Memo from David Parker CEO Auckland Football sent yesterday
Ladies and Gentlemen
This note clearly has most implication on clubs that have registered their interest in being part of the new Northern Regional Football League (NRFL) competition to be run by Auckland Football from this season.
It is also copied to all clubs in Auckland Football Federation for information and for interest, and so that you can be aware of the current situation.
By copy also to Waikato Bay of Plenty Football and to United Soccer1 I invite distribution as you see fit to your clubs.
There are clearly other issues which require a longer note specifically to clubs who will be involved in the new competition, but I wanted to get a statement out regarding league composition that clarifies the current position.
NRFL LEAGUE COMPOSITION
Men�s Competition
Entries have been received and sanction granted to play in
inter-Federation football from 19 clubs in AFF and 5 clubs in WBOPF.
As a minimum position those
24 clubs will commence a men�s first team competition in two divisions of 12
teams on the weekend of 5th/6th April.
(Reserve grades will be handled within Federation leagues, and information has already been included with AFF Federation competition entry forms as to the Auckland Reserve Grade competition.)
Entries were also received from 7 clubs in US1, but sanction was not immediately granted by US1 under Rule 26.2 of Federation Rules for any of those 7 clubs to play in men�s inter-Federation football.
US1 advised a process for granting the necessary sanction requiring submission by clubs of their suitability to play in inter-Federation competition, against a number of criteria. The date for receipt of those submissions was February 1st. It is our understanding that only 3 clubs made the required submission.
US1 do not expect to make a decision on sanction based on submissions received until 28th February, although a marketing document from US1 regarding their new Federation football competition is in circulation which clearly states that all 7 of the original list of clubs who expressed interest in the NRFL will be playing in the new US1 league. However, we do understand that this announcement may be premature and that the process is not yet completed.
Auckland Football believe it is consistent with our position, held throughout the discussions on the old Northern League, to wait as long as is feasible to make a final decision on composition of the leagues, to allow any clubs from US1 granted the necessary sanction to take up their place in the new NRFL competition. We do appreciate the burden of uncertainty that falls on clubs as a result of our commitment to inter-Federation football.
We expect to announce the composition of the leagues, including any US1 clubs granted sanction to compete, on Monday March 3rd.
If any US1 clubs are granted sanction there is a possibility that three divisions may be formed.
However, we also reiterate that Auckland Football will honour the 2007 season finishing positions of the old Northern League. Clubs who won the right to play in a particular division through promotion, or avoided relegation from a particular division, will not be �reorganised� into a lower division in 2008.
Auckland Football recognises that the delay in placing teams into divisions is far from ideal, particularly so for a number of teams who will not know which division they will play in until after any US1 sanctions are announced.
Women�s Competition
Entries have been received and sanction granted to play in inter-Federation football from 6 clubs in AFF, 2 clubs in WBOPF, and 2 clubs in United Soccer1. These clubs will commence a women�s competition in one division of 10 teams no later than the weekend of 5th/6th April.
With an extensive programme of international commitments to training camps and matches as New Zealand prepares for both the FIFA Under 17 and Under 20 Women�s World Cups, plus the possible participation of the full international women�s team at the Beijing Olympics, there is considerable risk of disruption to any announced draw.
The clubs and coaches of some of the 10 teams have already raised the possibility of a programme that starts one week earlier, and contains a number of planned fixtures away from a standard 18-week Sunday-only fixture list. Clubs and coaches may well be asked to consider such a playing programme over the next week or so.
CLUB MEETING AND ADVISORY
GROUP
A further note will be sent early next week to clubs involved in the new
NRFL competition regarding a meeting of clubs, and the formation of the
Advisory Group as indicated in the papers launching the NRFL last November.
As always, anyone representing any club is welcome to call me on the numbers below, or email me on david@aucklandfootball.org.nz at any time.
Regards
David
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NZF missing in action as usual. AWOL.
If only we could roll back the years and shoot the b*stards for dereliction of duty.
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ECB apllied for the soccer2 league. Supposed to have had an answer today.
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I heard the answers were due out tomorrow -it closed today
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I know nothing about Auckland football but I thought that was a good email/message to come out from AFF. Explained things in sufficient detail and made everyone aware of what was happening.
How does this David bloke go as a CEO?
Incredible stamina. No shame. Yellow Fever.
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Apparently he is pretty sharp. I know a guy (here we go I hear you say) that deals with him on a weekly basis and says he straight up, organised, has foresight and is a pretty good communicator and leader. He contrasts that in his deals with NZF CEO whom he described as not having too much between the ears.....
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Another quality post from Agent 47.
No wonder football in this country is the butt of all jokes from our cousins.
Where's the leadership when we need it?
My guess.
NZF CEO planning his next overseas trip.
NZF Chairman will continue on his crusade (school football is more important than Club football) to the detriment of all young talent.
Look at Jake Mathews for example. A sporting career dashed for his Headmaster's ego.
And the remaining board members will just plod along, and not rock the boat, provided they keep the keys to the booze cabinet.
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Look at Jake Mathews for example. A sporting career dashed for his Headmaster's ego.
Whats the story with him?
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US1 not allowing any of their clubs to enter the new competition. So will be AFF and Waikato/BOP clubs only. Meeting tomorrow to thrash out the remaining details with the season due to start on April 5th. Jag2008-03-03 15:37:10
Apparently I'm apathetic, but I couldn't care less.
