Official North Queensland Fury FC Thread [R]

el-capitano · Sep 15, 2008

Well I thought we could kick it off, since both expansion teams have been confirmed for next year.

North Queensland FC's preparations for their entry into the A-League next season's have received a boost with the announcement that Ian Ferguson will coach the club.

Ferguson, 41, has been assisting Lawrie McKinna at Central Coast Mariners since the start of the A-League, but now gets the chance to step into the coaching spotlight himself - with his new job starting immediately.

“We knew we had to get the right mix of experience, talent and enthusiasm in this important position and Ian brings all this and more to our club,” North Queensland FC chairman Don Matheson said.

A former Scotland international, Ferguson is considered a Rangers great after helping the club to nine Scottish Premier League titles between 1989 and 1997. He has also been inducted in the Rangers Hall of Fame.

“In our hunt for a Head Coach we travelled across the country and spoke to many legends of the game, but we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to recruit an immortal,” Matheson said.

“Now that the position has been confirmed we will start our player recruitment planning in earnest.”
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http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/a-league/ferguson-lands-northern-gig-134994/

zhuangzi · Sep 15, 2008

Re: Official North Queensland FC Thread [R]

McKinna loses his Mini-me, and Vidmar has gone to join his Dark Brother Skeletor at the Red Fortress of Adelaide.

But congrats to NQ, much better choice than Branko or Arnie.

Wezza · Sep 15, 2008

Re: Official North Queensland FC Thread [R]

Yeah for sure! Alex Ferguson is a great manager............ Oh wait...... Ian Ferguson?

Seriously though, can't wait to see some of the signings.

zhuangzi · Sep 15, 2008

Re: Official North Queensland FC Thread [R]

At this stage I'll settle for finding out what colours they've chosen. I heard green and white, which wouldn't go down well with Fergie

epris · Sep 15, 2008

Re: Official North Queensland FC Thread [R]

i'd like to see red and black hoops or stripes. won't happen with the reebok shirt deal though will it.

karta · Sep 17, 2008

Re: Official North Queensland FC Thread [R]

Colours are green and blue. They were going to be green and white but Ferguson told them to change as they'd be too similar to Celtic.

craig5rfc · Sep 17, 2008

Re: Official North Queensland FC Thread [R]

Does anyone know if North Queensland will hold open trials to recruit some of their players for they're new squad ?

pikka22 · Sep 27, 2008

Re: Official North Queensland FC Thread [R]

Does anybody have the correct contact information for this club yet? I am able to see all of the latest news etc but have no way to contact the club, any help?

karta · Oct 4, 2008

Re: Official North Queensland FC Thread [R]

pikka22 said: ↑

Does anybody have the correct contact information for this club yet? I am able to see all of the latest news etc but have no way to contact the club, any help?
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Get in touch with the Townsville Bulletin and ask them for some contact info.

el-capitano · Oct 13, 2008

Re: Official North Queensland FC Thread [R]

WHILE much attention has been devoted to the headline-happy Clive Palmer and Miron Bleiberg in their efforts to put Gold Coast United on the local football map, fellow expansionist club North Queensland is intent on doing its business quietly.

Palmer cited winning the A-League in Gold Coast's first year as a realistic ambition, but North Queensland chairman Don Matheson will make no such claims, and is content to leave the boasting to others.

"They've done plenty of chest-beating, but I think we'll be way more measured. We've worked our product into our cities, from Rockhampton to Cairns, and we'll take a realistic approach.

"Their approach is all bells, whistles and helicopters, so good luck to them. Ours is more the horse-and-cart, working man-type approach."

In many ways, these new teams reflect how Sydney FC and Central Coast both went about building their power bases during the formation of the A-League. Naturally, Sydney mirrored the Gold Coast's bling-powered approach, while the Mariners went for the family-friendly and community-based model, which Townsville appears keen to mimic.

So much so, they've already hired Central Coast assistant coach Ian Ferguson as their head coach, with the Mariners' top scorer in their inaugural season, Stewart Petrie, lined up as his deputy. A third "high-profile" Scotsman will take over the strength and conditioning role.

After winning the battle for the North Queensland rights against Melbourne businesswoman Melissa Fischer-Massa, Matheson admits it's been a bumpy journey to get things right.

