hahahah maybe some of them are still stuck in Sydney :P

https://x.com/NickGalatas/status/1830817340130501100?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet

Did he at least get to the meeting before getting stuck?

fa statement just dropped

As we continue to proactively navigate the multifaceted landscape of our evolving football ecosystem, I wanted to take this opportunity to update you on the nuanced and strategically complex discussions that are currently taking place in relation to the National Second Tier initiative, particularly as it pertains to the collaborative engagement with the Foundation 8 clubs.

First and foremost, I would like to acknowledge the diligent efforts of all stakeholders involved in these deliberations. The interdisciplinary synergy being demonstrated across multiple touchpoints is truly reflective of our collective commitment to fostering an environment conducive to sustainable growth and long-term success. This dialogue is emblematic of our shared vision to enhance the holistic framework of our national football structure.

While specific details remain in the exploratory phase, I am pleased to report that substantive progress has been made in identifying the key parameters that will drive the strategic alignment of our objectives. This includes, but is not limited to, a comprehensive evaluation of the operational metrics that will underpin the long-term viability and competitive integrity of the National Second Tier.

Furthermore, the Foundation 8 clubs have been pivotal in facilitating these conversations, offering invaluable insights that have enabled us to refine our approach and ensure that our collective trajectory is aligned with the broader strategic imperatives of the football community. Their input has been instrumental in shaping a foundational framework that is both resilient and adaptable to the dynamic nature of our sport.

As we move forward, we will continue to leverage these discussions to crystallize the actionable insights that will drive the next phase of this initiative. Our commitment to transparency and collaborative excellence remains unwavering, and I am confident that the outcomes of these deliberations will position us optimally for the future.

Thank you for your continued dedication and partnership in this critical endeavor. I look forward to providing further updates as we progress.

ChatGPT prompt: 
Write me a 5 paragraph press release with lots of buzz words about moving forward towards a common goal without any actual information. Mention dialogue between the two parties has been constructive and will be ongoing.

haha yep that's pretty close to what I did. Meanwhile Vince Rugari should probably worry about his job after this beauty

prompt: can you imitate Vince Rugari's writing style in giving an exclusive scoop on how he has inside information on the national second division not going ahead. Make it fake concern and support for the national second division while being condescending and patronizing towards national second tier clubs and fans, perhaps spiced with some subtle passive aggression

Chat GTP: 

EXCLUSIVE: Inside Word on the National Second Division—A Reality Check

It’s the story that’s captured the imaginations of football diehards across the country—the dream of a National Second Division, a competition that would supposedly bridge the yawning chasm between the A-League and the grassroots. It’s a vision that’s been floated and inflated over the past few years, with promises of promotion, relegation, and a brave new world for Australian football.

But here’s the thing—sometimes, dreams and reality don’t quite align. From what I’m hearing, the much-vaunted National Second Division might be hitting a brick wall faster than a defender trying to dribble out of his own box.

Now, before the pitchforks come out, let me be clear: I’m all for a thriving football ecosystem in Australia. In an ideal world, a National Second Division would be fantastic. Who wouldn’t want to see passionate, community-based clubs getting their shot on a bigger stage? But, as is often the case in football, idealism doesn’t always pay the bills—or fill the stands.

The Foundation 8 clubs, bless them, have put in the hard yards. They’ve held countless meetings, commissioned reports, and released enough glossy PDFs to fill a whole season’s worth of matchday programs. Their enthusiasm is commendable, but enthusiasm doesn’t guarantee sustainability. And let’s face it—Australian football has a long history of biting off more than it can chew.

From what I’m hearing behind the scenes, the numbers just aren’t stacking up. The financial backing, the broadcast interest, the commercial partnerships—none of it is where it needs to be to make this thing work. It’s not that the idea is inherently bad; it’s just that the execution, the timing, and frankly, the market might not be ready for it.

And let’s talk about the fans for a moment. The ones who are clamoring for this new league—do they really understand what’s at stake? Sure, it’s easy to get swept up in the romance of it all, but this isn’t just a case of ‘build it and they will come.’ We’re talking about serious money, logistics, and long-term planning. Not to mention the potential dilution of talent across too many leagues.

The reality is, if the National Second Division doesn’t go ahead, it might be a blessing in disguise. Better to reassess now, rather than plough ahead with something that could end up as another costly misstep in the annals of Australian football. The intention is noble, but maybe, just maybe, we’re better off letting this one simmer on the back burner a little longer.

So, to the true believers out there, I say this: don’t lose heart, but perhaps it’s time to temper those expectations. After all, we’ve seen how quickly things can unravel when we overextend ourselves.

At the end of the day, everyone wants what’s best for Australian football. But sometimes, what’s best is knowing when to take a step back, reassess, and make sure we’re not getting ahead of ourselves—again.

The Da Vinci Code just got harder…..

Can anyone confirm how the voting went, was it chicken or fish for lunch?

Thai

I'll be in Sardinia not this weekend but the next and I was trying to get tickets to Cagliari Napoli but as far as I can work out it's sold out. Stadium only holds 16000 people.

