Notes from the Press Conference...

I admit I laughed when I saw the cardboard cut out. But Frank made it very clear it was not his idea.

After some 'interviewed questions' - a lot seemed to be about how long the preseason was - the journalists were invited up front to ask questions. All the questions seemed to be about Miron and Clive's stand.

It is very clear that everyone except Miron and Clive at the Gold Coast is very confused about what the club is trying to achieve. Very confused. It is only thing getting airplay about the game and no one understands it.

Jason Culina did not turn up so his replacement, former Melbourne Victory Socceroo Michael Thwaite was asked why. He said Jason went to Sydney yesterday and has an event tomorrow so he decided not to come 'or that is what he said anyway.' Gold Coast marketing asked Michael to go but they didn't know what he should say to the obvious questions. The only questions.

Paul Okon said that yes he did want Gold Coast fans to come to Brisbane as it will be a frightening place with all orange. But he could not explain Clive's stand. And I think he was trying to say that Clive had spent a lot of money on the Gold Coast club and therefore he should come and watch them.

ABCTV News had a grab from Frank - 'disgraceful'. But what he really said was he didn't expect Gold Coast to promote Brisbane but everyone did expect them to promote the A-League and it was disgraceful that they were not.

Craig Moore said he was only interested in playing and did not care what Gold Coast were banging on about.

And that is the point, no one knows what Gold Coast's point is. My guess is that at least they want to keep the crowd below Skilled Stadium capacity so they can say 'see should been our game'. But I think there is more to it and it is more cynical.

By the way, I encouraged Paul to takeover soon. Got a good laugh. Very few don't want it to happen soon.

Half Time ...

Open publication - Free publishing - More w-league

Paper Money, Paper Team, Paper Miron - Gold Coast show their true colours

Yep the A-League suffered the indignity of Miron turning up in his bill board form.

FFA tell Gold Coast...

“The inclusion of Gold Coast United and North Queensland Fury gives football a very large footprint in Queensland, and should also provide some fantastic local derbies and contribute to more fascinating Hyundai A-League rivalries,” Buckley said.

“I want to thank Clive Palmer (Gold Coast United) and Don Matheson (North Queensland Fury) for being instrumental in helping us take this first step into an expanded Hyundai A-League.”

Harsh words indeed. Clearly he will now think twice before threatening the viability of other clubs. And before telling people not to go to the local derby which was the whole point of his club.

The real question is: was he or Miron even there at the opening of the season?

The Roar are saying Miron will be there... Tuesday Brisbane Square 1pm

It is like an old western. Be there at noon unless ya too chicken.

We'll see. Miron says he isn't promoting the game. Because of his principles. Is there any principle but maximising interest in the sport?

Anyway, Brisbane RFC say he'll be there with Jason Culina to face off with Frank and Craig.

1pm Brisbane Square (George Street at the top of the Mall).

Very Happy (a coaching story)

Three years as coach. Three years in the finals. And still 4 games to go. A real upset to miss now. And we did it the hard way - a fully graded team (not stacked like a number of clubs do to collect silverware - don't see the point). A full spectrum of skills and skill gaps.

I realise it isn't me. Or just me.

I know my weaknesses as a coach. I get others in to cover my weaknesses. I share their victories. And I am getting to know my strengths. Team building and motivation. Essentially it is a service life. That's the reward.

Anyway I get to spend a lot of time with my son. Without trying too hard. Not too uncool.

Oh and the A-League definitely helped. For example, I watched my son do an 'Ante Milicic' - run down the wing with a defender, tread on the ball but keep running, then double back and shoot. In this case he had gone wide, and crossed the ball on the goal line for one of his team mates to kick once, twice before it went in - that player's first ever goal. Magic. Congratulated his dad. That is certainly part of the reward.

Trouble in Surfers Paradise...

I wonder what Jason Culina is thinking. I think is getting a little concerned.

He gave up a spot at a very professional club with a great reputation and a guaranteed spot in the Socceroos for the World Cup 2010. He was even warned not to do it by the coach of the Socceroos. But I understand he spoke to a wide range of people involved in the A-League and they reassured him. His father, once again an A-League coach, also reassured him.

A key selling point. Jason was to be the centre of attention for a blockbuster derby. Perhaps the A-League's greatest. In Brisbane - a city which turns up massively for the Broncos and the Socceroos - would come to watch Jason. The first match. It was a compelling story. I think Jason bought it.

The Gold Coast gave him some flash paperwork, high class transport, the top salary in the league and other players flocked to join him. A brilliant preseason was put together. And his team beat Fulham. Winners. Looking good.

Then some strange things started to happen.

His coach, who no doubt others had warned about, started saying not turning up to A-League promotional events. Then, his owner started discouraging fans from attending the season's blockbuster game.

Don't come to the game Jason came here to play in? The one with his mate Moore in? This was the one where the fans were going to be shown how good Jason's team are.

Hang on. I think Jason would be thinking. He has played Suncorp in front of a capacity crowd. Brisbane loves Jason. And once they'd seen him with the Gold Coast - they would then follow him each game.

I also think a number of other key Australian based signings at Gold Coast are also thinking twice. Some have closed their minds because they are only there for a season - Minniecon (Europe), Smeltz (China or Europe), others are in transition to get attention for higher dollars - the Brazilians...

To get attention, hang-on they are telling the fans not to come....