The newly appointed president of the Melbourne Knights made his first public appearance on the inaugural episode of a new Australian Croatian podcast on Monday.
Tony Topčić was the special guest on the new PodroomTV podcast, which is produced and hosted by Melbourne Croatian community identities, Anthony Smolić and Rob Špoljar.
Topčić had been invited to appear on the new weekly podcast to speak about his role as the president of the new Knights’ Board of Directors, which had been appointed following a recent special general meeting.
One of the first topics discussed was the suggestion of a return to the traditional name of the Sunshine based club to Melbourne Croatia.
“I’m a traditionalist and I would like to maybe see that come back.
“When we were back in the NSL days, each weekend was like a mini-World Cup to me. That you’ve lost now. The powers that be, have taken that away from us.
“Now, we’re in a different landscape with soccer. Money wise, sponsorship wise, even the supporters.
“Are there too many clubs around everywhere and have all the supporters settled down into their new homes.
“Are the Knights ever going to be back to where we used be. These are discussions for everybody to have, not just for me to put my view over,” he mulled over the many issues facing the Knights and many other traditional, ethnic football clubs today.
The conversation quickly moved into discussing more pressing issues, such as the recent off field turmoil that ultimately led to the changing of the guard in the Somers Street boardroom.
“There was no malice, I think that Simon wanted a bit of a break,” stated the former president Simon Pinčić’s new replacement, when asked if the changeover had been an easy transition.
“I’ve got nothing against Simon, I’ve got nothing against the rest of the committee,” continued Topčić.
Many members left Knights
“I’m taking a lot of advice and input from a lot of members that haven’t felt welcome, that haven’t felt comfortable going back there, that may have gone to other clubs for whatever reasons.
“There seem to be a lot of personal reasons and that’s probably something that we are going to have to work on as a collective. Through both the social club, the Melbourne Croatia Soccer Club and the Melbourne Knights Football Club,” said Topčić.
Despite some initial technical issues causing a few teething problems for the podcast producers, the intriguing conversation with the Knights’ president lasted well over an hour and a half.
To watch the full interview with Melbourne Knights’ president Tony Topčić on this week’s inaugural episode of the PodroomTV podcast, click on the following link:
