Competition woes, Premier League departure and a coaching move - with gossip guru The Sniper

A FOOTBALL Gold Coast competition in trouble, the withdrawal of a Premier League team and a coach’s impending departure ... all this and more in the latest Sniper’s Report.

A FOOTBALL Gold Coast competition in trouble, the withdrawal of a Premier League team and a coach’s impending departure ... all this and more in the latest Sniper’s Report.

SURFERS’ HARD LANDING

Surfers Paradise ended their Premier League season with a dramatic penalty shootout loss to Gold Coast Knights. Unfortunately, sources close to the camp have confirmed it might have been the last meaningful game the club plays for the immediate future. With the impending departure of Alex Morrison, 2019 will be a tough year.

‘IT DOES ANNOY ME’ - FREE BULLETIN FOOTBALL PODCAST

Surfers Paradise coach Alex Morrison.

IS THWAITE THE ANSWER?

Gold Coast United this week confirmed the signing of Michael Thwaite for the 2019 NPL Queensland. Will he be the answer to their woes of the 2018? The biggest issue they have (which is common knowledge) is the lack of a home. Robina Raptors is a sub-par local facility, let alone an elite facility for an NPL team. Coplicks is their only hope.

OFF-FIELD ROLE KEY TO REUNION

Former Socceroo Michael Thwaite joined Gold Coast United this week. Picture: Jerad Williams

WARNING FOR FUTURE

Murwillumbah have announced they will go to a vote to decide the fate of senior football, which leaves a massive decision for Football Gold Coast. Would it be an automatic promotion for Southport? Will Tweed get reinstated to the 2019 Premier League? On principle, it should be Southport. Watch this space- a southern team will play Premier League in 2019.

GOLD COAST FOOTBALL REPORT CARD

Have we seen the last of Murwillumbah in the Premier League?

DOLPHIN DOMINANCE

Having all four of your senior men’s teams, as well as your women, in grand finals is an achievement some clubs can only wish. For Broadbeach, this is just another weekend in September. The most dominant club in finals football will be back on the biggest stage on Saturday. I am tipping three out of four wins. The one you expect them to win will end up being the hardest.

KNIGHTS RESPOND TO CULINA COACHING RUMOURS

Broadbeach won the Women's Premier League title double unbeaten. Picture: Richard Gosling

COAST LEAGUE ONE FATE

The Coast League One competition is on the verge of a major meltdown. It will go back to the same competition it was before the eight-team format came into play, except we have less teams at the top this time around. We just don’t have the quality for two solid senior divisions. This is the chance for a club like Robina, Runaway Bay or Musgrave to make the move up. These clubs could compete for Premier League titles in 2020.