A minor tremor has been set off by some VPL fans about the playing of music before games and during the half-time break. More specifically, the playing of ethnic music, imitation John Lennon tunes from Manchester not fitting into that category. The two main culprits at the moment seem to be Coburg and Heidelberg, playing Turkish and Greek music respectively. The specific FFV regulations on this are as follows:
12.3 No Club may distribute, disseminate, broadcast or publish by any means whatsoever whether electronically or otherwise any material in a language other than English, with the prior written consent of FFV to do so.
This also brings up another problem in regards to Coburg, as they have a fair bit of Turkish language content on their website as well, as part of an obvious attempt to appeal to its core Turkish-Australian fanbase. So the questions which must be asked are: did the FFV allow this, or as usual have they not been paying attention? If they have allowed it, why put in any restrictions at all? Where does one draw the line between what is acceptable ethnic content and what is not-acceptable? Are ethnic names and foreign languages on official merchandise ok? Foreign language advertising boards, say for non-English newspapers?
For what it's worth, I reluctantly agree with the outright bans on ethnic insignias and flags, in the sense that they're unfortunately used by a significant enough minority as part of something other than football. But this sort of half-half approach to non-English communications and content just doesn't seem logical or workable. The FFV need to either get serious and clamp down on all of it, or celebrate the diversity and let clubs try and attract whoever they want. If they do anything, I can only see it being the former, as per the John Howard 'ok, we're all different and that's good but can we please all act in an Anglo-Celtic manner because otherwise we'd have to come up with a new and relevant Australian identity' legacy.
For the record, I'd rather not have that sort of music played, as a matter of taste. A bit of Xinlisupreme on the other hand is always welcome. Ignore the clip, it's the music that's important.
Hmm, would they allow a track called Kyoro? Sounds a bit ethnic to me.
Tuesday, 18 March 2008
Monday, 17 March 2008
Flashback to 1991/92 - Preston 1 South Melbourne 2
Seeing as South actually gets to travel with fans to BT Connor in a couple of weeks for the first time in many years, and as per requests to review classic games and players from days gone by, I thought it'd be good to upload something specifically for that occasion. The clip below is from season 1991/92. South were reigning champions with a great squad, Preston were pretty much on their last legs NSL wise after their 1980s heyday, and they were only to last another season after that before dropping into the VPL. There's a good crowd, a lot of fierce attacking play, one time Socceroo Andrew Zinni running amok, superb goalkeeping by McLaren, Trimmers flattening an opponent, a bushfire in the nearby scrub, hypnotic scenes of waves of people jumping up and down, and Kyle Patterson narrating the highlights. Enjoy.
Sunday, 16 March 2008
Yusef Yusef does ACL, out for season
Sad news this Sunday, as it is confirmed that South winger Yusef Yusef has injured his anterior cruciate ligament, the injury suffered during the loss against Oakleigh in round 4. The injury will sideline him for the rest of the season. As a player who can play on both the left and right side, his versatility as an attacking option will be missed. South of the Border wishes Yusef all the best in his recovery. Thanks to Mildura Vasili for obtaining the news.
Saturday, 15 March 2008
While the esteem of the club goes downhill...
... the price for South related memorabilia remains at a healthy level. While Northern Spirit items go for peanuts, and Melbourne Zebras t-shirts sit in piles at rags'n'riches markets for $2 (I really should have bought it, as part of preserving aussie soccer history), South related items can still fetch a price in the hundreds, in particular signed tops, as can be seen in the example below of this 2001 signed jersey.
and how about this signed team of the century print going at a cool $1000, from the same seller? (thanks to South of the Border's good friend 'Cuddles' for alerting me to it).
So why is this? Despite all the assurances that we are nothing and were nothing, some people still think they can make handy sums off those who still believe. And why is it the 2000/01 season which provides by far the most signed tops on ebay? Because they lost the grand final? Post-Brazil jumping off the bandwagon guilt? I support Melbourne Victory and can't afford to have it known that I supported Hellas guilt? This item's at about half the price that's usually asked for, but still for an NSL piece of memorabilia, that's quite high. Hopefully if this youtube upload which I'm doing which is taking forever on my medium-rated connection succesfully uploads, I'll have a nice treat for you tomorrow. Otherwise, it'll be Plan B, which is not nearly as good.
and how about this signed team of the century print going at a cool $1000, from the same seller? (thanks to South of the Border's good friend 'Cuddles' for alerting me to it).
So why is this? Despite all the assurances that we are nothing and were nothing, some people still think they can make handy sums off those who still believe. And why is it the 2000/01 season which provides by far the most signed tops on ebay? Because they lost the grand final? Post-Brazil jumping off the bandwagon guilt? I support Melbourne Victory and can't afford to have it known that I supported Hellas guilt? This item's at about half the price that's usually asked for, but still for an NSL piece of memorabilia, that's quite high. Hopefully if this youtube upload which I'm doing which is taking forever on my medium-rated connection succesfully uploads, I'll have a nice treat for you tomorrow. Otherwise, it'll be Plan B, which is not nearly as good.
Friday, 14 March 2008
Party like it's 1985 - FFA considers nationwide cup competition
As a good anarcho-syndicalist according to the Political Compass site (something like -7.8 and minus -8.6 on their scale), it's not inappropriate to recycle old news articles like yesterdays.
FFA considers cup tournament
A domestic cup competition along the lines of England's FA Cup is one of the issues being considered by Football Federation Australia after it met yesterday with a group of former Socceroos.
So many ways of looking at this. Firstly that it will never happen, because of the natural obstacle that Australian sport has always faced, the tyranny of distance and the costs associated with that. But one also needs to take into account the difference in class between the A-League and leading state league competitions, but perhaps more importantly the difference in class between the states, and then add the fact that the FFV can't even be bothered in resuscitating the Dockerty Cup (so we can get results like the 1988 upset of then state league 3 Clarinda defeating then NSL-era Preston 2-1).
Anyway, this meeting sounds like they were sitting round the barbie pissed off their tits, just coming up with random ideas as you do in that environment. After all, they've tried to destroy almost everything that came before, and now they want us, gasp, to be part of the system? Highly doubtful. But then again, the mere existence of the arcade game Ninja Clowns (which was surely created by some guy high as a kite sitting on a beanbag watching music videos) always leaves hope.
FFA considers cup tournament
A domestic cup competition along the lines of England's FA Cup is one of the issues being considered by Football Federation Australia after it met yesterday with a group of former Socceroos.
The informal forum included FFA chief executive Ben Buckley, several past Socceroos including Alex Tobin and Charlie Yankos, and players from previous eras including Ray Baartz, John Watkiss, Ted Smith and Doug Wendt.
Buckley said the issues discussed included the mentoring of current players by their predecessors, the new national youth league, recognising the game's history and the establishment of a Socceroo Club. Tobin said a new cup format could allow teams from state leagues a crack at the A-League clubs, in much the same way the FA Cup allows lower division and non-league minnows a chance to upset English Premier League giants.
