I think it has been a tragedy losing the playoff game because a meaningful and intense game at home has been shown to get the passions of the local fans and the media going and get the crowds turning out.
It places a lot of pressure on the Nix because they’re our only hope of seeing a good level of competitive football in NZ in a cup or finals series or down the straight of an attempt to become the Premiers.
It places a lot of pressure on the Nix because they’re our only hope of seeing a good level of competitive football in NZ in a cup or finals series or down the straight of an attempt to become the Premiers.
This is why an Auckland A League club is soo important. Will be a boom for the code, having a 2nd NZ team in NZ's biggest city, and where so much of the sports media are based. Despite the doubters I think it will be success on & off the field. 2-3 huge derby games each year. APL manage the ALM/ALW draw well and we will get a game in NZ each weekend.
Just the small matter of raising a $25M licence fee!!
Unfortunately seems we will never see the AWs play a tense high stakes, WC qualifying game in NZ again. Sad. OFC qualifiers or any friendlies really are 2nd/3rd rate affairs, by international standards.