If Western were to be relegated, is that the beginning of the end for the club, despite their long and proud history? Cannot see them fighting back in the short term to be honest. Merger? Swallowed up into West Chch United FC Twente perhaps?
The beginning of the end was 5-7 years back when they abandoned any pretence of Junior/Youth Development.
Be a damn shame if Coastal repeated the same mistake eh lads...
Any community based club in any code needs to put energy into its junior player base. It's the future of the club - players, volunteers, coaches, refs, administrators, managers, sponsors, board and committees etc. but I guess that is the Jacinda approach to sustaining and growing a football club. I guess we will see if other approaches can work long term.