"Being a Partick Thistle fan sets you apart. It means youre a free thinker. It also means your team has no money." Tim Luckhurst, The Independent, 4th December 2003
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US1 not allowing any of their clubs to enter the new competition. So will be AFF and Waikato/BOP clubs only. Meeting tomorrow to thrash out the remaining details with the season due to start on April 5th.
Ive stated that would and should happen so many times
now US1can go and do some house cleaning after relegating all those top clubs to federation level, oh and of course that will stop them spending
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From the meeting:
East Coast Bays players and coaching staff have transfered to Uni-Mount to play in the Premier division. This appears to have been given the green light by all clubs.
Glenfield and Waitakere refusing to play US1 league. Taking US1 to court.
The only thing to be decided is
1: Wil the AFF board allow 'Unit-Mount' to play in the Premier comp (which would bump MAP from a 12 team prem div to 1st div) or the 1st div. MAP are said to be lukewarm to staying in the 1st div for the good of the Northern league concept...
2: If in the next 24 hours, US1 allows all 3 teams entry, how will the leagues be configured then. Either way David Parker said all will be decided by Thursday morning in finality.
Agent 472008-03-05 21:03:11
East Coast Bays players and coaching staff have transfered to Uni-Mount to play in the Premier division. This appears to have been given the green light by all clubs.
Glenfield and Waitakere refusing to play US1 league. Taking US1 to court.
The only thing to be decided is
1: Wil the AFF board allow 'Unit-Mount' to play in the Premier comp (which would bump MAP from a 12 team prem div to 1st div) or the 1st div. MAP are said to be lukewarm to staying in the 1st div for the good of the Northern league concept...
2: If in the next 24 hours, US1 allows all 3 teams entry, how will the leagues be configured then. Either way David Parker said all will be decided by Thursday morning in finality.
Agent 472008-03-05 21:03:11
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from melville site
<!-- Content Row 9 ----------------------------------------- -->
Northern league update - at last
7.3.2008:
The northern league will consist of a premier division of 12 teams --
including Melville -- and a first division of 11 teams this winter.
Northern
league clubs attended a lengthy meeting at Manurewa this week to
discuss a host of options in the wake of the United Soccer 1 federation
refusing to allow its men's clubs to enter the league.
Following
that meeting the Auckland Football Federation board decided the premier
league would consist of Central United, Eastern Suburbs, Bay Olympic,
Wanderers, Tauranga, Lynn Avon, Melville, Onehunga Sports, Metro, Three
Kings, Papatoetoe and Mt Albert Ponsonby.
This
year's structure is regarded as "interim" with the shape of the 2009
season still under consideration, given the possibility of North
Harbour clubs overthrowing their board.
At
the Tuesday meeting, clubs voted 13-8 in favour of allowing East Coast
Bays to retain their premier league berth by playing under the guise of
registration with University Mt Wellington, after club spokesman Ross
de Wynter outlined the unpopular, conniving, and bullying methods of
work of the US1 federation.
Mt
Albert Ponsonby - sixth in the northern league division one last season
- objected to this manoeuvre, on the grounds they would miss out on
premier status and it was bending too many rules.
The
meeting was expertly chaired by Auckland chief executive David Parker,
though worryingly only two board members were present to hear the
discussion, and one of them - Mohammed Imran from Mangere, who has
previously spoken against the northern league - told the meeting he had
already made up his mind without listening to what clubs thought.
That
was the opposite approach to that of Parker, who acknowledged the vast
reservoir of football administrative experience at the meeting, could
offer valuable input.
Other
league options considered were a 10 team premier league, or an
eight-team premier league (favoured by Central United) with teams
contesting three rounds.
Melville
favoured East Coast Bays retaining their premier league position with
their "Trojan Horse" approach, arguing it assisted the integrity and
credibility of the northern league competition, and it would be in the
best interests of the game to show two fingers to the US1 board.
East
Coast Bays said their players were waiting to hear if they would be
accepted back into premier ranks, otherwise they would disperse to
other clubs. But they were not interested in competing in the northern
league first division.
The
meeting heard that East Coast Bays, Waitakere City and Glenfield have
not entered the new league the US1 league is trying to foist upon
clubs. Glenfield and Waitakere were looking at possible legal action,
but the northern league had to go ahead regardless.
Some
speakers criticised the delay by US1 clubs in taking up the fight with
their board, pointing out this shambles has been brewing since May.
Parker
stressed that the meeting was seeking "an indication" rather than "a
vote" from clubs on such issues, as the meeting was not a council of
clubs, with the Auckland board insisting on having the final decision
on all matters.
If
that showed there is still along way to go to get the northern league
to the point where it is answerable to those who contest the
competition, there was a concession to clubs. An "advisory group" is being formed, which will include club representatives.
Ken
Sargent of Three Kings will represent Auckland clubs, while Waikato
representatives on the advisory group will be longstanding Ngaruawahia
administrator Maxine Williams and Waikato BOP Football CEO John
Turkington. Melville voted for both appointees.
Turkington
had good news for Waikato northern league clubs. They are to be
refunded $420 each from their fees from last year, money that the old
northern league had previously been siphoned off to federations.
Other
speakers noted the piss-weak stance of New Zealand Football over the
northern league debacle, suggesting they were too distracted by their
own financial woes to show proper leadership.
Meanwhile
Parker said they were not actively recruiting North Harbour referees,
but expected them to increasingly align themselves with the northern
league. US1 is unable to hold them to ransom as it is doing with its
clubs.
Speakers suggested the exodus of players from North Harbour clubs has already begun, with no transfers to date the other way.
