Lightning

[offtheball]

Too many cooks spoil the broth?

[truesoccer]

Unfortunately history repeats itself. I was involved when reps were started. They were funded by the CCSA on the understanding that they would be self sufficient within a nominated number of years.
Many involved thought this funding was a never ending source of funds. Clubs objected but the reps had a lot of backing on the CCSA board.The nominated number of years were soon forgotten as funding continued.
I got disgusted with the favourtism shown when selections were made and went back to Club football and the total disregard some who were running reps seemed to have for the Clubs who were funding them.
Clubs were very vocal about the cost of rep football and the levies their members had to pay to keep the 'elite' on the park.
Having previously been involved with them I still kept an interest but even when they were given full catering rights at Pluim which should have more than covered costs they still made losses despite substantial turnovers.
In the late 90's the CCSA and Clubs had had enough and made them a seperate club. They could not survive and in 2000 the new CCSA regime again made them part of the CCSA instead of them having to stand alone. Since then they have again been a drain on the CCSA (now CCF).
I do not know how true it is but I have been told that the only reason they stayed in the top senior competitions was that Soccer NSW wanted representation at a high level on the Central Coast. Unfortunately to compete at those levels a lot of money is required and neither the CCSA nor the Coasties could afford it.
Irrespective of the reasons Keech, Lightning, Finance Director or Directors the CCF is in deep financial trouble.
Many are saying throw the directors to the hounds. These people are all family people and volunteers who put their hands up when thousands of others associated with soccer on the Coast would not. There is a meeting tomorrow night where some more will be revealed. Let that happen before going for blood. I wonder haw many of those calling for heads to roll put their hands up originally. Bet not many did. Easy to be wise and critical in hindsight.
I think a lesson should be learnt here. Prior to 2000 CCSA was very much an amateur association however looking back those amateur directors made ends meet. At the end of 1999 we were told that it should become more professional. Many of us voted for that change. Unfortunately since then the cost of playing at both club and rep has increased and so have the debts of the CCF.

[marinermick]

Can someone give a run down of new players for the lightning?

Will players such as Boogs and Porter be having a run?

How is the new coach going/

[johnnywarren]

Perfect scenario - the 1st grade team need players from the mariners to make the squad a strong team.

Some mariners on the fringe or injured through the year should be contracted to CCF for this year to take the club up to the Vodafone Premier League. i.e. porter, osman, trotty, matty simon, redmayne, maybe jedinak (instead of going to manly) petrie - if not signed for next year, and imagine nik playing down at this level!!

next year 2008 - for youth league the premier youth league will only be made up of the clubs that are actually in the Vodafone Premier League. so if we don't do well in the super league we will not be there - already rumours of clubs trying to merge to meet this criterium - one going around was us and gladesville spirit.

and we need to have the youth league setup more closely linked with the mariners and players earmarked by the mariners and locked up on some sort of scholarships.
look at xavier forsberg - cc junior now at marconi - in the aussie schoolboys team. was not a bad player, but moving to a club like marconi gets him noticed more than up here.

andrew redmayne - nswis goalkeeper - great kid for future - only 17/18 etc.

[johnnywarren]

spoke to john tonite ( john you're a true scholar and a good bloke) but he is trying hard to bring in faces and players. obviously the money side has a lot to do with everything but as i said above we need the right attitude to make the place a good breeding ground.

there's some really good coaches up there and hopefully results will show. and to john i hope we go well.

[Green Pants]

Mick,

check out a bloke named Ryan More (unsure of last name spelling)He had a trial last weekend and had a total blinder in the centre with Andrew Myles. He used to play for Parramatta with Ollie Bozanic, and also trialled or something at Manchester U.

Stealy from Wyoming is over there now and also 2 younger guys will probably be in the squad for under 21s or 1sts.

Matty Simon was clearly a class above every other player on the pitch.

[Green Pants]

...Ive just been told that Alex Tobin has got Xavier Forseberg over to Lighting. Apprently he questioned Xavier's goal, which happens to be to play for the Mariners, and told him that he would have more chance achieving that at Lighting than in a 2nd Grade Marconi side.

[keensy]

analysis said:

Mick,
Stealy from Wyoming is over there now and also 2 younger guys will probably be in the squad for under 21s or 1sts. .

Graham Toope and Ian McAndrew from Wyoming 1st grade last season. Both turning 18 this year. Graham has been playing in the 20s for trials and Ian has been playing in 1sts.

[Green Pants]

Keensy,
McLafferty would have to be an idiot to pick Ian McAndrew over Andrew Myles and Ryan Moore.
Those two carved up the midfield of the 2nd half compared to Ian and Prestons efforts.

While McAndrew has been playing Wyoming 1st grade, Myles was playing with Spirit and AIS and Australia and Moorey was playing with Parramatta with Ollie Bozanic and trialling at Manchester United.

Basically, Lightning have the chance to pick an awesome squad, provided they pick the right players and don't let politics and favouratism get in the way. Ian is a top player, but he would be better off in the 20s with Graham.

[keensy]

Yeah. lets not forget he chose to play wyoming 1st grade, he has played coasties and in sydney his whole life and NSW, he also a NSW, and Australian futsal player.
But yes i agree that favouritism should not get in the way....but i think it will occur as john is in love with ian.

[Green Pants]

I got told tonight that John isn't even definately coaching yet. I don't know... the whole money business is throwing things around alot. I'm just keen for cold nights out with hot chocolates and muffins while bagging the shit out of the opposition from the Razzle Dazzle stand.

[curious]

For anyone that lives near Lake Macquarie, Lightning play a trail match V Azurrie FC On Saturday 17th Feb @ Lisle Carr Oval. U20's 4.30pm - Ist grade 6pm.

[Green Pants]

Lightning play at Pluim at 5pm this Sat (10th).

The 5pm start sounds a little odd, thats just what my mate who plays for them told me, coz his 21st is after the match.

[Farthing]

When does the actual season start?

[Green Pants]

The season starts when it gets too cold.

Is anyone going to Saturday nights game?

[Fish]

Any idea who they are playing?

[offtheball]

Starts on the 3rd of March away to Bonnyrigg
First home game V Fraser Park on the 10th

[mariners4ever]

i will probably go to most of the home games at pluim

[brett]

Good game yesterday against Broadmeadow.

Porter was the standout in midfield, with Boogs solid at the back. Matty Simon came on and showed his impressive ability to pressurize an entire half of the field...defenders and goalkeepers have to be so quick on the ball when he is lurking.

Word is that another more senior Mariners player with turn out for Lightning in search of fitness and form...it's going to be a fun season on the R-D stand!

[oziboy]

Cheers Tiger thanks for match report score please ?

Thanks