Clubs circle league spot

Murwillumbah exit reignites top-flight debate

FOOTBALL Gold Coast general manager Damien Bresic hopes to have a decision on the format for the 2019 Premier League by the end of next week in the wake of Murwillumbah’s top-flight withdrawal.

After a six-season Premier League stint highlighted by the 2013 title, Murwillumbah this week informed FGC of their intention to step down to Coast League One next year, with president Darren McKay (pictured) citing financial issues and a lack of on and offfield personnel as the reasons for the decision.

The move has reignited debate surrounding the make-up of next season’s top competition, which was due to be reduced from 10 teams to eight following the Gold Coast Knights’ exit and the relegation of Tweed United.

However, Bresic said the Murwillumbah decision meant all options were now on the table.

That includes putting one of the Premier League playoff losers – Tweed, Musgrave or Southport - in the league; remaining at 10 teams and including all three; or revisiting a 15-team competition. Bresic said the latter option was unlikely, with a decision expected late next week.

“(We’re) not ruling out anything at the moment (but) we’re almost in October already so we need to make a call,” he said.

“I don’t think there’s an easy answer because Tweed, Musgrave and Southport will all come up with a relevant argument. (Murwillumbah’s exit) has come as a bit of a shock and out of the blue, from hosting the grand final and going through undefeated (in 2013) to pulling out.

“I’ve just got to see how (the 2019 format) impacts on Coast League as well. I know Premier League is our showcase but we have to be mindful there are other divisions underneath.”

McKay admitted stepping away from the Premier League had been “a difficult decision”.

“I was there in the club when we went from first division into Premier League. It took a lot of effort to pull a squad together, at that time principally of local players, and get us into Premier League,” McKay said.

“(There were a) range of issues. Obviously financial (was one) but also lack of personnel providing support to the coach … and over the last year or two we haven’t had as many local players as we’d like and players with the skill to play at that level.”