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  • FFA Efforts To Sell Wanderers Miss The Mark

    mack

    By mack

    The FFA has sounded out various clubs in Western Sydney in an effort to offload the Wanderers as soon as possible.

     

    Numerous media reports over the past several days have outlined several bids to purchase the Western Sydney Wanderers, and current FFA strategy in attempting to offload the club.

     

    The Penrith Panthers made an ill-conceived attempt to purchase the club to move the club to Penrith and were rejected by the FFA, Marconi have confirmed they are going to bid for a stake in the Wanderers, and the FFA had approached the Mounties Group before the launch of the inaugural season.

     

    In my opinion, these two bids and the FFA approach to Mounties miss a point that I believe is vital for the long-term success of the Western Sydney Wanderers:

     

    The Western Sydney Wanderers must not be sold to a group who will use the club as a pawn to improve the bottom line of elements outside the Western Sydney Wanderers Football Club.

     

    The Penrith Panthers unconcealed goal was to rip away the main tenants from Parramatta Stadium and move the Wanderers to Penrith, which would give the Panthers far greater leverage in their currently fruitless efforts to lobby various levels of Government to improve the Stadium for their Rugby League team. As it stands, the Panthers have a 10 year average of 12,800 per home match, for a stadium with a capacity of 22,500. Without the Wanderers, their chances of attracting Government funding over Parramatta Stadium is close to zero. The Wanderers being moved to Penrith would also assist the club by adding tens of thousands more patrons to their entertainment complex that is currently being prepared for an $850 million redevelopment.

     

    The Mounties bid died before the club lived, but it also fails my proposed test. When I walk into Mounties I don't feel like I'm walking into a sporting club. I feel like I'm walking into a casino who sponsor local sports teams to improve their public image. I see a massive betting lounge, an endless forest of poker machines, facilities geared almost exclusively around keeping people in those poker machine forests, and a club who likely have more staff involved in gaming than they do in sports, food service and member facilities. I don't see what benefit the Wanderers as a club would gain with an affiliation with Mounties.

     

    Marconi suffer these same issues in an almost carbon copy of the Panthers bid. Marconi would eventually push the club out of Parramatta Stadium so that the social club would benefit from the addition of thousands of spectators on match day. The only difference is location, and that Marconi might have to wait before they could move the club from Parramatta to Marconi Stadium for match days due to the poor quality and capcity of their existing stadium.

     

    If you are a member of those clubs, or enjoy spending your time and money on poker machines, then fair play to you. I have no problem with people doing whatever they want with their own money and time, so don't think this is an attack on any of the clubs mentioned above on the basis of my dislike of poker machine gambling. But it is clear that these clubs make huge profits from poker machines and that they would be taking money from the supporters of a transferred Wanderers football team through their machines.

     

    I also don't have a problem with Penrith having an A-League team. I personally advocate the introduction of a team in Penrith in the medium to long term. I believe that the Penrith area is a region which is large enough to be able to support a club and doing so would also improve the TV rights deal for the A-League, not to mention the addition of another set of intra-city and intra-state matches with the existing NSW teams. I don't even have an issue with the Wanderers in South-Western Sydney, and firmly believe that in the long term, the Wanderers will have a Marconi or Mounties or Penrith style social club, training facility and stadium at Fairfield Showground.

     

    I do have a problem with these clubs trying to buy the Wanderers.

     

    Lyall Gorman has spoke at length about his desire to push this club to become one of the biggest in the country. This cannot happen if our club is absorbed into another to help prop up the parent company. There would be no chance of having a Wanderers social club at Fairfield if we were sold to Marconi. We wouldn't be able to own our own stadium one day (regardless of location) if we had been sold to Penrith. There would be inevitable conflicts of interest that the larger, historic parent club will win that would hurt the Wanderers.

     

    My biggest concern with the sale process is that the FFA appear to be taking the stance that the Wanderers aren't a club, they are just a football team. I feel that the FFA would be happy selling the Wanderers to an existing club, happy to see the new owners turn the Wanderers from a self-governed entity into being one part of whatever larger club bought the team. This goes against everything that was said in the building of this club.

     

    The Western Sydney Wanderers are not a football team to be sold and re-badged like a shipping a Holden car over to England and calling it a Vauxhall or over to the US and calling it a Pontiac. The Wanderers are a club. Lyall Gorman has told me specifically that he calls the Wanderers a club and not a team because the Wanderers aren't just one football team. Instead of trying to sell the Wanderers off to Mounties, and Marconi, and Liverpool Catholic Club, and Fairfield RSL, and the Revesby Workers club, and any other potential club they could find who might have $15 million that they could consider an investment in more pokie players and bigger stadiums for their existing teams, David Gallop and the FFA should start by trying to sell the club, or a stake of the club, to the supporters.

