Super Series just has to be success or else
Wounds way too deep among clubs for reconciliation after switch to new model
ONE question that remains from the new dawn of the FNQ Super Series, and its impact on the FNQ Heat is: “What happens if it doesn’t work?”
Most people in the region are taking a positive approach towards it, particularly from local clubs within the FNQ zone, where the idea originated.
Parents of some of the Heat academy players may not be so sure. To be fair to them, they have been put through the wringer due to the to-and-fro leading to the Super Series, the latest chapter in the strained relationship between the Heat and local clubs.
But the desire to go back to the local comp just doesn’t make sense, based on history.
People in football in the Far North don’t forget.
No matter how proven the model FNQ Heat technical director Craig Midgley, the most qualified coach in the country, came up with to put academy teams in the local competition, clubs were never going to get on board.
The wounds are too deep.
I asked Football Queensland CEO Geoff Foster directly if they would try returning academy teams to the local competition again if the FNQ Super Series failed.
He dodged the question somewhat, only saying he was still way taking a “glass half full” approach to the new series. Now it has to work.
Yes, on October 7 last year he gave approval for the Heat to play in the local competition.
Twelve days later he changed his mind and he has not shied away from the fact it could have been done better.
But the reality is Foster has listened to the feedback from the overwhelming majority of his member clubs in a bid to find an amicable solution for all parties.
Exposing more players, whether they be in community football or on the Heat pathway, to regular high-quality football can only be better for the relationship between clubs and the Heat and generally our budding football superstars.
What happens if the FNQ Super Series doesn’t work? Well don’t expect to see the Heat in the NPL in 2018.
PEOPLE IN FOOTBALL IN THE FAR NORTH DON’T FORGET. NO MATTER HOW PROVEN THE MODEL ... CLUBS WERE NEVER GOING TO GET ON BOARD