By Nick Creely
Team 11 is one step closer to it’s A-League dream, with Football Federation Australia (FFA) shortlisting the south-east bid as one of the potential recipients of a licence.
the official bid of south-east of Victoria, was today named alongside nine other bids to advance to the final stage of the expansion process.
Applications now have until 31 August to submit their final proposals, with a decision to be made in October on the two new licences to be handed out for the 2019-20 season.
Backed by the Greater Dandenong, City of Casey and Cardinia Shire councils, the bid will now spend the coming months finalising its investor group and ownership structure as it prepares to transition into a privately-owned entity.
Iconic Australian businessman Gerry Ryan has pledged financial support for the club, in a major boost to the bid moving forward.
Ryan – who is synonymous with the City of Greater Dandenong – said his passion lies with the local community.
“No force can unite quite like the round ball can,” Ryan said.
“The south-east region has been very good to me. This is an exceptionally multicultural community that would be incredibly supportive of a club representing it, as football is the game that many here know and love most.
“I’ve helped put together a few clubs in my time. But this bid is about more than just football, it is about community and must seek to increase social wellbeing and prompt economic growth – which I think it can and will.”
Ryan is no stranger to the A-League either, having previously had stakes in the-then known Queensland Roar and Melbourne City.
South-east Victoria, one of the fastest growing regions in the country, has a population base in excess of 1.5 million people and boasts more than 22,000 registered football players.
More to come.
