ASB Premiership: Changes Needed Next Season

I haven't put any words in your mouth! But don't kid yourself! It's not an addition. McKavanagh has already said it's a cost effective move. NZF are not going to do this and overseas matches.

NZF really has no idea and I find this particularly troubling...

McKavanagh acknowledged there could be some issues with centralising the under-20s. Clubs will resist releasing their best young talent while some players will be keen to jump ship out of fear their World Cup selection prospects will be jeopardised if they stay put.

 By telling me I'm supporting something that I've never said I've supported, you're are putting word in that.

For me, the ASBP should be a development league. Inclusion of the U20 does more to achieve that than Manuwatu.

I'm not sure it matters too much if the whole team doesn't get together. Give a chance for a number of players to test/prove themselves by getting in front of the coaching staff more often.

That really isnt putting words in your mouth. I think you're confused. 

 What is it then? Telling me what I believe?

So you're not supporting NZF's decision to cut YM?

No. This bit. ie. the bit I bolded in the first place.

And yet this?

Im confused. If you're not supporting their decision, yet you're saying this???

Anyway ha lets leave it. Bored now

Not sure how you are still unclear but this is what I think

1) ASBP should be a development league to support you talent coming through before they head off to better things (College, Phoenix, pro-contacts, other academies).

2) Manuwatu have been gash, and haven't really contributed to that.

3) U20s, whether it be the full team, or part of the team, will do more to develop talent.

4) Inclusion of the U20s shouldn't be a substitute for other pre-competition camps, tours and preparation. It should be in addition to.

1) agree

2) is there a proper examination why? And why undo any and all development thus far

3) these guys will be playing at clubs anyway

4) you wont see an int. programme

 2) I can't think of many decent young palmy players. Think there might be one or two in the current U20s but not sure if they playing at senior level this year. From memory, Manuwatu have tended to sign the scraps from wellington and players from Rapa.

3) Some of them might. Pretty sure most of the current U20s from Waitak and ACFC don't play much at the senior level. And we are looking mainly at the younger age group. ie. U20 for the 2015 World Cup. So think there will be very few who are actually pulled away from their clubs.

4) Like I say. We need to. Although this decision won't impact the current rotation. And the next U15 WC will be in NZ so perhaps countries will come to us.

I can see the danger of players in this u20 side not being in the final squad. It does not mean the development is wasted though, it just means that it's not going to have the effect for intended purpose of the team.

This team will still cost because NZF are going to have to pay for the travel etc and 7 away games etc, won't be cheap.

The ASBP - our national league - is more than just a "development league" 2nd Best. It is the premier football competition in NZ and should be funded, marketed and maintained as such. It is not there to simply serve as a training ground for AW players, but as a reputable competition in its own right. It'll develop young NZ talent of its own accord. It's also our pathway to the O League.

The inclusion of the Under 20 side means NZF doesn't share my sentiments.

 Yeah well I think we disagree on that front.

We've got an interview with Grant this week on podcast. Should answer most people's questions.

 It's already been recorded so you're wrong of the first part.

As for the second part, I haven't always agreed with what NZF does.

 Prob wedness night.

No he didn't.

Looking forward to it 2ndBest. 

I do notice how the most vocal and majority of people who are contributing to the angst are Auckland City fans, who are trying to convince themselves that the league they regularly finish second in is some highly-regarded, world-renowned league where all the teams involved legitimately have hopes of winning the title. I'm sure Waitakere fans would feel the same way, you know, if they actually have any (I'm not yet certain). I dunno, maybe years of being a Waikato fan have caused me to be negative but I agree with 2nd best.

Also, does anyone really think that the O-League money/qualification has any real chance of going to the Under 20's? The Phoenix A kids got killed by even the worst sides in the league, I realise the circumstances are different but I'll have a hard time being convinced that the NZ U-20's will be any more than fourth/fifth place at best.

this small forum discussion is definitely not a good indicator of each club's supporters view

treat it for what it is; a bunch of keeno's having a view

This week on In The Zone - Grant McCav on the ASBP, U20s and how that will work.

Think you answered your own question as to why you're "negative". I actually enjoy and want to promote the ASBP. One season Canterbury came within a penalty shootout of winning the title so it's not always a two horse race.

Unless you win, the other places don't count.

Yes they do - both Canterbury and Wellington have reached the ASBP finals. Which means they ousted either ACFC or Waitakere to get there so, as I was saying, it's not just a two-horse race.

I remember the glory days of YoungHeart Manawatu: 2nd in the minor premiership two years running and spurred on by some nippy livewire called Benjamin Totori...

Ok I understand that, but what does it get you? It gets you exactly the same as those in last place - zero.

1st place is the only one that matters. Making the final doesn't get you into O League so for TW and Canty who made it there, they got....... zero.

 Well $30,000 actually...

Does YHM still get their share , this or next year ?

I may have said this already, but this week on In The Zone we've interviewed Grant McCav and I've done my best to ask him all of James Dean's questions. He gave some interesting answers.

Ok so again finishing last or 2nd.... same thing.

 it is now

 Finishing second does not guarantee you an O League spot. Did TW and Canty go in the year they made the final? Nope......