A-league Expansion - Derbies

Being a born and breed Wellingtonian i have no trouble at all disliking all things Auckland. Some are kidding themselves if they think the Warriors are attracting or have ever consistantly attracted  near to capacity crowds.
Havnt seen it mentioned anywhere but i thought the Aussies were trying to get away from clubs with ethnic connections wouldnt that count against Auckland City or am i wrong there.

lthomas20

Christo

So when the Auckland Entity fail after a handful of seasons, I hope that license stays in NZ (will it be linked like the Nix one was iirc) and Chch gets a look in then.

Why do many people here want Auckland to fail?

Why is there so little faith in Auckland succeeding where they have a far bigger population, a stronger local football scene and passion, and a much greater local economy?

Really you cant work out why there is skepticism about the success of an Auckland franchise. Yep they might have all those things you say but the evidence is pretty clear unless they are really successful crowds just wont turn up. No way can any of the numbers attending Phoenix games be used in any way to justify what attendances may be. Big difference from 2 games a season and people turning up regularly   when things may not be going well.

Born and bred Wellingtonian, and I actually prefer Auckland. A comment that will probably get me crucified here :)

With that being said, I'll always support the Nix and Welly will always be home. 

Would love to see another Kiwi A-league team though. Will be great for NZ football.

Ninja

Born and bred Wellingtonian, and I actually prefer Auckland. A comment that will probably get me crucified here :)

With that being said, I'll always support the Nix and Welly will always be home. 

Would love to see another Kiwi A-league team though. Will be great for NZ football.

Certainly cant call yourself a Wellingtonian any longer then.Thats as bad as saying your a  Wellingtonian who prefers Canterbury

Does one need to refrain from punctuation to be a true Wellingtonian?

It's going to be a real dilemma for me being in Hamilton. I would consider getting season tickets to the Auckland team if they are playing at Mt Smart and I'd hope they would have home away games in Hamilton once a season. But I don't think I could ever not support Wellington. Possibly one club screwing the other like western united would cause me to pick a side.

Usually I'm anything south of the Bombay's vs Auckland but beggars can't be choosers.

Basically I will follow the birth of the Auckland Your-Name-Heres with interest, but they will remain my 2nd team behind the Nix unless their fan culture and banter is significantly better than the YF, which I doubt will be the case

Doloras

Basically I will follow the birth of the Auckland Your-Name-Heres with interest, but they will remain my 2nd team behind the Nix unless their fan culture and banter is significantly better than the YF, which I doubt will be the case

Too flakey for my liking Doloras. Pick a side and stick to your guns.

harrymc55

Does one need to refrain from punctuation to be a true Wellingtonian?

FFS didnt realise i was taking part in a teaching forum also wasnt aware the internet required perfect punctuation to take part

ballane

harrymc55

Does one need to refrain from punctuation to be a true Wellingtonian?

FFS didnt realise i was taking part in a teaching forum also wasnt aware the internet required perfect punctuation to take part

True Wellingtonians this touchy as well?

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/a-league/131514377/phoenix-coach-says-new-zealand-has-enough-depth-for-multiple-aleagues-teams

If he was putting together a second New Zealand team, he said the first place he would look would be overseas to find Kiwis who are struggling for game time.

His next port of call would be the National League, where dozens of aspiring footballers are waiting for a crack at a professional level.

Then, he would supplement the squad with five imports and a few Australians, like Talay has done throughout his tenure at the Phoenix.

Buffon II

ballane

harrymc55

Does one need to refrain from punctuation to be a true Wellingtonian?

FFS didnt realise i was taking part in a teaching forum also wasnt aware the internet required perfect punctuation to take part

True Wellingtonians this touchy as well?

No more than Jafas

coochiee

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/a-league/131514377/phoenix-coach-says-new-zealand-has-enough-depth-for-multiple-aleagues-teams

If he was putting together a second New Zealand team, he said the first place he would look would be overseas to find Kiwis who are struggling for game time.

His next port of call would be the National League, where dozens of aspiring footballers are waiting for a crack at a professional level.

Then, he would supplement the squad with five imports and a few Australians, like Talay has done throughout his tenure at the Phoenix.

And you would get a team like we have up and down and at times playing some dire football. One which really cant be called a genuine challenger for the seat.  

Nommag

It's going to be a real dilemma for me being in Hamilton. I would consider getting season tickets to the Auckland team if they are playing at Mt Smart and I'd hope they would have home away games in Hamilton once a season. But I don't think I could ever not support Wellington. Possibly one club screwing the other like western united would cause me to pick a side.

