news, latest-news, Arnold, A-League, expansion, Wollongong, Sydney FC

SKY Blues coach Graham Arnold is adamant Wollongong should be the focus of A-League expansion rather than any bid from southern Sydney. With the new broadcast deal set down for 2017, the competition is poised to decide if the league has merit for growth in the coming campaigns. Wollongong is among a list of candidates to become an expansion club. Southern Sydney, Canberra, Geelong and a second Queensland outfit are all also options. The southern Sydney entity is considered as one of the front runners and has, at times, been linked to the Illawarra. The venture would more than likely be based in either St George or Sutherland. Sydney FC consider the territory as a crucial to their own fan base, with rivals the Wanderers dominating the city’s west. For that reason, Arnold thinks the FFA must look further down the Princes Highway. ‘‘Is there a place in the A-League for Wollongong for expansion? I would say probably there is but I don’t think it should be any further north than Wollongong,’’ he told the Mercury. ‘‘If there is talk about south of Sydney, I think our owners would have more to say about than me, but Sutherland shire is a huge area for Sydney FC where we have a lot of members. ‘‘There is four or five players from Sutherland Shire in our squad now. ‘‘But for the Wollongong area and down this far I think there is definitely an opportunity for expansion with a wonderful facility like this.’’ The Sky Blues have used the facilities at WIN Stadium for the past week as part of a pre-season training camp. The venue has housed A–League and trial matches as well as international friendlies in recent years. Wollongong Wolves, who have changed the name back to their former moniker, are currently the only full-time match day occupants at the stadium. The club has been off the national stage for more than a decade, but still remains as a breeding ground for talent at the elite level. Arnold boasts two South Coast products on his roster for the coming season, with Helensburgh teenager Aaron Calver and Wollonong’s Matt Jurman both on the books. ‘‘They are both doing exceptionally well,’’ Arnold said. ‘‘Aaron was a youth team player last year that earned a first team contract because of his performances. Last year he forced himself into the first team for a good 10 matches so he is doing exceptionally well. Matty Jurman is a two time championship winner and adds a lot of experience. ‘‘He is one of the only left footed defenders in the whole of the A–League, so I am expecting big things.’’ Both Jurman and Calver will be vying for time on the paddock when Sydney round out their training camp with a trial against Wellington Phoenix on Friday night at WIN Stadium. Jurman has been nursing a minor knee problem heading into the match. Sydney FC open the A-League season against Melbourne City on October 10.

https://nnimgt-a.akamaihd.net/transform/v1/crop/frm/ZQVibJ7UkRpJMEgscSkw6d/edaa0770-cece-4d3d-9834-baeaa81690d6.jpg/r0_90_2508_1507_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg