Tasmania United FC
Encyclopedia
The Tasmanian A-League Bid, under the working name of Tasmania United FC, was a proposed Tasmania
-based A-League
association football (soccer) club. In late 2010 a business plan was developed investigating the feasability of such a proposal, however at the media release of the bid, where Tasmania United FC officials were absent, the State Government and Football Federation Tasmania made it clear that any such bid would be run by the State Government and not by any third party. The State Government then concluded that they had no interest in supporting such a proposal and would prefer to invest in youth development and encouraging state visits of other A-league clubs. While Tasmania United FC officials have stated that they will press on without assistance from the State Government and Football Federation Tasmania, no further comment to the media has been made. With the decision to play a home match in Tasmania in the regional round of the Hyundai A-League it is believed that a Tasmanian based A-league establishment is now unlikely to occur.
-based businessman John McGirr has been given the task of finding funding for a Tasmanian-based A-League side. The taskforce has registered the name "Tasmania United FC" and is submitting a bid for the 2011-12 season. In September 2008 McGirr Announced the adoption of an official club logo for the proposed club and announced that the taskforce was on target "to present an extremely strong business case to both FFA and the Tasmanian community and intend to be ready to put a formal proposal for an A-League licence by mid-2009". Tasmanian Football Taskforce official Ken Morton
has stated that should Tasmania United FC be awarded an A-League licence then the competition would become "a far more 'national' competition than rivals AFL
and NRL
, which are based in Melbourne
and Sydney
respectively. Indeed, the AFL has consistently refused Tasmania's push to have its own team, with economic factors being brought into play. "We have a good cricket
team down there who compete well at national level and we believe we can do the same in the A-League." In February 2008, Ken Morton
stated "we meet the criteria but we require an owner."
CEO Martin Shaw suggested that Tasmania would be a viable location for an A-League club. It was further suggested, in something of a contradiction, that a Tasmanian team would require Tasmanian Government support. On the 16th March, 2009 the Tasmanian Football Taskforce Chairman John McGirr clarified this statement by pointing out that "Obviously as a task force we would welcome any sort of funding from whoever," John McGirr then added "from day one we have seen this as a private business enterprise and we are not looking for any Government funds to prop the bid up".
states that "we had good news regarding the major investor and once that is finalised in the next few days I think you will see our bid progress very aggressively."
has since stated that he believes Tasmania United FC's chance of entering the A-League to be "100%. I believe the A-League want us, the Tasmanian community want us and for this reason I believe it will become reality."
On the 16th March, 2009 Chairman John McGirr stated that the task force was in negotiation with a Dubai businessman regarding sponsorship and ownership of Tasmania United FC. The businessman has since been named as Sheik Mohammed Hussein Ali Al Amoudi—the 77th richest man in the world with a net worth of $13.7 billion. As at December 2010 it is unknown if Sheik Mohammed Hussein Ali Al Amoudi has any involvement with the consortium.
The outcome was a final Report that considered the key issues and questions that decision makers and potential funding partners may have in relation to the need for the proposed A-League team.
The Report was aimed at exciting key Ministers and Government staff about the opportunities to establish the team and provide sufficient need and justification to enable Government commitment.
This feasibility study succeeded in obtaining State Government and FFA support and shortly after its review the State Government agreed to provide funding towards the preparation of a Business Plan.
Early in 2011 the results of the business plan were released to the public by Tasmania United FC and these demonstrated that Tasmania could hold an A-league licence.
in Hobart
and Aurora Stadium in Launceston
(however, both are oval designs and would be far from ideal). In spite of these concerns the Tasmanian A-league Taskforce have inconsultation with the FFA implemented a policy directed towards delivering one A-League Club for all Tasmanians playing home games in both the north and south of the state. This has resulted in considerable frustration for some football fans in both the north and south of the state who believe that football should be solely located in their region only.
Many potential supporters of A-League in Tasmania have encouraged the redevelopment of North Hobart Oval as Tasmania's premier association rules and rugby field in Tasmania.
Other grounds that may be suitable for friendly matches include both the Devonport Oval and West Park in Burnie, as a Tasmanian A-league side will no doubt want a presence on the North West Coast of the state, if only in friendly matches.
stated that he already has in mind "2 Dutch Under 21 stars who I think would do very well and they would be great acquisitions for the A-League. Both played in Under 21 European Championships for Holland." However with a delay to submission of the bid these acquisitions did not eventuate.
