How can you possibly begin an editorial this month? Damn near impossible. Even the choice for a cover began with an argument over whether a second 'Black Issue' would be appropriate. But the Titanic analogy was just too tempting, self-mocking providing an avenue to deflect the wave of sarcasm currently drowning us.

How else can we possibly contain the anger that this cataclysmic defeat has caused. To try and editorialise would be to invite legal action from a number of individuals, both playing and non-playing, so for once we'll let the press do the talking.

Australian fans who thought things couldn't get any worse after the Socceroos' heartbreaking elimination from the World Cup finals in Melbourne last November had better think again. - Ray Gatt, The Australian

Forty percent of nothing is probably what the Socceroos deserve after producing one of the worst performances in their history in a stumbling, bumbling, 1-0 loss to New Zealand - Michael Cockerill, The Age

Well, there's only so far you can go in the mainstream press we suppose, but the expletives have certainly been flying in lounge rooms and pubs across the country and the sport is now in danger of losing even it's true believers. It isn't hard to understand, even if that attitude is what has brought us to this position, but now is the time for someone to step from the ashes and show some genuine leadership, to grab the sport by the throat and drag it kicking and screaming into the 21^st Century. Someone likeÖ.

Basil Scarsella has been elevated to the top job in the guise of a moderator, someone who will take a more consultative role than his predecessor, yet to the average cynical fan that sounds like the sort of role the Chairman took pre-Hill, yet where did that approach get us?

Wallace Dann has in turn been elevated to the role of Vice-Chairman and regular readers of 'The Farr Post' will be aware that if Dann is the second most capable soccer administrator in the country then we should all start applying for jobs at SocAus HQ.

Dann's appointment may yet turn out to be temporary, however, with John Barker a hot tip to take over the position early next year. Watch this spaceÖ

The return of Tony Labbozzetta to the board as the clubs' representative is also viewed with dismay amongst those with long memories. The vote went 8-7 Tony's way after Nick Tana thought he had the numbers. Our spy tells us Newcastle gave Tony the green light, but we'd be happy to be proved wrong. With the 'balance of power' returning to its traditional base, some fear the game may now return to the dark days of yesteryear.

Remember when the press were reluctant to pursue matters detrimental to the growth of

the sport in this country?

Then there is the financial position. Basil Scarsella himself paints a pretty ordinary picture elsewhere in this issue. And that was before we threw away over $1 million on October 4, along with the missed opportunity to once again appear on the world stage and attract additional lucrative tournament invitations (US Cup etc).

And get this! It wasn't too many weeks ago that a certain NSW soccer body came to the rescue of SocAus with a $100,000 cheque, just as the economic wolves were about to blow the house down.

It's not all doom and gloom, but if we can't afford to turn the lights on can somebody at least light a candle?