So many ways of looking at this. Firstly that it will never happen, because of the natural obstacle that Australian sport has always faced, the tyranny of distance and the costs associated with that. But one also needs to take into account the difference in class between the A-League and leading state league competitions, but perhaps more importantly the difference in class between the states, and then add the fact that the FFV can't even be bothered in resuscitating the Dockerty Cup (so we can get results like the 1988 upset of then state league 3 Clarinda defeating then NSL-era Preston 2-1).
Anyway, this meeting sounds like they were sitting round the barbie pissed off their tits, just coming up with random ideas as you do in that environment. After all, they've tried to destroy almost everything that came before, and now they want us, gasp, to be part of the system? Highly doubtful. But then again, the mere existence of the arcade game Ninja Clowns (which was surely created by some guy high as a kite sitting on a beanbag watching music videos) always leaves hope.
Thursday, 13 March 2008
Ange Postecoglou to coach in Greece
If you're anything like me, you love stale, almost week old news, which is far better than looking at what's actually happening today. But good on Michael Lynch for finally catching up to what dedicated viewers of smfcboard were first informed of last Saturday.
Postecoglou to fly flag in Greece
Good luck to Ange. As one of the few ex-South players or coaches who didn't leave the club on bad terms, and who still enthusiastically hangs around the club, South of the Border has no hesitation in wishing him all the best, especially in having to deal with Con Makris, surely one of the most despised people to have ever had involvement with Australian soccer, especially amongst supporters of West Adelaide Hellas (who have reformed their senior teams after many years absence under the name West Adelaide Blues). And it would be nice to also start exporting coaches overseas as opposed to just players. This would indicate truly for mine that Australia is a growing soccer power.
Postecoglou to fly flag in Greece
FORMER South Melbourne championship coach Ange Postecoglou is blazing a trail for Australian soccer managers by moving to Europe to take over at a struggling Greek club.
Postecoglou, who won titles with South in the National Soccer League in the late 1990s and then coached the Australian under-17 and under-20 teams, will take charge at Panachaikai, a third division club, this weekend.
The club is owned by Adelaide-based Greek-Australian Con Makris, who, says Postecoglou, initially approached him about taking over two seasons ago.
"At that time, I was a bit keen to take a break from coaching after my period with the national teams and I wanted to see how the A-League developed … But he approached me again last week and asked if I was interested and I said I would be."
Postecoglou made his mind up to take the job after flying to Greece last weekend.
"It should be an interesting challenge and it gives me the chance to try and get established as a coach in Europe. The club is in the third division — they got relegated last year — but Con has plans to invest and get it back up to the higher leagues. They used to be a first-division side and played in the UEFA Cup in the 1970s and 1980s," he said.
"All of my football experience has been gained in Australia … this is a great opportunity to further my own development and maybe help raise the profile of Australian football …"
Good luck to Ange. As one of the few ex-South players or coaches who didn't leave the club on bad terms, and who still enthusiastically hangs around the club, South of the Border has no hesitation in wishing him all the best, especially in having to deal with Con Makris, surely one of the most despised people to have ever had involvement with Australian soccer, especially amongst supporters of West Adelaide Hellas (who have reformed their senior teams after many years absence under the name West Adelaide Blues). And it would be nice to also start exporting coaches overseas as opposed to just players. This would indicate truly for mine that Australia is a growing soccer power.
1,000 visitors, hoorah!
Sometime during this week, the little counter at the bottom clicked over to 1,000 visits. Of course, this is not indicative of the true moment of 1,000 visitors, as the counter was installed some time after starting the blog. But anyway, not a bad result, since the blog has had very little publicity, apart from some inclusions at the bottom of my Das Libero pieces, and the very recent plug in the Pumpkin Seed Eaters show. The lack of publicity has been a deliberate ploy, with the emphasis on building up a backlog and a rhythm of sorts, and listening to various people who have provided their comments, ideas and insights as to how to make it all work better. Thanks to those who have left comments and given feedback, and thanks also to the original South Melbourne blog, Park Life, for inspiring this blog to begin with and providing a hint as to how to not lose interest in the whole thing so soon after starting. Here's to the 10,000 mark and the continued obsession western society has in measuring milestones according to the base 10 system.
Wednesday, 12 March 2008
Michael Petkovic, proven goalscorer
How about this for a long range effort?
At least someone South related knows how to shoot from range. Pity he's on the other side of the world when we need him most. Also saved a penalty, and his side won 3-2 to be a point off top spot. Always knew we had the better of the two brothers.
At least someone South related knows how to shoot from range. Pity he's on the other side of the world when we need him most. Also saved a penalty, and his side won 3-2 to be a point off top spot. Always knew we had the better of the two brothers.
Tuesday, 11 March 2008
South of the Border has an impact in the 'legitimate press'.
In yesterday's Neos Kosmos English Weekly (you know, the free supplement that is about 7.3 times better than the Greek content), there's meant to be a debut article by one of the rising stars of Australian sports journalism, talking about the new Summer League the FFV has pulled out of its arse to seem as if they're actually doing something. Haven't bought a copy myself to see if it's in there, but let's take it for granted that it is. Anyway, unlike that editorial vandal Ian "I don't get what you're trying to say in the 2nd last para'" Syson, NKEW Sports Editor James Belias has a far lighter and more appropriate touch. What can I say, the bloke seems to know how to appreciate good work. And when he eventually learns that short sentences suck, and that I should be allowed to ramble as I wish, then he'll rise even higher in my esteem. For those who don't have the courage to steal a copy from their local newsagent, here is the unadulterated piece, which had its genesis here, because this way I can save drafts and not forget to take them to school.
The Football Federation of Victoria have launched an ambitious plan to reinvigorate football in the state, with the goal of quadrupling participation numbers across the board by the end of 2011.
The cornerstone of their new plan is to create a zone-based summer competition going all the way from the seniors down to under 12s, including the women's game. This is in line with the FFA and national technical director Rob Baan's goal of having the country's best players playing 35-40 games a year. At present, most players at the Victorian state level will play at most a total of 30 competitive games a year.
Eight of the zones will be located within metropolitan
The 12 sides to participate will all be new franchises, though so far there is no indication of who will fund these new operations. The FFV hopes to use the state's premium football stadiums, such as
Players for the senior men's competition will be sourced from the various VPL clubs, as well as recruiting from regional areas and interstate. It is expected that players who participate will still be the nominal property of their 'winter' clubs, so that in the event of them being transferred to the A-League or overseas compensation would be paid to those clubs.
While the changes have been warmly received in some quarters, principally from those in regional areas and those who believe the Melbourne Victory model of broadbased franchises can work at a state level, many supporters of VPL clubs are sceptical about the changes.
Their concerns range from the practical, in terms of players lacking pre-seasons and the possibility of injuries to their players, to the more ideological, with some seeing it as a further attempt to marginalise the traditional ‘ethnic’ clubs by adding another tier in between the VPL and the A-League.
Their doubts also take into account the previous mooted and never actedon reforms of recent times, principally the so-called V-League, which was supposed to be introduced for the 2008 season. That plan which was also meant to overhaul the way clubs operate, essentially by compelling them to produce women’s and junior teams, as well as upgrade their facilities in order to participate at the highest level, was eventually delayed and then shelved.
