With Western Sydney a clear favourite for a spot in the next round of A-League expansion (alongside a Melbourne consortium which has already been handed the A-League's provisional 11th licence for the 2010-11 season,), bids like South Coast Football have an uphill battle.

At the same time, a taskforce has been set up to investigate the possibility of a second tier competition to run alongside the A-League as an "A2" competition.

Tagged the "B-League" , it's a concept that's been embraced by state leagues clubs such as Sydney Olympic, who have already expressed a strong interest in applying to join on the back of the recent high-profile signing of Mark Bosnich.

Right now though, South Coast say they are committed to fighting for a spot in the expanded A-League and aren't hoisting the white flag just yet despite having to deny local reports of financial shortfalls.

"We are 100% focused on the current 2010-11 bid process and continue to work with relevant stakeholders (including the FFA) towards achieving this goal," says South Coast Football's media manager Nick Ferraro.

"If South Coast FC were not granted a licence as part of the next round of Hyundai A-League expansion, then there would be a period of consolidation, where the current board would look at possible next steps, which may or may not include a renewed bid for future A-League expansion, entry into a possible A League second division, or ceasing operations as South Coast FC."

It remains to be seen if a B-League would also include failed A-League franchise bids.

"We will wait on the outcome of the current bid process before making that decision. However needless to say, we are determined, and believe we have set the foundations for an A-League team in the region," adds Ferraro.

Greater Western Sydney A-League bidders met with the FFA on Monday and other bidders will be meeting with the FFA this month with a decision likely in early July on the next round of expansion.