Played 27 matches for 13 wins 5 draws 9 losses 39 goals for 35 goals against for a total of 44 and finishing 3rd. Shane Smeltz also won the Golden Boot award with 19 goals for the season. With 8 teams in their 5th season and the 2 teams above us have won 3 of the 4 championships I would say that Gold Coast United can hold their heads up high. Certainly as a fan I am very happy with that.
We had a heap of highs both on and off the field as well as some lows. But that is Football and I wouldn’t give up the emotional roller coaster of being a fan for anything.
Crowds
The biggest problem and most commented on issue all season has been Crowds. Why can’t we get a decent size crowd? To put it in context to the whole league, on average there has been a 20% drop in crowd numbers. SFC, Glory and the Nix are the only clubs to record an increase. 3 clubs had 30% or more drop in crowds. Per head of population, Gold Coast ranks 4th. Yes GCU had the lowest crowd average, but also have the 4th lowest catchment of people to reach. And yes, 4100 to a Semi Final is unacceptable.
These may seem like lame excuses to some but they are real issues that other areas do not have to deal with other than maybe the Fury.
Gold Coast has no National Football history
Gold Coast has no Football Culture.
Very small ethnic football populations, who have been the backbone of Football in this country for decades.
It is an area of the country where people come to chill out either for life or on holidays. It takes a lot to get a Gold Coaster moving, believe me.
There is so much to do here for locals and tourists. It is one of the reasons I moved here 15 years ago from Sydney.
There is no doubt our crowds must pick up if we are to be a sustainable football club, and if I have to defend this in 3 years time then maybe I shouldn’t be. This issue has been constantly debated on the forum since the season started. I don’t know if we have found one particular answer, but we do have the population base and a good base of junior footballers to draw on. It is up to the club to tap into that somehow. Just look at what the NRL has done and what the AFL is doing.
Clive
Our illustrious owner. He certainly knows how to score a headline. When I first heard that Clive had bankrolled the team I was really excited. Not only did we have an A-League team on the Gold Coast, but it was backed by the richest man in Queensland. Surely we couldn’t fail. Clive said all the right things in the media about supporting the local football community, bringing a first class team to the Gold Coast etc. Then he goes and bags the Titans, and then he goes and says we will win the competition undefeated. Way to go Clive, a real winner with the majority of Gold Coasters.
Then throughout the season he continued to gain headlines by capping the crowds, bagging the FFA and eventually accusing them of a conspiracy against the Gold Coast. Why would they do that after they granted a license to him to build the game on the Gold Coast. Unfortunately he came across to the Gold Coast community as a whinger who has too much money. And this is not just my opinion, this is what my friends tell me and just about anyone outside football tells me when I start spruiking about getting along to Skilled Park to watch GCU.
I find it almost embarrassing that the FFA took over control of match days because the richest man in Qld had a dummy spit about losing money after he was so adamant about building the game on the Gold Coast and Northern NSW.
There is no doubt we need people like Clive in the game with his money. But we also need him to work with the FFA, clubs and fans to build the game. It is a hard sell not only on the Gold Coast but to Australia in general. He can’t run a Football club like a mining company, and he can’t micro manage people running a club in a game he knows very little about. Put some football people in management and one on the board, and let them do their job.
Club
It did appear to me from the outside that Clive had a huge influence on the day to day running of the club. Unfortunately this seemed to lead to people not being able to do their jobs. They have sacked their Marketing Manager probably for the lack of marketing. I believe it was his lack of resources. Andrew is a passionate football person who was very supportive of our supporters club and understood what we wanted to achieve in the home end. Thank you Andrew for your support this season.
They also did not renew Paul Okon’s contract after indicating from the beginning he would take over from Miron. I have no idea what sort of a coaching job Paul did but is suspect a clash of ideas with Miron was the ultimate decider. Thanks Paul.
During this off season I expect the Club from Clive and Miron down to be very active in the Gold Coast community. Our local football season has just started and we need our players to be active every weekend at some level with our youth. This is where we will gain crowds as these people already play the game. We need to build the product name in our own community before we look at the wider community.
Whoever the new marketing manager will be needs to be tough and innovative in getting people to the games. The club needs to give the person the resources to do this.
Supporters
“The Beach” as we called ourselves in the home end grew steadily throughout the season. We have a long way to go with coordinating our chanting but it is getting there. We have a great core group of supporters who have been there week in week out despite the problems off field and with the crowds. The way we reacted to the Cap was a great bonding experience and was a real turn around. We want to create an atmosphere at the ground that everyone can enjoy and hopefully we did that.
