Post by paoktzi on Jan 18, 2011 14:29:41 GMT 10
HAHAHA, i really like this clive he seems to be in it for the game, rate this guy hard, MIKEY were are you to read this shit
HAVING thrown the gates open at Skilled Park in a sign of his commitment to Gold Coast United, Queensland's richest man Clive Palmer has questioned the sincerity of Newcastle backer Nathan Tinkler's support of the Jets.
With a seemingly renewed zest for the Gay Leagueand his club, United's billionaire owner's generosity will allow fans to watch today's clash between Gold Coast and Central Coast for free at the Robina venue.
And while Palmer's free ticket promotion is a one-off gesture, each member of today's crowd will be charged $5 less if they attend Gold Coast's next home match on January 3 against Perth Glory.
Tinkler has given the green light to similar fan-raising ploys since taking control of the financially-embattled Jets in September.
Crowd averages at EnergyAustralia Stadium have increased since Tinkler's takeover, with the coal magnate's millions also responsible for bringing David Beckham and the LA Galaxy to Newcastle last month.
But Palmer didn't hold back in doubting the commitment of the rarely seen Tinkler, despite the multi-millionaire having pledged to fund the club until 2020.
"It's a flash in the pan . . . it's disappointing that Mr Tinkler doesn't go to any of the (Newcastle) matches," Palmer said.
"Money can't buy you love. You've got to go to the game and have your heart in it.
"Have you seen the licences? It doesn't mean much really. It's not a commitment for 10 years – it means they (Football Federation Australia) want him for 10 years."
An otherwise cautious Palmer has seen too many dire crowds and downpours at Skilled Park to guarantee fans will take full advantage of his free ticket offer by flocking to Robina today.
While more than 20,000 tickets had been snapped up as of Friday night for today's match, the fact they cost nothing doesn't put the same pressure on supporters to follow through by making the trek to Robina, particularly if yet another Gold Coast home match coincides with rain.
"I'm pretty confident we'll have 27,000 sold by Sunday. Whether or not they all come is another thing," Palmer said.
"We're hoping for a clear day. It's going to be an unbelievable atmosphere."
Palmer has promised supporters that do show up this afternoon won't leave disappointed, saying the return of skipper Jason Culina will inspire Gold Coast to a victory that would reduce the deficit between them and second-placed Adelaide United to one point.
"We need Jason the maestro to make it all happen," Palmer said of Culina, who missed his side's 2-0 midweek loss to Newcastle because of a knee injury. "I guarantee you we'll win this game."
With today's three points in the bag, according to Palmer, he has set his sights on Gay Leagueleaders Brisbane Roar, who host Gold Coast in next Sunday's M1 Derby at Suncorp Stadium
www.couriermail.com.au/sport/soccer/clive-palmer-hits-out-at-nathan-tinkler-over-newcastle-jets-support/story-e6frepmf-1225973207871
HAVING thrown the gates open at Skilled Park in a sign of his commitment to Gold Coast United, Queensland's richest man Clive Palmer has questioned the sincerity of Newcastle backer Nathan Tinkler's support of the Jets.
With a seemingly renewed zest for the Gay Leagueand his club, United's billionaire owner's generosity will allow fans to watch today's clash between Gold Coast and Central Coast for free at the Robina venue.
And while Palmer's free ticket promotion is a one-off gesture, each member of today's crowd will be charged $5 less if they attend Gold Coast's next home match on January 3 against Perth Glory.
Tinkler has given the green light to similar fan-raising ploys since taking control of the financially-embattled Jets in September.
Crowd averages at EnergyAustralia Stadium have increased since Tinkler's takeover, with the coal magnate's millions also responsible for bringing David Beckham and the LA Galaxy to Newcastle last month.
But Palmer didn't hold back in doubting the commitment of the rarely seen Tinkler, despite the multi-millionaire having pledged to fund the club until 2020.
"It's a flash in the pan . . . it's disappointing that Mr Tinkler doesn't go to any of the (Newcastle) matches," Palmer said.
"Money can't buy you love. You've got to go to the game and have your heart in it.
"Have you seen the licences? It doesn't mean much really. It's not a commitment for 10 years – it means they (Football Federation Australia) want him for 10 years."
An otherwise cautious Palmer has seen too many dire crowds and downpours at Skilled Park to guarantee fans will take full advantage of his free ticket offer by flocking to Robina today.
While more than 20,000 tickets had been snapped up as of Friday night for today's match, the fact they cost nothing doesn't put the same pressure on supporters to follow through by making the trek to Robina, particularly if yet another Gold Coast home match coincides with rain.
"I'm pretty confident we'll have 27,000 sold by Sunday. Whether or not they all come is another thing," Palmer said.
"We're hoping for a clear day. It's going to be an unbelievable atmosphere."
Palmer has promised supporters that do show up this afternoon won't leave disappointed, saying the return of skipper Jason Culina will inspire Gold Coast to a victory that would reduce the deficit between them and second-placed Adelaide United to one point.
"We need Jason the maestro to make it all happen," Palmer said of Culina, who missed his side's 2-0 midweek loss to Newcastle because of a knee injury. "I guarantee you we'll win this game."
With today's three points in the bag, according to Palmer, he has set his sights on Gay Leagueleaders Brisbane Roar, who host Gold Coast in next Sunday's M1 Derby at Suncorp Stadium
www.couriermail.com.au/sport/soccer/clive-palmer-hits-out-at-nathan-tinkler-over-newcastle-jets-support/story-e6frepmf-1225973207871
