“It's important that we negotiate the right deal because a number of A-League clubs have deals with stadiums that are financially taxing,” Fred Taplin, head of the Gold Coast bid, told au.fourfourtwo.com today.

“It's important that we negotiate the best deal possible.”

Skilled Park at Robina – around 15 minutes drive from Surfers Paradise – is owned by the Queensland government. Suncorp Stadium, home of Queensland Roar, in Brisbane is also owned by the government and it's known that their deal is not one of the best in the A-League.

It's understood dealings are delicate at the moment but Taplin hopes an agreement will be struck with the government to use Skilled Park. He stressed the importance of a stadium deal that won't bankrupt the club in the long-term. “And there is a plan B,” he added. “There's always a plan B.”

Any plan B on the gold coast could only mean Carrara Stadium – a ground that is generally considered a second rate venue in comparison.

“I'd be disappointed if we couldn't reach that [20,000] sort of crowd figure for our first game. And if we're lucky, fill it [Skilled Park] if the Roar came to play.

“I think it is the best football venue in Australia,” he added.

Taplin said that the club's final submission is with FFA and they are expecting a decision on 21 February when the FFA board meets.

“We've had no indication, there's been no quiet nod but we're optimistic,” he said.”But people like Miron [Bleiberg] have begun inquiries regarding players because of course we don't have much time.”

Taplin confirmed a marquee player is in their sights but he did not want to be drawn on whether that player would come from overseas or be an A-League star.
And Taplin could not be happier with the cooperation shown to the bid from the local football association Gold Coast Soccer.

“They have been fantastic. I could not ask more from [President] Peter Gray and all the staff there.

“And it is important that such a franchise like ours provides a pathway for talented young local players to join the A-League. This is a very exciting time and there is much trepidation ahead of the decision.”

Taplin added that the local NRL club the Titans would be sounded out in the future regarding “ways in which we can mutually work together to our benefit” although the club has not yet spoken with Gold Coast's A-League bidders.