Soccer: Hard times force Kingz to become part-timers

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Hard times have led to tough decisions at the Football Kingz, including the switch to part-time football and a cut in the players' budget.

Chief executive Chris Turner yesterday released a list of players who have re-signed for the 2003-04 season and those who have said "no thanks."

Goalkeeper Michael Utting has signed, but midfielder Raf de Gregorio has rejected the club's offer, preferring instead to try his luck with trials in Europe. It is understood Mark Burton is doing the same.

"We have met Chris Jackson and will make him an offer in the next day or two," Turner said.

Those who have signed are Harry Ngata, Jeremy Christie, Darren Young, Jason Rowley, Mark Beldham and Jeff Campbell.

Jonathon Taylor - who was offered the same terms as last season - James Pritchett and Steven Turner have rejected the club's offers.

"It is no secret the budget has been reduced," Turner said.

Last season's total operating cost was $1.8 million. This season the figure will be between $1.2 million and $1.4 million.

"In the first two seasons we had reasonably solid years," Turner said. "Then we brought in Mike Petersen and Con Boutsianis and it blew up on us. Money is tight, but we are determined to build a club and a culture which will give young players a pathway to professional football."

In a major change, the Kingz will train at night which Turner said would allow players to begin or continue studies or take on full or part-time employment.

"There was a feeling last summer that it was too hot for players to train morning and afternoon. This way we will be training at the same time as we play most of our games."

Turner said by going part-time some players who might otherwise not be interested could become available.

He pointed to the woes of many Australian clubs as a model.

"The Olympic Sharks, who played last season's grand final, have slashed their players' budget to $300,000 and are going part-time. Most of their players will be paid between $10,000 and $20,000.

"Only Perth Glory, who lost $1.3 million, Parramatta Power and Brisbane Strikers will be fulltime this season," Turner said. "Perth had a multi-millionaire backer who made up the loss."

Turner would love such a benefactor.

He admitted he had lost "a considerable amount of money" in his time with the Kingz.

"You don't get into football to make money," said Turner, who added he had mortgaged his house. "I don't regret doing that, but I do regret the cost to my family in terms of money and time."

Turner said while "any extra capital would help," there were no offers to buy the club at present.

Sponsorship and television rights remain the main revenue streams for the coming season, which starts on September 19.