Tasmania United

As well as being Tasmania United’s media liaison, Martyn Wells has been broadcasting football shows on Australian radio for more than a decade. Originally from the south of the motherland, Martyn got started in journalism through his early history in publishing. Gradually this evolved towards sports journalism and the gravitation towards the sport he loved came naturally.

Martyn moved to Western Australia many moons ago, and relocated to Tasmania around eighteen months ago, joining the football taskforce almost immediately. Martyn now presents the World Football Programme on Hobart FM (96.1) each Thursday from 6pm for an hour.

Martyn gave us a few moments of his precious time this week to provide us with our third taskforce Q&A.

How did you come to be involved in the taskforce?

A sea change to Hobart with a comparatively quiet lifestyle planned was interrupted when Walter Pless (sports writer for The Mercury newspaper) introduced me to what is now the taskforce.

And how are you finding life on our humble island?

Love it. Love the place. Love the people. Love the lifestyle.

You’re here for good then?

Absolutely.

You describe yourself as a football tragic. What are you earliest football memories?

In the UK as a boy, my first game was with St Matthew’s juniors. As a fan, I remember standing on the terraces with my father and grandfather, who told me to look out for the number seven, whose name was S. Matthews. I might have just given one or two clues to my age there!

And what do you regard as your greatest moment watching football?

I believe it is yet to come with the granting of the 12th A-League licence or, failing that the 13th or 14th, or even 27th. If your asking about my favourite moments I have witnessed, I would have to say watching England with the World Cup in 1966, closely followed by THAT penalty Aloisi scored against Uruguay.

Moving to your media career, how did you first get started in broadcasting?

I was asked to stand in for the irrepressible John O’Connell on Radio Fremantle in the mid 90s and everything took off from there. I have also done some television work as well, but I’m happy to admit that I have the perfect face for radio.

And how did the World Football Programme come about in Tasmania?

I approached Hobart FM who were looking for new and interesting content and, thanks to the Celtic Barber, the World Football Programme came about in August 2008 (Thursday evenings, 6-7pm, 96.1FM).

What are your long term journalistic ambitions?

To write and broadcast reports of Tasmania United FC’s first season in the A-League and, further down the track, our first season in the Asian Champions League!

How confident are you that the FFA will grant Tassie a licence?

I have great belief in theory that what goes around comes around and, if the enthusiasm and energy of the taskforce is anything to go by, it really is just a matter of time. If we can get an owner, we really will be moving.

We keep hearing rumours about this, but how close are we to getting a major investor?

Very close but, clearly, it is not wise to count our chickens just yet. We are still talking with several interested parties and things are progressing well but, when we have something to report, you will hear about it first on the website. I know that sounds like a standard line, but it really is the truth – I would love to give you something more, but we are just not quite there yet.

Just a quick opinion from you about one of the topics often discussed on our forum: what do you think should be the TUFC club colours?

I really don’t care so long as we have a team. I’m happy to let everyone else decide that one.

Do you think we should pursue a marquee player?

It’s difficult to say. I think it just comes down to whether the right player becomes available at the right time and at the right price. They have to be of the right stature and still have enough strength in their legs to contribute on the pitch over the course of a whole season. It might be difficult, and I don’t think it’s a priority, but I wouldn’t rule anything out.

There’s been a lot of talk about the new franchises starting next season. Who do you think will do the one to watch?

I can definitely say a Queensland side. But if Clive Palmer continues to put his money where his mouth is, you would have to say Gold Coast United.

Can they win the A-League first season around?

No.

Who do you think is the best player in the A-League?

I know he’s not here anymore, but I really enjoyed watching Nikita Rukavytsya at Perth. I suppose my WA connections might be behind a touch of bias there, but I was definitely disappointed to see him head off overseas.