A-LEAGUE chief Damien de Bohun has revealed the FFA plans to extend the A-League season to accommodate international dates, increase the number of players on the subs bench and set up a dedicated project team to work on a FA-style cup comp.
De Bohun last night took to Twitter to field a wide range of fans' questions on everything from the performance of the Match Review Panel to his preference for an All Stars XI.
There was no joy for Tasmanian and Canberran football supporters with expansion still on the backburner.
But there were a few suggestions which sparked de Bohun's interest - including an A-League super draft which de Bohun said was as a “good idea” to be explored.
Check out your questions and replies below:
@jla11y: Why does the @Aleague transfer window open on the 14th January & not the 1st January with the rest of the world?
DB: Not all windows open 1 January (eg Asia). HAL window allows Clubs to sign new players during the relevant European window, while also allowing Clubs to sign new players after the European Registration Periods close.
@paul_football: When will we see a realistic and structured FFA Cup plan?
DB: Soon. This is one of FFA's major projects being worked on in 2013 with a dedicated project team.
@Vitsis: When do you envisage matchday squads being able to name more than 4 substitutes for a regular HAL match?
DB: We're looking into this for season 2013/14.
@Muppetbhoy: Can you guarantee that the new pay TV deal and FTA deal will meet the salary cap for all clubs from next season.
DB: It is the current intention of FFA to meet the salary cap next season.
@ PERICOZ: will an A-League 2nd division be introduced at some stage in the near future?
DB: The priority right now is to consolidate the current 10 team league.
@Thompson_CAM_10: what safe guards do the A-League and FFA have in place in regards to losing more clubs? If a club is in trouble do you have a plan?
DB: Working closely with the clubs to ensure we sustain a 10 team competition. New media rights deal helps.
@Dougiejam: Is there an Aleague team forecasted for Tasmania? it would complete a national competition
DB: We are committed to the current 10-team competition. @gomvfc continues to play games in Tasmania – vs @CCMariners this week.
@gwynne007: should we reduce finals to 5 teams? Bottom half team winning 3 games for title would be embarrassing.
DB: The final six keeps the season exciting for most clubs and their fans until the end of the competition.
@Dennis_Silva: have you considered extending the aleague season by including international dates?
DB: Yes we have. It will be looked at for next season.
@gibdabot: What would be your A-League Allstars team vs Man Utd if they played this week? As many/few from any club. Best/most exciting XI.
DB: While I don't pick the team. Possible XI: Galecovic Franjic Durante Thwaite Behich Milligan Ono Rogic Rojas Del Piero Heskey.
@Dennis_Silva: with new tv deal will last round of aleague be able to be played simultaneously?
DB: No.
@PERICOZ: What can a-league do to retain youngsters from switching football codes? State of Youth Development structures at a-league clubs?
DB: Progammes similar to the Emerging @NewcastleJetsFC is a model all clubs can strive for to retain best youngsters in football.
@Dennis_Silva: any plans to sell aleague games online or have Fox got those rights?
DB: All matches will be streamed live by Fox Sports next season. Friday night games will be streamed by FFA.
@mrjimwebster: Any chance of getting to hear the ref's audio feed during games? Like the AFL does on @FOXSportsAUS
DB: This is not permitted by FIFA under the Laws of the Game
@GavinHall71: What are your top 3 goals/challenges for the next three years
DB: Financial stability, continued growth of the league - attendance, broadcast, membership; and improved fan experience.
@chrisg181: My question is too long to fit on twitter so I typed it and took a picture… (see pic above)
DB: Tom Rogic is a great story for Australian football. A-League super draft is a good idea. We will explore.
@SuttersFC: what are your plans to improve A-League standings in Asia to increase our number of ACL places?
DB: Dialogue with AFC & review of criteria underway to improve A-League's standing since announcement of ACL places was made.
@MichaelB2015: where will HAL B in 5 years v NRL and AFL? How will u globalise HAL?
DB: Getting stronger. Crowds, broadcast and membership growing. Kids have a deeper affinity with football.
@Jamie_Samaha: since you've joined as Head of Aleague, what's the thing that's surprised you the most
DB: How deep the support and desire for football to succeed is ... the sport is more unified than ever before.
@StefanGiuffre: what's your response to the many A-league haters out there that just always seem to put down our game?
DB: Get to an A-League match - the standard of football continues to improve and the atmosphere at games is outstanding.
@MMF006: hi Damien. What do you think is footballs competitive advantage, and how do we exploit it?
DB: It is international and for all Australians. Kids are playing football everywhere ... inspiring the next generation is the key.
@ArdChoilleNZ: Next time you're in Wellington, come down and join the Yellow fever. We'll show whats wrong with the A-League.
DB: When I was in Wellington this season I sat with the Yellow Fever for some of the game ... enjoyed the experience.
@StephenBartle: have u looked at playing nyl, w league games before aleague games like nrl for more of a experience on match day
DB: There have been a few double headers this year for NYL and WWL before HAL. We will look to grow this in the future.
@ALeague_Rhyming Do you expect to see any more, high profile players come through the A-League door?
DB: Working with clubs to look at marquee players for next season. With the success this year there is interest from others.
@stevendillon: Hi Damien, what does the future of coaching look like in the A League?
DB: Promising. Current crop of coaches are great ambassadors for A-League and standards will keep improving.
@Ryans_Rovers: There were plans to reduce the visa spots to 4 this season. How long was this delayed for, and is it still on the agenda?
DB: The visa spots will remain at five this coming season. It is still on the agenda and an ongoing discussion with clubs.
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