United bid to include big gun
MELBOURNE City’s groundbreaking partnership with English Premier League heavyweights Manchester City has given Gold Coast United the blueprint for their ALeague second coming.
Seven days after outlining their plan to join an expanded A-League in 2019-20, United are awaiting the release of Football Federation Australia’s (FFA) bid criteria, which could come as early as today.
Likely to be included in the FFA stipulations is the requirement for clubs to have men’s and women’s programs, as well as a ready-made stadium suitable for elite competitions.
While the Gold Coast bid ticks both those boxes, United chairman Danny Maher believes the club’s proposed ownership model could be the ace up their sleeve.
The business and grassroots football communities will each have a one-third share in the club, but it is hoped the final slice of the pie will be picked up by an international club.
It would be a similar scenario to the one in 2014 when Melbourne City joined the City Football Group, headlined by Manchester City.
“Once we get that criteria we need to align our bid to it and take it to the various entities who will potentially back the club,” Maher said.
“The big ones to tie down are the international football clubs. We have (interest from) two from China and two from the UK. We’re very keen on building a reputation in Asia.
“China is pouring so much money into football and this region is going to have the highest-paid footballers in the world. Believe it or not, you’re going to have clubs in this region that are going to be bigger than Real Madrid, Barcelona and Man United and all that.
“We think Queensland needs another (A-League) licence. If they agree another licence has to come to Queensland, I think we’ll have the best bid.”
United is likely to face stiff competition from former NSL sides Brisbane City and Brisbane Strikers, but Maher is adamant the club can fend off their challenges.
“Gold Coast is the largest city in Australia that doesn’t have an A-League license. We’re bigger than Newcastle, Central Coast and Wellington. “We have Cbus (Stadium) as a facility, we are the only club in Queensland that have men’s and women’s programs, and we’re an independent club.”