     

    The supporters are the people turning up in freezing conditions in pre-season. They are the ones who bought so many club shirts that Nike couldn't keep up with demand. They are the people who turned Surry Hills into a sea of Red & Black before the Grand Final last season. They are the ones spending hours talking about the club on his forum, on social media and to each other at work and school. They are the ones who have bought 15,000 full season memberships already this season.

     

    If David Gallop and the FFA are looking for a group of people who will have the best interest of the club in mind then he need look no further than the Wanderers supporters.

     

    If not the Wanderers supporters as a collective, then David Gallop must sell this club to a person or persons who have the sole interest of making the Western Sydney Wanderers the biggest sporting club in Australia.

     

    To do otherwise would betray the ideals this fledgling club was built upon.

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    marron

    marron

    Posted

     

    Just for conversations sake, what would people think about a european club buying in?

    I am open to it. But all the details will need to be looked at. I like the idea of Borussia Dortmund because Germans understand fan and supporter culture. But everything will need to be looked at thoroughly.

     

     

    Obviously. I'd be open as well, i think. I wonder just what sort of impact the would have on the club, i.e., how hands on they would like to get anyway, or whether it's just a matter of an investment with potential to look at players in the region or what have you.

    Can't remember who's who on here but I know there would be at least a few unhappy bayern/other fans (as well as a few over the moon :lol:).

    Montalbano

    Montalbano

    Posted

     

     

    Just for conversations sake, what would people think about a european club buying in?

    I am open to it. But all the details will need to be looked at. I like the idea of Borussia Dortmund because Germans understand fan and supporter culture. But everything will need to be looked at thoroughly.

     Obviously. I'd be open as well, i think. I wonder just what sort of impact the would have on the club, i.e., how hands on they would like to get anyway, or whether it's just a matter of an investment with potential to look at players in the region or what have you.Can't remember who's who on here but I know there would be at least a few unhappy bayern/other fans (as well as a few over the moon :lol:).

    Yeah you would want to find out what their motivation is. But these are powerhouse clubs with loads of money, so you would be silly not to look at it. Maybe a few Bayern or Schalke supporters would be upset, but ultimately we are still WSW.

    Kraken

    Kraken

    Posted

    I would be over the moon at the potenial of Dortmund owing the club, you know they arent going to have any hidden agendas with other codes and our scouting network would be massive, Would raise our profile overseas and could be a pathway to Europe for Sydneys best young players. Germans know football culture and the importance of the fans.

    You never know they may of been interested in CCM.

    Stokz

    Stokz

    Posted

    I would be over the moon at the potenial of Dortmund owing the club, you know they arent going to have any hidden agendas with other codes and our scouting network would be massive, Would raise our profile overseas and could be a pathway to Europe for Sydneys best young players. Germans know football culture and the importance of the fans.

    You never know they may of been interested in CCM.

     

    :smurfnono:

    Johnno

    Johnno

    Posted

     

    If they were eventually going to move Wanderers to the Bossely Park area, this would take quite a long time to develop, minimum 5-10 years, people complain about public transport - you could easily have free shuttle buses from Fairfield Station to the Stadium on Match Days and would be a quite nice experience as well.

     

    which works great for all those already on that line but for the rest of sydney, where parramatta is, if not a direct line, but only 1 change of transport, its a nightmare.

     

    train from anywhere to parra/strathfield, then change to fairfield, then bus  (how many buses for a 20k stadium) to marconi, no thanks. 

     

    #StayAtParra

    Stokz

    Stokz

    Posted

     

     

    If they were eventually going to move Wanderers to the Bossely Park area, this would take quite a long time to develop, minimum 5-10 years, people complain about public transport - you could easily have free shuttle buses from Fairfield Station to the Stadium on Match Days and would be a quite nice experience as well.

     

    which works great for all those already on that line but for the rest of sydney, where parramatta is, if not a direct line, but only 1 change of transport, its a nightmare.

     

    train from anywhere to parra/strathfield, then change to fairfield, then bus  (how many buses for a 20k stadium) to marconi, no thanks. 

     

    #StayAtParra

     

     

    I agree Parramatta is a MUCH better option.

     

    I would like to know also how many people drive vs catch public transport to the games, my guess would be 25% catch PT and the rest are driving.

     

    Also there is the TWAY bus from Parramatta to Liverpool that stops very close to Marconi, many Wanderers from South West get to Parra this way too.

     

    Marconi is also good for parking, as you dont have to pay, whereas parking in parramatta is never free.