Monday, 10 March 2008
Socceroos to take on Singapore... again
We're coming to get you Pohui!
From The World Game
I'm not sure what the point of this is myself, using mostly A-League players who by Pim's own admission are better off playing reserves football in England, and not forgetting that most of them are now in their off-season (which goes for what, about 6-7 months or something), but it'd be interesting to see how some of them go regardless. Oh wait, it's not on free to air. I guess I'll have to imagine it then.
From The World Game
National coach Pim Verbeek has announced a five-day camp in Singapore and a game against the island state on March 22.
The vital China match will be four days later.
"We want to play as many matches as we can against teams from Asia and, with Singapore also in the process of attempting to qualify for the World Cup, it is a perfect opponent for us," said Verbeek.
Due to club matches being played on the same weekend in Europe as the Singapore match it is likely the squad will be made up of mostly A-League players, giving them another important chance to earn a place in the squad to travel to Kunming to play China.
"This match will give valuable experience to A-League players and will be another important part of our program to keep them fit during the off season," said Verbeek.
"Once the match is over I will then decide who will make the final squad for the trip to China."
Verbeek also revealed that he took a lot of information away from a recent trip to China where he saw their national team in action.
"China played in a strong tournament so it was valuable for me to be able to see them play."
"They have stayed in camp and have already moved to Kunming to continue their preparations so the match against Singapore is vital for us."
Selected players from Adelaide United and Melbourne Victory who will be involved in Asian Champions League matches will join the camp once they complete their club matches on March 19.
The squad for these matches will be announced next week.
I'm not sure what the point of this is myself, using mostly A-League players who by Pim's own admission are better off playing reserves football in England, and not forgetting that most of them are now in their off-season (which goes for what, about 6-7 months or something), but it'd be interesting to see how some of them go regardless. Oh wait, it's not on free to air. I guess I'll have to imagine it then.
Sunday, 9 March 2008
Finally, adequate recognition of a meaningless title
After last week's diatribe against the carelessness of making a promotion and then not making it known to the entire universe (beautifully captured in the piece 'Where's my fucking t-shirt'), it would be remiss of me not to acknowledge the deed finally done. As can be seen here, I have now publicly been crowned as an associate editor of Das Libero. Contrary to the promises made to me however about lack of added responsibilities, Ian Syson has attempted to burden me with such concerns as the philosophical direction of the magazine, but since this mostly amounts to Monday morning meetings with the editor most of which is centred around bagging people off two certain Internet forums and general railings against 'the Man' , it's more like acknowledgment of the hard metres I've already done in this area.
Saturday, 8 March 2008
In the end, it's the result that counts - Oakleigh 1 South Melbourne 0
One early defensive mistake cost us the game last night, but what can you do? Not that we played the most sterling football, but we easily outplayed them, had far more chances, and were let down by our finishing and crossing. A bit of luck wouldn't have hurt too. We had only two freekicks in the first half hour, not one freekick in our final third for the entire match, and basically saw just about every 50/50 decision go Oaks way. Oh well. If we play that way we'll win most games I fancy, but the defending needs to shape up a bit, still plenty of communication problems and poor clearances.
We don't have a game now until the 24th March. O'Dor's red card (2 yellows) means he'll be sitting one or two games. Yusef got a pretty bad injury to his knee it seems. A chance to regroup and refuel now. Effort wise I cannot fault the team, they gave it their all and should've taken all three points. But that's football.
We don't have a game now until the 24th March. O'Dor's red card (2 yellows) means he'll be sitting one or two games. Yusef got a pretty bad injury to his knee it seems. A chance to regroup and refuel now. Effort wise I cannot fault the team, they gave it their all and should've taken all three points. But that's football.
Friday, 7 March 2008
South travels to Jack's Place looking for more points - Round 4, Oakleigh vs South Melbourne
No more final predictions, as basically no one holds me accountable and soccer-tips are not my specialty anyway.
Last time they met:
Round 20, 2007 at Lakeside Stadium
South Melbourne 5 Oakleigh Cannons 2
The 2nd half will live long in the memory of all who saw it, with South ridding themselves of their Oakleigh curse. A high quality match in which Hellas outlasted the visitors, the latter equalising twice before eventually being overrun in what was South's best football of the season. Diaco's top corner freekick to make it five was one of the goals of the season.
Preview
Oakleigh come into this game undefeated, and having just handed Coburg their first taste of VPL defeat, should be quite confident of being able to take all three points at home. The make up of the team that has excelled in recent home and away seasons but failed at in the finals has changed significantly however. Where the big names at big prices ruled the roost in three post-NSL seasons, there has been a high amount of player movement in the off-season for the Cannons. Masi is gone up front, Boutsianis is finally gone, Turnbull is gone in goals, Poutakidis of course joined South, and many have felt that their replacements are not up to the calibre of those departures. Nevertheless, Cagalj is a good pick up in goal, Apostolikas had a good year at Whittlesea, and they have an assortment of players who played finals football at other clubs last year, not forgetting the evergreen Damianos in central midfield. The most notable recruitment as far as this game goes, will surely be Trent Waterson; he who had several good games for South last season, prone to go missing in others, and who became the second successive midfielder poached by the Cannons from South in as many years.
South have some actual momentum to take into this game, having finally picked up their first points of the season in emphatic style in the previous round. This game should provide a sterner test however, against an opponent who is a genuine finals candidate as opposed to a relegation favourite. Will Johnny A' stick with his pairing of De Nittis and Armenian up front? Or will he revert to the previous dysfunctional set-up? Will Fernando get as much room as he did against Western Suburbs? How will the defense cope with a much a bigger workload after rarely being troubled last week? Will La Verde be able to step up another level in only his second senior game? South have a big five weeks ahead of them with games against Preston and the Knights away, and the as yet unbeaten AIS and always difficult Green Gully at home, so a win here, or at least a credible draw, will give confidence to the side that they can match it with the better teams and not just against the stragglers. But with Oakleigh at home, undefeated, and with South only having beaten Western Suburbs, the former should still be favourite, and would be disappointed to lose this one.
Last time they met:
Round 20, 2007 at Lakeside Stadium
South Melbourne 5 Oakleigh Cannons 2
The 2nd half will live long in the memory of all who saw it, with South ridding themselves of their Oakleigh curse. A high quality match in which Hellas outlasted the visitors, the latter equalising twice before eventually being overrun in what was South's best football of the season. Diaco's top corner freekick to make it five was one of the goals of the season.
Preview
Oakleigh come into this game undefeated, and having just handed Coburg their first taste of VPL defeat, should be quite confident of being able to take all three points at home. The make up of the team that has excelled in recent home and away seasons but failed at in the finals has changed significantly however. Where the big names at big prices ruled the roost in three post-NSL seasons, there has been a high amount of player movement in the off-season for the Cannons. Masi is gone up front, Boutsianis is finally gone, Turnbull is gone in goals, Poutakidis of course joined South, and many have felt that their replacements are not up to the calibre of those departures. Nevertheless, Cagalj is a good pick up in goal, Apostolikas had a good year at Whittlesea, and they have an assortment of players who played finals football at other clubs last year, not forgetting the evergreen Damianos in central midfield. The most notable recruitment as far as this game goes, will surely be Trent Waterson; he who had several good games for South last season, prone to go missing in others, and who became the second successive midfielder poached by the Cannons from South in as many years.
