Buckley Rules Out Extra Round
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Buckley Rules Out Extra Round
RELATED COVERAGE
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* Siggy stubbing out A-League attacks [RUMOUR]
Jon Ritson
Apr 7 2008 12:36
Get more on: buckley | aleague | ffa
EXCLUSIVE: Football Federation Australia has ruled out the introduction of an extra round between existing A-League teams when the new season kicks off in August.
With expansion on hold for at least a year, there had been speculation that one way to meet the clamour for more games would be to see tussles extended from three meetings to four during a campaign.
Coaches and players alike have been unanimous in their belief that the current A-League season is simply too short and that more matches are needed if the competition and the standard within it is to grow.
But speaking exclusively to au.fourfourtwo.com, FFA chief executive Ben Buckley has said such a move is not on the agenda.
He said: Its not on our agenda for season four. We will certainly look to expand beyond 21 rounds when we go to an expanded format but at the moment were not looking to introduce a fourth round.
If we were to do that and you have the teams playing each other that many times then I think that could dilute the interest at the back end of the season. Clearly thats not something we want to see happen.
Reaction from the clubs to an extra round between the current sides in the competition had been mixed to say the least.
Sydney FC boss John Kosmina said recently there was a clear need for more games but wondered if the fans would be happy to see the same opposition four times during a campaign.
Melbourne Victory chief executive Geoff Miles was not drawn to the idea, preferring to see new teams added to create natural fresh fixtures and fresh interest for supporters.
Perth Glory chief Scott Gooch told au.fourfourtwo.com: As a club were certainly not averse to looking over any proposal that would include additional matches each season.
Adding another round would ensure Hyundai A-League fixtures are evenly distributed to include two home and away matches against all current sides in the competition.
This would be the ideal situation, if venue access and timing of the season allowed for that to happen, and from a club perspective wed be keen to explore the option further.
6 Comments Email Print
Buckley Rules Out Extra Round
RELATED COVERAGE
* Smeltz Grabs Phoenix Gongs
* Mr Phenomenal's A Top Tip For A-League Return
* South Melbourne's A-League Bid
* Beware Of Hotshot Bare
* Siggy stubbing out A-League attacks [RUMOUR]
Jon Ritson
Apr 7 2008 12:36
Get more on: buckley | aleague | ffa
EXCLUSIVE: Football Federation Australia has ruled out the introduction of an extra round between existing A-League teams when the new season kicks off in August.
With expansion on hold for at least a year, there had been speculation that one way to meet the clamour for more games would be to see tussles extended from three meetings to four during a campaign.
Coaches and players alike have been unanimous in their belief that the current A-League season is simply too short and that more matches are needed if the competition and the standard within it is to grow.
But speaking exclusively to au.fourfourtwo.com, FFA chief executive Ben Buckley has said such a move is not on the agenda.
He said: Its not on our agenda for season four. We will certainly look to expand beyond 21 rounds when we go to an expanded format but at the moment were not looking to introduce a fourth round.
If we were to do that and you have the teams playing each other that many times then I think that could dilute the interest at the back end of the season. Clearly thats not something we want to see happen.
Reaction from the clubs to an extra round between the current sides in the competition had been mixed to say the least.
Sydney FC boss John Kosmina said recently there was a clear need for more games but wondered if the fans would be happy to see the same opposition four times during a campaign.
Melbourne Victory chief executive Geoff Miles was not drawn to the idea, preferring to see new teams added to create natural fresh fixtures and fresh interest for supporters.
Perth Glory chief Scott Gooch told au.fourfourtwo.com: As a club were certainly not averse to looking over any proposal that would include additional matches each season.
Adding another round would ensure Hyundai A-League fixtures are evenly distributed to include two home and away matches against all current sides in the competition.
This would be the ideal situation, if venue access and timing of the season allowed for that to happen, and from a club perspective wed be keen to explore the option further.
