New club asks for co-operation

Damen Francis

February 14 2014

Shepparton News

Newly formed National Premier Leagues Victoria entity Goulburn Valley Suns is banking on the co-operation of local clubs and associations to establish itself in the new competition.

The Suns face a race against the clock to be ready in time for the new season, with the senior and under-20 competitions to start on March 14.

The six junior competitions kick off on April 6.

Suns interim chair Geoff Dobson said the Suns board had met with the presidents of all local soccer clubs and was hopeful they would not stand in the way of players interested in playing at the elite level.

‘‘We’ve explained our position, we’ve explained our structure and our culture and the way we want to go ahead and we’re impressing on everybody that this is a team for the whole community and we won’t want to be alienating any soccer clubs or their structures,’’ Dobson said.

‘‘There will be pressure when players want to join us, but I have made the offer to every president that I personally would go to their soccer clubs or leagues and talk to anybody who has got any problems or thoughts on the matter.’’

Some clubs have already expressed concerns about their players being targeted by the new entity, but Suns board member and operations committee leader Michael Crisera, who is also a Goulburn North East Football Association board member, denied any players had been approached at this stage.

Crisera said there was no denying the arrival of the Suns — particularly so soon before the start of the season — would have an adverse impact on the local competition, but asked the community to see the bigger picture.

‘‘We’re playing in the second tier of soccer in Australia, which is a huge opportunity,’’ he said.

‘‘Deep down most people understand that, but when the pain hits there is going to be some people that aren’t going to totally support us, but we’re looking for that support.’’

Crisera said the aim was to appoint coaches by the end of next week.

There is no salary cap, but the NPLV will operate with a player points system for its senior men’s team to promote youth development and curb excessive player payments.

Each team will have a cap of 275 points, with each player worth anywhere from 10 to 20 points, depending on their age and status.

Crisera said the Suns’ senior team was likely to be permitted two visa-listed players in its 20-man squad, but was confident of assembling a quality outfit.

‘‘There are a lot of players in this region that want to play at the highest standard possible,’’ he said.

‘‘We’re not in any position to dictate who will come and play with us, we will put the offer on the table in terms of our facilities and our structures and we’ll see what happens. I’m confident the best talent in this area is more than capable of matching it with the best in the state.’’