     

    Its really not as bad as people are making out to be in terms of bossely park stadium.

    Robvad10

    Robvad10

    Posted

    i think everyone is of th same view to stay at parramatta stadium.

    Stokz

    Stokz

    Posted

    Let's put it bluntly. Fairfield is too wog for some and Penrith is too bogan for others. If we all meet at Parramatta we seem to get on ok lol :D

     

    You do have a point my friend  :rofl:  :good:

    Balkanite

    Balkanite

    Posted

    Let's put it bluntly. Fairfield is too wog for some and Penrith is too bogan for others. If we all meet at Parramatta we seem to get on ok lol :D

     

    AHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAAHHAHAHAA

     

    Wow, you took what everyone was thinking and made it into a sentence .. welldone!

    Johnno

    Johnno

    Posted

     

    I agree Parramatta is a MUCH better option.

     

    I would like to know also how many people drive vs catch public transport to the games, my guess would be 25% catch PT and the rest are driving.

     

    Also there is the TWAY bus from Parramatta to Liverpool that stops very close to Marconi, many Wanderers from South West get to Parra this way too.

     

    Marconi is also good for parking, as you dont have to pay, whereas parking in parramatta is never free.

     

    Its really not as bad as people are making out to be in terms of bossely park stadium.

     

     

    they would have to have plans for at least a 20k seat stadium, i think parking issues would then arise, if they could even get the stadium change put through council.

    Stevo99

    Stevo99

    Posted

    Being bought by an existing Australian sports club would defeat everything we (the fans) have done building this club up. The reason we have become so big is because we want to be the biggest sporting club in Australia bar none. Look at the powerchair team, how their profile has grown since we joined them. I understand we don't have nearly enough fans to pull of a full community ownership model, but I refuse to be a pawn to raise the coffers of Marconi and any other such club

    Goredeaux

    Goredeaux

    Posted

    I don't reckon fan ownership should be an option for a few years, this team is yet to gain a succesful/proven financial history and nor should the fans carry the burden of financial woes should they arrise.

     

    Don't get me wrong I am for fan ownership, but this should be a clause the FFA provides within the contract of the sale, with the FFA retaining a healthy percentage of shares in the club to later develop an Investment model that includes their percentage being sold to the public.

     

    If we can secure a succesful owner, us as future investors in the club would be able to retain the focus the wanderers have committed too in building community and public relations.      

    Stokz

    Stokz

    Posted

    I don't reckon fan ownership should be an option for a few years, this team is yet to gain a succesful/proven financial history and nor should the fans carry the burden of financial woes should they arrise.

     

    Don't get me wrong I am for fan ownership, but this should be a clause the FFA provides within the contract of the sale, with the FFA retaining a healthy percentage of shares in the club to later develop an Investment model that includes their percentage being sold to the public.

     

    If we can secure a succesful owner, us as future investors in the club would be able to retain the focus the wanderers have committed too in building community and public relations.      

     

    Yeah i think that's a good view, make sense.

     

    Although I would rather 3-4 owners just in case one turns out to be a-hole and then you are kind of stuck. 

    Kraken

    Kraken

    Posted

    I also think fan ownership would be difficult and not ideal at this stage, but the members should get a representitive on the board.

    Goredeaux

    Goredeaux

    Posted

     

    I don't reckon fan ownership should be an option for a few years, this team is yet to gain a succesful/proven financial history and nor should the fans carry the burden of financial woes should they arrise.

     

    Don't get me wrong I am for fan ownership, but this should be a clause the FFA provides within the contract of the sale, with the FFA retaining a healthy percentage of shares in the club to later develop an Investment model that includes their percentage being sold to the public.

     

    If we can secure a succesful owner, us as future investors in the club would be able to retain the focus the wanderers have committed too in building community and public relations.      

     

    Yeah i think that's a good view, make sense.

     

    Although I would rather 3-4 owners just in case one turns out to be a-hole and then you are kind of stuck. 

     

    While I agree, That's also a scary prospect. Depending on the shares owned by certain stakeholders, should one of the stakeholders sell their shares, this could be purchased by one of the existing stakeholders. In turn, should one of the investors gain leverage, we will end up with their chairman.

     

    Really, the fact that this is being handled with caution so far is a good indication that regardless of no forseeable fan ownership, we are in good hands.

    WSWanderer

    WSWanderer

    Posted

    Someone on 442 suggested the Bosnjak family. They were the founders of Westbus and Jim Bosnjak is chairman of the Greater Western Sydney Economic Development Board. Interesting suggestion. Thoughts?