Standing, singing and wearing beach hats are not everyone’s cup of tea, and the hats are not traditionally a football thing. They have come in for a lot of flak from our opposition fans but this has only steeled my like for them and I hope they continue to be popular. We sold 200 this season. I think what they have done is identify us to our own community and people want to wear them. Along with our name they are an iconic symbol of our region and one which I wear with pride not only at the game but as a volunteer once a month.
Me and the wife, Semi Final v Jets
Ah well that’s my first bit of writing since November and it felt good to vent. I have a heap of subjects in my head to blurt about so come back again. Also leave a comment below and let me know what you think.
Cheers
Tezza
PS. I am going to the World Cup in 85 days time. woo hooo
I think a lot of us thought we won Lotto or the Melbourne Cup when we read this news.
I am ecstatic at this news. I don’t know all the details yet but apparently a new ticket pricing structure will be announced tomorrow morning as well.
As supporters, we feel damn good about this and feel we had some sort of hand in making it happen.
Up until today, all official communication with the club has been 1 way. We ring them. Today, Clive Mensink, CEO, rang our club President and told him about a BBQ that the Players are putting on for US, the fans. It will be tomorrow afternoon, Wednesday Nov 4th, at Southport Tigers after training at about 5pm.
I will still wait and see how this all pans out, but it appears that Clive and Clive have listened not only to us but the FFA and given us our Beach back, as well as a new pricing structure.
It is now up to the Gold Coast Fans to get off your bums, buy a ticket and come and support a really good football team. Our team has a real chance of actually winning this competition. I am not saying we will, but we have a great chance. In any case we will have fun cheering our team on. SO come and Stand Between The Flags or just sit anywhere else, but PLEASE, COME AND SUPPORT GOLD COAST UNITED
Well its official, the “Cap the Crowd” strategy by Clive Palmer was a disaster in community relations as well as his relations to the wider Football Community. Just over 2600 people turned up last night with many Season ticket holders staying away in protest at having to move.
Our supporters group who stand in “The Beach” (Bay 30) were all moved to Bay 2 in the corner behind the goal line. We turned up with protest banners and when the players left the field after their warm up we held those banners up towards Clive’s private box. “Scrap the Cap”, “Fans not $$ “, “Greatest Team Never Seen”, “Football is for the fans, not greedy hands, Justice for the GCU”, “Want bigger Crowds Clive, Ask us How”. This continued until the players came back to the field for the kickoff. We then got down to the business of supporting the TEAM with our singing and chanting.
GCU Fans vent their anger
GCU Fans send Clive a Message.
During the game, the crowd wanted to do more and it was decided that at the 70th minute that we would “Storm The Beach” and run over to Bay 30 where our normal seats are. About 20 people made it over the concrete barrier between the stands whilst the rest were stopped by security when they realised what was happening. The crowd around us got behind us and we were all cheering the guys on as they ran across. Security did catch up with them and escorted them out of the stand. About 10 were kicked out of the stadium for “Trespassing”. The rest made it back to the relocated beach and we continued to sing for our team. Unfortunately the Fury scored a second goal during this time and we were 2-0 down and that remained the score until the end.
GCU fans "Storm the Beach"
At the end of the game most of us stayed in our seats and chanted for Clive to come down. Clive did come down, Clive Mensink – CEO, arrived and a heated discussion with the fans started. A bit of calm was obtained and a few of us vented our frustrations at Clive. Of course he held the line that it is financially prudent to cap the Crowds and his reasons why. Another blog will deal with this.
About 30 of walked out of the ground and realized that our free bus back to the pubs had gone. Whilst working out where the cab rank was a BMW M3 pulled up next to us. Out stepped Jason Culina. He came over and shook our hands and apologised for the performance. We had a chat and the remaining kids there all had his autograph and pictures taken with him. What a top bloke. Told us to keep up the good work and to keep coming back and cheering for the team.
We also had a conversation with the FOX Sports commentary team who gave us heaps of Kudos for what we did. They thought the “Storm the Beach” stunt was great.
All in all it was a disappointing night not only for the result but for Football on the Coast. Protesting the way we did was not ideal but one that had to be done in my opinion. And obviously one that is shared by many GCU supporters. A small group of us went to the Youth league game today and relived the moments. It was fun in the stands and an awesome thing to be part of, even if I did chicken out of the run into the stands. It’s been done now, and the most important thing is for the Team to start winning again. We have top of the table Sydney FC next weekend at Skilled Park and you can bet that “The Beach” will be there in full voice to support the boys.