South have some actual momentum to take into this game, having finally picked up their first points of the season in emphatic style in the previous round. This game should provide a sterner test however, against an opponent who is a genuine finals candidate as opposed to a relegation favourite. Will Johnny A' stick with his pairing of De Nittis and Armenian up front? Or will he revert to the previous dysfunctional set-up? Will Fernando get as much room as he did against Western Suburbs? How will the defense cope with a much a bigger workload after rarely being troubled last week? Will La Verde be able to step up another level in only his second senior game? South have a big five weeks ahead of them with games against Preston and the Knights away, and the as yet unbeaten AIS and always difficult Green Gully at home, so a win here, or at least a credible draw, will give confidence to the side that they can match it with the better teams and not just against the stragglers. But with Oakleigh at home, undefeated, and with South only having beaten Western Suburbs, the former should still be favourite, and would be disappointed to lose this one.
Thursday, 6 March 2008
The other side of the "Summer League" debate
It's fair to point out that not everyone's against the FFV's new direction. Lance Jenkinson, a sports journo from the local Fairfax media has a different spin
Summer league sets some ambitious goals
Of course I disagree quite a bit with his opinion piece, feeling that it is far too optimistic, uncritical and contains a fundamental misreading of Victorian senior soccer, as well as not taking into serious account the logistical requirements. Sticking to the proposed men's senior comp for the moment, because I wouldn't know where to start with the womens and junior stuff.
You have to hand it to the Football Federation Victoria and its proactive board.
Proactive? Ambitious? You bet. On that point one must agree, considering a lot of the stalling done in the past to prevent change happening. But why this sort of change, why not what was proposed in the past? And what are the contingencies if this fails? Or is this an all or nothing approach? Who's going to pay for all this? Why aren't they contributing to the game now if they aren't already? What's in it for them?
What was so impressive about the project launch was the FFV's ability to cop criticism on the chin and learn from past mistakes.
Where have the FFV shown the ability to take criticism and learn from their past mistakes? A lot of people keep banging on about how they keep making the same mistakes over and over, and can't even do the basics right.
It is an ambitious plan - but one that has been meticulously planned with a lot of input from people outside and in the FFV.
And yet a lot of people seem to know very little about what's going on at all, with seemingly quite a few people alarmed at the lack of information and consultation provided. On the same token, it appears as if some VPL boards (and there is reason to believe South is one of them) who are much better informed and seem to have far more input.
Integration: Can the FFV successfully use the 'Melbourne Victory model' of creating a team from a blanket region instead of a suburb or ethnic background?
Melbourne Victory works because it is at the top tier. Interest in top tier sports pretty much across the board is at a high level. Yet interest in 2nd tier sport is falling, with clubs merging and some disappearing altogether. Market correction perhaps, in that there are too many entities to sustain at a senior level? Possibly, but I think the trends show that people care about junior sports, top-tier sports, but care less and less about the in-between stuff.
Crowds: Will the supporters embrace the new league with the understanding that it will not affect their support of established clubs such as South Melbourne, Melbourne Knights or the Fawkner Blues who will still form the Foxtel Cup?
On the one hand, with the crowds that most VPL clubs get, does it really matter? Then again, the majority of the VPL clubs for a long time now have been located in the northern and western suburbs - the eastern suburbs haven't a serious senior contender for many years. It could be argued that there is a serious problem with senior soccer out in the eastern suburbs, will this kind of thing help reverse that trend? Hard to say, but I'm doubtful.
Facilities: This could make or break the FFV's plans. Will it find the dollars and the government backing to upgrade facilities in the next four years to be able to establish the mooted centres of excellence?
This is a good point he brings up, but what kind of efforts are the FFV putting in now to secure upgrades to VPL venues? Or to secure the future tenancy of clubs at venues? Or to help clubs at all levels g4et equal treamtent from council's compared to their aussie rules counterparts? How will their bargaining power change?
The player development point is a red herring. Your Joe Spiteris and Michael Curcijas are not the future, and yet, with the A-League's youth competition due to start this year, that also means that another batch of players, supposedly the next in line for top-tier senior selection and recruitment, will also be unavailable. So who will the players be that will be called up? And will they get better? If so, how much better? Can players have the option of refusing to participate? What if a lot of players refuse to participate? What happens to pre-seasons?
Most of the reactions I've read lean towards the negative, with responses ranging from the hysterical, the cynical, to the just plain unsure. In writing that opinion piece, not only has Jenksinson put forward the first overwhelmingly positive view that's I've seen (which is a good thing in the sense that it's interesting to see another side of the coin, apart from one associate of mine), but he appears to have a lot more more faith in the FFV than most people.
Summer league sets some ambitious goals
Of course I disagree quite a bit with his opinion piece, feeling that it is far too optimistic, uncritical and contains a fundamental misreading of Victorian senior soccer, as well as not taking into serious account the logistical requirements. Sticking to the proposed men's senior comp for the moment, because I wouldn't know where to start with the womens and junior stuff.
You have to hand it to the Football Federation Victoria and its proactive board.
Proactive? Ambitious? You bet. On that point one must agree, considering a lot of the stalling done in the past to prevent change happening. But why this sort of change, why not what was proposed in the past? And what are the contingencies if this fails? Or is this an all or nothing approach? Who's going to pay for all this? Why aren't they contributing to the game now if they aren't already? What's in it for them?
What was so impressive about the project launch was the FFV's ability to cop criticism on the chin and learn from past mistakes.
Where have the FFV shown the ability to take criticism and learn from their past mistakes? A lot of people keep banging on about how they keep making the same mistakes over and over, and can't even do the basics right.
It is an ambitious plan - but one that has been meticulously planned with a lot of input from people outside and in the FFV.
And yet a lot of people seem to know very little about what's going on at all, with seemingly quite a few people alarmed at the lack of information and consultation provided. On the same token, it appears as if some VPL boards (and there is reason to believe South is one of them) who are much better informed and seem to have far more input.
Integration: Can the FFV successfully use the 'Melbourne Victory model' of creating a team from a blanket region instead of a suburb or ethnic background?
Melbourne Victory works because it is at the top tier. Interest in top tier sports pretty much across the board is at a high level. Yet interest in 2nd tier sport is falling, with clubs merging and some disappearing altogether. Market correction perhaps, in that there are too many entities to sustain at a senior level? Possibly, but I think the trends show that people care about junior sports, top-tier sports, but care less and less about the in-between stuff.
Crowds: Will the supporters embrace the new league with the understanding that it will not affect their support of established clubs such as South Melbourne, Melbourne Knights or the Fawkner Blues who will still form the Foxtel Cup?