"It was just learning how to present the business in a way the FFA would accept. They showed a ton of patience with us. They could have said, 'Clear off, you don't know what you're doing'," he said. "In our initial presentation, yes, we needed to sharpen things up and improve certain areas and demonstrate we had a better handle on it. I believe we've done that since. Now our commercial sales are probably in excess of $1-1.5 million of what we anticipated for our first year, and the pledges indicate we're looking at season-ticket holders of 6000-plus."

After a slow start on the transfer market, Matheson confirmed the first signings should arrive this week. "Five or six are going to hit the table today or tomorrow, but it's difficult because we're trying to ascertain the right value of players and not get caught up in the buying spree," he said, adding the club has sold itself to players on lifestyle over dollars. "We're looking for depth rather than superstars, but from my point of view, I'm extremely happy with the core group coming on board."

However, while local North Queensland products include Kasey Wehrman, Michael Thwaite, Wayne Srhoj, Mitchell Langerak, Shane Stefanutto, Tahj Minniecon, Clint Bolton and Steve Corica, Matheson has been somewhat deflated by the response. "We've approached most of those guys, but they seem to be pretty happy with their clubs," he said.
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http://www.smh.com.au/news/sport/fo...ters-just-carts/2008/10/09/1223145542855.html

nutter18 · Oct 18, 2008

Re: Official North Queensland FC Thread [R]

Hey Guys,

Just a quick message for those interested, North Queensland FC unofficial forums are now available at

http://northQldFC.com.au

Cheers

el-capitano · Oct 23, 2008

Re: Official North Queensland FC Thread [R]

Veteran Sydney FC wide-man Robbie Middleby is heading for some northern exposure after sealing a deal with A-League newcomers North Queensland FC.

The impish Middeby, 33, has signed a two-year contract with the outfit led by former Central Coast Mariners assistant boss Ian Ferguson and could be joined at Dairy Farmers Stadium next year by Newcastle Jets skipper Jade North.

North Queensland chief Don Matheson refused to confirm on Thursday that the versatile Middleby – who has started every game this season for Sydney under John Kosmina – has put pen to paper.

But a deal is believed to be done with Matheson confirming that North, a native Queenslander who played his formative football on the Gold Coast and then in Brisbane, is also high on the shopping list.

“We’ve certainly had discussions with Robbie and I know Ian is very, very keen to get him on board,” Matheson said of Middleby.

The former Wollongong Wolves and Auckland Kingz flyer, who has played 59 times for Sydney under four coaches since the club’s inception, has played for 10 clubs in a career spanning 15 seasons and will offer Ferguson versatility with his ability to play as a wing back or attacking right-sided midfielder.

He was voted Sydney’s Players’ Player of the Year two seasons ago and age has done little to blunt his effectiveness.

Socceroos defender North, who is also out of contract at season’s end, has all but given up hope of securing an overseas deal and would listen to what North Queensland have to offer.

“We’ve approached the Jets and asked permission to talk with him,” Matheson confirmed.

“We have not spoken to him directly but we have spoken to his agent and it would be a significant signing for us.

“We’ll be pushing as hard as we can but a deal is not done yet.”
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http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/a-league/north-qld-reel-in-middleby-145275/

zhuangzi · Oct 26, 2008

Re: Official North Queensland FC Thread [R]

Fair play to Robbie, we weren't that likely to re-sign him and the money's right. He'll still play his guts out for the rest of the season and hopefully will get a worthy sendoff whenever the time comes.

Enjoy the sunshine, Seabiscuit.

el-capitano · Oct 27, 2008

Re: Official North Queensland FC Thread [R]

JUST months after missing out on a big-money European move, Newcastle Jets captain Jade North finally looks likely to find his way out of the Hunter, with the incoming North Queensland club set to announce him as their marquee signing for next season.

Despite Matheson's reluctance to confirm as much, it is understood North will take top billing on North Queensland's books and will also take on a unique role as an indigenous ambassador for the club.

Not only that, but his good friend, former teammate and fellow indigenous player Freddy Agius - who made a tremendous impact with Adelaide United in the NSL in 2004 - is believed to have agreed to make a comeback to football with the new club.

Now 24, the multi-talented Aguis played for Australia at the under-17s World Cup and left Adelaide to play for Sydney Olympic, before returning to his home city and flitting between stints with the Reds and SANFL club Central Districts, where he played in a reserves premiership.

He was involved in some of the Olyroos squads in the lead-up to the 2004 Olympics and was expected to be snapped up by an A-League club, but nothing materialised and he has been largely unheard of since.

