And so, FINALLY professional football has come back to Western Sydney.

After much speculation, conversation and debate amongst potential fans and rivals alike, the FFA backed team finally got its official launch last week. I’ve given myself time to reflect on it all and to let it all sink in before flexing the typing fingers, rather than produce an emotional reactive piece immediately following the launch.

I personally missed watching the launch live on *ahem* Fox Sports due to important football commitments on a 6-a-side field, but when I got a chance to check my Twitter feed and relive the moments of reveal I instantly became excited.

First came the name. Immediately - a lot rode on this and if the FFA would get it right. My fears were somewhat suppressed after statements from the club that “Western Sydney” would be in the name. This was a big issue. This was always raised at the fan forums and it was made pretty clear that the people wanted the term “West(ern)” in the name of the team. A far cry from the bids for the area that always argued that “Western” is a negative connotation that will ruin marketing potential and it will alienate potential fans. But when the dust settled, the people wanted West(ern) in the name because they are proud to be from the area and want to display that in bright lights.

So despite all the leaks leading up to the launch (the name appearing on the A-League site when the fixtures were released being one of them), I was still wary of what we would get. When I read that Western Sydney Wanderers FC was announced to be the name, I smiled. This was one of the most popular names since day one on all the polls I’ve seen online. It always rose to the top of the rankings. Some may not like it, others will love it. But I think it’s fair to say, no one will completely despise it because it’s not an “Americanised” franchise name that we’ve seen in the past. It is a “traditional” name that I can see people getting behind.

I know many will argue if we really need a moniker for the team name. I think with the amount of sports teams across multiple professional sports in this country (let alone this city alone - 20 or so all up), it needs a moniker to distinguish itself from them all. The problem I’ve always felt with Sydney FC, is that you have to call them “Sydney FC” in casual conversation. And when they get shortened to “FC” by some, it gets cringeworthy. Most will probably call the team “Wanderers” so those they are talking to will know instantly who they are talking about.

Then came the logo. I really did not know what to expect here. I was always under the impression that the fans would have a say here and it would go to a public submission much like Melbourne Heart did. I guess time was of the essence here and we are fast running out of it. So what would we get?

We get a simple, yet effective “football looking” logo that wouldn’t feel out of place in any league in Europe. I’ve seen it described as “safe” but safe is much better than some gimmicky colourful animal inspired logo that means nothing at all to anyone. Again, most have welcomed the logo, from potential supporters and other teams' supporters alike. It’s already become my phone’s wallpaper. My father asked the other day “what’s the logo? A mountain goat?” His explanation for that brilliant suggestion was “they are wanderers” or roamers or something. Thanks Dad. I’m glad you weren’t on the committee!

And now the all important home strip. Red, black and white were favourites to win here. But how would it come out? Stripes ala AC Milan or hoops ala Flamengo? Personally I always leaned towards the Flamengo inspired strip (with white shorts instead of black shorts that many wanted). Reason being, it was different, it would stand out in the A-League and it wouldn’t be an AC Milan strip...

The Rovers’ lazy St Kilda strip that was half released was very uninspiring. It was not unique in Australia and I’m glad it never came to fruition.

When I saw the photos of the Wanderers strip, again I smiled. My Daniel Bryan impersonation of “Yes! Yes! Yes!” was in full voice when I looked at the entire package of name, logo and strip. We were onto something here. This just all got a little more real suddenly. There were Western Sydney produced players modelling the new kit, at what I hope will be our sole, home ground. In the background was the logo in the centre circle. Everything was falling into place nicely.

On face value, it appears the FFA have listened to the fans at the fan forums and in other avenues such as social media, online forums etc.

As previously mentioned, the vast majority wanted Western in the name. Wanderers was a leading contender. Red, black and white led all the polls. No one wanted a gimmicky name and logo to go with it.

The FFA delivered on all points.

I for one, am very happy with the outcomes from the official club launch. We are no longer in limbo. We finally have an identity and now eagerly await the kit and casual wear to hit the stores so we can spend our cash on it all.

So, did the FFA actually listen to the fans this time around? Or did they perform some Inception-esque implant on all of the fans to make them think they came up with all the ideas?
I hope its the former, because they have one more thing to deliver if they are REALLY listening to the fans. Something that has been hotly debated for essentially a few years now.

#NoToANZ
#NoToANZ
#NoToANZ

Prove that you really are listening to the fans FFA.

Your move.

Follow me on Twitter: @Don_Erebus