It appears to me that success of ACFC in Morocco and the arrival of the Nix in the ASBP has been a big shot in the arm for the league. Would those who attend games/are involved with each of the franchises agree with this as its a bit hard to judge from the UK.
Interest in the ASBP Up This Season?
there is a bit more chatter and media interest. Think crowds are still about the same for now, hoping it'll grow in time as a result of the increased interest. The odd wellington derby game (and perhaps TW with added Ifill games) being the exception.
I think Wellington crowds are up by a noticable degree, even for the non-Wellington derby games. There are more NIx fans interested in the ASB Premiership due to the WeeNix's participation IMO
but but but they'll kill the league!
Fudge the Nix. 2nd best only. TeeDubs number 1!!!!
I'm TeeDubs till I die*, I'm TeeDubs till I die*,
I know I am I'm sure I am
I'm TeeDubs till I die*
*or tomorrow
Killing the ASB Premiership since 2004.
There appeared to be more spectators at all the games I attended this season, except for 1 which I thought would have had a much bigger crowd - ACFC v's Waitak in one of the early rounds. That crowd was quite disappointing.
Overall I think the increased interest is down to 2 main factors, ACFC's amazing run at the CWC and also the tighter nature of the competition, a lot of games separated by 1 or 2 goals and no real blow out scores. Also some of the reports of side line antics also I believe generates interest, albeit for maybe the wrong reason.
Be interesting to see the make up of the league next year, U20 potentials replaced with next cycle of U20's? Expanded with 2 additional teams, replace Wanderers with 3 "new" teams? How about new South Auckland and Shore based franchises and either Manawatu or Nelson? Would mean less Auckland based players available to travel to other franchises and stop the angst of all the "imports" taking the places of local lads? Although don't hear any TW fans moaning about the import Gwyther knocking in all those goals!
Gwythers a kiwi.
Gwythers a kiwi.
Auckland to Wellington, national not international import. Apologies for the confusion.
I definitely think the interest is up. It seems like the increased media coverage has come from NZ Football themselves though. A lot of the reports on Stuff are just the press releases NZ Football generate. Not saying it's a bad thing though, clearly this is all it took for football to hit the headlines.
I think the three main factors are:
Auckland City third at CWC
Wee Nix entering in the league (brought over a lot of A-League fans)
Paul Ifill
...We just need the league on TV
About 1,000 people watched the match in Whangarei today. Pretty impressive.
A highlights show for this league is very achievable and relatively inexpensive... has been done before and can be done again - in fact, can be done way better than last time with lessons learned.
Just needs the people in charge at NZF to activate...
The highlights that GGW does for ACFC are very very good. Obviously if it was costing an arm and a leg, they would not do it so you are certainly right that it can be done for a small(ish) monetary investment. It then needs Sky to push play on the DVD player and broadcast.
Just saw an ad for the ASBP on Stuff. Random!