I really don't think the old 70s and 80s club based national league is viable now because of the sheer cost. Remember most clubs struggled to survive financially and quite a number - like the once mighty Mt Wellington, North Shore United and CHCH United are now only a shadow of their former selves. I think it has to be a franchise-based national league but to be really competitive it needs serious investment and promotion. Currently only ACFC, CU and HBU are truly viable.
Sorry you don't find the ASBP emotionally engaging Tegal, I actually do. I guess that's the difference between us. But then I have the luxury of supporting ACFC who do the business. I have nothing but admiration for the regulars who turn out to support the struggling sides. Still there's always a dream that any side could crack the O League, just like Team Wellington have next season.
Donations from ACFC maybe.
By viable I was referring more to their set-up - solid core support and good ground with covered stand. I hope TW are going to be able to put in a decent O League performance and locals get out to support them. I just don't think Miramar's open ground is a good enough facility for this growing league. Perhaps they can use Newtown Park? I guess Wellington has a problem in that it doesn't have a compact (10,000), centrally located specifically football stadium well protected from the elements that could suit both the Nix and TW's needs. At least Auckland has Trust Stadium (5,000 seat covered stand) and North Harbour (10,000 covered main stand).