But on a serious note I think a big problem is the fact that we have a shorter season compared to the northern league. I know 4 extra rounds isn't an insane difference but I do feel like a 10-team league might be holding us back, especially the fact that only one team can get relegated and even then it's through a playoff.
I think if we had 4 more rounds, and two teams got relegated (no play-off), we would see more improvement. then again that depends on if we have enough teams in the region for that kinda format I guess.
I think if we had 4 more rounds, and two teams got relegated (no play-off), we would see more improvement. then again that depends on if we have enough teams in the region for that kinda format I guess.
Even this season six teams have negative goal differences; the other four have differences ranging from +25 to +43 through 14 games. A 37 goal swing between fourth- and fifth-best. To an outsider not from Wellington, this feels like it would just become more disparate adding in two more teams.
If more games is the key, possibly a league split might be more beneficial. Play 18 games, split top/bottom five, carry points forward and get another four games that way. Two teams would have a bye though, the main issue. It would make relegation/top-three race tighter though as those teams all play one another again.
There is not much outside of Napier & Wellington in the Central region to be honest.
Napier have done well for themselves this season, although I feel that also comes down to their preparation - Arriving the night before in Wellington for matches rather than bussing down the day of. They've done well with their recruitment too, especially this season, but I think they'll find themselves become a victim of their own success over the next few years. Even as it stands they're losing Faulds overseas, and Sam Lack (as far as I can tell anyway) is still up in Auckland trialling with Auckland FC. I'd be surprised ifa couple of guys like Kieran Richards or Will Tønning stick around as well as they've also done well this season.
Palmerston North United might be able to do something in the CL but even that's asking a hell of a lot given how recently promoted sides to the CL have fared. Although with the pull of being a university town, they might be able to attract some talented kids from around the place if they do go up. Palmerston North Marist in the same boat on that front as well given they're 2nd on GD in the fed league at the moment. But you don't have to look too far back to see the hill that they would have to climb after getting done 10-0 in the Chatham Cup against a pretty much full strength Rovers - That was with Faulds on the bench too...
Teams coming out of New Plymouth are at least 3-5 years away from being anywhere near ready for a tilt at CL football, with Western usurping New Plymouth Rangers as being the ambitious ones on that front. They have good support and strong backing, but the player pool is too volatile with movements up to Auckland, Palmy, or Wellington for University or work. They're a solid Federation League side, but like I said, they're years off from being in the conversation higher up the chain.