Parker said the "end game" for northern league structures was still two years away. The league entry fee of $3235 for Waikato clubs will include a small promotional fee which will be refunded if not used.
Melville's
season starts with a home fixture against Onehunga Sports on April 5,
and an away trip to Lynn Avon the following week.
Blogs are penned by Bruce Holloway (unless otherwise stated)
Feedback to bhollow@iconz.co.nz
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This is sad but gripping reading!
Although I have sympathy for the ECB position it would be a poor precedent to allow the transfer of a whole club structure in this way. I hope sense will prevail and the leading North Shore clubs allowed to join the regional league.
I am impressed by what I hear about Parker so far...he seems to be able to mix some certainty and leadership with being consultative and listening. Good mix.
Although I have sympathy for the ECB position it would be a poor precedent to allow the transfer of a whole club structure in this way. I hope sense will prevail and the leading North Shore clubs allowed to join the regional league.
I am impressed by what I hear about Parker so far...he seems to be able to mix some certainty and leadership with being consultative and listening. Good mix.
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I would just like to say that I think all the clubs need to have a united front against the board of US 1. It staggers me that these guys have so much power over the clubs they are suppose to represent and it also staggers me at the bully tactics they have used to try and force clubs to play in their league which in my opinion will reduce the quality of football in all three federations.
I say this because the US 1 league will have ECB (the runners up last year) facing teams like Hibiscus Coast who were two leagues below, Forrest Hill who were non league and the Western Tornados who don't exist. In Auckland you will have teams who finished 6th in the old Div 1 having to play Central Utd in the Premier League and I don't mean to speak on behalf of the Waikato/BOP but i'm sure their players and clubs wish to develop by playing against the very best competition. All three Waik/BOP clubs have worked hard to get Premier status, i'm sure they wish to play against premier teams. By weakening this league it stops the development of players for the NZFC.
Good luck to ECB, Glenfield and Waitakere, they are the three clubs that have stood up for not only what they believe in but for their players who obviously wish to play in the New Northern League. To the US 1 clubs who have done nothing may I say it is your job to meet the standards set by the Centrals, Eastern Suburbs, ECB, Bay Olympics and Glenfields not look for a way to bring everyone down to your level.
I would also like to say how pleasing it is to see a soccer administrator like David Parker doing such a good job. Also well done to JR for his protest on his website and for refusing to cover the scores.
To those of you who say you don't care about the US 1 clubs as it's their battle, imagine if your club had no say in the level of football you could play at, the competitions you can enter, oh and you might just have to be relegated two divisions!
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Interesting to see the fee charged for the Northern League. I know that the cost of living up that way is higher than down south, but that seems expensive. Do the Clubs still have to pay a registration fee to their Federations as well?
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Registration fee/Afilliation fee.........yes thay do
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US1's Dictatorial Stance...............
(Please note, the actual dates, meeting minutes & emails about this saga are not referenced directly, however if US1 get away with this travesty I have copies of everything.........)
The incident "time-line" of this disaster/pantomime for US1 clubs was as follows:
Prior to US1 deciding in their infinite wisdom to pull out of the Northern League, most US1 clubs were very strongly against this.
After US1 arbitrarily withdrew (they now market it as though the US1 clubs agreed!) due to the strong resistance to their "inhouse" weak premier division, the US1 CEO and various other US1 entities told clubs that it would not happen due to the resistance of the clubs.
They (US1) then went on holiday from 21/12 thru 29/01 and all of a sudden US1 clubs were faced with "oh, its all agreed, there will be an inhouse weak premier league".
Given the time-line on the new NRFL entry deadline, this immediately put clubs under pressure to find out what options were available and what time-frame they had.
US1 shipped a pure marketing hype brochure to the US1 clubs which they had said would answer all questions and allay all fears. To those that have seen this piece of fairy-tale hype (I am being polite here) it answered no questions and basically seemed a fait-accompli as the entry deadline for this US1 premier farce was prior to decision time for sanction to enter the NRFL! Go figure, you must enter this premier in name only competition before finding out if you can play in a real competition!
Finally US1 decided that they would accept submissions from clubs who wanted to get in the NRFL by a certain date. This occurred and then an "independent" dude was appointed by US1 and went round and interviewed the 3 clubs who had managed to get submissions in.
Finally US1 finally leaked out the answer was no. One club found out indirectly, US1 didn't even bother notifying them directly!
The 2 Northern League clubs who backed US1 were Albany, who it might be noted had just been relegated from the NFSL Premier League, and North Force who finished 6th in the NFSL 1st Division. On this basis, according to US1 they had the "vast majority" of clubs backing them to pull out of the NFSL and create their own premier farce.
Incidently there is a story going round that the Albany guy who cosied up to to US1 may have been on the US1 board at the time! He's no longer at Albany who are apparently mildly vexed at where he's put them.
Of course conflict of interest, ethics, etc. don't apply here in the communist state of US1.
If NZF do not overturn US1's dictatorial decision making then one can only hope that the OFC intervene directly as they have notified NZF they may do if NZF don't sort this out.
Then again if NZF don't do the right thing and OFC wimp out there is always FIFA and the CAS!
Mind you US1 may have left a huge hole for themselves as all of their actions have discriminated against the blokes. It's OK for the women and youth to play inter-federation but not the blokes.
Human Rights may be getting calls from every US1 male player complaining about US1's discrimination against them. (Yes legal beagles are looking into this as a last resort)
Anyway I just hope the NRFL does well and hope ECB do get to play as "Mt. Wellington".
It's a pity Glenfield and Waitakere couldn't have done the same!