    Pup55

    Pup55

    Posted

    Let's put it bluntly. Fairfield is too wog for some and Penrith is too bogan for others. If we all meet at Parramatta we seem to get on ok lol :D

    :rofl:  :rofl:  :rofl:  :rofl:

    Goredeaux

    Goredeaux

    Posted

    Someone on 442 suggested the Bosnjak family. They were the founders of Westbus and Jim Bosnjak is chairman of the Greater Western Sydney Economic Development Board. Interesting suggestion. Thoughts?

     

    Funnily enough, the only bus line that does not allow free membership match day travel.

    xposedPatricK

    xposedPatricK

    Posted

    Someone on 442 suggested the Bosnjak family. They were the founders of Westbus and Jim Bosnjak is chairman of the Greater Western Sydney Economic Development Board. Interesting suggestion. Thoughts?

     

    that guy is cashed up

     

    I pass by his house on the way to my missus'.

     

    it has a Mr Burns "release the hounds" feel

    bombagol

    bombagol

    Posted

    Someone on 442 suggested the Bosnjak family. They were the founders of Westbus and Jim Bosnjak is chairman of the Greater Western Sydney Economic Development Board. Interesting suggestion. Thoughts?

    Someone will surely complain that they're too Croatian. :D
    westofcentre

    westofcentre

    Posted

    One of your best Mack!

     

    standing-ovation.gif

     

     

    That's the same sort of reaction I get when I flex.

     

    Call me an idealist, and detached for reality - but if we can stay away from pokies and clubs with pokies we should. The Wanderers are about changing our society for the better. A positive social investment and making a difference.

     

    What is it - 70% of all revenue from pokies is from problem gamblers. Behind every problem gambler there is a family that suffers and a future taken away.  Rugby League clubs have exploited their communities. Lets not do the same. 

    RBB

    RBB

    Posted

    Let's put it bluntly. Fairfield is too wog for some and Penrith is too bogan for others. If we all meet at Parramatta we seem to get on ok lol :D

     

    That's the greatest comment I've read on this forum

     

    Parramatta unites us all

    westofcentre

    westofcentre

    Posted (edited)

     

    Let's put it bluntly. Fairfield is too wog for some and Penrith is too bogan for others. If we all meet at Parramatta we seem to get on ok lol :D

     

    That's the greatest comment I've read on this forum

     

    Parramatta unites us all

     

     

    You're looking at it wrong and I am appalled by your stereotyping.

     

    Fairfield you are more likely to get your hubcaps stolen, while Penrith you're more likely to have your tyres slashed.

     

    Playing at Parra means you're likely to have the best of both worlds.  :)

    Edited by westofcentre
    AEK

    AEK

    Posted

    Let's put it bluntly. Fairfield is too wog for some and Penrith is too bogan for others. If we all meet at Parramatta we seem to get on ok lol :D

    You win the internets!

    Bili

    Bili

    Posted

     

    Someone on 442 suggested the Bosnjak family. They were the founders of Westbus and Jim Bosnjak is chairman of the Greater Western Sydney Economic Development Board. Interesting suggestion. Thoughts?

     

    that guy is cashed up

     

    I pass by his house on the way to my missus'.

     

    it has a Mr Burns "release the hounds" feel

     

     

    You shouldn't judge a book by it's cover!

    xposedPatricK

    xposedPatricK

    Posted

     

     

    Someone on 442 suggested the Bosnjak family. They were the founders of Westbus and Jim Bosnjak is chairman of the Greater Western Sydney Economic Development Board. Interesting suggestion. Thoughts?

     

    that guy is cashed up

     

    I pass by his house on the way to my missus'.

     

    it has a Mr Burns "release the hounds" feel

     

     

    You shouldn't judge a book by it's cover!

     

     

    All I said is he's cashed up and his house reminds me of Mr Burn's house?

     

    i want a refund on this book

    ManfredSchaefer

    ManfredSchaefer

    Posted

     

    Let's put it bluntly. Fairfield is too wog for some and Penrith is too bogan for others. If we all meet at Parramatta we seem to get on ok lol :D

     

    AHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAAHHAHAHAA

     

    Wow, you took what everyone was thinking and made it into a sentence .. welldone!

     

     

    So does this mean that Parramatta is Wogan territory?

     

    Terry_Wogan_Terry_Wogan_LP_RECORD_472229

     

    If Dortmund buy the Wanderers, the Bavarian Bier Cafe might get a little more busier on gameday!

     

    And a currywurst stall at Parra Stadium with DAB on tap bitte...

    Montalbano

    Montalbano

    Posted

    Interesting..the Wogan. I think you have come up with a new breed of Westsydneysider. Hooligans who love their ethnic food and following the Wanderers at the football.



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