Getting off topic, but it annoys the shark out of me that the current NZF admin shambles, could well possibly have cost the AWs any chance of playing a friendly or two in the recent Sept, Oct or upcoming Nov FIFA windows.
Can't tell me that wasting cash paying out Martin, having to blow huge lawyer's fees on a review & report, having only an interim CEO in place, having no DoF (Heraf's old role) in place, getting rid of quality staff like Rob Picktstock (ex AWs manager - who was well connected around the world) - hasn't all contributed to NZF either deciding they no cash to currently spend on friendlies and/or having no staff in place to try organise them!
With 8 Kiwis playing in the MLS this season, and a probable similar number in 2019 - the November FIFA window is now the sole window when Schmid is likely to have the least trouble assembling close to a full strenth AWs side. That's based on the MLS not recognising FIFA windows, and many of those 8 Kiwis not being automatic first choices (exceptions Smith & Boxall) at their MLS clubs, so thereby risking their club chances if they take off for international duty. Even for Marinovic it would be a very big risk skipping a MLS match or two, and giving another keeper the chance to come for the Whitecaps and have couple of blinders in goal.
So not having AWs games this November window is a real missed opportunity. Did they even bother to approach Lebanon, who have a sole game in Sydney in Nov?
If a full strength AWs squad is not bought together until November 2019, that will be a full 2 years post the Peru playoffs. What other international football team does that? For football to progress in NZ, it needs more than just the Phoenix, it needs a near full strength AWs playing min 4 games a year
