Adelaide United Director of Football Bruce Djite decided to open it up to his Twitter followers on Thursday afternoon in an impromptu Q&A session.
AUFC Media have compiled the session here with topics such as the impacts of COVID-19 on the Club and Hyundai A-League more broadly, whether the league should move to winter, as well as the possibility of a new stadium, and his favourite goal scored in the competition.
It has been a while since my last #AUFCQandA and today is as good a time as ever. Send me your questions and I will begin answering them at 4:00pm. @AdelaideUnited
— Bruce Djité (@BDjite) April 23, 2020
The first goal of the Semi-Final vs Melbourne City in 2016, especially because of the importance of that game. #AUFCQandA https://t.co/tX7mk1Lk9r
— Bruce Djité (@BDjite) April 23, 2020
It had been discussed prior to the postponement of the @ALeague however, I am not privy to any current discussions of that nature. Considering how well SA are tackling the coronavirus pandemic, I agree with you that SA would make a great hub and should be explored. #AUFCQandA https://t.co/SUnJvabyoy
— Bruce Djité (@BDjite) April 23, 2020
All players and staff are understandably anxious due to the lack of certainty about the future. This situation has shown once more how precarious working in the sports industry can be. Speaking to everyone over the last weeks everyone is doing as well as they can. #AUFCQandA https://t.co/HXKAtY2dun
— Bruce Djité (@BDjite) April 23, 2020
Coronavirus will have lasting financial ramifications on sport & the economy as a whole. The fall in the $AUD will make it increasingly difficult to offer competitive financial packages to the best foreigners. https://t.co/pSdbFPeZMW
— Bruce Djité (@BDjite) April 23, 2020
There is some interest in our players. This is expected, as all clubs scour the world for young talented players. We are proud to have a number on our roster. However, there has been no formal approaches as yet, so nothing needs to be actioned. #AUFCQandA
— Bruce Djité (@BDjite) April 23, 2020
Not that I am aware of at this stage. Understandably there's been a lot on everyone’s plate recently. However, I believe to stimulate the economy on the back of this virus, building such infrastructure has economic benefits. https://t.co/TI8ZvGhRyX
— Bruce Djité (@BDjite) April 23, 2020
This has to be counterbalanced with the fact mass gatherings will not be possible for quite some time. #AUFCQandA
— Bruce Djité (@BDjite) April 23, 2020
We are looking at conducting a similar concept to what you have suggested, turning the dinner into a day event for the entire AUFC family. #AUFCQandA https://t.co/Z6eKI4VkbN
— Bruce Djité (@BDjite) April 23, 2020
There is only one JT @JayTrombetta 😂 #AUFCQandA https://t.co/tM4E5BjtFK
— Bruce Djité (@BDjite) April 23, 2020
Ask the🎱 #AUFCQandA https://t.co/EP4f5eF38T
— Bruce Djité (@BDjite) April 23, 2020
Unfortunately, the current environment is not conducive to a comeback. #AUFCQandA https://t.co/soPK4W7eVd
— Bruce Djité (@BDjite) April 23, 2020
Nothing beats playing at @CoopersStadium #AUFCQandA https://t.co/puz8QDeKOQ
— Bruce Djité (@BDjite) April 23, 2020
No official interest at this stage. Only a matter of time if you as me. #AUFCQandA https://t.co/sgRaCZlj2Y
— Bruce Djité (@BDjite) April 23, 2020
We have a fantastic relationship with Adelaide Venue Management. Anthony Kirchner and Phil King have been phenomenal to deal with and are always looking for ways to help @AdelaideUnited. I have no doubt they will be supportive on the back of this pandemic. #AUFCQandA https://t.co/clSzZbNGdW
— Bruce Djité (@BDjite) April 23, 2020
Gertjan has temporarily returned to the Netherlands. Considering he was appointed by the Chairman prior to my appointment, that is a decision that is entirely in the hands of our Chairman. #AUFCQandA https://t.co/9DnfoO86GV
