A bid taskforce is in place, a FaceBook page seeking support has been set up and football fans have been asked to comment on logos for a potential side called Tasmania United.

Bright lights and bold statements promising the earth have not been part of the process however and Football Federation Tasmania CEO can see the merits in substance over sparkle.

He told au.fourfourtwo.com: “I think the taskforce has taken a different approach to some of the other bids we have seen.

“It’s about the feasibility study and getting your backers in place before you start making too many public statements.

“I think there is a determination to do things in a thorough and determined way. It is no use making a big song and dance until you have the backers on board.”

Bids in other parts of Australia have enjoyed greater publicity but not been guaranteed a seat at the A-League table.

“We can learn from these sort of things,” said Shaw.

Shaw believes it is important that Tasmania has everything firmly in place to satisfy Football Federation Australia’s requirements as there is no guarantee of a second chance.

He said: “It is important we get it right the first time. If we get it wrong, it could have implications.”

A poor bid would leave any future bid in a tougher position to impress the FFA, if a second bid was forthcoming at all.

Shaw said: “If one plan doesn’t succeed somewhere like the Gold Coast then there always seems to be someone else to step in. There’s no guarantee here.”

Whether or not A-League football eventually comes to Tasmania, the sport is flourishing there. Shaw said: “The last couple of years has been very good and we’re delighted that so many youngsters are now participating.”