Gary Cole: There is no better time than now to unify the game

Socceroos great Gary Cole feels it is now time to “find a way to heal” the wounds of the past and move forward for the good of the game.

In a wide-ranging interview with Soccerscene, the former NSL striker believes FFA CEO James Johnson is the right man to lead Australian football into a new era, incorporating “the best of both” the old NSL and A-League.

“I think James has been an absolute breath of fresh air,” he said.

“You couldn’t have wished a worse start on a person to take over that role.

“My hat’s off to him and I just can’t applaud him enough for the start he has made and his willingness to listen and engage.”

Cole remains involved with the game in some capacity, after being elected as a member of Football Coaches Australia’s Executive Committee, late last year.

The 64-year-old has a strong belief that coaching education in Australia needs to improve and was a major factor behind his decision to put his name forward for FCA.

“Coaches have never had a seat at the table (in the game) for the last 30 odd years,” Cole said.

“Today (with FCA), we’ve got a good working relationship with James, Chris Nikou and the FFA board.

“We are talking regularly, having zoom meetings; they understand that coaches are an important part of the game. It’s absolutely terrific.”

Throughout his coaching career, Cole would go on to be an assistant to Socceroos coach Frank Arok, as well as managing various clubs in the old National Soccer League and Victorian Premier League.

The ex-Heidelberg player admits he was fortunate to land his first coaching gig, as an assistant to Ron Smith at the AIS in 1987.

“I was always going to go into coaching and I was incredibly lucky that in my last year of playing as a 30-year-old at Preston, I went and did my Senior License (equivalent of an A Coaching License today).

“That was at the end of my career, then within six months I applied for and accepted a role as Ron’s assistant at the AIS. So that was absolutely incredible.

“At the age of 30 I had a full-time job in coaching and I have to say at the time I didn’t realise how lucky I was to do that.”

The mentorship he received and experience he gained from working alongside Smith, has led Cole to question the way Australia develops coaches in recent times.

“I had an incredible coach and mentor in Ron who I worked with day in, day out. So, not only did I just complete a coaching license, I got to practice on a daily basis with someone there who would coach me as a coach and answer my questions.

“When I left and came back to Victoria because my mum developed cancer, I coached Heidelberg in the old NSL and I still had my coaching mentor on the other end of the phone.

“Nowadays, most modern coaches don’t have that.

“We’ve done a terrific job at getting thousands of coaches through coaching courses. But, getting a coaching license is a bit like being an 18-year-old and getting your driver’s license, it gives you access to the roads but it doesn’t make you a great driver.”

The AIS program was recently brought back into focus after a panel of six former ‘golden generation’ Socceroos heralded the setup and its role in their football development, in a recent Optus Sport discussion.

Cole echoed their sentiments claiming “It was integral to the development of players at that point in time.”

“Those guys all had wonderful talent but what Ron Smith did was turn the AIS into perhaps the best professional finishing school for athletes that we have ever seen.

“It was a wonderful opportunity for both players and coaches to develop and I was very sorry to see it go.”

When quizzed on the possibility of a reformation of the program, the Socceroos goal scorer believes the ship has sailed on that front, due to the current structure implemented in the game.

“Most countries around the world now have some sort of national coaching setup and some of those have a system like Clairefontaine in France, which is still there,” he said.

“But we are so different.”

According to the former Socceroos assistant, a country such as Belgium which is much smaller in size, makes it significantly easier to introduce a national setup.

That’s not the case in Australia, however.

“Here, we are so vast in distance and travel. I think it would be very difficult, because the model has been…to help A-League clubs develop academies and then…help NPL clubs develop academies.

“There are challenges around the depth and quality of the coaching talent, as well as getting kids in there. It’s not simple to answer.”

After an extremely decorated playing career in the NSL and the Socceroos, Cole looks back fondly on his time in the old national competition.

Memories of his playing days at Heidelberg stick out vividly in his mind, particularly the large crowds that would gather for matches against South Melbourne.