On the one hand, with the crowds that most VPL clubs get, does it really matter? Then again, the majority of the VPL clubs for a long time now have been located in the northern and western suburbs - the eastern suburbs haven't a serious senior contender for many years. It could be argued that there is a serious problem with senior soccer out in the eastern suburbs, will this kind of thing help reverse that trend? Hard to say, but I'm doubtful.
Facilities: This could make or break the FFV's plans. Will it find the dollars and the government backing to upgrade facilities in the next four years to be able to establish the mooted centres of excellence?
This is a good point he brings up, but what kind of efforts are the FFV putting in now to secure upgrades to VPL venues? Or to secure the future tenancy of clubs at venues? Or to help clubs at all levels g4et equal treamtent from council's compared to their aussie rules counterparts? How will their bargaining power change?
The player development point is a red herring. Your Joe Spiteris and Michael Curcijas are not the future, and yet, with the A-League's youth competition due to start this year, that also means that another batch of players, supposedly the next in line for top-tier senior selection and recruitment, will also be unavailable. So who will the players be that will be called up? And will they get better? If so, how much better? Can players have the option of refusing to participate? What if a lot of players refuse to participate? What happens to pre-seasons?
Most of the reactions I've read lean towards the negative, with responses ranging from the hysterical, the cynical, to the just plain unsure. In writing that opinion piece, not only has Jenksinson put forward the first overwhelmingly positive view that's I've seen (which is a good thing in the sense that it's interesting to see another side of the coin, apart from one associate of mine), but he appears to have a lot more more faith in the FFV than most people.
Wednesday, 5 March 2008
Public Relations 101 - Say anything, but don't actually say something
In more recent times, South's current president Leo Athanasakis sought to make an effort to be more open about the club's affairs with the few people still intent on coming. There was an open forum late last year, poorly attended, but illuminating nonetheless. There appears since then to have been a hasty retreat from that position, to the more accustomed "it's our information and we don't have to share it with anyone else" approach, as can be seen from this press release on the future of Lakeside Stadium.
South Melbourne FC Media Release
Wednesday, 05 March, 2008
SOUTH MELBOURNE FC IN DISCUSSIONS WITH STATE GOVERNMENT REGARDING STADIUM
Albert Park has been the home of the South Melbourne Football Club for almost fifty years. For the last 13 years the club has been based at Bob Jane Stadium. In that time, the South Melbourne Football Club has invested heavily in both the local and general community, as well as in the Bob Jane Stadium itself.
The South Melbourne Football Club will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2009 and is committed to remaining at Bob Jane Stadium long term and remaining an integral part of the local community and the Victorian sporting culture.
The club is currently in the process of participating in discussions with the Government in relation to the possible future redevelopment of the Bob Jane Stadium.
The discussions are ongoing and the South Melbourne Football Club is satisfied with the process and the discussions to date and intends to remain a part of the process with a view to ensuring a positive outcome and to secure the future of the club.
The club does not intend to make any further statement at this stage.
Now if anyone can get something out of that other than we've been here for a little bit, we intend to stay here for a little bit longer, and we're talking to some people about that, then good luck to you. Basically, they just said what everyone knows already. I understand that negotiations are taking place, that nothing has been finalised (although one rumour from a fairly reliable source says it was all decided some time last year to put a running track round the joint), and that there are all sorts of confidentiality constraints blah blah blah.
But where does that leave supporters? Floating around Internet forums, and with an eye on Neos Kosmos and an ear on 3XY, with only the former at all really worth paying attention to. Not an ideal situation by half.
South Melbourne FC Media Release
Wednesday, 05 March, 2008
SOUTH MELBOURNE FC IN DISCUSSIONS WITH STATE GOVERNMENT REGARDING STADIUM
Albert Park has been the home of the South Melbourne Football Club for almost fifty years. For the last 13 years the club has been based at Bob Jane Stadium. In that time, the South Melbourne Football Club has invested heavily in both the local and general community, as well as in the Bob Jane Stadium itself.
The South Melbourne Football Club will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2009 and is committed to remaining at Bob Jane Stadium long term and remaining an integral part of the local community and the Victorian sporting culture.
The club is currently in the process of participating in discussions with the Government in relation to the possible future redevelopment of the Bob Jane Stadium.
The discussions are ongoing and the South Melbourne Football Club is satisfied with the process and the discussions to date and intends to remain a part of the process with a view to ensuring a positive outcome and to secure the future of the club.
The club does not intend to make any further statement at this stage.
Now if anyone can get something out of that other than we've been here for a little bit, we intend to stay here for a little bit longer, and we're talking to some people about that, then good luck to you. Basically, they just said what everyone knows already. I understand that negotiations are taking place, that nothing has been finalised (although one rumour from a fairly reliable source says it was all decided some time last year to put a running track round the joint), and that there are all sorts of confidentiality constraints blah blah blah.
But where does that leave supporters? Floating around Internet forums, and with an eye on Neos Kosmos and an ear on 3XY, with only the former at all really worth paying attention to. Not an ideal situation by half.
Tuesday, 4 March 2008
Eddie Everywhere's eviction notice to himself
The latest episode in the Olympic Park precinct restructure saga
Olympic Park grab for Collingwood
Right off the bat, I'll make it known that I am a keen Collingwood fan. Don't get to enough games (usually 4-5 a year), but in action it's quite obvious I'm far more a South fan (nearly every game, plus an assortment of pre-season stuff and miscellaneous events). Unlike a majority of Collingwood fans, I have a massive problem with Eddie's many conflicts of interests, though not in the way that was most reported, in terms commentary bias, but rather the blurring of the line between 'journalist' and 'club official'. See his covering up a few years ago of the story of Collingwood players trashing a hotel up in Queensland during the mid-season break as one example.
Now for those not up to speed with the whole situation. A few years ago, Collingwood deserted their home of over a century, the legendary but rundown Victoria Park, to move to a new purpose built centre next to Olympic Park. They train on the former site of Olympic Park ground no.2, former greyhound track and home of Brunswick Juventus. But the government is now building the new 'Bubbledome' stadium, where the Victory and the Storm will play. Collingwood and Melbourne aussie rules club, (who also train there) have been pretty much asked to train 300 metres further east. Not really such a big ask. But because Eddie is not only president of Collingwood but also on the board of Athletics Australia, he's basically trying to evict the organisation he is supposed to be looking after the interests of, and who don't want to move from Olympic Park, so they can be replaced by his other, bigger interest.
Why the heat is not being applied with the most massive fucking blowtorch in the universe by local journos is a disgrace but not exactly unexpected. The AFL gets a dream run in the local media, and anyone unfortunate enough to get in their way will get short shrift. Let us not also forget the (now apparently aborted) push from the Sydney Swans, even supported by dickhead Victory supporters, to get evict us. I don't have a problem with a running track around Lakeside. It's not ideal, but if it secures our tenancy there for a long time and by extension our future, then that's the most important thing. But the way Athletics Victoria and South are being treated is nothing short of disgraceful. More comment to come as the new stadium gets built, and a decision has to be made.
