South Melbourne A-League bid chairman Bill Papastergiadis has characterised the proposal submitted by him and his associates as “ideal” for the Football Federation of Australia.
The man behind the bid made sure to put to rest all recent rumours regarding other clubs already participating in the A-League, such as Melbourne City or Melbourne Victory going against South Melbourne’s participation in fear of losing part of their crowds.
“Targeting the south-southeast market with an already known club with existing infrastructure presents an excellent opportunity for an immediately greater A-League presence in the important South Southeast market,” he says.
“We will add to the football pie in Victoria. We will work with City and Victory and our demographics support this.”
Mr Papastergiadis also stressed the club’s strong presence in the area, responding to the Team 11 aspirations to erect a stadium in Dandenong.
“South Melbourne FC ‘owns’ the south east part of Melbourne. The facts prove it,” he says.
“South Melbourne FC is in the proud position to announce as part of its representation of the south – south east catchment area that it has pledges of support from over 50 clubs including the major NPL teams of Oakleigh Cannons, Kingston City and Bentleigh Greens.
“These clubs are prepared to share facilities and assist South Melbourne FC when it’s granted an A-League licence.”
Mr Papastergiadis went on to talk about the great partnership between the club and the schools of the area in developing the next generation of footballers, while he gave his club the title of “Australia’s football factory,” given that over 50 international players originated from “Hellas” and even today, there are hundreds of youngsters training in their academies.
He also mentioned the club’s financial growth, as South Melbourne have now established a network of over 100 business partners.
Additionally, he spoke of the added advantage of the TV audiences that will immediately be gained through the participation of an instantly recognisable brand such as South Melbourne and the deep connections that the club has created with the people of different ethnic and cultural background that reside in the area.
Former South Melbourne and National team of Australia coach Ange Postecoglou also made statements in favour of the bid: “South Melbourne FC has played a significant role in laying the foundation for where the sport is today. It has shaped me as a person and was instrumental in shaping my career, both as a player and as a coach.
“It is one of the few clubs that can seamlessly compete at a higher level and I am of the belief it can be a competitive force from its initial introduction.
“The club is very close to my heart and I know if given the opportunity it can play a pivotal role in growing the game to even greater heights.”
In conclusion, Mr Papastergiadis summarised why South Melbourne’s bid is a one-way street for the FFA:
“South Melbourne is a no brainer for the A-League. It boasts a tangible, suburban, purpose built stadium that truly represents its catchment which is coupled with its national brand and fan connection.
South Melbourne FC’s offering is unique to the A-League and an elite Australian sport.”
The final decision regarding the two teams that will receive the licences to participate in the A-League from next season onward is expected on 12 December, provided all criteria are fulfilled.