"Playing by the rules only works if your opponent also plays by the rules and if their making them up as they go you have no hope!"
Just for a last larf............
US1 CEO Keith "I know whats bestl" Johnston reckons the new US1 farce league is comparable with the NRFL!!!!!
Whatever he gets in his breakfast I'd like some!
(Please note, the actual dates, meeting minutes & emails about this saga are not referenced directly, however if US1 get away with this travesty I have copies of everything.........)
The incident "time-line" of this disaster/pantomime for US1 clubs was as follows:
Prior to US1 deciding in their infinite wisdom to pull out of the Northern League, most US1 clubs were very strongly against this.
After US1 arbitrarily withdrew (they now market it as though the US1 clubs agreed!) due to the strong resistance to their "inhouse" weak premier division, the US1 CEO and various other US1 entities told clubs that it would not happen due to the resistance of the clubs.
They (US1) then went on holiday from 21/12 thru 29/01 and all of a sudden US1 clubs were faced with "oh, its all agreed, there will be an inhouse weak premier league".
Given the time-line on the new NRFL entry deadline, this immediately put clubs under pressure to find out what options were available and what time-frame they had.
US1 shipped a pure marketing hype brochure to the US1 clubs which they had said would answer all questions and allay all fears. To those that have seen this piece of fairy-tale hype (I am being polite here) it answered no questions and basically seemed a fait-accompli as the entry deadline for this US1 premier farce was prior to decision time for sanction to enter the NRFL! Go figure, you must enter this premier in name only competition before finding out if you can play in a real competition!
Finally US1 decided that they would accept submissions from clubs who wanted to get in the NRFL by a certain date. This occurred and then an "independent" dude was appointed by US1 and went round and interviewed the 3 clubs who had managed to get submissions in.
Finally US1 finally leaked out the answer was no. One club found out indirectly, US1 didn't even bother notifying them directly!
The 2 Northern League clubs who backed US1 were Albany, who it might be noted had just been relegated from the NFSL Premier League, and North Force who finished 6th in the NFSL 1st Division. On this basis, according to US1 they had the "vast majority" of clubs backing them to pull out of the NFSL and create their own premier farce.
Incidently there is a story going round that the Albany guy who cosied up to to US1 may have been on the US1 board at the time! He's no longer at Albany who are apparently mildly vexed at where he's put them.
Of course conflict of interest, ethics, etc. don't apply here in the communist state of US1.
If NZF do not overturn US1's dictatorial decision making then one can only hope that the OFC intervene directly as they have notified NZF they may do if NZF don't sort this out.
Then again if NZF don't do the right thing and OFC wimp out there is always FIFA and the CAS!
Mind you US1 may have left a huge hole for themselves as all of their actions have discriminated against the blokes. It's OK for the women and youth to play inter-federation but not the blokes.
Human Rights may be getting calls from every US1 male player complaining about US1's discrimination against them. (Yes legal beagles are looking into this as a last resort)
Anyway I just hope the NRFL does well and hope ECB do get to play as "Mt. Wellington".
It's a pity Glenfield and Waitakere couldn't have done the same!
"Playing by the rules only works if your opponent also plays by the rules and if their making them up as they go you have no hope!"
Just for a last larf............
US1 CEO Keith "I know whats bestl" Johnston reckons the new US1 farce league is comparable with the NRFL!!!!!
Whatever he gets in his breakfast I'd like some!
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Thanks wombat. That about sums US1 and their disgraceful tactics up perfectly. It should also be mentioned that their brochure discribes the US1 Premier League has an invitation only league......it's just you can't refuse their invitation!!! Well done to ECB, Glenfield and Waitakere for fighting this battle and the other clubs that have supported them from within the 3 Federations.
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Tell us about Jake Matthews spud
Last game as sub in the Chatham Cup Final. Not played since.
Severely damaged right knee, loose bone fragments requiring operation.
Out of action for at least another 3 months.
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Did anyone listen to the US1 CEO verbal ##### (insert word here) on radio sport last night?
First a real "good on yer" to Alan Richards for ringing up and stating North Shore's position!
I'm sorry they were let down by NZF so they didn't then have time to get an appeal in.
According to US1 CEO Keith "I know better than FIFA" Johnston.............
Apparently US1 always planned to have an inter-federation competition for the blokes!
Apparently some sort of knock-out thing to run on a Wednesday evening.
I'm not sure how that works though? 1st teams tend to train Tuesday & Thursday and play on Saturday with the odd double header over long weekends.
Are the AFF aware of this master plan of US1?
I'd lay good odds if they have heard of it, it is very recent! (last night even?)
If this was actually the case why did US1 wait until now to unveil this master plan?
Then again they would probably have had the same rejection level from the US1 Northern League clubs!
He also admitted that US1 had not been in touch with ECB, Glenfield & Waitakere to let them know why they failed the "criteria" test they dreamed up. Does this sound like good ethical behaviour?
The interesting thing here for legal beagles is that the criteria was about the club's not which team within the club!
So the blokes didn't get sanctioned for the new NRFL but the women and youth from these club's got sanctioned for inter-federation competition!
Besides the small Law thingy called Human Rights that could be used here......
"FIFA Article 6 Ban on discrimination
Officials, players and players� agents may not act in a discriminatory
manner, especially with regard to ethnicity, race, culture, politics,
religion, gender or language."
Go figure..................
It's sort of understandable why he hasn't told the club's why they failed.
According to FIFA, OFC & NZF rules the club's could then bring a new dispute to NZF which could go to independent arbitration.
