Having seen the top three div one clubs several times this year I don't believe there is much between them and the result of one game probably shouldn't be seen as one team or coach being superior to the others. It's insulting to suggest that Padmore is inferior based on one result. For mine he is the most influential coach in the league and my loyalties don't belong to any of the top three.
Based on junior development and club culture Selwyn have to be part of MPL very soon and FC2011 also. Clubs like Western and Christchurch United who do very little to develop junior football should gradually disappear into oblivion and clubs who support junior development should succeed them. Would be good if Mainland football supported clubs who promote junior development.