“It was a tough competition, played in smaller stadiums. We would have 15, 20, 25,000 people at Middle Park or Olympic Park (against South Melbourne).

“It was a real derby like Liverpool against Everton. You could have a terrible season, but if you won the derby then you are everyone’s hero.

“There was a great passion to it.”

Most NSL clubs at the time were ethnically based, which created distinct atmospheres at the grounds.

“You can remember the sights and sounds,” Cole said.

“Will Hastie (Executive Manager of Football at FV) and I were having a conversation last year, (saying) you could remember the smells from the different cultures.

“That multicultural background that it gave us was absolutely incredible.”

Cole described the transition between the end of the NSL and start of the A-League as a divisive period, which the game must now, after 15 years, finally try to put to bed.

“I loved the NSL, but so much was made out of the crowd trouble. It was bad at different times and that was a part of killing it off unfortunately.

“But by the same token, (when the A-League was created) it became ‘old soccer against new football’. It drove a stake in the heart of the game and developed this disconnect straight away.

“Not only because the (NSL) clubs couldn’t play in the top division, but we did away with the history. It was like the history of Australian football, for a long time, kicked off in 2004.”

In that year, Cole was appointed Melbourne Victory’s inaugural Football Operations Manager, a position he would hold for seven years, with the Victory winning two championships in that time.

There were certainly challenges in that period, including a board which was initially not comprised of football people.

Speaking about his time at Victory, Cole said it was “perhaps the most exciting and remarkable thing I’ve ever done.”

“I’m blessed that Ernie Merrick came on board. We brought in some great players, we developed some great talent and I’m very proud of that unique opportunity.”

Whilst a fantastic achievement, it would pale in comparison to the proudest moment in his football career.

“I can close my eyes and think about my first game for the Socceroos, standing on the pitch before the game against Greece in Melbourne.

“When you stand there with a green and gold shirt on and the national anthem plays, the hair on the back of your neck stands up.

“And then, you realise you’ve got an opportunity to represent your country.

“I’ve got a lot of things to be proud about in the game, but that for me is by far and away perhaps the best day.”

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Philip Panas is a sports journalist with Soccerscene. He reports widely on football policy and industry matters, drawing on his knowledge and passion of the game.

Melbourne City FC and Tarneit United to promote grassroots growth

Tarneit United and Melbourne City

Melbourne City FC announced that Tarneit United Soccer Club are a Macca’s City Clubs Platinum Partner for the current 2023/24 A-Leagues season.

Melbourne City have used their partnership with McDonald’s Australia to create The Macca’s City Clubs program. This program aims to engage junior grassroots football clubs across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria with the aim to help grow football on and off the pitch.

The club seek to create purposeful long-term relationships with every club they work with and make a huge impact on the development and participation numbers of the sport.

It was originally launched in the 2021/22 A-Leagues season, and the club continues to grow the club network utilising this amazing program every season.

There are plenty of benefits for Tarneit United SC that come out of this partnership including “Coach the Coach” workshops led by our experienced Melbourne City coaches, player meet and greets, and the opportunity to take part in exclusive matchday experiences and offers.

Tarneit United President, Burhan Farah explained why this partnership would benefit the members of the club greatly.

“Tarneit United is in the heart of the west and we’re excited to partner with the best A-League club in the country. Farah mentioned in a Melbourne City press release

“A love for football is our number one driver, and by aligning our club with Melbourne City FC, we hope to inspire our coaches and players to continue to grow our game in the community.

“It’s an honour to be a Macca’s City Club Platinum Partner and we look forward to supporting Melbourne City from the stands this season.”

Melbourne City FC CEO, Brad Rowse explained the importance of growing grassroots football in Victoria.

“We’re delighted to welcome Tarneit United to the Macca’s City Club program on the eve of the 2023/24 A-Leagues season. Rowse added in a club press release.

“Supporting grassroots football is important to us at Melbourne City FC, and with the addition of Tarneit United, we now have thirteen Macca’s City Club Platinum Partners stretching right across Melbourne.