Olympic Park grab for Collingwood
Right off the bat, I'll make it known that I am a keen Collingwood fan. Don't get to enough games (usually 4-5 a year), but in action it's quite obvious I'm far more a South fan (nearly every game, plus an assortment of pre-season stuff and miscellaneous events). Unlike a majority of Collingwood fans, I have a massive problem with Eddie's many conflicts of interests, though not in the way that was most reported, in terms commentary bias, but rather the blurring of the line between 'journalist' and 'club official'. See his covering up a few years ago of the story of Collingwood players trashing a hotel up in Queensland during the mid-season break as one example.
Now for those not up to speed with the whole situation. A few years ago, Collingwood deserted their home of over a century, the legendary but rundown Victoria Park, to move to a new purpose built centre next to Olympic Park. They train on the former site of Olympic Park ground no.2, former greyhound track and home of Brunswick Juventus. But the government is now building the new 'Bubbledome' stadium, where the Victory and the Storm will play. Collingwood and Melbourne aussie rules club, (who also train there) have been pretty much asked to train 300 metres further east. Not really such a big ask. But because Eddie is not only president of Collingwood but also on the board of Athletics Australia, he's basically trying to evict the organisation he is supposed to be looking after the interests of, and who don't want to move from Olympic Park, so they can be replaced by his other, bigger interest.
Why the heat is not being applied with the most massive fucking blowtorch in the universe by local journos is a disgrace but not exactly unexpected. The AFL gets a dream run in the local media, and anyone unfortunate enough to get in their way will get short shrift. Let us not also forget the (now apparently aborted) push from the Sydney Swans, even supported by dickhead Victory supporters, to get evict us. I don't have a problem with a running track around Lakeside. It's not ideal, but if it secures our tenancy there for a long time and by extension our future, then that's the most important thing. But the way Athletics Victoria and South are being treated is nothing short of disgraceful. More comment to come as the new stadium gets built, and a decision has to be made.
The latest SMFC craze - Ultimate Straw Clutching
What the hell are they trying to achieve with this?
Ex-South keeper captures award
Now I must make it clear for the outset, this is not an attack on George Kouroumalis who was commissioned to write the article, nor is it particularly an attempt to devalue former South NSL keeper Michael Theoklitos' achievement of winning the A-League's goalie of the year award (that's already done by the fact that he has what, only 7 other guys to compete against), but more against the utter stupidity of the thinking behind this.
Immediately one must ask, are we really that desperate for relevance? What next, congratulating Danny Allsopp for being leading scorer in the 2006/07 season, Kevin Muscat for all time leading penalty scorer, Eddie Krncevic for most conspicuous player agent at VPL games? South is still a proud club, with many achievements in the bank and a lot more to come through one would hope. Did the genius who came up with this realise that Theoklitos played a grand total of five games for South (1970s Arsenal striker Malcolm MacDonald played three in his guest stint in comparison), and was one of the players that upped camp and moved to the Football Kingz with Micky Petersen at the end of the 2000/01 season? Granted he was a keeper, and therefore has to go look for opportunities where they lie, but the point still stands. Yes he was one of our players once upon a time, but really, the links are pretty tenuous, and there's little credit to be gained from leeching off the back of Theo's success in this way. South is supposed to be a bigger club than that.
Ex-South keeper captures award
Now I must make it clear for the outset, this is not an attack on George Kouroumalis who was commissioned to write the article, nor is it particularly an attempt to devalue former South NSL keeper Michael Theoklitos' achievement of winning the A-League's goalie of the year award (that's already done by the fact that he has what, only 7 other guys to compete against), but more against the utter stupidity of the thinking behind this.
Immediately one must ask, are we really that desperate for relevance? What next, congratulating Danny Allsopp for being leading scorer in the 2006/07 season, Kevin Muscat for all time leading penalty scorer, Eddie Krncevic for most conspicuous player agent at VPL games? South is still a proud club, with many achievements in the bank and a lot more to come through one would hope. Did the genius who came up with this realise that Theoklitos played a grand total of five games for South (1970s Arsenal striker Malcolm MacDonald played three in his guest stint in comparison), and was one of the players that upped camp and moved to the Football Kingz with Micky Petersen at the end of the 2000/01 season? Granted he was a keeper, and therefore has to go look for opportunities where they lie, but the point still stands. Yes he was one of our players once upon a time, but really, the links are pretty tenuous, and there's little credit to be gained from leeching off the back of Theo's success in this way. South is supposed to be a bigger club than that.
Sunday, 2 March 2008
Finally off and running for 2008 - South Melbourne 5 Western Suburbs 0
When you play the right players, and play them in the right positions, and with the right formation, sometimes against all logic you score a bundle of goals and win handsomely. Now, Western Suburbs were far from the best opposition, but they were almost never in the game. They had one very good chance in the 1st half to pull it back to 2-1, but that was pretty much it.
Fernando was outstanding. De Nittis, Zoric and Armenian all very good, and there seemed to be the inkling of and understanding between them. Poutakidis was a little hot and cold, but was useful when coming forward. Natsoulias looked good, Nunes looked ok, though the defence in general had very little to do. La Verde making his debut was a quiet revelation; the kid knows how to play, and could just be the kind of thing we need in central midfield, very creative. Vasquez who came on late also had a decent game, though with the game dead, it's hard to judge.
1st goal - Fernando running right across the the edge of the box, past a couple of defenders, shoots into the keepers bottom left hand corner, out of his reach.
2nd goal - a pass to the back post (again on the keepers left hand side) tapped in by Natsoulias
3rd goal - De Nittis slots home a one on one.
4th goal - Fernando whips in an incredible free kick to the far post, the keeper no chance.
5th goal - another pass across the face of goal, where it was missed by one player, but put away by a desperate Poutakidos effort.
Congrats must also go to the under 21s for also breaking their duck, hanging on for a 1-0 win. They were on the back foot for a large parts of the 2nd half, but their 1st half goal (which i missed), was good enough in the end.
Below is some absolutely woeful amateur footage of Fernando's brilliant 2nd goal, a free kick into a corner I didn't know existed, courtesy of some kid called Cliff. I'm not sure if you actually even see the ball at any stage, but the crowd seems excited.
Fernando was outstanding. De Nittis, Zoric and Armenian all very good, and there seemed to be the inkling of and understanding between them. Poutakidis was a little hot and cold, but was useful when coming forward. Natsoulias looked good, Nunes looked ok, though the defence in general had very little to do. La Verde making his debut was a quiet revelation; the kid knows how to play, and could just be the kind of thing we need in central midfield, very creative. Vasquez who came on late also had a decent game, though with the game dead, it's hard to judge.
1st goal - Fernando running right across the the edge of the box, past a couple of defenders, shoots into the keepers bottom left hand corner, out of his reach.
2nd goal - a pass to the back post (again on the keepers left hand side) tapped in by Natsoulias
3rd goal - De Nittis slots home a one on one.
4th goal - Fernando whips in an incredible free kick to the far post, the keeper no chance.
5th goal - another pass across the face of goal, where it was missed by one player, but put away by a desperate Poutakidos effort.
