They were simple words, but without doubt powerful ones.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
There has been a lot of speculation about the possibility and future of an A-League franchise for Wollongong.
There has also been a lot of conjecture about the role and support of one of the city’s most powerful businessmen and citizens in the push to win a national league football side.
The speculation can end.
Billionaire businessman Bruce Gordon made quite clear his support for an A-League for Wollongong when speaking to the Illawarra Mercury’s Greg Ellis this week.
Not only is Mr Gordon supportive of it, he’s speaking to the most powerful football figures in the country about it.
Football Federation Australia chairman Frank Lowy nonetheless.
“We have talked to Frank Lowy and we are still talking to him,” Gordon said.
“We are very happy to support something … an A-League team. That will happen sooner or later. Probably sooner more than later.”
Then consider the changing media landscape.
Big Bash cricket has been a ratings winner for Channel Ten, but speculation is mounting it may end up at Nine.
To fill the void, Ten may target the A-League.
Mr Gordon is the largest stakeholder in Nine and Ten as well as owning WIN Corporation. He is unquestionably a powerful player in the national television landscape.
Mr Gordon’s words will no doubt resonate loudly through the Australian football world.
MAN OF CONVENTION
In a wide-ranging interview, Mr Gordon also threw his weight behind the push for establishing a fully fledged convention centre at the WIN Entertainment Centre.
Mr Gordon’s WIN Corporation has already been public with its support of the proposal.
The push has broad support from a wide-ranging group of businesses and business leaders in this community.
Outside of providing this region, which is large enough to attract significant events, with a designated conference facility it would upgrade some tired infrastructure at the WEC.
It’s a project which will need the support of the NSW and Federal governments but it needs to happen.