I would also like to thank all those supporters from other clubs who have been on our forum and been very positive in support of our cause.
The ball is in Clive Palmer’s court now, he must listen to the people and “Scrap The Cap”.
Will Clive Palmer limit crowds to 5000 at Skilled Park?
“We believe Clive’s financial resources will support the bid – there’s no question about that,” Buckley said.
“More importantly there’s a demonstrated commitment to engage with the Gold Coast community. That’s a very important part of the proposal as well” Courier Mail, June 3, 2008
“the club informed FFA they intend to cap Skilled Park crowds to under 5000 — starting with their next home game against North Queensland Fury on Saturday week.” GC Bulletin, Oct 23, 2009
What a bullshit reaction from a Football Club Owner. This is another in a long line of media statements from Clive Palmer and Mensink to somehow gain media coverage of what to me is the worst marketing campaign by anyone ever.
Why don’t you do what you said 15 months ago, and engage the community with our Football team. It has taken until 2 weeks ago for players to actually get out into the community to something other than some televised media scrum, and now you want to pull the pin.
The blame for poor crowd numbers rests squarely on your shoulders Mr. Palmer. You have done next to nothing to promote the team to the Gold Coast community. You could take a leaf out of Michael Searle’s book on how to successfully market a sporting team to the Gold Coast. Even the new GC17 AFL team has more publicity and they don’t even have a team to watch yet.
It appears to me that you say many things in the media and completely fail to follow them up with actions.
Your attitude to the people of the Gold Coast is utter contempt in my opinion. You waltzed up at the last minute to “Save” the Gold Coast Galaxy bid and expected the Gold Coast to just welcome the “messiah” with open arms and roll up in their thousands and hail King Clive. Well it didn’t happen, and now all I hear from the Club is how tough it is in the market and the government is killing us with the stadium deal, bla bla bla.
You fail to recognize that Football Supporters are very passionate about their team. You are playing with peoples emotions with ridiculous statements in the media and now capping crowds. A big fail Mr. Palmer. Stop your whining and get the football team out into the community every week.
When the franchise was announced I had conversations with a number of friends from other teams regarding your involvement in Football. They were really skeptical and I told them that you would be great for the league. Their concern was that you are more interested in having your logo in front of your Asian buddies at the ACL and that you didn’t care about the A-League. I am beginning to believe them now. Please prove us wrong.
You have managed to assemble a fantastic team who can win the league and your actions have done little to support them by getting crowds to the ground. Whatever happens for the Fury game I certainly hope that the Supporters send a clear message to you and the club as you do not deserve our support which now must be earned.
It has been a great few weeks for GCU fans here and abroad. Undefeated after 3 rounds and heading to Newcastle for our next encounter tomorrow at 3pm.
It has been very hectic for the Supporters Club committee getting things up and running, but it is all part of the fun.
Before our first home game a couple of weeks ago a 60 minutes crew joined our Supporters Club at the Dog and Parrot. They were there as part of a story on Clive Palmer, our football club owner. We were filmed singing our chants and then a few of us were interviewed by Charles Wooley. It was a fun afternoon.
That story will be on 60 Minutes this Sunday Night.
With a 3-1 win in our first ever Derby in Brisbane and then a 5-0 win over fellow newcomers, NQ Fury, we are so far undefeated with 25 matches remaining. Can we go the distance??
A big ask in any competition. I don’t know what Professor Clive was smoking at the time but the realist in me says we will loose at some stage this season.
However, until that time comes
Were Gold Coast United
We’ll never be defeated
Were Gold Coast United
We’ll never be defeated
This is the first Club side I have supported passionately. It is like I have a new lease on life. New friends with the same passion. A new club with big ambition, and a club with a great team to follow.
I thought our first ever home game was a great hit out for the Home End Supporters. We sang our lungs our from start to finish. That was after we warmed up 4 hours earlier for our interview with 60 Minutes.
A fantastic day and night was had by all.
The Gold Coast needs to get out there and support our new team. 7500 people was a little underdone, but it was our first ever game.
I have been a football fan for as long as I can remember. Mostly of the National team as it was hard for me to get excited about the NSL. I understand how a lot of people did, but living in the Sutherland Shire i just did not get into it.
Although I went to a sprinkling of Socceroo matches over my time I never felt like a FAN until I attended November 16, 2005 at Sydney’s Homebush Bay Olympic Stadium. I came of age so to speak, as a FAN. And I was in my early 40’s by then.
