^^ Fair points. Fred Taylor Park is a shithole. I can see that Watak don't want to give up their home advantage, just a shame that the final of our National League is going to take place at such an embarassing venue. Even more so if they have flouted the ASBP's own rules on stadium criteria.
The worst bit Jag is Trusts Stadium is just down the road in errrr, Waitakere, used to in fact be Waitakere's home ground, has an impressive 5,000 seat covered stand and has hosted great finals between WU and ACFC in the past when WU were the hosts. They wouldn't be giving up any home advantage, instead they would be acting like proper hosts.
This decision to hold it at Fred Taylor Paddock is just so they don't have to spend any money. That's why NZF equally need a kick up the bum. The final is surely one game when everyone can make a bit of an effort to turn on a spectacle. ACFC has always pulled out all the stops when they've hosted it at Kiwitea Street.
I just feel sorry for the Otago Youth squad and their supporters.
It's going to be equally embarrassing when Fred Taylor is used for the O League playoffs in May. The island teams play in proper football stadiums and then they come to Auckland and one of its sides plays in an open field. Makes us look like third world strugglers. Perhaps the Pacific island teams in the playoffs can be asked for a whip-around so Waitakere can erect a few seats for spectators.