The Southern Expansion A-League expansion franchise said that it "has nothing to fear from an anticipated merger between South West Sydney and Macarthur that would effectively turn the joint union into a more powerful bid," according to Ray Gatt of THE AUSTRALIAN. An official announcement regarding the merger will reportedly be made on Monday -- "just 12 days before" all 10 expansion candidates are due to finalize their bid documents. Macarthur, which has the backing of Campbelltown Council and billionaire property developer Lang Walker, and South West Sydney, which represents the areas around Fairfield and Liverpool and reportedly has substantial financial backing, "had been intent on going it alone." But it is understood both parties came to a "sensible agreement that a merger was their best chance of convincing the ruling body that they should be included." It is a decision that "could turn the dynamics of the selection process." Despite the merger, Southern Expansion, which remains a firm favorite for one spot, is "adamant nothing changes for them." Southern Expansion CEO Chris Gardiner made it clear his bid "remained focused on the job ahead" and is "going it alone with no intention of seeking a union with any other bid" (THE AUSTRALIAN, 8/17).