Usually I'm anything south of the Bombay's vs Auckland but beggars can't be choosers.

I’m in a similar position.  I grew up supporting the Kingz, can still remember the very first game at NHS stadium vividly and watching Wynton come out to fireworks and Phil Collins “In the Air Tonight”.  I stuck with them through thick and thin (moving to Mt Smart which sucked at that time as a stadium, likely still does) and got a letter signed by all of the squad in 2002 when I turned 21 which I immediately framed and still proudly have at home in the Waikato.

I was involved with the Knights and a season ticket holder for the two seasons they existed and jumped on the Nix when NZF bailed out NZs A League licence.

Fast forward to today: 
if I was still in NZ, I imagine I’d be a season ticket holder for the Akl team but would be confused who to go for come NZ derby days.  I have the same issue with PAFC and Leeds United not that they’ve been in the same division for quite some time (although having the Wayne Train gives Argyle the tip atm).

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/world-cup/131536824/nz-football-chief-100-excited-as-game-enters-busy-stretch-around-womens-world-cup

Australian Professional Leagues chief Danny Townsend announced this week that it was looking to bring together local and foreign investors to form an Auckland A-Leagues club, with a view to handing over a licence in June and having teams enter A-League Men and A-League Women from the 2024-25 season, which begins in less than 18 months.

Having a second professional club in New Zealand would be another game changer, on top of the changes to Women’s World Cup prize money and men’s World Cup qualification. Townsend said he had been working closely with Pragnell and NZ Football in bringing APL’s plans to fruition and Pragnell said he was energised by the prospect.

"What's exciting about the conversations I've had with Danny is that they're really interested in putting deep foundations into this club. It's not intended to be a fly-by-night venture.

“They want to do that with the football community. They want to do that in a way that excites everyone in the whole region and gets genuine buy-in from fans. I really like the intent that I'm hearing from them.”

With regard to where APL might find the financial backing for a new Auckland club, with a licence fee of $21–$27 million on the cards, Pragnell said his sense was that there was “there is real interest from global football investors in identifying places around the world that are untapped in terms of the football economy.

“Auckland's a really natural site. We're probably one of the biggest developed cities without a professional club in it.

“I think that it's almost inevitable that this is going to need to be some kind of consortium and it's highly probable that some of that investment would need to come from outside of New Zealand.

“I take some confidence from the work that the A-Leagues have put into identifying this as an expansion area. There's a bit of wait and see – we're all obviously watching that space – but some cautious optimism.”

I thought more and more about this. Doloras has made some very valid statements in her last few posts.

It doesn't matter what sport or lifestyle, there has always been a rivalry between the main centres of NZ. Auckland V Wellington is but one.  I think it is good and adds a bit of bite to the occasion. The good thing here in NZ though, is that what we might see on the field and hear sung in the stands, NZ people don't go down the hooligan road as such. 

I'm all for an Auckland team being given the chance again. I would like to think the petty politics between clubs might be put to rest ,with a new Franchise being able to grab all the good bits from the various clubs in Auckland, to establish a solid base on which to create and good team and club ethos. 

I would be disappointed if the Nix continued to take "home" games up there though. And if they want to go on a tiki tour around the country, I would hope an Auckland side would do the same. Perhaps even Auckland fans might understand then, why we are not all in favour of that happening.

I do see an opportunity to see a further pathway for young New Zealand players to get into the professional environment. This can only be good for the game here. Also it could assist in the development of any Australian players seeking the same. Of course they will have to bring in some senior experienced players, just as the Nix did. And they need the financial backing too. It's a big enough City, it could be done if egos and politics were put aside. 

I wish them well, I hope that they do come into existence. Would be great at both clubs, add a few more bums on seats and some real rivalry.

Would be interesting to what "original" name that they would give the club. Auckland Albion? Auckland Argyle? Auckland Hearts? Auckland Rovers? Just a few ideas. Good discussion thread.

Can see the new roofed ChCh stadium being the Nix's alternative home' ground for 1-2 games per season, if a new team happens in Akld.

Folks in big numbers will be keen to check out the new shiny structure in ChCh when it opens. 

LG

I thought more and more about this. Doloras has made some very valid statements in her last few posts.

It doesn't matter what sport or lifestyle, there has always been a rivalry between the main centres of NZ. Auckland V Wellington is but one.  I think it is good and adds a bit of bite to the occasion. The good thing here in NZ though, is that what we might see on the field and hear sung in the stands, NZ people don't go down the hooligan road as such. 

