Launceston's two NPL Tasmania clubs have welcomed news of a proposed merger between Clarence United and Hobart Zebras which will reduce the statewide competition to eight teams.
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With Clarence by far the weakest team in this season's competition and Zebras having long played home games at KGV, both Launceston City and Riverside Olympic chiefs felt the trans-Derwent merger was a sensible way forward.
It would return the state league make-up to five clubs in Hobart, two in Launceston and Devonport in the North-West.
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"I think at this stage that's a good balance," said Olympic president Stuart McCarron.
"I'd like it to go to 10 clubs but it would need an increase in participation for that to happen.
"I see it as an advantage for both those clubs. It gives Zebras a home base and puts another major club onto the eastern shore."
Launceston City director of football Roger Mies also welcomed the news for their sister Italian club.
"I think it needs to be an eight-team competition. It has been proven over time that the league can sustain a maximum of eight teams," he said.
"And it's the right mix geographically."
Football Tasmania chief executive Matt Bulkeley also indicated his support for the proposal which is to be voted on by members of both clubs on September 17.
"As the governing body we are certainly supportive of any coming together of clubs where the ultimate outcome will benefit football in the region," he said.
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Rob Shaw
Heralding the impact of Tasmanian sport without saying "punching above its weight" is not as easy as it sounds.
Heralding the impact of Tasmanian sport without saying "punching above its weight" is not as easy as it sounds.