Looked online to see if there's a Serie B in Sardinia side but there isn't.

There is however a Serie C side on the north of the island (Torres) which I found out through wiki.

To cut a long story short have a look at how their 3rd tier works. Serie C - Wikipedia

Serie C is composed of 60 teams divided equally into three groups split horizontally in geographical terms, from north to south (basically they are three leagues unbound from each other during regular season). The round-robin format is used, with the two halves of the season having exactly the same order of fixtures. Three points are awarded for a win, one for a draw and none for a loss. At the end of the regular season one table per group is determined, based on points. If two or more teams are tied on points, the following tie-breaking criteria apply:^[6]


Could something like this work, albeit on a smaller scale, in Australia?

That'd be right, given two options and they'll choose the third... they can never agree on anything simple 😅

eventually that is the model I would favour in between the npl and the national tiers. I suspect you need two national tiers to make sure the top one can be fully pro

lol

Yeah I think 28 teams with anyone from a league's top 10 being promoted is a bit over the top haha. If we're going to have 8 or 9 feds feeding into the NST, there has to be at least the premiers from each fed in the playoffs/champions league. And it would also depend on how many promotion slots there are to go up. So if it's two up, then we might want the top two from each fed taking part. Or if it's three up, we could have a weighting or coefficient for slots in the CL.

But I'd like to see us combine federations by location and also what's fiscally prudent. I've done spreadsheets on this stuff, full of costs for flights and accomodation between all the cities... look, I find it fun haha. I've combined feds for one to two tiers below NST, and the total costs for each tier are basically the same as the NST, but the benefit comes with having more teams taking part in those lower tiers making the cost per club and per match cheaper and cheaper.

Feel free to share ur data analysis. Plenty of nerds like me like that sort of thing

Mid I also acknowledge your comments BUT so what doesn't get us anywhere.
I agree very much that the infighting/politics/divide needs to stop BUT it can't/won't whilst we have the Have's and the Have Nots if describing it this way makes sense.

Absolutely the true FIFA would be the zenith but we know thats a bridge too far BUT a NST H/A is at least a start we have needed for 20yrs and counting.
This would really help to simmer down the infighting more so us supporters of the game who have their preferences towards NPL finally been given the chance to play on some kind of level playing field.
The ongoing excuse's - the barriers/selfishness be it APL/Feds/PFA etcetc the FA need to show the balls/directive this is going ahead for the sake of the game/development and showing some kind of unity amongst the code.
Its quite pathetic whats not going on and IF we get no forward motion soon enough I'll be gutted incl many others and the divide supporter wise will keep festering.
I won't support APL whilst the bulk of code is held back thats plain and simple and I'm sorry being this way.

I think I've brought the Serie C format up before when I researched how it works with Catania's promotion hopes.

Issue is with this format is the north/central/south groupings may change each season depending on who is promoted and relegated.
Essentially - the state fed structure will hold us back (unless there's a formalised NPL playoffs system that defines who is promoted and relegated each season)

I think I prefer the OuzoMSC prompt:

Write me a combined bunch of rumours overheard in the post-game bar at Lakeside

haha yer all SMH fault - typical oz football rumours, Rugari would lite that one up.

If there's any doubt about Football Queensland's attitude to the NST:

https://x.com/RobCavallucci/status/1831278302868410592

Regardless of the post he's responding to, how bad is the attitude?

Different leadership in football qld and tas and the nst is announced on time

He does tend to go off at random moments,  might coincide with a touch of the old vino-collapso ?

He blocked Galatas last time

According to a reliable poster on another forum Cavalluci has aspirations for the top job at FA so why wouldn’t he try to disrupt what JJ is trying to achieve..

ScotchMSC thanks mate, ouzo is for the tourists :)

https://x.com/smfc/status/1831198688850718723?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet

South media with their finger on the 442 pulse it seems :P

Putting in the work, embracing the challenge and not using AI generated captions to fire our fans up.South fans, get behind us this coming Saturday.

Is this ChatGPT or a buddy of yours from Tasmania? I mean sure its missing a few "milieus" but the language is identical. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAH

His hat was in the Ring last time

https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/johnson-cavallucci-on-ffa-shortlist-to-replace-gallop-as-ceo-20191110-p5397v.html

Although looking around, I can't find if Johnsons contract goes beyond 2024 (3 months left !)

Bossi, Rugari, Cavallucci .... the more things change, the more they stay the same.... 

I think his contract has been extended but whether he will want to stay on, given the roadblocks put in the way of his reforms, is debatable.

It was originally til 2023, got extended to 2024, but I can't find anything after that

https://www.northweststar.com.au/story/7875213/fa-boss-to-stay-in-role-until-end-of-2024/

Looks like the dream is dead then... The next "boss" will be persuaded (if he hasn't been already "selected" by the foreigners) to prop up the Aleague and NSD will be forgotten about,as will domestic transfers .....  Ah well, 7+ years of work by AAFC and real clubs down the drain..... :(

I think you’re right, it was a one year extension but, as I said, he may not want to continue banging his head against a wall.
I’m sure he wouldn’t be searching too long for another job.