June 06, 2008

SYDNEY FC has a future challenger as the glamour club of the A-League after Gold Coast United accepted the competition's ninth licence today.

Australia's fourth richest man Clive Palmer signed the provisional agreement on behalf of the club before declaring he'd be disappointed if the Gold Coast failed to win the A-League in their debut season.

Palmer extravagantly arrived at Skilled Park at Robina, where Gold Coast will play their home games, by helicopter.

Palmer said his three private jets would be on call for the team, which will play in the 2009-10 A-League.

The iron ore baron has signed former Queensland Roar mentor Miron Bleiberg as coach and director of football.

Bleiberg said he was keen to acquire highly paid overseas stars on short-term contracts.

Football Federation Australia have asked for minor details to be lodged to ensure the Gold Coast's bid is officially confirmed in the coming days.