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Culina, Culina versus Tinkler
It seems amazing to me that Nathan Tinkler would wield the axe so close to the start of the season. He has a fierce a reputation, but to sack Branko Culina, Newcastle Jets coach and Jason Culina, marquee signing, can only destabilise the club.I must confess that I have known Branko Culina since his days as coach of Sydney United in the old NSL. I even remember that he moved to the Canberra Cosmos (briefly in 1998) before returning to coach in the NSL with Sydney Olympic. And that latter team played some of the most beautiful football ever witnessed on an Australian football field (a young Brett Emerton was part of it, but I digress).
Branko Culina is a thoroughly decent person. Over the years, I have often bumped into him with my family walking along our local coastline and he has never been too busy to have a chat. He is humble and polite; qualities that are often lacking at the elite sports level.
Newcastle Jets, by sacking Branko Culina so abruptly, have sent out the wrong message to all their staff, including players, that they are disposable. What should have been a great day for football on Monday with the season’s launch, ended with a big, dark grey cloud hanging over it. Both Branko and Jason deserved better. Our game deserved better too.
Matt McKay – a true champion
Brisbane Roar and Socceroo star Matt McKay was a worthy winner after his stellar performances for the Queensland-based A-League outfit and for the national side. Matilda and fellow Brisbane Roar player, Elise Kellond-Knight, made it a Queensland double as she took out the female Footballer of the Year title.
However, what makes these awards special is the fact that they recognise not only the elite professionals in our game but a range of junior players, coaches, volunteers and officials. All award winners should be congratulated and so too should the organisers of such a prestigious event for digging in well beyond the professional levels to seek out the heroes in our game.
We’re finally set for action
The A-League season was launched on Monday with many players and supporters forming a giant ‘We Are Football’ sign in the middle of Sydney Football Stadium.
'We Are Football' is the new motto of the Hyundai A-League and the highly symbolic message received wide exposure in the media. Rarely has there been so much excitement and anticipation before the start of the season.
"We know that there are 2.5 million Australians who talk, watch or play football – they love the game," FFA CEO Ben Buckley said. "They are players, volunteers, referees and fans. They make the game what it is.
'We Are Football' is the new motto of the Hyundai A-League and the highly symbolic message received wide exposure in the media. Rarely has there been so much excitement and anticipation before the start of the season.
"We know that there are 2.5 million Australians who talk, watch or play football – they love the game," FFA CEO Ben Buckley said. "They are players, volunteers, referees and fans. They make the game what it is.
"In recognition of that passion and love of the game, we've made the fans the centrepiece of our new marketing campaign for the Hyundai A-League season seven. It is fair to say that this is the most anticipated start to a season since the buzz of the inaugural season back in 2005”.
It’s hard not to agree with Buckley as he fairly accurately summed up what we are all thinking. However, there are two initiatives that are well worth keeping an eye out for.
Firstly, there’s a world-first. An A-League marathon will take place with five games going back-to-back, producing almost eight hours of football. And, secondly, there will be regular match times on FoxSports to help maximise appeal to television audiences and keep us all sane without having to resort to an iPhone to set reminders of times when games are on.
Until next time, arriverderci!
It’s hard not to agree with Buckley as he fairly accurately summed up what we are all thinking. However, there are two initiatives that are well worth keeping an eye out for.
Firstly, there’s a world-first. An A-League marathon will take place with five games going back-to-back, producing almost eight hours of football. And, secondly, there will be regular match times on FoxSports to help maximise appeal to television audiences and keep us all sane without having to resort to an iPhone to set reminders of times when games are on.
Until next time, arriverderci!