With expressions of interest for expansion set to close this week some much needed change finally looks on the horizon.

It’s an exciting and intriguing time for the competition. 

Word is up to 15 clubs will be applying for entry into the league.

Of course it has been well documented that the Wollongong Wolves will be one of the clubs vying for one of the two spots available. 

We will be a strong contender.

In my eyes, we deserve a spot back in the national league.

There will undoubtedly be solid competition from around the country, but I reckon our time has come to join the competition.

As for where the second team comes from, I have to lean towards a club from Queensland.

After being up there with the North Queensland Fury for a period, I tend to think a state as large as that needs to have a second team.

Brisbane Strikers withdrew their bid this week so it won’t be the former NSL club, but there will be other teams hopeful they can fill the void. 

Meanwhile, in the past few weeks we have seen some major changes from the current clubs as well, with three new coaches coming in for next season. 

Personally it was fantastic to see Steve Corica get the top job at Sydney.

As a friend and former teammate, it was great to see him given the opportunity to coach at the club he has been at since day one of the A-League.

He was there as a player with me when we won the grand final in 2006 and has gone on to play a role coaching the youth team since his retirement. 

It’s obviously going to be a challenge taking over from Graham Arnold given the success the Sky Blues have had in recent times, but I’ve got no doubt he can lead them in the right direction. 

The Western Sydney Wanderers have gone for a big name foreigner in Markus Babbel to fill the boots of Josep Gombau while Perth opted for Tony Popovic.

After lean seasons in the A-League, both clubs will undoubtedly be determined to bounce back when they get the chance later this year.