It was cemented in Germany at the World Cup. I met so many like minded Aussies I wondered what rock I had been hiding under for the past 40 years. I have written a number of posts here about those people and my times at various matches since.
I didn’t think I would get that feeling again, that first time feeling. I went to the Roars first home A-League match, but living 110km away and not knowing the history of them I just never got into them. I supported them just so I was supporting the A-League.
Well, last Saturday Night it happened again. My lovely wife and I attended the first ever A-League match for the Gold Coast United A-League team. Not only did I do that but I have been part of the first ever Gold Coast United Supporters Club and am on the committee.
Again, I have met some great people through this, but most importantly we as a group watched history unfold in front of our eyes (mine were a bit bleary). It was just as exciting as watching Australia make the World Cup for the first time in 32 years. They both have their own unique significance in my eyes, and something I will never forget,(thanks to veronica for filling in the gaps).
History shows that GCU won the game 3-1. But just as important the team showed they mean business. And just as important again, we the fans showed each other how much it meant to us. We sung loud and proud from the moment we walked down Caxton Street until after the final whistle. Michael Thwaite our central defender, had this to say today.
“It was brilliant to hear them out-chanting the Roar fans even though they were outnumbered and that’s a great sign for the potential atmosphere at Skilled Park. They really made themselves heard which is what you want from your fans.”
Strong Fans mean a Strong Club and Strong Clubs mean a Strong A-League. Get out there people and support your club wherever that may be.
Well, the season has started tonight. Half time at Etihad Stadium and the defending champions are 2-0 down. I hope the Victory turn it around as I have tipped them by 2 goals.
This season is shaping up to be the best yet. 2 new teams and a host of current Socceroos coming back to Australia and play in the A-League.
Melbourne will be strong again this year (although the first half tonight does not indicate that) as they always are. Sydney have been very quite in their build up with their new coach and I expect them to be very strong. CCM and the Jets will be a challenge for all and sundry but totally unpredictable in my books. Adelaide and Brisbane will more than likely press for the championship but come up short as always.
Perth Glory have had a good off season and seem to have bought very well. They were very exciting at the end of last season and I am thinking they will be the dark horse of the comp. The Phoenix don’t seem to have done much in the off season and will continue to struggle especially since their star striker is now with the NEW Gold Coast United. The Fur have some good players on paper, especially Robbie Fowler. But their preseason has been very ordinary and Fowler has spent most of his time on the sidelines injured. If their paper team can fire, expect some good results.
That leaves us with Gold Coast United, my team. We have a fantastic squad led by current Socceroo, Jason Culina. Watching him in preseason has been a pleasure. He is hardly ever dispossessed, and never gave a stray pass. We have a real strength through the centre of the park with Bas Van Der Brink, Thwaite and Griffiths behind Jason and then Smeltz and Porter up front. Our Brazillians look fantastic on the ball and Adama trarore will be a crowd favorite with his blistering runs down the left flank. Throw Taj Minnecon into teh mix and we have a well balanced side that will not be embarrassed.
I know Clive reckons we are going to go through undefeated but there are 27 matches this season and I am not going to make such a prediction. I will however predict that GCU will be in the finals come February.
I am pumped for this season like I was for season 1, except I have a local team to support this time. We have formed our Supporters Club, and we are busing it to Brisbane on Saturday for our first ever league match.
Game was not the best performance by either team, IMO. GCU had a good first half with about 4 or 5 chances and CCM about 3 chances. 0-0 at half time. CCM came out all guns blazing in the second half. Scored from a set piece and then from open play, poor defense from GCU. 2-0 CCM.
A ridiculous red card for Thwaite early in the second half saw GCU down to 10 men in the 48th minute. Finally GCU had a result from all their forays forward and Adama Trarore slotted one past Vukovic in the 80th minute. Then in the 91st minute, Smeltz popped up at a cross and headed one home for a 2-2 result.
I think all the calls to Vukovic about Beijing got to him as he was really frustrated by the end of the match and even pushed one of his own players. “Did you go to Beijing, Nooo, Nooo” Great stuff by the 12 GCU Home bay supporters who bothered to turn up.
With 7 players unable to be selected I think that GCU showed good character to come back from 2-0 down to a consistent performer from the A-League. One thing is for sure, we will not be embarrassed this coming season.
One final trial game against the Glory next Saturday then we wait until August 8th for our first ever match in the A-League against the team who will be our biggest rivals, Brisbane Roar. Suncorp here we come.
Our supporters club is gaining momentum despite last nights poor effort. We are having a meeting to vote in an executive on Monday August 3rd, Dog and Parrot, Robina, 7pm.
