Relegation fears arise after the Sutherland Shire’s NPL team the Sutherland Sharks suffered a 1-0 loss to St George city last Sunday at Penshurst Park.
Consecutive losses have left the football club nearing the bottom of the ladder at 14th place.
Sharks fans, staff and players have been left disappointed by the outcome with each loss contributing to deepening relegation fears.
Local Shire resident and Sutherland Sharks football fan, Amy Levett, who has followed the team all season isn’t sure how recognised the shire will be if they were to let this season effect the standard of football in the shire.
“The Sutherland Sharks are already such an important platform for professional athletes in Australia,” Levett said.
“The standard of the league that the sharks are in at the moment brings a whole fanbase of football to the shire.”
A potential drop to NPL2 for Sharks, leaves football loving shire residents in fear that there will be less recognition for professional football and athletes in the area.
Former Macedonian international footballer and the current under 12’s and under 9’s head coach at the club Aleksandar Veljanovski said the next four games that are a must win to keep the team afloat in the NSW National premier league’s top division.
“We need to pick up points, and we have to win the four remaining games, or it’s just not looking good for the [shire’s] premiere representative football club,” Mr Velianovski said.
The Sharks are the only club in the shire that connect grassroot talent with pathways to professional football. A potential relegation could have a lasting impact on current and future shire football.
