Pressure builds for troubled Thunder

By Gavin Staindl
THE coachless Dandenong Thunder Soccer Club is close to breaking point after the Thunder president claimed Football Federation Victoria is out to destroy his soccer team.
And Thunder coach of three years, Stuart Munro, has quit his post and is moving west to become an assistant coach of A-league club, Perth Glory.
Munro – who has been in talks with Glory – thought he would be able to lead Thunder for the rest of the season – but received an interstate call to “get here”. He was at the helm for the last time on Sunday, when Dandenong was disappointing in its loss to Heildelberg.
Meanwhile, Thunder president Driton Maliku said his Victorian Premier League side is being targeted by the FFV.
“I believe it 100 per cent,” Maliku said when asked if he thought the FFV is out to get the Thunder.
“Any small reason or problem and they’ll lock the doors on us in the Premier League … and send us back to Division One.”
Last month, Dandenong was found guilty of a serious misconduct offence involving unruly action from the crowd. It was the third time in the last 14 months Dandenong has been found guilty of a “serious” offence involving crowds at home.
After an unsuccessful appeal, the club was stripped of six premiership points, ordered to pay $20,000 and close its gates for two games – a punishment Maliku believes will strip his club of more than $100,000.
“I have been involved in soccer for nearly 40 years and this is the worse thing that has happened to a club … anything can happen now, we are in a terrible position,” Maliku said.
Dandenong, who midway through the season was a game clear in first spot, sits outside the top five after losing two of its last three matches.
Compounding the problem is Saturday’s proposed lockout will take place during Dandenong’s home game against Northcote City.
Fans intending to watch the afternoon match will not be allowed inside the ground. Similar to last year’s lockout matches, they will have to watch their team through gaps in the fences and mesh.