NORTH QUEENSLAND FC boss Don Matheson insists the A-League hopefuls have "over-performed" in presenting their final bid to join the competition to Football Federation Australia.
While fellow bidders Gold Coast United have caught the imagination with the backing of Queensland's richest man, mining magnate Clive Palmer, and are certain to be included in next year's competition, North Queensland's bid has not generated the same allure. But while the Townsville franchise may not have the flamboyance of their Queensland rivals, Matheson is confident the FFA will be impressed with the detail when they receive the final submission today.
North Queensland thought they were over the line last month, only to be given a 30-day deadline to meet further demands from the FFA, mostly concerning community and corporate support. The FFA board is expected to formally invite both Gold Coast and Townsville into the league when it meets next Wednesday, while it will also consider the progress of three other bids for the following year, Canberra, Wollongong and a second Melbourne team.
"I must admit, the FFA threw us a curve ball when they asked us to go back and work on some things, but in hindsight it's proved to be a worthwhile exercise," Matheson said. "If anything, I think we've over-performed."
Two key demands from the FFA - to "sell" at least 25 corporate boxes at Dairy Farmers Stadium, and to secure at least 5000 pledges for memberships/season tickets - have been oversubscribed.
"We can't sell anything because we're not in the league yet, but we've ended up with commitments for 75 boxes at the stadium, and 7500 people have signed pledges to buy memberships, Matheson said. "I think that speaks for itself. We've ticked all the boxes, and we're very comfortable with where we're at."
The key for both franchises, but especially North Queensland, is to get the green light sooner rather than later in order to start the difficult process of building a competitive squad. Gold Coast already have the most important acquisition - head coach Miron Bleiberg - in place, but North Queensland have yet to settle on their preferred candidate.
Olyroos coach Graham Arnold - whose future after an unsuccessful Olympics campaign is uncertain - has been linked to a return to club football, while A-League assistant coaches Ian Ferguson (Central Coast Mariners) and Phil Stubbins (Adelaide United), are also contenders.
Newcastle Jets championship-winning coach Gary van Egmond had also been in the mix, but the Jets have been less than impressed with the idea. Matheson said: "Why wouldn't we want a guy like him coaching the club, but the fact is he's employed by the Jets for the next two years, so he's unavailable."
Matheson concedes getting a head coach in place is the "number one" priority once the FFA officially welcomes the club into the competition.
"We're in a very competitive market for players, and the head coach is the one who drives the recruitment," he said. "Timing is crucial, we can't get too far behind, and I'm sure the FFA wouldn't want that."
Among the players already linked to a move to Townsville are Jets duo Ante Covic and Jade North, Olyroos defender Trent McClenahan and fringe Socceroos striker Joel Porter. Matheson, in particular, wants to lure locally produced players back to the club, and Melbourne Victory defender Michael Thwaite and Queensland Roar winger Tahj Minniecon, who both hail from Cairns, and Mareeba-born midfielder Wayne Srhoj, who is on the free market after being released by his Romanian club, are clear targets.
Townsville's colours are expected to be green and white.
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