FORMER Socceroo Steve Horvat believes the time is now for Geelong is to have its own franchise in the A-League.

media_camera Steve Horvat

Horvat was involved in the unsuccessful Melbourne United bid before the A-League was founded, and admits it as much a personal pursuit as a labour for the community.

Following healthy attendances at high-profile matches in Geelong, though, he believes it’s time for the city to take advantage and have its own team.

“Obviously, it’s no secret that I’ve been trying to get an A-League team up since the competition’s inception. I spoke to the council when the second (Victorian) licence was on offer, but even publicly, there didn’t seem to be the same sort of reception as there is now,” Horvat said.

Read the full story in Thursday’s Addy or in the digital print edition.