While no firm decisions have been made Ken states that he is establishing scouting networks "through existing scouts in Brazil, the UK and Asia." and intends to look at recruiting both locally and from "Asia, Africa and Europe." When asked if he would be prepared to apply for the senior coach position once an A-League licence was granted, Ken Morton
stated "Yes, without a doubt."
The Taskforce has obtained supporter opinion of the names Apples, Lions, Wolves, Convicts, Islanders and several others through the use of website polling. Another suggestion is The Wanderers due to the famous overland walking track. No firm decisions have been made.
Tasmania
Tasmania is an Australian island and state. It is south of the continent, separated by Bass Strait. The state includes the island of Tasmania—the 26th largest island in the world—and the surrounding islands. The state has a population of 507,626 , of whom almost half reside in the greater Hobart...
-based A-League
A-League
The A-League is the top Australasian professional football league. Run by Australian governing body Football Federation Australia , it was founded in 2004 following the folding of the National Soccer League and staged its inaugural season in 2005–06. It is sponsored by Hyundai Motor Company...
association football (soccer) club. In late 2010 a business plan was developed investigating the feasability of such a proposal, however at the media release of the bid, where Tasmania United FC officials were absent, the State Government and Football Federation Tasmania made it clear that any such bid would be run by the State Government and not by any third party. The State Government then concluded that they had no interest in supporting such a proposal and would prefer to invest in youth development and encouraging state visits of other A-league clubs. While Tasmania United FC officials have stated that they will press on without assistance from the State Government and Football Federation Tasmania, no further comment to the media has been made. With the decision to play a home match in Tasmania in the regional round of the Hyundai A-League it is believed that a Tasmanian based A-league establishment is now unlikely to occur.
Tasmanian Football Taskforce
Following the success of the A-League, a Tasmanian football task force headed by HobartHobart
Hobart is the state capital and most populous city of the Australian island state of Tasmania. Founded in 1804 as a penal colony,Hobart is Australia's second oldest capital city after Sydney. In 2009, the city had a greater area population of approximately 212,019. A resident of Hobart is known as...
-based businessman John McGirr has been given the task of finding funding for a Tasmanian-based A-League side. The taskforce has registered the name "Tasmania United FC" and is submitting a bid for the 2011-12 season. In September 2008 McGirr Announced the adoption of an official club logo for the proposed club and announced that the taskforce was on target "to present an extremely strong business case to both FFA and the Tasmanian community and intend to be ready to put a formal proposal for an A-League licence by mid-2009". Tasmanian Football Taskforce official Ken Morton
Ken Morton
Ken Morton is an English former professional footballer who played as a left winger. Morton made a total of 14 appearances in the Football League, scoring two goals...
has stated that should Tasmania United FC be awarded an A-League licence then the competition would become "a far more 'national' competition than rivals AFL
Australian Football League
The Australian Football League is both the governing body and the major professional competition in the sport of Australian rules football...
and NRL
National Rugby League
The National Rugby League is the top league of professional rugby league football clubs in Australasia. The NRL's main competition, called the Telstra Premiership , is contested by sixteen teams, fifteen of which are based in Australia with one based in New Zealand...
, which are based in Melbourne
Melbourne
Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia. The Melbourne City Centre is the hub of the greater metropolitan area and the Census statistical division—of which "Melbourne" is the common name. As of June 2009, the greater...
and Sydney
Sydney
Sydney is the most populous city in Australia and the state capital of New South Wales. Sydney is located on Australia's south-east coast of the Tasman Sea. As of June 2010, the greater metropolitan area had an approximate population of 4.6 million people...
respectively. Indeed, the AFL has consistently refused Tasmania's push to have its own team, with economic factors being brought into play. "We have a good cricket
Cricket
Cricket is a bat-and-ball game played between two teams of 11 players on an oval-shaped field, at the centre of which is a rectangular 22-yard long pitch. One team bats, trying to score as many runs as possible while the other team bowls and fields, trying to dismiss the batsmen and thus limit the...
team down there who compete well at national level and we believe we can do the same in the A-League." In February 2008, Ken Morton
Ken Morton
Ken Morton is an English former professional footballer who played as a left winger. Morton made a total of 14 appearances in the Football League, scoring two goals...
stated "we meet the criteria but we require an owner."