"NZ Football Rules (Dated 9th May 2007)
34.5 Any decision or action of a Club, District Federation or official
under the jurisdiction of NZF shall be subject to appeal to NZF.
Such appeal shall be lodged with NZF in accordance with the
Regulations."
Oh thats right Keith "I know the rules" Johnston said he didn't think the appeals by ECB, Glenfield & Waitakere were valid anyway....
If anyone saw the Sunday paper comment Winners and Losers about Keith "I am god" Johnston's Life Membership at Glenfield Rovers being stripped and Keith "US1 should dictate how clubs run themselves" Johnston's comment on the radio last night about Neil, Glenfield Rovers Chairman, ringing him to say this was not the case, should understand that what Neil did was the right thing to do (it's called good ethical behaviour!) as this had not happened. YET??
Mind you the fact that someone told somebody to get it in the paper shows how some people feel about his actions.
The most disappointing thing was US1's CEO harping on about the "vast support from the clubs". I'd like to know which clubs? How vast is vast? Couldn't he at least have the balls to give some numbers or even name them? e.g. 3 out of 40 supported them, this could be "vast"?
After all if this "vast majority" support him why would they mind being mentioned?
Beyond North Force, who apparently don't like all the travelling (fair enough - they miss out now on traveling south of the Auckland harbour bridge and onto Waikato/Bay of Plenty clubs) and Albany who just got relegated from the "old" Northern Premier, all other US1 clubs in the northern league were against the US1 pantomime league. (Not mentioning of course that the Albany guy at the time, he is no longer with them, was also one of the 3 club representatives on the US1 Board.)
So what happens now for ECB, Glenfield & Waitakere?
It's too late now for the new NRFL, so the only option is the US1 pantomime league.
I wonder how many players will head south of the bridge for decent competition?
Will ECB get to play in the NRFL under the guise of Mt. Wellington?
Will Waitakere pull up sticks and move to the AFF in search of decent competition?
Will Keith Johnston really be welcome at Glenfield anymore?
Will NZF have the balls to do something?
If not, will OFC intervene?
I personally find US1's actions and handling of this to be absolutely disgusting.
(I AM BEING POLITE !)
Are we in a banana republic here with jack booted leaders or what?
The tail is wagging furiously and HOPEFULLY the dog will reach round and bite the bugger off!
Stay tuned to the next exciting installment from the weird and wacky, you couldn't make this stuff up, world of US1.
Keith "I have a dream" Johnston's takeover of the clubs themselves.................
ooops, I may have given him his next great idea!
First a real "good on yer" to Alan Richards for ringing up and stating North Shore's position!
I'm sorry they were let down by NZF so they didn't then have time to get an appeal in.
According to US1 CEO Keith "I know better than FIFA" Johnston.............
Apparently US1 always planned to have an inter-federation competition for the blokes!
Apparently some sort of knock-out thing to run on a Wednesday evening.
I'm not sure how that works though? 1st teams tend to train Tuesday & Thursday and play on Saturday with the odd double header over long weekends.
Are the AFF aware of this master plan of US1?
I'd lay good odds if they have heard of it, it is very recent! (last night even?)
If this was actually the case why did US1 wait until now to unveil this master plan?
Then again they would probably have had the same rejection level from the US1 Northern League clubs!
He also admitted that US1 had not been in touch with ECB, Glenfield & Waitakere to let them know why they failed the "criteria" test they dreamed up. Does this sound like good ethical behaviour?
The interesting thing here for legal beagles is that the criteria was about the club's not which team within the club!
So the blokes didn't get sanctioned for the new NRFL but the women and youth from these club's got sanctioned for inter-federation competition!
Besides the small Law thingy called Human Rights that could be used here......
"FIFA Article 6 Ban on discrimination
Officials, players and players� agents may not act in a discriminatory
manner, especially with regard to ethnicity, race, culture, politics,
religion, gender or language."
Go figure..................
It's sort of understandable why he hasn't told the club's why they failed.
According to FIFA, OFC & NZF rules the club's could then bring a new dispute to NZF which could go to independent arbitration.
"NZ Football Rules (Dated 9th May 2007)
34.5 Any decision or action of a Club, District Federation or official
under the jurisdiction of NZF shall be subject to appeal to NZF.
Such appeal shall be lodged with NZF in accordance with the
Regulations."
Oh thats right Keith "I know the rules" Johnston said he didn't think the appeals by ECB, Glenfield & Waitakere were valid anyway....
If anyone saw the Sunday paper comment Winners and Losers about Keith "I am god" Johnston's Life Membership at Glenfield Rovers being stripped and Keith "US1 should dictate how clubs run themselves" Johnston's comment on the radio last night about Neil, Glenfield Rovers Chairman, ringing him to say this was not the case, should understand that what Neil did was the right thing to do (it's called good ethical behaviour!) as this had not happened. YET??
Mind you the fact that someone told somebody to get it in the paper shows how some people feel about his actions.
The most disappointing thing was US1's CEO harping on about the "vast support from the clubs". I'd like to know which clubs? How vast is vast? Couldn't he at least have the balls to give some numbers or even name them? e.g. 3 out of 40 supported them, this could be "vast"?
After all if this "vast majority" support him why would they mind being mentioned?
Beyond North Force, who apparently don't like all the travelling (fair enough - they miss out now on traveling south of the Auckland harbour bridge and onto Waikato/Bay of Plenty clubs) and Albany who just got relegated from the "old" Northern Premier, all other US1 clubs in the northern league were against the US1 pantomime league. (Not mentioning of course that the Albany guy at the time, he is no longer with them, was also one of the 3 club representatives on the US1 Board.)