I'm all for an Auckland team being given the chance again. I would like to think the petty politics between clubs might be put to rest ,with a new Franchise being able to grab all the good bits from the various clubs in Auckland, to establish a solid base on which to create and good team and club ethos. 

I would be disappointed if the Nix continued to take "home" games up there though. And if they want to go on a tiki tour around the country, I would hope an Auckland side would do the same. Perhaps even Auckland fans might understand then, why we are not all in favour of that happening.

I do see an opportunity to see a further pathway for young New Zealand players to get into the professional environment. This can only be good for the game here. Also it could assist in the development of any Australian players seeking the same. Of course they will have to bring in some senior experienced players, just as the Nix did. And they need the financial backing too. It's a big enough City, it could be done if egos and politics were put aside. 

I wish them well, I hope that they do come into existence. Would be great at both clubs, add a few more bums on seats and some real rivalry.

Would be interesting to what "original" name that they would give the club. Auckland Albion? Auckland Argyle? Auckland Hearts? Auckland Rovers? Just a few ideas. Good discussion thread.

Personally I would be against British Monikers although I would find Auckland "City" simple and resonant, if it was allowed depending on how the current Auckland City club is or is not involved.
 
Adapting Maori names can be a bit tacky but here are some ideas:

The Auckland Hapū
The Auckland Iwi
The Auckland Patu
The Auckland Taiaha
The Auckland Pouwhenua

Or as they succeed "The Kings" your could go for "The Auckland Rangatira".

Or more generally:

The Auckland Pirates
The Auckland Half-hearted
The Auckland Only
The Auckland Invincible
The Auckland Invisible
The Auckland Not listening to ya's
The Auckland Thunder
The Auckland Volcanoes

More as they come to hand.

But remember, this is an Australian League, they might not be so receptive. That the Tuatara got their name in is a miracle by the norm.

We've had the Kingz & the Knights, We could try for the Bishops, Rooks, Pawns or Queens too ;)

The Auckland Volcanoes might not be their name but it would make for a great marketing nick name, like Yellow Fever is for us. They could really capitalise on Volcano. Have Rangitoto as their emblem.

Playing on the international dateline theme:

The Auckland Dawn
The Auckland Future

Miscellaneous:

The Auckland Orcs
The Auckland Tide
The Auckland Shadbolts
The Auckland Shortlands
The Auckland Och eye the noo's.

Auckland City Warriors - if playing at the same stadium and if they form some kind of commercial alignment which is possible.

MetalLegNZ

Auckland City Warriors - if playing at the same stadium and if they form some kind of commercial alignment which is possible.

Auckland FC Warriors. 

You don't want to have Auckland City anywhere in the naming, at risk of alienating some Auckland football folk who detest ACFC. An all inclusive neutral fresh setup, bringing the whole football community onboard. The owner of Auckland United for example has far deeper pockets than anyone at ACFC.

coochiee

MetalLegNZ

Auckland City Warriors - if playing at the same stadium and if they form some kind of commercial alignment which is possible.

Auckland FC Warriors. 

You don't want to have Auckland City anywhere in the naming, at risk of alienating some Auckland football folk who detest ACFC. An all inclusive neutral fresh setup, bringing the whole football community onboard. The owner of Auckland United for example has far deeper pockets than anyone at ACFC.

I think you meant board member or if you meant owner, then in terms of the academy private business side.  

chopah

coochiee

MetalLegNZ

Auckland City Warriors - if playing at the same stadium and if they form some kind of commercial alignment which is possible.

Auckland FC Warriors. 

You don't want to have Auckland City anywhere in the naming, at risk of alienating some Auckland football folk who detest ACFC. An all inclusive neutral fresh setup, bringing the whole football community onboard. The owner of Auckland United for example has far deeper pockets than anyone at ACFC.

I think you meant board member or if you meant owner, then in terms of the academy private business side.  

Right you are Chopah. But in my view any Auckland ALM team needs to be completely separate from any NRFL club be that ACFC, Auckland United or whoever. The ALM entity will need every local dollar & football supporter it can get.

Pragnell & Townsend have already talked about the whole local football community needing to buy in. As per comments on the latest YF pod, the approx $25M entry fee - that can probably be negotiated by the APL - reduced, made as a payment plan, or whatever. 

