THE chief executive of Football Federation Australia, Ben Buckley, believes the atmosphere of mutual distrust between the governing body and the clubs will start to dissolve, in the wake of Nathan Tinkler's decision to recommit to the Newcastle Jets, and the ''spirit of collaboration'' which emerged from the first meeting of the Joint A-League Strategic Committee.

After months of bad publicity, there was finally some good news for FFA yesterday when Tinkler withdrew his threat to hand back his licence - avoiding a long and expensive court case - and the inaugural meeting of the JALSC ended without rancour.

"I can certainly understand why there's been that perception [conflict] out there, but I think today draws a line in the sand" ... chief executive of Football Federation Australia, Ben Buckley. Credit:Getty Images

Asked whether he felt the two events signalled that the era of conflict was over, Buckley said: ''I can certainly understand why there's been that perception [conflict] out there, but I think today draws a line in the sand. Nathan's decision is obviously very welcome, and very timely, and on the back of that we've had, what I'd describe as, a very positive, very constructive meeting which was held in a good spirit of collaboration, and I'm not just sugar-coating that.

''The discussions were very frank, very honest, and I think we've started a process that will address a lot of the issues that have been raised. This committee genuinely does give the clubs a say. The clubs will have a direct say in the strategy and policy direction of the A-League, but the sharing of insights and ideas will be just as important. It's going to work, I'm sure of that.''