The bid team for Tasmania United is preparing to put a business plan in front of ministers in the coming days and they admit that government backing will be vital in sending out a strong message to the FFA and potential backers.

The quest for A-League football will continue whether or not cash is pledged but the team admits a 'no' will make the task considerably tougher.

Tasmania A-League task force head John McGirr told au.fourfourtwo.com today: "We aren't going to put out there just what we would like (from the government) before they've seen it but I think we can say their support is very, very crucial.

"Yes, there is the financial aspect but it's also about a show of faith and the message it would send out as we look to secure more sponsors. To say you have state government support really reinforces your credibility to those sponsors.

"There is also the fact that if we're successful then of course the state government will benefit from that."

McGirr and his team also feel the chaos in the world's financial markets won't damage their efforts either.

The bid leader said: "We're looking a bit further down the track here (2010) so I don't think it would be an issue."

Tasmania United's website will go online early next week and the official bid launch, due to be attended by the Tasmanian state premier, is pencilled in for November 29.

Melbourne appears the favourite to land the A-League's 11th spot with Tasmania, Canberra and South Coast potentially battling for the 12th licence in the competition, although a bid is widely expected from as yet unnamed West Sydney consortium.