It hasn't gone unnoticed by the FFA board. The Hairdryer understands they have made overtures to Foster about accepting a position as an appointed director. Foster, of course, wanted to become FFA chairman late last year but withdrew from November's board election when it became apparent he didn't have enough support from the congress. He wasn't interested in being appointed, either, and his position has not shifted, having grown increasingly skeptical about the politics surrounding the sport in Australia. Perhaps the original snub was a blessing in disguise. The board has been mired in controversy after the curious sacking of Matildas coach Alen Stajcic. Or would it have unfolded differently if Foster was in the room? We'll never know.

To flip a quote from The Dark Knight on its head, Foster is the leader Australian football needs — but not the one it deserves right now. War of the warriors Incoming A-League franchise Western Melbourne Group (WMG) has used a newspaper poll to give their would-be supporters a say in what they should be called. But of the four options presented - Western Melbourne Athletic, Western United, Westside Pride and Western Melbourne Warriors - one of them has already found local opposition ahead of next week's announcement. The Hairdryer stumbled upon an application from the North Geelong Warriors after a trademark search of the IP Australia database.

Come out to play: There's a fight west of Melbourne over the nickname 'Warriors'. One side of it is clearly inspired by 1979 film classic The Warriors. It was lodged on Monday - four days after FFA did the same for WMG's potential names. While their new football-specific stadium in Tarneit is being built, WMG will be playing the majority of their A-League fixtures at GMHBA Stadium in Geelong. A spokesperson for North Geelong, who play in the Victorian NPL, confirmed they were seeking to protect the nickname they've been using for 27 years. The only quote they were willing to provide on the record is an iconic one from the 1979 film The Warriors: "Can you dig it?"

Brum steer Sticking with WMG, they are yet to reveal the members of the consortium which are financially underpinning their expensive project, only saying that all members are from Australia. An online blog has linked their ownership with that of Birmingham City, who initially expressing interest in funding the bid when it first surfaced more than 18 months ago. Mystery money: West Melbourne representatives Steve Horvat and Kate Roffey. Credit:Eddie Jim Hong Kong-based Trillion Trophy Asia company, owners of the English Championship club, were in talks with Western Melbourne to become their owners before the A-League expansion process was officially opened by the FFA.

However, it's understood a deal never materialised in part due to issues difficulties in moving money out of China. Aussie Bluebird There was another transfer of note for Cardiff City in the January window, aside from their ultimately tragic move for Emiliano Sala. They also signed an Australian player, although it went almost completely unnoticed back home. Caoimhin 'Quivi' Fowler - the brother of Matildas whiz-kid Mary - joined the Bluebirds on a free transfer from FC Dordrecht in the Netherlands and has been tearing it up in under-23s games.