Is Gosford Home Sweet Home?
The departure of Lawrie McKenna sent shockwaves and fear throughout the Central Coast football community during the week. For a decade the man has been the heart and soul of the club.
Central Coast fans are rightfully upset about moves by club owner Mike Charlesworth to move a few ‘home’ games to what he sees as a more profitable location, North Sydney Oval. As owner of the club Charlesworth has every right to maximise profitability for his club but during the week has created more enemies given this proceedings of the week. The club actively promoted last night’s game, unlike any game at Gosford in recent memory.
Claiming he wants the ‘Hawthorn (AFL Club) Model’ stating “They’ve managed to get the balance right and we think the Hawthorn model could very well for us. It’s something that’s been embraced by their supporters.” Whilst it’s hard to argue the success of the Tasmanian partnership for the Hawthorn football club the move seems to be lacking key elements hawthorn share with Tasmania.
Firstly, Tasmania was an attractive niche market for the first AFL club who was courageous enough to make the move down South. Secondly the Victorian dominated AFL gives Hawthorn fans numerous opportunities to see their club play whilst selling off games in Tasmania. Last season Hawthorn played 16/25 games in Victoria and still managed to appease their Tasmanian fan base with four home games. The abundance of Victorian clubs allows certain clubs to make these financial deals for the benefit of the club, something harder for the Central Coast Mariners to consider given their geographic location and the nature of the A-League.
Central Coast fans were rightfully angry on social media last night and the ball is now firmly in their court. December 27th represents a red letter day for the club, being their next home game at Gosford stadium. Fans can either choose to support the future of their club and turn up in great numbers, or show their anger with Charlesworth deciding to take the club into a different direction. If fans don’t turn up in great numbers for the remainder of the season this further risks the future of the club and could increase the amount of games played at North Sydney Oval.
The current status of Central Coast is a worry for all A-League fans, throughout the years the club has produced quality players such as Mile Jedinak, Maty Ryan and Tom Rogic and is a great breeding ground for future Socceroos talent. The onfield decline of the club and the decision from the club not to pay a marquee player has led to a decline in crowd numbers and a lack of commercial appeal. Owners need to continue to provide a reason for fans to go through the turnstile and not just rely on loyalty alone.
At the end of the day Mike Charlesworth owns the club and his decisions will ultimately decide the future of the club. Maybe he should research the ‘Green Bay model’, and stop researching the ‘Hawthorn model’ so vigorously.
Fans will always support the club, but not necessarily management decisions. Let’s hope this matter can be resolved in the near future.
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