Congrats must also go to the under 21s for also breaking their duck, hanging on for a 1-0 win. They were on the back foot for a large parts of the 2nd half, but their 1st half goal (which i missed), was good enough in the end.
Below is some absolutely woeful amateur footage of Fernando's brilliant 2nd goal, a free kick into a corner I didn't know existed, courtesy of some kid called Cliff. I'm not sure if you actually even see the ball at any stage, but the crowd seems excited.
It's like it didn't even happen
As you may be aware, I have recently been contributing to the soon-to-be prestigious soccer journal Das Libero. At this moment this consists of a couple of reviews and a look at Tony Ising's departure from his creation, but hopefully more soon, including a letter I wrote in reply to Gweeds' reply to my Ising piece, yesterday's worthy rant - which unlike most of my work I still like 24 hours after I finished it, not to mention the rave review it received - and a couple of other pieces which will likely be of a more significant length, ie. longer, therefore containing even more creamy goodness.
All this after being nagged for months to get stuff written, to read the books I was meant to review, to actually write said reviews, and even creating this blog partly as a way of avoiding all that effort. So anyway, for some reason and without asking, I was made associate editor. After making sure it entailed no actual responsibility, I reluctantly accepted. Wait, reluctantly is not the right word. Gladly accepted. And yet, despite the upgrade in rank, all the trappings that come with your typical promotion have failed to materialise. The swish new office, the extravagant business lunches, the company car, the generous travel allowance, the all expenses paid trip to the Bahamas to research beach football culture in the Caribbean. But it gets worse. Not even any acknowledgement on the site itself of this promotion.
So here's the deal. I'll let all that other stuff go, if I can get a Das Libero t-shirt. They look like shit, but there's not many of them in existence, and if I can get 'associate editor' on there somehow, I'll even try to be less cynical while I'm wearing it. And by the way, I only appear cynical because I'm such an idealist that whenever something fails to reach my lofty ideals I react with a wry, withering or despondent disposition. That's what this young woman who used to find me annoyingly cynical told me, and I'm thankful everyday that she did. Anyway, when I googled myself, my reference on Das Libero came up first, and South of the Border on the 2nd page. See everyone at the game.
All this after being nagged for months to get stuff written, to read the books I was meant to review, to actually write said reviews, and even creating this blog partly as a way of avoiding all that effort. So anyway, for some reason and without asking, I was made associate editor. After making sure it entailed no actual responsibility, I reluctantly accepted. Wait, reluctantly is not the right word. Gladly accepted. And yet, despite the upgrade in rank, all the trappings that come with your typical promotion have failed to materialise. The swish new office, the extravagant business lunches, the company car, the generous travel allowance, the all expenses paid trip to the Bahamas to research beach football culture in the Caribbean. But it gets worse. Not even any acknowledgement on the site itself of this promotion.
So here's the deal. I'll let all that other stuff go, if I can get a Das Libero t-shirt. They look like shit, but there's not many of them in existence, and if I can get 'associate editor' on there somehow, I'll even try to be less cynical while I'm wearing it. And by the way, I only appear cynical because I'm such an idealist that whenever something fails to reach my lofty ideals I react with a wry, withering or despondent disposition. That's what this young woman who used to find me annoyingly cynical told me, and I'm thankful everyday that she did. Anyway, when I googled myself, my reference on Das Libero came up first, and South of the Border on the 2nd page. See everyone at the game.
Saturday, 1 March 2008
Walking, After Midnight
efils good and the time is right / i'll bundle up and slip away
the count is down and the drip is up / it's time to split this hunk of clay
Eels, Efil's God
So it's come to this. A new twelve team summer competition, with all new regionally based and privately backed franchises (or in some cases quite possibly, regional federation backed), using existing VPL players (as well as ring-ins from wherever) under some scheme where if they get picked up by an A-League side, VPL clubs will get compensated, watched and paid for by whom exactly I'm not sure of, but what the hell do I know. I just follow South after all, and who can say what turns the game will take in these heady times.
Some might say this is the game running before it can walk, others a long overdue move and bound to succeed thanks to the soccer boom led by the success of the Socceroos and the Melbourne Victory. Good luck to them. Unless you want to argue the point for some reason, we're pretty much third tier now. What this also means is that the FFV has effectively given up on Old Soccer too. Maybe they're right to do so. Hell, most people jumped off that ship fairly quickly, to be brutally honest. Why shouldn't the FFV be able to do what even most of its constituents have done and focus on development pathways for players to the top, rather than the sad little dreams of 60 year old migrants who still turn up long after their friends bailed or died, 20-25 year olds rusted on to an antiquated belief in club loyalty, and money men (and one woman) throwing cash at the blackest of black holes, the VPL, and Victorian senior soccer in general.
Let face it, it's all about the juniors today people. The usual whiny minority aside, it's been evident for enough time now that no one gives a stuff. And yes, all you people still attending and supporting the club your forbears, or your mates forbears built, or some schmo who just wanted to have a place where his mates could have a kickaround, you are no one. You are no longer important. The FFV have looked into the FFA's crystal ball, and seen the future, and it looks kinda like this. Heaps of juniors across the land, playing 'football' so they wont get fat or seriously hurt, and helping to fill the coffers quickly while taking little out. The creation of a well oiled machine, to pump out thousands of little champions, who after the various squad cuts throughout the years will become bigger champions, who can pass with both feet, know dozens of moves, be a library of tactics, and be more or less exact clones of each other. Senior soccer at the lower levels if it still exists (and it probably will) will be almost completely amateur, and will be based amongst localised suburban competitions ala aussie rules comps, probably on unenclosed public reserves.
As the history of the local game pre-World War 2 has been forgotten, so will the history of the last 60 or so years be forgotten. Few will rejoice or despair; the great games, clubs, players and administrators, except in the cases where recorded and maintained on little visited websites by bleary eyed trainspotting nerds, will be as if they never existed. A bit of lipservice, and then scorched earth, clean slates, c:/format, and off into the bright happy world of tomorrow. A world in which well 'ard ultras protest against 'modern football' while supporting Evil Geoff Lord's franchise, and aussie rules families, safe from reminders of what multiculturalism is, clap and cheer politely while they firmly believe that their little Anglo-Celtic world is diverse because the people around them look different, while clutching their meat pies and super dogs (thanks to Pavlaki for that phrase).
In retrospect the signs were all there. Not just in the big things, but the little things too. Every half competent person leaving the FFV for greener pastures. The almost determined incompetence of running senior competitions, including the pisspoor prizemoney. The clandestine season launch in which the state's only dedicated local soccer publication wasn't invited. People like 3XX wanting to broadcast games and the FFV not wanting the publicity. The endless delays and changes to what would eventually become the V-League, or whatever they're going to call it. And on it goes. But don't complain. This is market forces we're talking about - wait sorry - this is what Victorian football's constituents want in order for the game to progress in this state. And they shall have it.
