New Beginnings

By: Ahmed | May 25th, 2009

It’s a brand new start for Queensland Roar….oh im sorry, Brisbane Roar. Yes that’s right, the Queensland Roar have become the Brisbane Roar. The club has changed name with the introduction of 2 new teams in Queensland, meaning The Roar are not the only Queensland representative.

It was one of Australian footballs worst kept secrets. For many months there was talk of the name change, the FFA had purchased the rights to the name, but sources were denying anything. However, the Roar revealed the change and everyone was business as usual. There was no real fuss, no real panache or any talk; it was expected for a long time.

With the off field troubles suffered by the Roar during the past few months, it promised to be a very interesting season for the club. The FFA purchased a 55% stake in the club to help with the economic crisis the club was feeling. Many at the Roar pleaded for the fans to stick with them through the tough times, and that they were all focussed on the season, rather than the off field troubles. With the FFA on board and a new deal struck with the government on the stadium, the Roar has been more focussed on getting on with the football.

They’ve released their kit for the new season about a week ago. I personally quite like it, but think that we could have done away with the white away kit. I also think they could have been a bit more adventurous with the design, but not really complaining too much – at least we don’t have a Sydney design- anyway….back to the Roar. The kit design has gotten the thumbs up from the players and staff, but their intentions were clear, “It does not matter what the kit looks like, we focussed on winning.”

Quite potent words when you think about how close the Roar have come in previous years. The agony of coming so close, yet so far has got to be troubling the players. Farina has brought in Henrique from Brazil to bolster his midfield and make up for the loss of Tahj Minniecon to the Gold Coast. Reinaldo is returning from injury with a burning desire to perform well this season. Apart from that, it’s pretty much the same Roar team from last season, and with so much unity and a strong bond between them, there is going to be plenty of will to get to the Grand Final at least this time.

The biggest news for the Roar so far has been the announcement that this year’s annual Roar Against Racism match will be held against Scottish giants, Celtic. The European outfit will be sure to draw a crowd to Suncorp Stadium, and provide a stern test for the Roar players. It’s Brisbane’ biggest rival yet in football, and a win for the Roar would be just the start they need to their season.

It’s a new name, a new kit, but the same club. The same desire to win, the same passion for glory, the same players –except Henrique- the same manager, all gunning for the prize. Anyone would be a fool to cast off the Roars chances before the season has started, and the countdown is on to the start of the A-League.