focus is, looking for players we feel can bring a little bit extra, and that is the main thing we were looking for abroad in Europe.

What are your plans for the approaching period as you await the arrival of the first members of the team’s squad?

I will still complete a lot of scouting along with Jesper Olsen and Ante Milicic (the club’s assistant coaches), watching a lot of games, having talks with players who we think could be interesting for us. And also of course, to keep in contact with Europe and be informed with the situations of players I have seen there.

Finally, when do you hope to commence training for next season?

The main preparations will begin in the middle of the year when our whole group comes together in Melbourne. But of course we will begin training much earlier with all the players whose seasons end soon, holding a number of different styled sessions focusing on introducing our philosophy.

"Yes, there is a chance, and I think it will only increase at the end of the European season when the players will know more about the situations at their actual clubs and the possibility of resigning. If the situation is clearer, they can make a decision to come or to say, ‘No, I would like to stay because I have another opportunity in Europe’."

I think Van't Schipp is aiming too high if he's going for players which are thinking about resigning:

No, he's talking about players who are waiting to know whether they will be offered new deals - and what the terms of those new deals might be. If you're 33 and you want a new 2 year deal - and your club only offers 1 year, but this mob in Australia are offering the good life and a 2 year deal...

They wouldn't be able to stop them from using Sporting Melbourne FC, they could only stop them referring to themselves as SMFC. Which to be honest I think is fair enough. When I see those initials I immediately think of South Melbourne. The Swans using SMFC is an interesting one though. Shouldn't SMFC be defending that (ala Apple) Ben?

That is actually amazing. I know it is a fake, but secretly I want it to be true.

On another note

I would hardly call New v Newer A RIVALRY

On the other hand New V Old has a much better ring to it

Stop floating ideas utilizing South Melbourne property to gain some much needed exposure

Go back to your corner Heart - oops I just remembered - you haven't even got a corner

Just fuck off altogether

Edited by chris: 26/1/2010 09:09:01 PM

I hope for the love of football you are no older than 15 years old. :-k

We get it your proud of your heritage and support of South Melbourne. ](*,)

Just face the facts, your in a lower tier competition, and it looks like you always will be. So for the purpose of growing football in this country of course we need to have "new" teams join the competition. The new team will not involve your club as that is seen to hinder growth of football in this country. Just enjoy the league you are in and follow the club you love so much, and quit acting like a twit with all things A-League. If your not a fan of the league, don't watch it and don't comment on it! Australia needs this league to grow for the sport to prosper. As a football lover, I will support it, if others choose not to, good luck to ya!

Hopefully in 10 years time, the rectangle stadium is filled week in week out in Melbourne by both the Victory and the "Heart" and football in this country has grown to massive proportions. Both these teams (and all other teams in the league) have attracted some very good talent and grown some exceptional youth players. Hopefully the front and back pages are filled with news of football not AFL or Rugby. Major sponsors back the code and we get our World Cup. What a more glorious country this will be for that to happen.

Maybe then will the stubborn look and see what it meant to the greatest game on earth in this country.

Sit back and immaturely have a go at the Heart Syndicate like a scolded lover. Your patriotic ways for no apparent reason is blinding you from the love of the game. I feel sorry for you.

Back on topic, good interview from John Van't Schip, god it's great to have someone of his ilk in the league and the country. What a coup by the Heart to get this man. Really looking forward to what he can do with this new side. Really excited by it all, can't wait for the announcement and the future for this club.

Today I spent my Australia Day with about 40 people at a BBQ at a mates house and while watching the Victory game on television I was promoting this new club to them. All of them but two were football lovers who didn't support the Victory in a huge way and I was able to convince these guys to get involved in the A-League with the new club. A new club for new fans. The two passionate Victory lads were not budging but the rest were sold. For the simple reason of wanting a team to support from the very start. I see this club will have a bright future.

So over 6,000 people registered as fans on the website and growing everyday. I think the new club is going to be alright. ;)

Edited by HeartAttack: 26/1/2010 10:11:46 PM

Contrary to popular belief, I haven't bought my season ticket yet; I wont. I go for Pissants United.

I was commenting on the aesthetics and the brand.

You read into posts way too much.

If it takes 10 years to fill a 30k stadium then that is a failure already

Q. How can you be so excited about something that does not exist as yet?

So by that reasoning none of the A-League clubs existed until the season proper began. MH have a license to compete, I'd generally consider that existing.

Mate seriously WTF

You have made some pretty strong assumptions based on 5 lines of text

Your first comment and my questions to you is what has my heritage got to do with anything and why even mention my heritage? - just goes to show the Heart mentality already

I chose the follow the most decorated club in ths country - an iconic club and as it stands currently the Heart are not in the same rank - not even in the same picture

Regarding your lower league comments and being stuck their.....well - don't bait me - I am older - wiser and much much smarter than you young man:cool:

What I will say is that it must have been a kick in the nuts for you guys when smfc told you to get on your horse after you offered us a stake in your Franchise - perhaps even demoralizing for a state league club that will remain in the stake league as you put it not to jump at the chance to polish your knob (metaphorically speaking of course - but perhaps not from the Heart point of view)

If it takes 10 years to fill a 30k stadium then that is a failure already

Also Thanks for putting words in my mouth regarding supporting the A-League - i do support it - it is an important ingredient in our game

smfc is an ambitious club - people from Heart have no right to decide our future not being anything more than State League part time - nor to tell us we have no ambitions

Just focus on what you guys need to achieve - but keep an eye on smfc

Hope you enjoyed your BBQ

Q. How can you be so excited about something that does not exist as yet?

Personally I wanna here the song before I go out a buy the CD

"I was at a BBQ at convinced out of the 40 - 38 to follow the Heart - the other 2 were Victory supporters" .....Bla Bla Bla Bla Bla....mate seriously, wipe your fingertips - the bullshit dripping of them onto the keyboard is unbelievable#-o #-o #-o #-o #-o #-o

Just concentrate on the shirt and the name and the colors etc etc etc

What is it so far???

4 players and 1 coach - that is the only stat that matters to date


Edited by chris: 27/1/2010 02:40:45 AM

Edited by chris: 27/1/2010 02:41:27 AM

Yep, no older than 15, and thats offensive to 15 year olds.

I f*cking hope not - he drove me to a match last year...