So what now? Easily combustible members of a certain club which wears royal blue and white and once won four national titles in a fantasy comp called the National Soccer League have variously called for action to be taken, protests, sabotage, breakaway leagues, playing in Asia or New Zealand, complaining to FIFA, the FFA, the courts, whoever will listen, calls for an Apocalypse Now themed ending, (surely we could hire a helicopter to fly over the top at least for a little while), banding together with our disenfranchised brethren/enemies or going at it full bore, riots, flares, everything that we've held back on, everything they said we did to ruin the game because we were selfish.
Well, so let's be selfish. In some of my more despondent moments in recent years, my idea went something like this. South is celebrating its 50th anniversary next year. There's no hope for a better future, we have nowhere to go, the standard will keep falling as more and more players are used for the higher tiers, and there's little replenishment of support. Verily, it's better to die on your feet than live on your knees. The club's dignity must come first. So flares at every game. Pitch invasions every game. Streamers and banners on full bore, confetti to piss off the constabulary who hate the sight of litter so much. Every game to be a raucous wake not just for South but the local game as a whole. The team not to be made up of players with aspirations of playing for the chance to join a team which competes to win a toilet seat, but the best players out of the fans that are left, who will play for free, for the simple honour of the shirt. And then at the end of the season, we burn the whole stadium down, burn that shit heap remnant of the aussie rules stand, just another monument to a time when all of this sort of thing had some sort of meaning, when we weren't the walking dead. And as a bonus it'll be an easier cleanup job for when they build that athletics track that's going to go round Lakeside anyway.
In time, one may calm down, see it all differently, accept, acquiesce, adapt, find the niche that may exist, and go on regardless of whatever the great dreamers of dreams will dream up, and let the focus groups and demographers advise the new world order of their every move. Sometime later, I might come to my senses and may even write something sensible on the situation. For the moment though, in the words of FFV CEO Mark Rendell, "let's suck it and see".
the count is down and the drip is up / it's time to split this hunk of clay
Eels, Efil's God
So it's come to this. A new twelve team summer competition, with all new regionally based and privately backed franchises (or in some cases quite possibly, regional federation backed), using existing VPL players (as well as ring-ins from wherever) under some scheme where if they get picked up by an A-League side, VPL clubs will get compensated, watched and paid for by whom exactly I'm not sure of, but what the hell do I know. I just follow South after all, and who can say what turns the game will take in these heady times.
Some might say this is the game running before it can walk, others a long overdue move and bound to succeed thanks to the soccer boom led by the success of the Socceroos and the Melbourne Victory. Good luck to them. Unless you want to argue the point for some reason, we're pretty much third tier now. What this also means is that the FFV has effectively given up on Old Soccer too. Maybe they're right to do so. Hell, most people jumped off that ship fairly quickly, to be brutally honest. Why shouldn't the FFV be able to do what even most of its constituents have done and focus on development pathways for players to the top, rather than the sad little dreams of 60 year old migrants who still turn up long after their friends bailed or died, 20-25 year olds rusted on to an antiquated belief in club loyalty, and money men (and one woman) throwing cash at the blackest of black holes, the VPL, and Victorian senior soccer in general.
Let face it, it's all about the juniors today people. The usual whiny minority aside, it's been evident for enough time now that no one gives a stuff. And yes, all you people still attending and supporting the club your forbears, or your mates forbears built, or some schmo who just wanted to have a place where his mates could have a kickaround, you are no one. You are no longer important. The FFV have looked into the FFA's crystal ball, and seen the future, and it looks kinda like this. Heaps of juniors across the land, playing 'football' so they wont get fat or seriously hurt, and helping to fill the coffers quickly while taking little out. The creation of a well oiled machine, to pump out thousands of little champions, who after the various squad cuts throughout the years will become bigger champions, who can pass with both feet, know dozens of moves, be a library of tactics, and be more or less exact clones of each other. Senior soccer at the lower levels if it still exists (and it probably will) will be almost completely amateur, and will be based amongst localised suburban competitions ala aussie rules comps, probably on unenclosed public reserves.
As the history of the local game pre-World War 2 has been forgotten, so will the history of the last 60 or so years be forgotten. Few will rejoice or despair; the great games, clubs, players and administrators, except in the cases where recorded and maintained on little visited websites by bleary eyed trainspotting nerds, will be as if they never existed. A bit of lipservice, and then scorched earth, clean slates, c:/format, and off into the bright happy world of tomorrow. A world in which well 'ard ultras protest against 'modern football' while supporting Evil Geoff Lord's franchise, and aussie rules families, safe from reminders of what multiculturalism is, clap and cheer politely while they firmly believe that their little Anglo-Celtic world is diverse because the people around them look different, while clutching their meat pies and super dogs (thanks to Pavlaki for that phrase).
In retrospect the signs were all there. Not just in the big things, but the little things too. Every half competent person leaving the FFV for greener pastures. The almost determined incompetence of running senior competitions, including the pisspoor prizemoney. The clandestine season launch in which the state's only dedicated local soccer publication wasn't invited. People like 3XX wanting to broadcast games and the FFV not wanting the publicity. The endless delays and changes to what would eventually become the V-League, or whatever they're going to call it. And on it goes. But don't complain. This is market forces we're talking about - wait sorry - this is what Victorian football's constituents want in order for the game to progress in this state. And they shall have it.
So what now? Easily combustible members of a certain club which wears royal blue and white and once won four national titles in a fantasy comp called the National Soccer League have variously called for action to be taken, protests, sabotage, breakaway leagues, playing in Asia or New Zealand, complaining to FIFA, the FFA, the courts, whoever will listen, calls for an Apocalypse Now themed ending, (surely we could hire a helicopter to fly over the top at least for a little while), banding together with our disenfranchised brethren/enemies or going at it full bore, riots, flares, everything that we've held back on, everything they said we did to ruin the game because we were selfish.
Well, so let's be selfish. In some of my more despondent moments in recent years, my idea went something like this. South is celebrating its 50th anniversary next year. There's no hope for a better future, we have nowhere to go, the standard will keep falling as more and more players are used for the higher tiers, and there's little replenishment of support. Verily, it's better to die on your feet than live on your knees. The club's dignity must come first. So flares at every game. Pitch invasions every game. Streamers and banners on full bore, confetti to piss off the constabulary who hate the sight of litter so much. Every game to be a raucous wake not just for South but the local game as a whole. The team not to be made up of players with aspirations of playing for the chance to join a team which competes to win a toilet seat, but the best players out of the fans that are left, who will play for free, for the simple honour of the shirt. And then at the end of the season, we burn the whole stadium down, burn that shit heap remnant of the aussie rules stand, just another monument to a time when all of this sort of thing had some sort of meaning, when we weren't the walking dead. And as a bonus it'll be an easier cleanup job for when they build that athletics track that's going to go round Lakeside anyway.
In time, one may calm down, see it all differently, accept, acquiesce, adapt, find the niche that may exist, and go on regardless of whatever the great dreamers of dreams will dream up, and let the focus groups and demographers advise the new world order of their every move. Sometime later, I might come to my senses and may even write something sensible on the situation. For the moment though, in the words of FFV CEO Mark Rendell, "let's suck it and see".
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