i agree that we are stuck with it in all likelihood true blue, but it needs a shake. there are big issues with the playing standard and the spectator levels.
i like the summer timing, but maybe the league could start late january to allow for transition between summer and winter for promoted and relegated teams. something like:
ASB Prem - Jan till July, 10 teams, auto relegation for one
Chatham cup played by all teams, asb prem or regional, final the week after the conclusion of the asb prem
Regional Leagues incl promotion playoffs - Apr till Sep
This way the promoted team has time to prepare for the season and pass a quick bonded audit (no pass, no promotion), the chatham cup has more meaning, the best teams will be in the asb prem, etc etc etc.
There would however be an OCL timing problem
i like james deans' idea in principal, but what would this do for the likes of waitak and auckland city who have built awesome clubs? i don't think they'll be too delighted about entering the regional competitions and playing the likes of manurewa until the serious stuff begins at the end of season playoffs. i think this would only water down the standard at the top of the league, whereas we need to find a way of lifting the others up to waitak's and auckland's standard