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.
Well, that's kind of a good point. If pokie funding for the ASBP was centralised you could set aside a fund for the O-League qualifiers to pay for their campaigns (amongst other things, like marketing/promotion). Don't forget there's $3m sloshing around the ASBP at the moment.
That possibility has probably gone south now that the Nix reserves look like joining in though.