Doesn't Effect Us Much, but what the hey...

'Gong Bid May Settle For B-League

EXCLUSIVE: South Coast Football have not ruled out bidding for a spot in the mooted second tier B-League but maintain they are still 100% committed to their A-League ambitions.

With Western Sydney a clear favourite for a spot in the next round of A-League expansion (alongside a Melbourne consortium which has already been handed the A-League's provisional 11th licence for the 2010-11 season,), bids like South Coast Football have an uphill battle.

At the same time, a taskforce has been set up to investigate the possibility of a second tier competition to run alongside the A-League as an "A2" competition.

Tagged the "B-League" , it's a concept that's been embraced by state leagues clubs such as Sydney Olympic, who have already expressed a strong interest in applying to join on the back of the recent high-profile signing of Mark Bosnich.

Right now though, South Coast say they are committed to fighting for a spot in the expanded A-League and aren't hoisting the white flag just yet despite having to deny local reports of financial shortfalls.

"We are 100% focused on the current 2010-11 bid process and continue to work with relevant stakeholders (including the FFA) towards achieving this goal," says South Coast Football's media manager Nick Ferraro.

"If South Coast FC were not granted a licence as part of the next round of Hyundai A-League expansion, then there would be a period of consolidation, where the current board would look at possible next steps, which may or may not include a renewed bid for future A-League expansion, entry into a possible A League second division, or ceasing operations as South Coast FC."

It remains to be seen if a B-League would also include failed A-League franchise bids.

"We will wait on the outcome of the current bid process before making that decision. However needless to say, we are determined, and believe we have set the foundations for an A-League team in the region," adds Ferraro.

Greater Western Sydney A-League bidders met with the FFA on Monday and other bidders will be meeting with the FFA this month with a decision likely in early July on the next round of expansion.

http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/104882,gong-bid-may-settle-for-bleague.aspx

yeah they've given up.

doesn't effect us in any way really though as you said.

It probs makes our bid stronger, like its only between Canberra & Western Sydney now...

btw, 2000th message wooo

yeah i suppose but it's not like the investors in the south coast bid are gonna jump on the canberra bid now that the south coast bid has given up are they?

I think its an alright idea.. whats also possible is that the proposed A2 league wouldn't need as much cash as the A-league.. though would still have to have enough to be fully professional.