But running the club year to year, the APL will not be interested in propping up those expenses at all. The ownership group will have to prove they can do that from Day 1, without any APL cash (apart from the share of TV rights money each ALM club gets now already)

Does anyone else find names for teams in the American style a bit cringe inducing? I'm all for a good nickname but personally I don't feel it should be the official name.

A bad example, the Wellington Phoenix. Now I love the Nix with all my heart but you can't really say the name oozes cool. Most non fans associate our mascot with a chicken (not helped by a certain awful dance that was performed for far too long).

They should keep it simple and don't try to modernized too much.

LG

But remember, this is an Australian League, they might not be so receptive. That the Tuatara got their name in is a miracle by the norm.

We've had the Kingz & the Knights, We could try for the Bishops, Rooks, Pawns or Queens too ;)

The Auckland Volcanoes might not be their name but it would make for a great marketing nick name, like Yellow Fever is for us. They could really capitalise on Volcano. Have Rangitoto as their emblem.

Danny Townsend said it was the "Australasian League" not "Australian League".

Why would they care if the name relates to NZ more? The Phoenix have Te Reo on their crest.

Monto

Does anyone else find names for teams in the American style a bit cringe inducing? I'm all for a good nickname but personally I don't feel it should be the official name.

A bad example, the Wellington Phoenix. Now I love the Nix with all my heart but you can't really say the name oozes cool. Most non fans associate our mascot with a chicken (not helped by a certain awful dance that was performed for far too long).

They should keep it simple and don't try to modernized too much.

Yeah it’s a complete load of wank.

I will never forget the story of how Neil Finn, on an early Split Enz tour to North America, referred in a radio interview to something as "a load of wank", and his hosts had never heard that word.

FINN: "Well... I don't know whether you can put this on the radio, but that word refers to a naughty thing that little boys aren't supposed to do in the bathroom."
HOSTS: "You mean sh*t in the washbasin?"

Sorry. As you were.

Anyway, I think the Auckland team should be called the Rangers - good football pedigree name and vaguely related to LotR.

Ryan

LG

But remember, this is an Australian League, they might not be so receptive. That the Tuatara got their name in is a miracle by the norm.

We've had the Kingz & the Knights, We could try for the Bishops, Rooks, Pawns or Queens too ;)

The Auckland Volcanoes might not be their name but it would make for a great marketing nick name, like Yellow Fever is for us. They could really capitalise on Volcano. Have Rangitoto as their emblem.

Danny Townsend said it was the "Australasian League" not "Australian League".

Why would they care if the name relates to NZ more? The Phoenix have Te Reo on their crest.

Yeah all the APL will care about is the team is successful, and survives financially. If a Maori team moniker helps they will be all for it.

Personally I like the Auckland Tuatara name for the baseball team. But can't think of anything similar for a football club. 

Wellington could easily be Wellington Taniwha.  Wellington creation mythology involves two Taniwha fighting in the harbor.

Ryan

Wellington could easily be Wellington Taniwha.  Wellington creation mythology involves two Taniwha fighting in the harbor.

I thought it involved two Scotsman fighting in Petone?

Wellington Phoenix is a great name. 

It’s got the not too serious kiwi thing of acknowledging the faceplants that came before in a light hearted way. It talks about fire and rising from the ashes, against the odds. It fits well with the city colours. It’s a bit ancient, epic and not too culturally specific. 

It also is a unifying name. It doesn’t place any lines in the sand, but allows Maori identity in the badge, design and club ethos or kaupapa, but doesn’t exclude people who struggle to identify themselves with Maori closely. 

The Auckland name is important. And it’s important it not be something too imposed by foreign investors and Danny Townsend. 

The idea of partnering with the Warriors is intriguing. The Auckland Warriors FC. Auckland Warriors United.

Tbh the Blues and the dice or dominoes or whatever the cricket one is feels a bit forced and without meaning. 

There’s lots of local features a name could play up. Or the story of football returning. It sounds like Mt Smart is the preferred location. 

Tamaki not part of the name? 

Wellington is a smaller target to hit with a name. Auckland is a bit broad, vague and really needs something to anchor it around…

Ted Striker

LG

I thought more and more about this. Doloras has made some very valid statements in her last few posts.

It doesn't matter what sport or lifestyle, there has always been a rivalry between the main centres of NZ. Auckland V Wellington is but one.  I think it is good and adds a bit of bite to the occasion. The good thing here in NZ though, is that what we might see on the field and hear sung in the stands, NZ people don't go down the hooligan road as such. 

