Grand final pain to power Wanderers

May 22, 2013 - 2:31 AM Time supposedly heals all wounds, but one month on from the A-League grand final and Western Sydney captain Michael Beauchamp is still hurting.

The Wanderers enjoyed a 10-game winning streak in their inaugural campaign en route to the premiers' plate, but fell 2-0 to Central Coast in the 2012/13 decider.

"Obviously, it's still painful to think about the grand final and seeing the highlights there again - it doesn't help," Beauchamp told AAP at the announcement of the 2013/14 season draw.

"But it's given us even more motivation to go ahead with the job next season. It's going to be a tough road to get there again, but we're looking forward to the challenge.

"It doesn't come around very often, the chance to hold up the trophy after a grand final."

Western Sydney will start pre-season training on July 1 ahead of their round-one grand final rematch against Central Coast on October 12.

Given the groundswell of support for Beauchamp's team in their maiden season, expectations at Football Federation Australia (FFA) are high.

"The challenge of making the grand final is something for (coach) Tony Popovic and the players, but the real challenge is going to be meeting the demand for seats (at Parramatta Stadium)," FFA boss David Gallop said on Wednesday.

"I think with three sell-outs last season, we can expect the pressure to be on Parramatta Stadium to accommodate their fans."

Despite the demand for tickets, Gallop said his organisation never entertained the idea of Western Sydney playing home finals or a handful of blockbuster games at a larger venue such at ANZ Stadium.

Beauchamp was relieved.

"I think if you moved us to a bigger stadium, it takes away from the atmosphere," the 32-year-old defender said.

"For me, the atmosphere at that ground, other than AAMI Park, it's the best in the league. Because you're sitting so close to the field and you can hear the cheers and the abuse. That's all part of football and I love that."

Beauchamp said his club wanted to work even closer with fans this season.

"We're still doing the same things, but obviously in overdrive I suppose ... I'm sure we'll have a lot more members, having played and achieved what we did last season."

Gallop said FFA were "doing some work" on selling the league-owned club, but was unwilling to put a timeframe on a potential deal.

Source: AAP