— Bruce Djité (@BDjite) April 23, 2020
It is a powerhouse in a country that is heavily impacted by coronavirus.🔵 #AUFCQandA https://t.co/fQWtHMPVxy
— Bruce Djité (@BDjite) April 23, 2020
Now is not the time to speculate about future Head Coaches. Gertjan is contracted for the remainder of this season and for next season. To speculate on his future at this stage would be very disrespectful in my opinion. #AUFCQandA https://t.co/4CCLj8jgGb
— Bruce Djité (@BDjite) April 23, 2020
Honestly, I believe there will be some form of suffering across all sports. At this stage with so much uncertainty it is very difficult to know what the future looks like. We should have a clearer picture as soon as the powers that be decide on a model going forward #AUFCQandA https://t.co/bCx29Xi2Bm
— Bruce Djité (@BDjite) April 23, 2020
One thing I am certain of is that we should not discount the value of women in sport and the @WLeague. The women should not be disproportionately worse off then the men. Women in sport, especially in football is a huge growth area that needs to be harnessed. #AUFCQandA
— Bruce Djité (@BDjite) April 23, 2020
We do Miniroos memberships that workout to be $5 per game and we are looking to expand on these types of local incentives going forward. #AUFCQandA https://t.co/o3hY9fQhFO
— Bruce Djité (@BDjite) April 23, 2020
I believe football should be aligned domestically with the local NPL competitions and more broadly with Asia, especially considering we are part of that confederation. #AUFCQandA https://t.co/iZlSlrML4y
— Bruce Djité (@BDjite) April 23, 2020
Yes. #AUFCQandA https://t.co/Ww0f1116cM
— Bruce Djité (@BDjite) April 23, 2020
We are doing a lot of work on this, so expect some sort of announcement in the coming month/s. 🟡 #AUFCQandA https://t.co/06Tkl6q9Ty
— Bruce Djité (@BDjite) April 23, 2020
🤝 #AUFCQandA https://t.co/swNX3dFPuE
— Bruce Djité (@BDjite) April 23, 2020
Very good question and these discussions are ongoing. FIFA have allowed for contracts to be extended until the end of the 2019/20 season, whenever that happens to be. #AUFCQandA https://t.co/MbnwvO0eQh
— Bruce Djité (@BDjite) April 23, 2020
CEO and I had a videoconference with the leadership group yesterday & have been on the phone to all players, including youth team players over the past weeks. It's not an easy time & there's a lot of anxiety that comes with the unknown. Everyone is holding up ok though #AUFCQandA https://t.co/IXujceWmGV
— Bruce Djité (@BDjite) April 23, 2020
I am unaware of anyone with a low release clause at our Club, they are set at market value. I can't speak for any other clubs. #AUFCQandA https://t.co/QzCCpbFmIS
— Bruce Djité (@BDjite) April 23, 2020
There is a lot to consider regarding this question. However, I believe football in this country needs to be aligned to fulfil its potential. Juniors should be able to play their games in the morning and go watch their heroes in the evening. #AUFCQandA https://t.co/i5wbMKS9Fp
— Bruce Djité (@BDjite) April 23, 2020
I would say a new Arena is more likely than a roof on @CoopersStadium. #AUFCQandA https://t.co/eJBjYfFIlN
— Bruce Djité (@BDjite) April 23, 2020
7.5/10 😂 #AUFCQandA https://t.co/GhNI2W1hVN
— Bruce Djité (@BDjite) April 23, 2020
Good question… Considering the current environment it is probably impossible to give any clear timing right now on such a project. Something that will be under review when we come out the other side of this pandemic. #AUFCQandA https://t.co/A72WcEq6WT
— Bruce Djité (@BDjite) April 23, 2020
Thank you for all the questions today.
Be sure to checkout @AdelaideUnited's social channels at 6:30pm to watch me and some past players on The Pitch at Home with @jarrodwalsh. 🔴🔴
— Bruce Djité (@BDjite) April 23, 2020