Other players believed to have already committed to North Queensland include Perth duo Nikolai Topor-Stanley and Wayne Srhoj, Leicester City goalkeeper Paul Henderson and Sydney FC defender Robbie Middelby.

North Queensland will unveil the club's name, logo and colours at a launch next week.
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http://www.smh.com.au/news/sport/football/a-league/jade-ditches-jets/2008/10/27/1224955948364.html

Wezza · Oct 28, 2008

Re: Official North Queensland FC Thread [R]

Oh man..... He's not marquee material!!!! Good signing, just not as a marquee. Please don't let the Topor-Stanley rumour be true either.... lol

I'm already cringing at the thought of what the club name might be..... Here's hoping for a pleasant surprise....

bench_warmer · Nov 2, 2008

Re: Official North Queensland FC Thread [R]

Has been said before that nqfc was trying to sign an indonesian player for one of its visa spots
Wondering weather it was Erol Iba?
He was linked with sydney fc some years ago
After impressing against them in asian champions league match

Wezza · Nov 6, 2008

Re: Official North Queensland FC Thread [R]

North Queensland Fury...... Oh dear...... More crap nicknames.....

el-capitano · Nov 6, 2008

Re: Official North Queensland FC Thread [R]

Wezza said: ↑

North Queensland Fury...... Oh dear...... More crap nicknames.....
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That is pretty lame- I didn't actually mind the 'thunder'. Aaah well.

So Wezza- who's your team now- the Roar or the FUUUUUUURY!

Wezza · Nov 6, 2008

Re: Official North Queensland FC Thread [R]

Stop making me cringe! lol

epris · Nov 6, 2008

Re: Official North Queensland FC Thread [R]

This is ridiculous. I like North Queensland FC much better. Fine have a nickname, but does it have to be part of the official logo!

I'm so glad i can support Sydney FC.

el-capitano · Nov 6, 2008

Re: Official North Queensland FC Thread [R]

The expansion of the Hyundai A-League to ten teams in only the fifth season of the competition was confirmed today with the official naming of team number 10, the North Queensland Fury.

Speaking from Townsville, FFA CEO, Ben Buckley, said today it was "yet another good news day” for the Hyundai A-League.

“Our strategy is to invest in the growth of the sport, and expansion of the Hyundai A-League into North Queensland is right for football.

“We know that there are many people who are looking forward to the Hyundai A-League being part of the North Queensland sporting landscape.

"From Gladstone to the Cape, and from Rocky to Boulia and Mt Isa, the North Queensland Fury is a team for all proud locals.

“North Queensland has a fine record of producing outstanding home grown players, and having a local Hyundai A-League team will be another impetus to encourage more talented young footballers,” Buckley said.

Current Hyundai A-League players from North Queensland include Steve Corica, Tahj Minniecon, Mitchell Langerak and Michael Thwaite.

Other former prominent players from North Queensland include Socceroo great, Frank Farina, current Socceroo Shane Stefannuto, Glenn Gwynne, Wayne Srhoj, Kasey Wehrman and Jason Polak.

The leader of the North Queensland bid team, Don Matheson, said that the North Queensland Fury is in the Hyundai A-League for the long haul.

“As a club, we want to contribute as much as we can to the long term enrichment and development of the game. That begins with harnessing support and input from the North Queensland community, then producing a successful, entertaining team for them to support and be proud of.

“We’re all so committed to the long term future growth of football and of ensuring North Queensland is a leading team in the Hyundai A-League in the years to come.
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http://www.a-league.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=24675

epris · Nov 6, 2008

Re: Official North Queensland FC Thread [R]

Oh god. This reminds me when in wellington they had a poll in some newspaper to see what the best name for the new team would be and the large majority chose FC wellington. They obviously didn't listen to the people and gave it a netball team name instead.

This is my biggest gripe with the A league and its chances of long term success. Stupid nicknames like fury, glory, victory get old fast. Saying like I like the Mariners, has a nice nickname to it.

RickChelsea · Nov 6, 2008

Re: Official North Queensland FC Thread [R]

i'd lol if they changed Sydney's name to Sydney Stars

Fury is so tacky even North QLD wombats would of been better

el-capitano · Nov 6, 2008

Re: Official North Queensland FC Thread [R]

Actually on that note- I'm going to change the thread name- purely to get it 100% right!!!

Really!

zhuangzi · Nov 6, 2008

Re: Official North Queensland FC Thread [R]

Perth Glory MK II.

Without the history of achievement.