I think spenders are just after success, regardless of the level. And it usually works one season, then others catch up, then they do it again.
Not sure if the football environment's vast enough in New Zealand for a lasting structure to come through.
It almost seems like it's more of a perpetual popularity contest, in the winter leagues at least and NZFC (bar ACFC/Central) to an extent.
Does anyone that knows the background of Birkenhead have anything to say here?
I feel like they might be the one of the best examples of a 'developing' club - until they started to compete for Northern League, then the cheque-book came out...
National U17 champions
National U19 champions
I watched their Premier Reserves in action a couple of weeks ago and the oldest outfield player at one point of the game was 17.
Not sure why you wouldn't call them a 'developing club'...