It would appear that the powers that be running football in Australia may well have a plan B in place when it comes to the second tier of football in Australia.
The much vaunted National Premier League competition has been billed as being the re-branded level below the Hyundai A-League, with state League clubs being relied upon to produce the next generation of professional players. However with some states including Western Australia holding back before committing to such a system it would appear that behind the scenes other moves are afoot.
When the Hyundai A League commenced any club or person who was connected to ‘old’ football was immediately discarded and ignored. With the passing of time, or maybe a new CEO that stance appears to be changing.
There is no doubt having come from Rugby League David Gallop would be well aware of how vital it is to look after the club’s that have a history in the game.
Maybe that is why some of those former NSL clubs may well be making a comeback into the national footballing spotlight. Not the Footy Show believes that talks have been held with several of these clubs with a view to them stepping up and becoming full time professional clubs once again in a second division of the Hyundai A League, something the FFA promised the Asian Football Confederation when they joined. Obviously any of these teams that are successful would have the opportunity to once again grace the highest level of the game in Australia.
It is not clear which of the former NSL clubs still operating but now at a State Level have been approached but the stand out candidates would have to be Adelaide City and Brisbane Strikers as these would give these two cities two teams playing in a national competition. In Melbourne and Sydney, South Melbourne and Sydney Olympic and Marconi Stallions.
If you throw in a team from Canberra, Tasmania and Western Australia, with maybe a final one from the Northern Territory, if they could support it, suddenly you have an appealing second tier for the A League. You also have a truly national competition.
It would appear that this is only in a discussion phase, but it may well be a more feasible option than trying to promote clubs from a National Premier League competition. It would certainly help give the game back some history and tradition, and that is the foundation for most sports. Hopefully more details will become clear as they widen the net of discussions, but certainly this is a move that makes a great deal of sense.
