Wollongong Wolves can be encouraged by the progress of a viable national second division competition to the A-League, after meetings held last week.
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The timing, criteria and structure of the competition are still to be announced, but the meeting itself was productive, involving Football Australia officials, the Association of Australian Football Clubs and club representatives from across the country.
It was important to hear the FA's commitment to establishing the second tier, which will hopefully be a full fledged national competition, though they're obviously still looking at alternative formats.
The Wolves are committed to being part of this in the A-League structure, in the push to establishing promotion and relegation.
As owner Tory Lavalle has told the Mercury previously, the club is ready to go once it can be guided by the process for inclusion.
"CEO James Johnson and several other senior executives of Football Australia participated in the meeting and welcomed the opportunity to hear directly from the clubs on some of their views and considerations," an FA statement said after Thursday's meeting.
"(FA) look forward to having further and more detailed discussions in the coming months, as we move the conceptual discussions toward practical ones and the national second tier becoming a reality at the appropriate time."
It's clear that a second division is the path forward, rather than any short-term opportunity for further expansion of the current 12-team A-League.
They've discussed an NPL Champions League-style format, but hopefully it can be a full-fledged 12 or 14 team competition in its own right and the Wolves can once again be part of the elite clubs in Australia.
Carney keeps building on Rays career
"They should build a statue of her".
Such is the status of Michelle Carney at the Illawarra Stingrays, new coach Anthony Guido reckons the ageless star deserves to be honoured in bronze.
Guido declared Carney is a key part of his plans for next season, as he takes over the coaching role after a successful stint as assistant to George Antoniou at Wollongong Olympic.
A W-League champion with Sydney FC in 2009, Carney's has dedicated her career for the past decade with the Stingrays and has committed to playing on.
"She's keener than ever, they should build a statue of her, for sure," Guido said.
"She's great with the younger girls and a real symbol of what this club is about.
"I've already spoken to her about being a big part of my plans, with (former Matildas defender) Caitlin Cooper, to take a leadership role.
"There's a real buzz around the club and women's football, with the World Cup coming (in 2023), it's a great time to be involved and I can't wait to get started."
Ange suffers Celtic setback
Australia's Ange Postecoglou has tasted defeat in his first Old Firm derby after Rangers ran out 1-0 winners over Celtic in their Scottish Premiership soccer clash at Ibrox.
Champions Rangers overcame a tough week in which they were hit by COVID-19 cases - with manager Steven Gerrard among those isolating - to clinch victory with Filip Helander's brilliant header in the 66th minute.
Former Socceroos boss Postecoglou had rejuvenated Celtic since taking over this season but the Hoops still fell short against their city rivals who have now won six and drawn one of their last seven meetings.
It was only the second loss of the season for Celtic who stayed sixth on the Scottish Premiership table, while Rangers are in third spot with nine points.
Celtic missed a golden chance in the 25th minute when Odsonne Edouard - hunting his eighth league goal against Rangers - sprayed a close range sitter wide of a gaping goal.
After Ryan Kent hit the upright in Rangers' best first half chance, the hosts dominated after the break.
Swedish defender Helander then sent a packed home crowd into raptures when he met Borna Barisic's corner to steer it past former England goalkeeper Joe Hart, who got a touch but could not keep the ball out. PAA
French revolution
The Lionel Messi era has begun at Paris St Germain.
The Argentine superstar made his much-anticipated Ligue 1 debut on Sunday in a 2-0 victory at Reims.
Kylian Mbappe's double gave PSG a taste of what they would be missing if he left for Real Madrid, who have made bids to recruit the France striker since Messi joined on a two-year deal from Barcelona.
The win means PSG top the table with a maximum 12 points. RAW
Ronaldo's red return
The return of Cristiano Ronaldo can't come soon enough for Manchester United judging by their unconvincing 1-0 English Premier League win at Wolverhampton. Teenager Mason Greenwood's 80th minute winner, but United will be looking forward to Ronaldo providing much needed firepower.
"It's like a dream to have him back, it will be great - it's already great, you can feel it in the atmosphere," de Gea told Sky Sports.
"Hopefully he can bring something special to make the team even better." RAW
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