Thunder wants top-tier shot
FOOTBALL: While talk has been swirling around potential changes to the composition of the NPL and FQPL formats, the South West Queensland Thunder remained focused on their season restart ahead.
Speculation has been growing about whether the top-tier National Premier League and Football Queensland Premier League competitions would enforce relegation and promotion due to the COVID-19 impacted season.
As it stands, the Thunder men sit atop the FQPL ladder after four rounds of play in what was serving as an ideal start on their road back to the top tier.
However, with the enforced lay-off of fixtures, the idea of suspending promotion and relegation has been raised, something that doesn’t bode well with the Thunder.
This is despite the fact the season is hopeful of resuming in July, and Thunder chairman Luke Stenhouse said it would be unfair to put the chance of promotion off the table.
“We’ve had a number of discussions with Football Queensland,” Stenhouse said.
“We’re of the opinion that because a full season is going ahead, promotion and relegation should still be on the cards.
“Everyone is in the same boat, whether they’re playing in the NPL or the FQPL.
“We’ve all had disruptions to the season, have had to look at how we run our clubs and the best way forward.
“It evens the field, and now that it comes down to sticking to the full season, it (promotion and relegation) shouldn’t be up for negotiations.
“Until Football Queensland comes out and gives a directive, it’s just hearsay between other clubs.
“Right now, we’re just focused on getting back to the season and trying to finish on top of the table.”
Stenhouse said that despite the testing circumstances, the playing group and coaching staff have been able to remain positive, as they prepare to come together again once restrictions
sean.teuma@thechronicle.com.au
on training are lifted on June 12.
“It doesn’t matter what level of the club or the sport, everyone has been affected by it,” he said.
“They did a great job to keep their fitness up before the big pause. Everyone is looking forward to getting back together on June 12, which will be here before we know it.”
Stenhouse also said that the task for clubs trying to navigate their way through a road of uncertainty has been made easier with the guidance of Football Queensland.
“FQ has been good throughout this whole process,” he said.
“The way they’ve carried themselves has been great and they’ve been doing their best in a tough situation.
“A lot of governing bodies cop flak, but there’s no manual for what we’re going through.”