After three highly successful seasons of the Hyundai A-League under its belt, Football Federation Australia expressed a desire to expand the league beyond the eight foundation clubs and take the flourishing competition into new areas of the country.
Former Queensland Roar Coach and media pundit Miron Bleiberg had already established the concept and framework of a Hyundai A-League franchise for the Gold Coast. With key staff already earmarked, what was needed to complete the jigsaw was as level of funding that would breathe life into the idea and transform it from dream to reality.
Enter Professor Clive F. Palmer; resources magnate, philanthropist and owner of minerals giant, Mineralogy.
After meetings in mid 2008, Professor Palmer agreed to back the new club and Gold Coast United was born.
A press conference in early June announced Professor Palmer’s arrival on the Hyundai A-League scene and the club then diligently went about completing the formalities of its bid to be handed the league’s ninth participation licence.
On August 28th 2008 United were granted unconditional entry into the competition, beginning in season 2009/10. Together, Clive Palmer and Miron Bleiberg set about plans to establish a playing squad that would make an immediate impact on the competition. The signing of marquee man and Socceroo Jason Culina, along with the likes of Shane Smeltz and Michael Thwaite, was a statement of intent.
In their first season Gold Coast United finished in a highly impressive third place on the Hyundai A-League ladder, qualifying for the Finals Series at the first attempt. Season two ended with United placed fourth, but they went agonisingly close to making it to the Grand Final. After defeating Melbourne Victory at home, then a fine 3-2 win on the road in Adelaide, Gold Coast’s Grand Final dream was ended by Central Coast Mariners in the Preliminary Final.
That disappointment was tempered by a second successive National Youth League (NYL) title under the guidance of Head Youth Coach and Assistant Senior Coach, Mike Mulvey. A remarkable achievement, United’s two NYL Championship wins have provided the building blocks for the future and a production line of young talent that is the envy of the country.
Board & management
Board of Directors
Chairman – Prof Clive F. Palmer
Director – Geoff Smith
Director – Clive Mensink
Management Team
Chief Executive Officer – Clive Mensink
Head Coach & Director of Football – Miron Bleiberg
Assistant Coach & Head Youth Coach – Mike Mulvey
Club Accountant – Angie Ison
Community & Events Manager – Nicole van Leeuwestyn
Media & Communications Manager – Neil Favager
Commercial Manager – Peter Duffy
Ticketing & Membership Coordinator – Leanne McCormack
Logistics Manager – Brett Hodgkinson