So what happens now for ECB, Glenfield & Waitakere?
It's too late now for the new NRFL, so the only option is the US1 pantomime league.
I wonder how many players will head south of the bridge for decent competition?
Will ECB get to play in the NRFL under the guise of Mt. Wellington?
Will Waitakere pull up sticks and move to the AFF in search of decent competition?
Will Keith Johnston really be welcome at Glenfield anymore?
Will NZF have the balls to do something?
If not, will OFC intervene?
I personally find US1's actions and handling of this to be absolutely disgusting.
(I AM BEING POLITE !)
Are we in a banana republic here with jack booted leaders or what?
The tail is wagging furiously and HOPEFULLY the dog will reach round and bite the bugger off!
Stay tuned to the next exciting installment from the weird and wacky, you couldn't make this stuff up, world of US1.
Keith "I have a dream" Johnston's takeover of the clubs themselves.................
ooops, I may have given him his next great idea!
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The plot thickens? It's getting like a soap opera. This is from AFF's website:
AFF INVITED TO JOIN US1 COMPETITION
The Auckland Football Federation has received an invitation this week from United Soccer1 to take part in a new competition they have announced.
The AFF Board has discussed the invitation, and whilst it would not contemplate withholding sanction for any AFF clubs to play in the competition, this should not be taken in any way as endorsement of it.
Since receiving the invitation to be passed on to AFF clubs we have also seen an announcement by US1 to their clubs, in which there is a very clear implication that Auckland Football Federation has been involved in the planning of and/or is otherwise endorsing the competition. We need to state quite categorically that neither of these is the case, and record our extreme disappointment that the announcement has been worded in that way.
AFF clubs will form their own view of the practicality and desirability of participation in the competition, and for which level of team it might be most suitable. AFF would not, however, regard participation this competition as a valid reason not to be able to play in either an NRFL or AFF catch-up game.
The Auckland Football Federation and our partners in the new Northern Regional Football League (NRFL), Waikato Bay of Plenty Football, are genuinely committed to creating a regular season competition that will provide the best quality of football, week-in, week-out, in the framework of an inter-Federation league.
Apparently I'm apathetic, but I couldn't care less.
"Being a Partick Thistle fan sets you apart. It means youre a free thinker. It also means your team has no money." Tim Luckhurst, The Independent, 4th December 2003
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Firstly apologies to all, as a newbie I started another thread called US1 Meglomania...
Sorry
Which came first the chicken or the egg?
Neither, Keith Johnston and US1 with a master plan for the chicken and the egg!
UPDATE - new thread closed and added in above
wombat232008-03-20 21:59:34
Sorry
Which came first the chicken or the egg?
Neither, Keith Johnston and US1 with a master plan for the chicken and the egg!
UPDATE - new thread closed and added in above
wombat232008-03-20 21:59:34
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The NRFL Premier Division is:
Three Kings, Mt Albert Ponsonby, Papatoetoe AFC, Central Utd, Tauranga City, Eastern Suburbs, Bay Olympic, Hamilton Wanderers, Lynn Avon Utd, Metro AFC, Melville Utd, Onehunga Sports.
The First Division is:
Western Springs AFC, Waiuku AFC, Onehunga Mangere, Pukekohe AFC, Ellerslie AFC, Papakura City, Fencibles Utd, Ngaruawahia AFC, Cambridge Utd, Mangere Utd, Manurewa AFC.
The US1 Premiership is:
East Coast Bays, Waitakere City, Takapuna, Albany United, Birkenhead United, North Shore United, Western Oratia United, Hibiscus Coast, North Force, Glenfield Rovers.
I get the feeling that US1 have managed to ensure a lower standard of football for everyone in the top-half of the North Island...hardly what you would be after were you trying to develop better quality footballers.
Are Waitakere City (for example) really going to be better off playing Hibsicus Coast twice instead of Central United?
Just makes me ever more thankful that my club chose to go with the then Soccer2 instead of US1 when the federations were set-up.
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US1 HAVE managed to degrade the competition level of all 3 Northern Fed. League clubs.
I think looking at the league lineups, US1's pantomoime league is roughly 2 leagues in one.
IMHO, the top half being of comparable club strength to the NRFL Premier, with the bottom half being comparable to the NRFL 1st division. No offence is intended to any club here.
This is US1 following the FIFA line of providing the strongest competition possible!
From AFF's comments re-US1's "apparently always planned" inter-federation league do you get the impression it's major league CYA (cover your arse) coming from US1 now?
For a larf, here are the current standings from US1's pre-season tournament.
4 US1 "Premier" + 1 NRFL Premier.
The funny thing about Glenfields win against Albany was they were apparently missing up to 6 of their usual starters and their coach played in goal!
Then again it's only pre-season..................
I think looking at the league lineups, US1's pantomoime league is roughly 2 leagues in one.
IMHO, the top half being of comparable club strength to the NRFL Premier, with the bottom half being comparable to the NRFL 1st division. No offence is intended to any club here.
This is US1 following the FIFA line of providing the strongest competition possible!
From AFF's comments re-US1's "apparently always planned" inter-federation league do you get the impression it's major league CYA (cover your arse) coming from US1 now?
For a larf, here are the current standings from US1's pre-season tournament.
