Gold Coast United owner Clive Palmer has denied suggestions that the club’s future is in jeopardy, saying they are planning to be part of the Hyundai A-League next season.
There have been various media reports suggesting that Palmer may consider pulling his support for the club, but the billionaire mining magnate has promised he remains committed to the club he has helped bankroll since their conception in 2009.
“The future of the club was never in doubt and we will be proceeding next season with the same aim that we-ve had every season – to do our best to win the competition,” Palmer said.
“We’ve enjoyed a successful first two seasons, finishing third and fourth, as well as great success with our Youth Team who won the Championship last year and are likely to do so again this year.”
“Not many new clubs manage to achieve what we have achieved by making the finals in both of our first two seasons and we are proud of that.”
“For a new club we have done remarkably well and the future is bright for us. Our recruitment for next season is underway, which includes first team contracts for a number of players who have come through our youth side, ensuring continuity through the playing ranks and career pathways for young players in the region.”
“Talks with current players will be ongoing and there will also be new players coming to the club for next season, with news on that in due course.”
The club’s foundation marquee player Jason Culina is expected to leave the club at the end of the season, along with striker Shane Smeltz and defender Dino Djulbic, sparking suggestions that the club was in crisis.
