The Sniper’s thoughts on Premier League fight

FOOTBALL gossip guru The Sniper gives his thoughts on the Premier League promotion saga.

AFTER Murwillumbah confirmed their withdrawal from the GCPL for 2019, FGC’s local competition and its members have been sent into a lather on who should take their place in the league.

FGC confirmed this week that Tweed United have indeed retained their place in the Premier League for the 2019 season. Ideally, the option of Tweed, Musgrave or Southport entering the league all had great merit in this process.

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The idea of all three entering was proposed, as well as FGC’s original idea of one big league.

However, the answer to all these problems is quite simple – no one has one.

Musgrave and Southport are great venues for Premier League football compared to some already in there, so adding them both in the league would have been a good move from a facilities aspect.

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Tweed being reinstated means that FGC still has a team from northern NSW in the competition, a big catchment and junior base.

However, by promoting these three teams, FGC would have created a subdivided mediocre league.

The overall quality and sustainability of the Premier League would have suffered, while average players would have had a chip on their shoulder that they are of Premier League standard when really they are nowhere near that. The worst part is on merit, Southport had the best claim to go up, as they were the last team with the opportunity to play Premier League football after losing in the playoff to Mudgeeraba.

However, you cannot promote a team who finished third, it’s as simple as that.

The easy answer for 2019 would have been 10 teams to avoid any unnecessary arguments, with the league moving back to eight teams in 2020. However, FGC bit the bullet on this one and made a harsh but correct decision on how many teams will play PL football. The only question now is; did the right team get the final spot?