United bid for Penrith A-League

United bid for Penrith A-League

Penrith Nepean United owner Joe Meissner wants the A-League in Penrith.

JOE Meissner, a professional poker player, likes to keep his cards close to his chest.

But when it comes to his plans of owning an A-League soccer club in western Sydney, he can’t hold back his emotions or vision of expanding his soccer empire.

The Windsor-based businessman has shown his hand by buying NSW Premier League club Penrith Nepean United and Gabbie Stadium at Seven Hills - Blacktown City Demons’ home ground - during the past year.

Football Federation Australia is set to announce the 12th A-League club next month.

Mr Meissner and his consortium are among the frontrunners to get the franchise and tap into the huge playing base - and potentially huge fan base - in the Penrith and Blacktown districts.

“I don’t like to talk too much about our A-League plans but I think we are favourites to win it,” Mr Meissner told the Press.

“We are talking to several people and organisations regarding where we will base the club and that’s why I cannot comment on this right now.”

He is already reaping the rewards of his foray with PNU, with the club reaching the semi-finals of the TigerTurf Cup knockout tournament for the first time.

“We have a strong team behind the A-League bid, as we know we can do it,” he said.

Berti Mariani, a former player and coach with Marconi in the old NSL, and former Young Socceroo Ian Rowden - now a successful businessman who was on Sydney FC’s board until recently - are a part of Mr Meissner’s consortium.

“We are thinking of playing some of the home games at the ANZ Stadium in Homebush or the CUA Stadium in Penrith,” Mr Meissner said.

“We have had talks with Penrith Council and CUA Stadium officials, as we prefer to base the planned club here.

“Alternatively, we could split the home games between Homebush and Penrith to cater to our supporters from both areas.”

The former world karate champion said Gabbie Stadium could be used for the team’s training, while PNU - based at Cook Park, St Marys - would be a good feeder club.

“The important thing is we have avoided relegation this season,” he said.

“Even if we don’t get the A-League club, we will always have Penrith Nepean United.”

Am sorry to say this but if they end up playing their games at Penrith or Parramatta then I think they will surely get it.

For the Sydney bid it's relieving that they aren't playing at ANZ as for Canberra's bid I'm hopeful they will allow 13 teams.. I fear that if the FFA reject us then maybe alot of the hard work that has been done will be undone..

The FFA will be regretting not letting us in, if they don't accept us. We have the "Best Bid" they have ever seen so surely that must mean something.

penrith would be a mistake, too far away from the target area.

Oh Crap.... them moving into a much smaller stadium could possibly spell the end of our bid success. Am still hoping though, that the possibility of the 13 teams comp, could still be the case.

im sorry but Penrith is too far Western Sydney... Parramatta and Homebush are the places to be A-L bid wise.