It's believed Stubbins has already held preliminary talks with North Queensland and his record in both the VPL and in the last year at Adelaide has impressed the hierarchy at NQ FC.

"We would love to talk to Phil in the next week or two. We've met him once before," NQ FC bid head Matheson told au.fourfourtwo.com today.

"I rate Arnie but that doesn't mean he's got the job. What we're saying is we've got three or four guys who could do the job competently.

"There's been a focus on Arnie and it builds him up a bit but it's not necessarily the case. It's an even slate for the whole group of applicants."

As interest looms from north, it's understood that Adelaide United is keen to tie down Stubbins to another contract at Hindmarsh Stadium.

Stubbins, who joined Aurelio Vidmar as his second in command last season, has been credited with boosting Adelaide's defensive stocks during the recent Asian Champions League campaign and into the A-League this season.

And a string of titles in the VPL shows the former NSL player at Heidelberg is capable of finding a winning formula.

"In relation to Phil he has a good playing career. From a coaching point of view he's brilliant and he's obviously well regarded," added Matheson.

"All I'm saying is that I don't think Arnie's got a mortgage on being the best qualified [for the job]. We'll appraise all the guys but right now, we need to know where we sit with the FFA."

Gary Van Egmond is another candidate who has been strongly linked to the job, something which sources have confirmed.

Meanwhile, the FFA will make an announcement on expansion tomorrow at Skilled Park on the Gold Coast.

The local franchise Gold Coast United is tipped to be unveiled but it's still unclear which other franchise or franchises will officially be given the green light.