I'm all for an Auckland team being given the chance again. I would like to think the petty politics between clubs might be put to rest ,with a new Franchise being able to grab all the good bits from the various clubs in Auckland, to establish a solid base on which to create and good team and club ethos. 

I would be disappointed if the Nix continued to take "home" games up there though. And if they want to go on a tiki tour around the country, I would hope an Auckland side would do the same. Perhaps even Auckland fans might understand then, why we are not all in favour of that happening.

I do see an opportunity to see a further pathway for young New Zealand players to get into the professional environment. This can only be good for the game here. Also it could assist in the development of any Australian players seeking the same. Of course they will have to bring in some senior experienced players, just as the Nix did. And they need the financial backing too. It's a big enough City, it could be done if egos and politics were put aside. 

I wish them well, I hope that they do come into existence. Would be great at both clubs, add a few more bums on seats and some real rivalry.

Would be interesting to what "original" name that they would give the club. Auckland Albion? Auckland Argyle? Auckland Hearts? Auckland Rovers? Just a few ideas. Good discussion thread.

Personally I would be against British Monikers although I would find Auckland "City" simple and resonant, if it was allowed depending on how the current Auckland City club is or is not involved.
 
Adapting Maori names can be a bit tacky but here are some ideas:

The Auckland Hapū
The Auckland Iwi
The Auckland Patu
The Auckland Taiaha
The Auckland Pouwhenua

Or as they succeed "The Kings" your could go for "The Auckland Rangatira".

Or more generally:

The Auckland Pirates
The Auckland Half-hearted
The Auckland Only
The Auckland Invincible
The Auckland Invisible
The Auckland Not listening to ya's
The Auckland Thunder
The Auckland Volcanoes

More as they come to hand.

Kings>> Knights >>>Serfs surely??

Auckland Expanse
Auckland Moneybags 
Auckland Goldmine
Auckland Disappointment

The Blue colour is an issue in the league. How about hoops like an 80s rugby team? 

Auckland Marines
With the bonus of the ‘R’ derby also baked in. 

FC Auckland in horizontal blue and white stripes? With a nickname? The A league doesn’t have a lot of US style names. 

Surely the Warriors have training facilities and deals with flights, but conversely have never won anything significant, right? 

Or worse imagine if they came in and won something before the Nix. That would be the worst. No pressure Uffie lad, but this year would be a great time to strike! We’re a little under the radar too. 

The Auckland Orcas
The Auckland Katipos
The Auckland Bros
The Auckland Yeah, No's

martinb

Auckland Expanse
Auckland Moneybags 
Auckland Goldmine
Auckland Disappointment

The Blue colour is an issue in the league. How about hoops like an 80s rugby team? 

Auckland Marines
With the bonus of the ‘R’ derby also baked in. 

FC Auckland in horizontal blue and white stripes? With a nickname? The A league doesn’t have a lot of US style names. 

Surely the Warriors have training facilities and deals with flights, but conversely have never won anything significant, right? 

Or worse imagine if they came in and won something before the Nix. That would be the worst. No pressure Uffie lad, but this year would be a great time to strike! We’re a little under the radar too. 

"Auckland Marines, With the bonus of the ‘R’ derby also baked in."- I am not sure I get this one, you mean vs the Mariners? It's clever but outside the linguistic community I am not sure how many passionate people will come through the turnstiles over the letter "R".

Auckland Balkans

Feverish

Auckland Balkans

Great, they can have a friendship/rivalry with Sydney Ustaše 58

I love the "Auckland Queens" name. Goes so well with the Kingz!

Ted Striker

martinb

Auckland Expanse
Auckland Moneybags 
Auckland Goldmine
Auckland Disappointment

The Blue colour is an issue in the league. How about hoops like an 80s rugby team? 

Auckland Marines
With the bonus of the ‘R’ derby also baked in. 

FC Auckland in horizontal blue and white stripes? With a nickname? The A league doesn’t have a lot of US style names. 

Surely the Warriors have training facilities and deals with flights, but conversely have never won anything significant, right? 

Or worse imagine if they came in and won something before the Nix. That would be the worst. No pressure Uffie lad, but this year would be a great time to strike! We’re a little under the radar too. 

"Auckland Marines, With the bonus of the ‘R’ derby also baked in."- I am not sure I get this one, you mean vs the Mariners? It's clever but outside the linguistic community I am not sure how many passionate people will come through the turnstiles over the letter "R".

I was thinking of the Waitemata and a name for that- forgot that we already had the Mariners…but coals to Newcastle etc