4 US1 "Premier" + 1 NRFL Premier.
Points after 4 Rounds:
Glenfield 9 pts (played 3)
Hibiscus Coast 5 (4)
Three Kings 4 (3)
Birkenhead 4 (3)
Albany 0 (3)
Results to date:
Wed 5 March: Albany 1-2 Birkenhead Hibiscus 1-1 Three Kings
Sat 8 March: Three Kings 1-4 Glenfield Albany 0-3 Hibiscus
Wed 12 March: Three Kings 3-1 Birkenhead Glenfield 3-0 Hibiscus
Sun 16 March: Birkenhead 2-2 Hibiscus Glenfield 6-1 Albany
The funny thing about Glenfields win against Albany was they were apparently missing up to 6 of their usual starters and their coach played in goal!
Then again it's only pre-season..................
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Curious to see why US1 is doing what it is doing and whether they have bigger long term plans...
Would any one from United Soccer 1 care to comment?
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The chances of US1 putting something in "hardcopy" form are remote.
US1 appear to have gone out of their way to keep meetings and discussions of this whole farce to either phone conversations or face-to-face meetings with no minutes.
I WONDER WHY?
Look at how they are handling the huge backlash at what they have done.
Sunday 16th March - Radio Sport
Keith Johnston, CEO of US1, claims they were always going to have an inter-fed comp.
(No US1 club was aware of this until the radio interview!)
AFF immediately published on their website that they have just received an invitation from US1 for a (wednesday evening) inter-fed comp.
See the post above by Jag on 17th March for the gory details.
Cover yer arse or what from US1 ??
US1 still haven't explained to ECB, Glenfield & Waitakere why they failed the criteria test.
Over 2 weeks after the decision was taken!
Mind you the criteria was for clubs and inter-fed comp. not teams so why the women and youth qualify but not the senior men is a mystery which hopefully US1 will be able to give a coherent answer too when they can actually be bothered to talk to the clubs, rather than down to them!
Oh! thats right US1 has exclusive control over footballing matters, the clubs are a trivial annoyance to be ignored!?
wombat232008-03-20 21:58:05
US1 appear to have gone out of their way to keep meetings and discussions of this whole farce to either phone conversations or face-to-face meetings with no minutes.
I WONDER WHY?
Look at how they are handling the huge backlash at what they have done.
Sunday 16th March - Radio Sport
Keith Johnston, CEO of US1, claims they were always going to have an inter-fed comp.
(No US1 club was aware of this until the radio interview!)
AFF immediately published on their website that they have just received an invitation from US1 for a (wednesday evening) inter-fed comp.
See the post above by Jag on 17th March for the gory details.
Cover yer arse or what from US1 ??
US1 still haven't explained to ECB, Glenfield & Waitakere why they failed the criteria test.
Over 2 weeks after the decision was taken!
Mind you the criteria was for clubs and inter-fed comp. not teams so why the women and youth qualify but not the senior men is a mystery which hopefully US1 will be able to give a coherent answer too when they can actually be bothered to talk to the clubs, rather than down to them!
Oh! thats right US1 has exclusive control over footballing matters, the clubs are a trivial annoyance to be ignored!?
wombat232008-03-20 21:58:05
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It looks like the 3 clubs that have been fighting US1 are actually making progress. I believe something may even be sorted as early as Thursday but whether all of the leagues can be sorted out before the start of the season I don't know. Man US1 have tried to stuff this all up. I have done some research for those interested in who these US1 people are and got this off their website.
United Soccer 1 Board
Steven Yates - Chairman
Bevan Catley
Paula Kearns
Steven played in various junior rep sides until his debut in the National League in 1992. This was followed by five years playing in the Northern Premier League when his playing days were cut short at the age of 23 by a compound ankle fracture. He has recently been involved in coaching, including the United Soccer 1 International Player Development Programme.
Steven is currently Key Account Manager for LeasePlan New Zealand and is married to Melanie.
Proudly sponsored by 
Bevan Catley
Bevan has a PhD in Management and is currently lecturing at Massey University in the Department of Management and International Business.
He played junior soccer out west before heading south to study where he also managed to fit in some soccer and time on the Netball Otago Board . After an eight year break, he is now playing for Albany .
Bevan is married to Jo.
A passionate footballer from London who was selected for Isthmian League side Hendon juniors, but didn�t take up the offer and still regrets turning them down, Kieron is now a qualified referee and has also coached junior representative sides at club level.
He has two teenage sons, the younger of which plays football for Albany and has represented the federation in regional competitions and was a member of the Soccer NZ junior academy.
With a background in electrical contracting and over a decades experience in property development, Kieron now works for his own electrical and data contracting business.
Paula KearnsA current player and a past treasurer for Takapuna AFC, she is married with two daughters and a son. Her son plays for Albany FC.
A member of the NZ Institute of Chartered Accountants and the Institute of Directors of NZ, Paula is currently working as a director for her own chartered accountancy practice. She is also current Vice President of the North Auckland Kindergarten Association and a director of New Zealand Sculpture Onshore Ltd.
Sean MayesA long standing member of the NorthShore football community, Sean started his playing days as a junior for East Coast Bays, before appearing in the first team for several North Shore clubs. Has had a strong involvement with North Shore United over the years as a player, coach, Club Captain and recently retired board member.
Married to Karen with two young children.
A trade certified carpenter, currently working in his own building and contracting business � SEKA Developments Limited.
I know Steven has resigned now but what struck me was that none had played in the Northern league and 3 had ties to the albany club that was relegated last year.
