Sydney FC and Graham Arnold as good as they've ever been, maybe better

• ANALYSIS

On the eve of a new season and as the Sydney FC propaganda machine cranks into overdrive, let's cut to the chase. The Sky Blues aren't genuine title contenders because they say they are. They're contenders because, well, they just are.

Time for the Brisbane Roar and Lions to get back together

It's time to bury the hatchet for the two sides of the ugly separation which has blighted Brisbane Roar's A-League journey. Eight years after the split, a renewal of vows between the Roar and their founders, the Lions Club, can be a win-win for all concerned if egos and agendas can be put aside. As the three-times champions scrounge around Brisbane looking for a home – and a heart and soul – the solution is where it's always been. Right under their nose.

A local coach is the key to a revitalised Newcastle Jets

• ANALYSIS

Mark Jones isn't going to get a free ride now that he's coach of Newcastle Jets. But he will get a clear run at making a go of one of the toughest gigs in the A-League because he's a local. If you think that doesn't matter, or shouldn't matter, then you don't know what makes the Novocastrian football community tick.

Why football needs players like 'Shack'

Big season coming up for Perth Glory. If last season was about burying the salary cap scandal, this one is about completing the rehabilitation and winning a first A-League championship. Favouritism is a new challenge for a club accustomed to a siege mentality forged by supposed "eastern states bias". Let's see how they respond.

Demons unfazed by Sky Blues challenge

More than 30 years after Kevin Keegan's hugely-successful guest stint, and 26 years after they left the national stage, Blacktown City are primed to make the most of their return to the spotlight in Wednesday night's FFA Cup quarter-final against Sydney FC at Edensor Park.

Former Sydney FC defender given lifeline by Phoenix

After being dumped twice by Sydney FC, Dubbo born-and-bred defender Jacob Tratt has been thrown an A-League lifeline by Wellington Phoenix.

National second division inevitable as support reaches fever pitch

• COMMENT

Is it because a joint FIFA/AFC delegation will be in town this week to push the barrow for a second division with promotion and relegation and the FFA simply want to be seen to be doing something? Maybe. Does it matter what the motivation is? Not at all. What matters is that the pressure for a second-tier is building to fever pitch, both internally and externally, and the FFA can't keep sticking their head in the sand hoping it will go away. It won't.

Arnold advocating A-League Asian player quota

On the eve of a high-level visit from the Asian Football Confederation, Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold wants the A-League to introduce a quota for Asian players, while Football Federation Australia has thrown tentative support behind what could be the most significant rule change in the competition's history.

Jets striker Haliti eager to represent new nation Kosovo

Once he completes a successful comeback from a major knee injury, Newcastle Jets striker Labinot Haliti is hoping to fulfil a heartfelt ambition to play for the world's newest national team, Kosovo – the country of his birth.