United toast of the NSL
United toast of the NSL
By MENO TOUTSIDIS
20oct03
The Advertiser
ADELAIDE United's stunning NSL launch on Friday was the birth of one club and
the almost certain death of at least 10 others.
United's capacity 15,568 attendance in the 1-0 win over Brisbane Strikers has
sent shock waves through the NSL. Most clubs struggle to average 3000 fans and
have been in denial for years.
Yet they cling to the unrealistic notion they will be part of a restructured
competition.
United's opening night earthquake has changed the landscape in an instant. In
one night, United attracted half the attendance it took most clubs an entire
season to achieve last season.
The NSL task force, announced last week and which soon begins its work on a
blueprint for a new league, will eventually come to one simple conclusion:
Mirror Adelaide United and trailblazer Perth Glory or perish.
The task force is due to report in December or January to Australian Soccer
Association chairman Frank Lowy. What is expected to follow is a 10-team
cashed-up Australian Premier League starting late next year or in early 2005.
Sydney is likely to get three teams, Melbourne two and one each in Adelaide,
Perth and Brisbane. The remaining two slots are expected to come from regional
centres, including Newcastle. In most cases, the teams are expected to be new
entities, like United.
While the NSL wondered how United achieved what seemed impossible when it was
created 45 days ago, club management spent the weekend planning for the next
home game.
United plays Sydney United at Hindmarsh Stadium on Sunday November 2 at 4pm
the first of several Sunday games scheduled until the end of December.
It will revert to Friday night fixtures in January.
With about 5000 fans holding season tickets, United is hoping it can average
about 8000 to 10,000 fans for its 12 home matches.
"We were overwhelmed by the support but we will have to work even harder for
the next match," chairman Basil Scarsella said yesterday.
"We need that (support) at every game and it would be nice to have Lleyton
(Hewitt) and our other sports guests there every week."
Hewitt made a big impression on club management and players with his demeanor
and professionalism. He was also a hit with fans, who gave the US and Wimbledon
champion a thunderous reception when he came out for the coin toss.
United coach John Kosmina, who admitted to shedding "one or two tears" after
the match, gave his players the weekend off and plans to ease them back into
training tomorrow.
United plays top-placed Newcastle away on Friday.
"We play 12 matches in the next eight weeks so there's no point in flogging
them," he said. "We'll look to rotate the squad to keep the players fresh and
alert."
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