SIR CLIVE LAMENTS BUCKLEY'S DECISION: DO NOT RESUSCITATE

TBT is a big supporter of local football. In fact, TBT will go on record that there is more local football commentary in this homely little blog than most of the major newspapers in this country. And that includes the 2 months since the last post from TBT towers.

It has been a sad few weeks in Australian football.
While governing body FFA is busy bailing water from the sinking ship of North Queensland Fury, Gold Coast United has been left adrift in debt and disappointment.

Clive Palmer invested enough capital into a fledgling club to pull some big names, hyping the media and football-going Australian public into thinking the Gold Coast region was about to be taken on the footballing equivalent of Mr Toad's Wild Ride.

Sadly, Clive committed footballing hara-kiri. He failed to listen to the club's fans, failed to attract a paltry 7,500 fans to home games. Even with 7,500 fans, Gold Coast United player's like Jason Culina were plying their trade in an empty stadium. Less than 1/3 full.

According to some reports, Sir Clive has "thrown his toys" in response to claims that he will no longer be associated with Gold Coast United. It has become clear that the FFA will not come to the rescue of the embattled Gold Coast United. Even within Sir Clive's own inner circle, supporters doubt his association with the future of the club - one source reportedly saying "the thing about Clive is he's all over the place."

Two things appear to be certain for next season.

Robbie Fowler's $750,000 get-out-of-bed-fee will payed by Sydney FC, and Melbourne Heart will be swapped out for the diseased Gold Coast United in a backyard transplant operation.

Let's hope that FIFA don't notice that Frank Lowy and FFA CEO Ben Buckley are playing Operation on the road to Australia's 2018-2022 FIFA World Cup bid.


Contains at least 79% Football, 29% Truth