Proposal
In October 2007, Football Federation TasmaniaFootball Federation Tasmania
Football Federation Tasmania is the governing body for Association football in the Australian state of Tasmania. The federation oversees leagues in Northern and Southern Tasmania, Tasmanian representative teams, and development of the sport in the state...
CEO Martin Shaw suggested that Tasmania would be a viable location for an A-League club. It was further suggested, in something of a contradiction, that a Tasmanian team would require Tasmanian Government support. On the 16th March, 2009 the Tasmanian Football Taskforce Chairman John McGirr clarified this statement by pointing out that "Obviously as a task force we would welcome any sort of funding from whoever," John McGirr then added "from day one we have seen this as a private business enterprise and we are not looking for any Government funds to prop the bid up".
Public Launch
The Tasmanian task force, which has the backing of the state government, has scheduled the launch of Tasmania United FC for November 25, and that a deal with a major sponsor is close at hand. Ken MortonKen Morton
Ken Morton is an English former professional footballer who played as a left winger. Morton made a total of 14 appearances in the Football League, scoring two goals...
states that "we had good news regarding the major investor and once that is finalised in the next few days I think you will see our bid progress very aggressively."
Early Planning
On the 12th of February 2009 the task force announced it was "still in the mix" and "working harder than ever of late to entice investors and sponsors, as well as being in regular contact with the FFA". The Taskforce was unable to complete a formal propasal in time for the early expansion, although the Taskforce continued operating with the intention of obtaining a future A-league licence. Ken MortonKen Morton
Ken Morton is an English former professional footballer who played as a left winger. Morton made a total of 14 appearances in the Football League, scoring two goals...
has since stated that he believes Tasmania United FC's chance of entering the A-League to be "100%. I believe the A-League want us, the Tasmanian community want us and for this reason I believe it will become reality."
On the 16th March, 2009 Chairman John McGirr stated that the task force was in negotiation with a Dubai businessman regarding sponsorship and ownership of Tasmania United FC. The businessman has since been named as Sheik Mohammed Hussein Ali Al Amoudi—the 77th richest man in the world with a net worth of $13.7 billion. As at December 2010 it is unknown if Sheik Mohammed Hussein Ali Al Amoudi has any involvement with the consortium.
2009 Club Feasibility Study
On the 22 April 2009 the Tasmanian Government launched a six week feasibility study to determine the possibility of a Tasmanian A-League side being viable. Stratcorp Consulting and Sporting Management Concepts, the same business to successfully manage the Melbourne Heart A-League licence bid have been engaged to manage the study utilising their experience in this field.The outcome was a final Report that considered the key issues and questions that decision makers and potential funding partners may have in relation to the need for the proposed A-League team.
The Report was aimed at exciting key Ministers and Government staff about the opportunities to establish the team and provide sufficient need and justification to enable Government commitment.
This feasibility study succeeded in obtaining State Government and FFA support and shortly after its review the State Government agreed to provide funding towards the preparation of a Business Plan.
2010 Club Business Plan
With the positive feedback obtained from the completed feasibility study, the taskforce obtained funding from the Tasmanian State Government to cover those costs associated with the preparation of a business plan that could be made available to both investors and the FFA. The business plan was completed successfully in late December 2010, with the consortium stating that it would be making a presentation to both the FFA and key investors in early to mid 2011 with the express intention of winning the now vacant 11th A-league licence for the 2012-2013 Season along with gaining crucial private investment. There is unknown if Sheik Mohammed Hussein Ali Al Amoudi—the 77th richest man in the world, may be one of these potential investors.Early in 2011 the results of the business plan were released to the public by Tasmania United FC and these demonstrated that Tasmania could hold an A-league licence.
