Boutique stadium the x-factor in bid of aspiring Melbourne A-League Team 11

TEAM 11 ambassador Vince Grella says the bid is “real” after stunning boutique stadium plans were launched, declaring it has the ingredients to be an A-League powerhouse.

Former Socceroo Vince Grella (3R) and current local players Zak Shojaie (Afghan Victory) Natasha Dakic (southern United) and Mal Suleman (Dandenong South) with the design of the proposed Dandenong Stadium.

TEAM 11 ambassador Vince Grella says the bid is “real” after stunning boutique stadium plans were launched, declaring it has the ingredients to be an A-League powerhouse.

Grella, who was born and bred in Keysborough and played juniors for Springvale City before becoming a Socceroos great, said the right stadium could propel the club to greatness.

The Dandenong-Casey anchored bid will be one of at least 10 expansion bidders, with May 24 the deadline for FFA’s formal Expressions Of Interest.

South Melbourne and a western Melbourne-based consortium are the other Victorian bids expected to apply, with others coming from NSW, Queensland and Tasmania.

Former Socceroo Vince Grella (3R) and current local players Zak Shojaie (Afghan Victory) Natasha Dakic (southern United) and Mal Suleman (Dandenong South) with the design of the proposed Dandenong Stadium.

Grella fronted yesterday’s proposed stadium launch in the heart of Dandenong alongside former Brisbane Roar and Melbourne City part-owner Gerry Ryan, another local who’s officially thrown his support behind the A-League push.

“This is now real, it’s serious. Really serious,’’ Grella said.

“I was here a year ago to launch the bid. I can’t believe how far it’s come. Having people like Gerry Ryan involved gives it serious credibility.

“It’s a football heartland, has been for a while. It’s just that people didn’t know it.

“I’m not the only player that’s come from the region. There’s been many more and that will only increase with an A-League presence.”

Grella said the stadium, which is down the road from his parents’ home and just 100 metres from Dandenong train station, could be the club’s x-factor.

“The plans look fantastic, the design in sharp, it’s in the perfect spot, rectangular, modern,’’ he said.

“If you have a stadium with good visibility, fans are as close to the pitch as possible and there’s good noise and atmosphere, that’s what the players want.”

Melbourne Victory appeared to offer its support for Team 11 to become the city’s third A-League team, in a week they were preparing for a sixth grand final.

“We certainly support expansion. We’d probably be a little disappointed if another Melbourne club came and played out of AAMI Park, that wouldn’t be necessarily a good thing for the game,” chief executive Trent Jacobs told SEN.

“To have another rival in Melbourne … with their own stadium would only be a good thing.

“A club trying to create a different identity and tribalism would most likely need to be supported by a stadium.

“The idea of their own stadium is an interesting approach. For me it would be the way to go in developing a new club.”