City, Media and Fans

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The A-League is in absolutely no doubt its healthiest ever state - record attendances and record memberships, combined with a higher degree of marquee quality is getting fans and administrators excited this year.

Add to that, some bloke from Spain amongst the plethora of quality foreigners seen around the league, a dedicated channel for football on Fox Sports, and live Friday night SBS coverage, it appears everyone is matching this increased interest with improved media to keep fans in the loop, however one Melbourne clubs is bucking this trend.

Melbourne City have seemingly implemented an almost blanket ban on media relationships from higher ranking officials to their player, meaning most media communication is being done by the coach. The move is one of many changes implemented by the City Group that was seen when they first took over at Manchester City.

As a result there has been a significant decrease in the amount of information fans and other media outlets have access to.

The David Villa scenario effectively sums this up. Despite being a World Cup, Champions League and La Liga winning player and miraculously signing to the A-League’s City, fans had no idea when he was arriving and how long he would be playing for. And the little information they thought they knew was contradicted - 10 games? No, 4 games. Will he return? Maybe.

Many city supporters are beginning to feel alienated from the club – and for many the recent derby showed this when City donned the blue and white as opposed the red and white away kit.

It seems there is a divide amongst Melbourne City supporters and “Heart fans” are being ignored to support a brand.

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