“We’re incredibly excited to partner with Tarneit United and can’t wait to give their participants plenty of unforgettable experiences and opportunities in the years ahead.”

Melbourne City through their Football School and Maccas City Clubs programs have set a standard for the other teams in the league to hopefully follow in the near future.

The importance of setting a fantastic grassroots foundation of football in the country can never be undermined and this partnership provides another great example of it.

Football Australia elects new Chair at 20th AGM

Football Australia AGM 2023

Football Australia held its 20th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday, November 22, 2023 at Allianz Stadium in Sydney.

The AGM took place as the Football Australia 2023 Annual Review was released, which includes the Annual Financial Report for FY 2023 that was one of the meeting’s talking points.

At the AGM, three nominations were received to fill two Elected Director positions on the Board of Football Australia for terms expiring at the 2026 AGM:

  1. CICCARELLO, Salvatore (Sam) proposed by Football South Australia and seconded by Melbourne City FC;
  2. HILL, Alison proposed by Football Tasmania and seconded by Football Northern Territory; and
  3. PAPPAS, Spiro proposed by Football NSW and seconded by Football Victoria.

Football Australia’s Members voted to elect Mr. Sam Ciccarello and Mr. Spiro Pappas for terms of office, expiring at the 2026 AGM.

After the AGM, the Board convened to unanimously elect a new Chair, as Chris Nikou previously confirmed he would be stepping down. Anter Isaac was named to succeed him – a respected figure within the football community to lead the organisation. In addition, experienced technology and media executive Jaclyn Lee-Joe was also elected as Deputy Chair.

Nikou reflected on his five-year tenure as Chair, a role he had since November 2018 and was also a board member since 2014.

“As we conclude an extraordinary year for Australian football, my pride in our accomplishments in 2023 is immense,” he said in a statement.

“The Subway Socceroos and CommBank Matildas have delivered historic performances in their FIFA World Cups, sparking a nationwide celebration of our sport’s excellence. Our strong financial and commercial outcomes, alongside these successes, highlight the robustness and resilience of Australian football.

The unparalleled funding driven by the Legacy ’23 initiative, and our role in successfully co-hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup, are clear indicators of our dedication and capability. These are not mere achievements; they represent the flourishing potential and global recognition of Australian football.

“The continued expansion of our grassroots programs remains the cornerstone of our sport, crucial for sustained success. The triumphs of this year reflect the collective effort and commitment of the entire Australian football community. As I transition out of my role, I am filled with confidence that Australian football is on a trajectory to reach unprecedented levels, fuelled by our collective passion for the game and a steadfast commitment to excellence.

“Being the Chair of Football Australia has been both an honour and a tremendous responsibility. The progress we have made, and the resilience displayed by our football community during a period of dynamic change, fills me with immense pride.

“With the sport poised for continued growth, I am confident that under Anter’s leadership, Football Australia will scale new heights and continue to make significant strides in the world of football.”

Anter Isaac also spoke about becoming Chair as he thanked Nikou for his services.

“Firstly, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the outgoing Chair, Chris Nikou, for his exceptional leadership and dedication to Australian football,” Isaac said.

“His contribution has been invaluable. I am also profoundly grateful to my fellow Board Members for their confidence in me and I look forward to working with them. Stepping into the position of Chair of Football Australia is both an honour and a responsibility that I embrace with enthusiasm and commitment.

“Building on the strong foundation laid by Chris and previous Boards, our focus will be on nurturing our nation’s passion for football, advancing our strategic objectives, and ensuring the sustained growth and success of football at all levels in Australia.”

The Football Australia Board now comprises of the following members:

  • Anter ISAAC – Chair
  • Jaclyn LEE-JOE – Deputy Chair
  • Mark BRESCIANO
  • Joseph CARROZZI
  • Sam CICCARELLO
  • Amy DUGGAN
  • Heather GARRIOCK
  • Catriona NOBLE
  • Spiro PAPPAS

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