Soccer: League bosses go into a huddle over struggling Canberra

By TERRY MADDAFORD

The 14-team Australian national league hangs in the balance after officials from struggling Canberra Cosmos met Soccer Australia bosses yesterday.

While there was no sign about the club's future, the national body has called for a telephone conference today to evaluate its position.

"Based on the information received, the six-strong board will make their decision," said Soccer Australia media manager Gary Moretti last night. "We are ready for any contingency."

It is understood a 36-game season - rather than 26 - is planned if Canberra do not measure up.

Kingz coach Mike Petersen returned from the team's three-match Australian pre-season tour on Sunday unsure what the new season holds, especially as 10 coaching changes have been made since the 2000-01 season ended.

"A 36-game season with play-offs to follow would be a real marathon," said Petersen, who keenly awaits the "real deal" when the Kingz kick off their season with the away match in Brisbane on Friday week.

"The games we had against Northern Spirit, Wollongong and Marconi were excellent. To lose only one on the road was encouraging.

"To score three goals in one game and two in another without Wynton Rufer or Con Boutsianis was no mean feat. Paul Urlovic, Andy Vlahos and John Markovski did the job."

Markovski is still considering a Kingz offer, but Petersen expects the 300-game NSL veteran to join his squad later this week.

"He hasn't played in the NSL since Carlton folded after eight games last season so he still has some way to go to get back to full fitness," said Petersen.

"But I have no doubt he can do a job for us. It might mean he and Wynton will play half games each in the early stages."

With Miramar and All Whites goalkeeper James Bannatyne also likely to sign, and with Boutsianis expected back, Petersen is close to finalising his squad.

He had talks with Boutsianis in Melbourne at the weekend and remains confident the Socceroo midfielder will be back to fulfil his contract.