The Gold Guard

Year 0 | Homefront III Prelude: Dark times have loomed Serbian football club OFK Beograd for a few years now. It has not been a silent fall. Financial shortcomings, scrapping in the third tier for nearly half a decade and barely surviving thanks to transfer royalties... Something must change. A bold, ambitious project has begun for 'The Romantics' that has seen an unconventional approach. Chairman Dejan Vuksanović stated in the latest press conference since sealing promotion to the second-tier: "We are only surviving because of our past success in developing and selling players, it is now time to put all of our focus on what we are strong at." It seems that OFK Beograd is officially closing up - going purely internal. There are only a few clubs that have transfer policies that restrict them to only certain factors. However, it is extremely rare to see a football club restrict themselves to ONLY what they create. "It is time for us to return the favour to the players - past, present and future. We are here because of them. Their families become fans, and the fans hopefully one day become part of this club in varied roles." Vuksanović further romanticized. The Manager: Despite this, beautiful sentiments do not come without controversy when it comes to Serbian football - and boy, oh boy, have they done that in style yet again. OFK Beograd has announced a partnership with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea Football Association (KPRFA) . This deal will provide a platform for North Korean managers to develop their skills and gain experience in a professional environment, potentially on the European stage. An agreement has been made to give North Korean manager Jo Se-uk an opportunity to take the mantle of the club. Director of Football Saša Nastasović states: "This is an amazing opportunity. I am really overjoyed by this partnership with the North Korean Gover- uhh I mean footballing body. We have a very experienced manager in 'Jo' who has accomplished such amazing feats in his home nation. We are extremely looking forward to seeing how he can bring his aura to the club and create a fantastic footballing culture." When asked about if this will be extended if North Korean players may come through the academy, Nastasović declared that "For now, this is purely just for an opportunity to develop the coaching sector, we are proud of our Serbian talents first & foremost, but of course, we shall see what comes with future success" Se-uk stated no further comments and refused to participate in the press conference. With no recognised coaching badges and no information regarding his playing or managerial career, critics are quick to raise questions of this shoddy deal. Maybe his managerial skills shall do the talking? Despite being hard to contact, communication has been rather transparent regarding this new development. It is noted that OFK Beograd will be promoting on the front of their kits the slogan "Visit North Korea". President of the PRKFA Ri Ryong-nam was pleased with the announcement of OFK Beograd's dedication to the cause: "This partnership will hopefully expand us on multiple fronts and Jo Se-uk on the right trajectory for global domination... ...through football of course."

Yeah it's all legit. It's just a shame 90% of the intake wants scholarship/full-time status. It will just cause chaos after 2 or 3 intakes as you can imagine. If they all wanted an immediate a youth contract it would not be a problem.

I wish I could continue this, built up a cool story. However due to the squad registration restrictions and mandatory termination of all professional players that are unregistered AND the fact that every single youth intake player wants a full-time contract - I can't see myself doing this challenge properly. Australia is absolutely broken. Absolute shame. Sorry lads!

Year 0 | It Surely Can't Get Any More Worse Than This? Prelude: Since the emergence of the A-League. Perth Glory have had it tough and not seen anywhere near the success they had when they first emerged in the now defunct National Soccer League. Being the only professional club in Western Australia, Glory represents a large catchment area developing talent for the national team and has unfortunately seen great success in the wrong areas. Particularly, cutting their own products only for them to succeed elsewhere... In a post-Covid-19 world, Perth Glory has had the significantly shortest of straws when it comes to the Australian-based clubs in the A-League. Having hardly been able to play in their own city, let alone their own stadium. Sinking millions of dollarydoos every year and getting stuff-all in return. They are truly a shadow of their former... uh.. former-former-self? It's time to put this farce to an end and return to the Glory days. A New Chapter: The purple circle that has been in-control during the majority of the A-League era are aware that they are on their final hill to die upon and drastic measures must be taken. The decision to close-up shop and focus 100% on their own youth products has finally taken action. Club Owner Tony Sage came out to back the new era of the club and stated that "We won't even be buying players from the local Western Australian clubs. If you want to become a Perth Glory player, you have to earn it by joining our academy." Sage further noted that the club needs to put in the hard work and time to create our own superstars and not inheriting has-beens either. So that means no more Daniel Sturridge's, William Gallas', gosh even Robbie Fowler's. "They just don't work out. We need to make our own." Sage claimed. Still bitter about previous West Aussie products leaving the club Director of Football Terry McFlynn had left an open threat to those from their old home. "If you leave this club as a player, you aren't welcome back with open arms until the day you hang up your boots". He further reiterated, "Of course, if you come through our system and a better opportunity comes with the right conditions, we will wish you all the best. The point is, we want to be in control both business and performance-wise, with extra precautions and total awareness that there is someone next coming down the factory line". Maybe things are changing? Let's see who will be steering the ship... The Manager: A fresh face to professional football management has entered the senior game. Kalgoorlie-born and proud Western Australian Bruce Hogan has taken the mantle to lead the first team after working in the Glory ranks as a youth coach for quite some time. "I know I am an unknown face, and I know the first team fellas have no bloody clue who I am, but I know the kids coming up and if we are to stick it out with this new club vision, then I'll put me hand up and grab the bull by the horns". Hogan further stated that "The club desires to hire someone who they believe will get the best out of the upcoming players for this club. I am 100% dead-set I can achieve that for them. I love this club, I love this state. I only want what's best and I hope the fans get behind me. Each and every single one of them represents me. I am their manager they have been begging for. I am gonna take it right up those Easterners. It's West vs The Rest." This whole club-wide decision is a massive gamble, especially hiring a manager who hasn't competed at this level before. Does he require the necessary skill set to maintain the peace with current personnel of players and staff. At the end of the day it doesn't matter. Hogan is just a placeholder to let the board control what happens to their club. The club have hired someone who has only played the game as high as Sunday-league level in the Western Australian Amateur Premier League and has not one coaching badge to his name. A slap in the face and a disgrace to football. Corruption at its finest. Football Australia and the Australian Professional Leagues bodies have both refused to comment on the hiring of Hogan however stated that they will be "considering a third-party investigation regarding Perth Glory's professional license for further renewal in the future". _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Let's give this thread some love. Maybe one day Australia will finally have Pro-Rel, but for now, let's take on this unique challenge shall we?