Fantastic work Fire. Very good set up there.


What do you think about the FourFourTwo article Fire Win QSL GF?
SUNSHINE Coast Fire have completed a second straight Queensland State League double with a 1-0 win over Brisbane Strikers at Perry Park on Saturday night.

Have your say.

State league. Congrats sunshine coast.

so... Sunshine Coast Fire for A-League

This.

Serious question: Would the Sunshine Coast be a sustainable location for an A-League team? Or perhaps even a second tier national league (A-League 2)?

I think it would be way too soon to include a Sunshine Coast team in the A leauge. We've only just begun expansion in the a league and it was largely a botched operation.
In my opinion we should focus on consolidating the clubs we have and when we do expand, expand into the areas that are a bit more deserving of it. West Sydney, Woolongong and Canberra.
Furthermore, the inclusion of Gold COast seemed to cut into some of ROar's support base and surely the inclusion of a sunshine coast team would do the same?
However if in the future the support for the sport increases and the demand was there, a Sunshine Coast team would be great for the area. I believe Stockland Park where Sunshine COast play is to be developed into a stadium. http://www.quadpark.com.au/index.htm
http://www.austadiums.com/stadiums/stadiums.php?id=296

To start with it would be good if they can develop some show of support within the community. Does anyone have any idea what sort of crowds they get at their QSL games? If they can get crowds of 1500 + regularly then a case could be mounted for their inclusion.

The state league in Queensland is in a sad state. There is a reason that the Brisbane Strikers were the Roar's biggest win so far in pre-season and that the only league you can bet on in Queensland is the Brisbane Premier League.

Fuck the southern scum.

-PB

I agree with you that now is way too soon. I was thinking for perhaps ten years down the track, when the league has consolidated with the teams it has and has begun expanding again. I think a national second tier would allow other clubs that may not be ready for the A-League the chance to expand and grow by representing their region on the national stage. The clubs/bids chosen for such a league should be chosen upon how strong they are in their regional/state leagues, on and off the field.

If, and it's a big if, the FFA brought in a second tier comp then I think this would have to be one place to include. They've got a new stadium and some decent facilities. Not A-League standard but a good set up for what is essentially a regional club side. Other clubs in Queensland would likely be a second Brisbane side, maybe even the reintroduction of Nth Qld if they hadn't come back at the time of a second tier.

There's a whole other topic in this regarding how a second tier comp would work with clubs like this re: promotion and relegation but I'll save that for another day.

While the state league certainly has its problems the reason why the Roar destroyed Strikers was less to do with the shittyness of the Strikers or the state league and more to do with the Roar putting out their strongest team of the pre-season campaign up to that point and competition for places in the A-League squad really starting to heat up. Also Strikers played only two days earlier so were hardly at peak fitness.

It should be introduced without promotion/relegation, acting as a feeder league to the A-League, in terms of players and even teams. The second tier would give teams a chance to prove their cases for an A-League licence, which would allow the FFA to award licences without major risks if the team has already been competing in a national league and has an established supporter base, as well as major sponsors on board, etc.. It's similar to the way the MLS has been expanding in recent years.

It's a shame that the Roar verse North Queensland All- stars was abandoned at half time due to weather conditions. the Roar only managed a solitary goal against a QSL selection that had only been put together for this game with no preparation training sessions.. Those doubting some of the quality in the regional areas should take notice of the statistic.As well all-stars coach for some reason or another didn't play leading goalscorer and mvp points getter for the regional areas Joe Rusch in the run on team.I reckon they should be challenged to a rematch. Oh hang on, they are only country bumkins .They could never be as good as the city boys.It's sinful what regional players have to put up with. Not a great way to win fans.

Would love to see the Fire in the A-League but the reality is that it would probably have the same chance as Arsenal winning the EPL. If it were to happen it would create a decent rivalry between the Fire, GCU and the Roar. Stockland Park from what I've heard up here is supposed to be starting on a second upgrade soon to add another stand so capacity wouldn't be too much of a problem. There's rumours flying around the Gold Coast will be playing their regional match there this season

Dear Mods

Should'nt this be in the State League forum?

I make note that similar articles relating to NSWPL & VPL CLubs have quickly been moved off the Australian Football forum.

Thanks
Arthur



Thankyou

Edited by Arthur: 30/8/2011 01:41:03 PM