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FYI, this is the media release which emanated from Lala-land (aka North Harbour Football) this avo:
US1 To Immediately Reconsider Club Applications
Statement made by Keith Johnston, CEO US1, on behalf of the US1 Board
The board of United Soccer 1 (US1) will move immediately to implement the ruling of New Zealand Football that it must reconsider the applications of East Coast Bays, Glenfield Rovers and Waitakere City to play in the Northern Regional League.
We have called a meeting for tomorrow (Thursday March 27) to set out the process by which the clubs can re-present their cases, and we can reach a decision.
At the same time, we will immediately make available to the clubs the assessments and report of Mr Peter Courtney, a well known football identity who was appointed by US1 to undertake an independent assessment of the original applications.
In all probability, given the need for clubs to review Mr Courtney�s report and put forward additional submissions, the earliest the reapplications can be heard is next week.
As of today, we have still not received from New Zealand Football its written reasons for upholding the appeal, and these reasons will need to be factored into the rehearing process.
US1 confirms that the first round of its US1 Premiership commences this weekend, and no exemption will be given to East Coast Bays, Glenfield Rovers and Waitakere City from fulfilling their fixture commitments.
The board of US1 is disappointed that New Zealand Football has upheld the appeals of the clubs, as it believes it has acted in the best interests of all US1 clubs and players.
Its original decision was based on the merits of the applications, and the board followed constitutional procedures in reaching its decision.
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this is just a farce - less than two weeks out from the season starting and whom knows what is happening here. Teams are in the process of organising their seasons, eg waikato sides arranging buses etc and then this happens...
Anyone out there like to speculate whats going to happen this time?????
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Unless they are mandated to be involed by CAS then it wont happen this year.
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I suppose you can admire Keith "delay tactics master" Johnston's tenacity but it now borders on a "can't admit he was wrong" psychosis.
Some comments on US1's "media release"..............
"In all probability, given the need for clubs to review Mr Courtney�s report and put forward additional submissions, the earliest the reapplications can be heard is next week. "
So what do the club's do this weekend?
Start playing in the US1 pantomime league?
Surely that would give Johnston's more ammunition to stop the clubs again?
I know its now unlikely the 3 clubs will get in the NRFL this year but this must be fought to the bitter end or what will US1 try and pull over the clubs in the future?
"As of today, we have still not received from New Zealand Football its written reasons for upholding the appeal, and these reasons will need to be factored into the rehearing process. "
Damn, thats tough!
The 3 clubs are still waiting to here the reasons they failed US1 criteria, oh that was only 3+ weeks ago now....
"US1 confirms that the first round of its US1 Premiership commences this weekend, and no exemption will be given to East Coast Bays, Glenfield Rovers and Waitakere City from fulfilling their fixture commitments."
He doesn't give up does he?
I would lay odds thay are trying to work out how to further deny the 3 club's now.
"The board of US1 is disappointed that New Zealand Football has upheld the appeals of the clubs, as it believes it has acted in the best interests of all US1 clubs and players.
Its original decision was based on the merits of the applications, and the board followed constitutional procedures in reaching its decision. "
If only 2 clubs supported it that are known of how can they tell the rest of the clubs what is in their best interest?
Is this a dictatorship?
If the original decision was based on the merits of the applications, how can the women and youth meet the criteria and not the senior men????????
Oh well, I can't wait to hear the next baloney of the pipeline from US1 or should I say the United Keith Johnston "do what I tell you" dis-United Federation.....
Some comments on US1's "media release"..............
"In all probability, given the need for clubs to review Mr Courtney�s report and put forward additional submissions, the earliest the reapplications can be heard is next week. "
So what do the club's do this weekend?
Start playing in the US1 pantomime league?
Surely that would give Johnston's more ammunition to stop the clubs again?
I know its now unlikely the 3 clubs will get in the NRFL this year but this must be fought to the bitter end or what will US1 try and pull over the clubs in the future?
"As of today, we have still not received from New Zealand Football its written reasons for upholding the appeal, and these reasons will need to be factored into the rehearing process. "
Damn, thats tough!
The 3 clubs are still waiting to here the reasons they failed US1 criteria, oh that was only 3+ weeks ago now....
"US1 confirms that the first round of its US1 Premiership commences this weekend, and no exemption will be given to East Coast Bays, Glenfield Rovers and Waitakere City from fulfilling their fixture commitments."
He doesn't give up does he?
I would lay odds thay are trying to work out how to further deny the 3 club's now.
"The board of US1 is disappointed that New Zealand Football has upheld the appeals of the clubs, as it believes it has acted in the best interests of all US1 clubs and players.
Its original decision was based on the merits of the applications, and the board followed constitutional procedures in reaching its decision. "
If only 2 clubs supported it that are known of how can they tell the rest of the clubs what is in their best interest?
Is this a dictatorship?
If the original decision was based on the merits of the applications, how can the women and youth meet the criteria and not the senior men????????
Oh well, I can't wait to hear the next baloney of the pipeline from US1 or should I say the United Keith Johnston "do what I tell you" dis-United Federation.....
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Err...Foreign Spy2008-04-11 10:34:36
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The man that is reporting this to FIFA was at the ECB waitakere game yesterday
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Umm...Foreign Spy2008-04-11 10:36:25
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Yep quiet yesterday say it was 1st game of the season. I left at half time, pretty average stuff. And their the best 2 teams in the league?
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Says who?
Three for me, and two for them.
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Notice the question mark Buffs.
I'd say Bays were in the top 2, given their season last season, and theyve got most of the same players
I'd say Bays were in the top 2, given their season last season, and theyve got most of the same players
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