Mariners poised to take Control of - Blue

 

Sorry mods if this is in the wrong spot but was not sure where to post it .

 

http://www.smh.com.au/news/sport/football/a-league/home-ground-advantage-as-coast-take-control-of-stadium/2008/09/26/1222217523727.html

Home ground advantage as Coast take control of stadium

Michael Cockerill

September 27, 2008


CENTRAL Coast Mariners are poised to shore up their long-term future by taking over the management rights of Bluetongue Stadium from part-time benefactor John Singleton.

Just a few months after returning their first profit, and a few months before they take their turn in the Asian Champions League, the Mariners are set to make perhaps their most significant move off the field by assuming control of their home ground. It is believed negotiations have been in progress for some time and that a deal is imminent.

Significantly, Football Federation Australia has been privy to discussions, although chief executive Ben Buckley declined to comment yesterday, as did Singleton.

With the FFA set to announce its strategy for the 2018 World Cup bid before the end of the year, gaining control of the stadium in Gosford is a bonus - even though its 20,000-seat capacity will have to be doubled to host World Cup games.

Assuming the deal proceeds, it would mean three of the eight A-League clubs - Perth Glory, Central Coast and Adelaide United - will effectively have primary tenancy of their home stadiums, an important sign of progress for the competition.

Singleton, who has backed special projects for the Mariners during the past four years - notably the retention of coach Lawrie McKinna and the recruitment of high-profile stars John Aloi$i and Mark Bosnich - is ready to hand the stadium over to the club despite his long association with his first love, rugby league.

While the deal does not end the chances of the Central Coast having its own professional rugby league team, it does weaken the bargaining position of the NRL. Singleton has long made known his frustration over the NRL's failure to allow a team in Gosford, and handing the stadium over to a rival code is a pointed message.