2011 Tasmanian Bid Schism
Shortly after the business plan was released to the public the current state government made a media release alongside representatives of Football Federation Tasmania, who had no involvement with Tasmania United FC or a Tasmanian bid until that point, and with no members of the Tasmania United FC board present. At the media release the State Government stated that they would not be pursuing any bid and that if they were to do so in the future then they would utilise a business model where Football Federation Tasmania controlled all aspects of the bid and club. A short time afterwards the board of Tasmania United FC who had laid the foundation stated that they would continue to press for a future Tasmanian A-League licence that worked with the State Government and Football Federation Tasmania, though as a wholly independent body.Home Base
Despite a growing national interest Supporters of a Tasmanian A-League club are still divided over the location of home games with both the north and south ends of the state supporting home games being played in their own region. The two supporter groups are focused on either Hobart or Launceston. Both cities contain sporting venues; Bellerive OvalBellerive Oval
Bellerive Oval, also known as its sponsored name Blundstone Arena, is primarily a cricket and Australian Rules Football ground located in Bellerive, City of Clarence, on the eastern shore of Hobart, Tasmania, Australia...
in Hobart
Hobart
Hobart is the state capital and most populous city of the Australian island state of Tasmania. Founded in 1804 as a penal colony,Hobart is Australia's second oldest capital city after Sydney. In 2009, the city had a greater area population of approximately 212,019. A resident of Hobart is known as...
and Aurora Stadium in Launceston
Launceston, Tasmania
Launceston is a city in the north of the state of Tasmania, Australia at the junction of the North Esk and South Esk rivers where they become the Tamar River. Launceston is the second largest city in Tasmania after the state capital Hobart...
(however, both are oval designs and would be far from ideal). In spite of these concerns the Tasmanian A-league Taskforce have inconsultation with the FFA implemented a policy directed towards delivering one A-League Club for all Tasmanians playing home games in both the north and south of the state. This has resulted in considerable frustration for some football fans in both the north and south of the state who believe that football should be solely located in their region only.
Potential alternate grounds
Given that the future establishment of a 20/20 League in Australia may prevent the use of Bellerive stadium for A-League matches, other facilities have been suggested including the redevelopment of King George V Oval, North Hobart Oval, Wentworth Park or Rugby Park, along with the possible complete development of an entirely new sporting precinct somewhere in the Greater Hobart region. These possibilities are all reliant upon potential investment from third parties.Many potential supporters of A-League in Tasmania have encouraged the redevelopment of North Hobart Oval as Tasmania's premier association rules and rugby field in Tasmania.
Other grounds that may be suitable for friendly matches include both the Devonport Oval and West Park in Burnie, as a Tasmanian A-league side will no doubt want a presence on the North West Coast of the state, if only in friendly matches.
Squad
Although there are no plans to sign players until the granting of an A-League licence, Ken MortonKen Morton
Ken Morton is an English former professional footballer who played as a left winger. Morton made a total of 14 appearances in the Football League, scoring two goals...
stated that he already has in mind "2 Dutch Under 21 stars who I think would do very well and they would be great acquisitions for the A-League. Both played in Under 21 European Championships for Holland." However with a delay to submission of the bid these acquisitions did not eventuate.
While no firm decisions have been made Ken states that he is establishing scouting networks "through existing scouts in Brazil, the UK and Asia." and intends to look at recruiting both locally and from "Asia, Africa and Europe." When asked if he would be prepared to apply for the senior coach position once an A-League licence was granted, Ken Morton
Ken Morton
Ken Morton is an English former professional footballer who played as a left winger. Morton made a total of 14 appearances in the Football League, scoring two goals...
stated "Yes, without a doubt."
National Youth League Squad
Following the successful friendly matches played between a Tasmanian Youth Side and National Youth League squads Ken Morton has stated that "given a chance our youngsters can compete at this level." and that "the passion shown by these boys was tremendous."Club Culture
It has been decided that Tasmania United FC will be a club with a nickname that represents all Tasmanians. Many oppose using the name 'Tigers' as the state cricket team already has this nickname and may share it with a future Hobart-based Twenty20 club. For similar reasons the name 'Tassie Devils' may also be excluded as the former Tasmanian VFL side used this name and there is the expectation that it will be the name of a future Tasmanian-based AFL side.The Taskforce has obtained supporter opinion of the names Apples, Lions, Wolves, Convicts, Islanders and several others through the use of website polling. Another suggestion is The Wanderers due to the famous overland walking track. No firm decisions have been made.
See also
- Expansion of the A-LeagueExpansion of the A-LeagueThe A-League is the top level of football in Australia. It was established in 2004 with eight teams. Since then it has expanded into new markets across Australia and New Zealand. The A-League has announced a further expansion to 12 teams by the year 2012....
- Tasmania official football team