At one point last season, wasn't there a chance the Nix wouldn't be able to host the GF at the ROF? That's if the Nix won their semi, but the Mariners lost theirs. A Garden Show already booked at the ROF.
So the APL saying the Nix would have to take the GF to Eden Park, if that scenario unfolded.
Was never going to Eden Park not sure where you got that from. Phoenix said no way would they take it there. The Garden Show was booked but was moved to later in the year just in case.
With a big passionate crowd a football game at EP can have as good or better atmosphere than smaller Mt Smart. Just ask the crowd who were at the Ferns verus Norway WWC opener in 2023.
Having said that I see Auckland taking a safety first approach and asking APL to schedule any home GF in Penrose.
The AWs game in 10 days should hopefully draw 25K+, but will have none of the tension and buildup of a first ever ALM GF in NZ. There will likely be as many Black Knights shirts at the OFC WC qualifying final as AWs tops.
I reckon in the next few years at some stage Foley will bring Hibs and/or Bournemouth out to NZ for some games. At that point Auckland could look to play at Eden Park and see how that goes.
about 1 year ago· edited about 1 year ago· History
ballane
coochiee
At one point last season, wasn't there a chance the Nix wouldn't be able to host the GF at the ROF? That's if the Nix won their semi, but the Mariners lost theirs. A Garden Show already booked at the ROF.
So the APL saying the Nix would have to take the GF to Eden Park, if that scenario unfolded.
Was never going to Eden Park not sure where you got that from. Phoenix said no way would they take it there. The Garden Show was booked but was moved to later in the year just in case.
Your memory is poor. 100% the possibility last season's GF going to Eden Park was on the cards, if only briefly. Until the Garden Show dates were moved, Sky Stadium stood to be unavailable. How serious that threat really was you'd have to ask the gardeners and Shane Harmon (still ROF boss at the time).
Was no way the APL could push back the GF by a week, with broadcasting contracts locked in, Australian national teams going immediately into tournaments/games post the GF, and State of Origin week (so hogging all the sports media spotlight) immediately after the GF. It was a potential problem for the Nix (not the APL) to sort out, so hence Dome's veiled comments about any home GF not being in Welly.
All ended up moot as the Garden Show dates were changed, and the Nix lost their semi anyway.
He was asked about general manager David Dome hinting at the possibility of not hosting the A-League men's grand final in the capital, should the side finish top of the ladder and win through to the decider, before leaving for Australia today.
Memory not poor was pure speculation from some. No way was that game had it needed to go ahead going to Auckland. Their was a determination that it was not going to be taken to Auckland despite the claims of some. Didnt happen so no point carrying on
about 1 year ago· edited about 1 year ago· History
Auckland FC looked tired and bored tonight. I didn't think it was a good omen when they were pretty much playing "keep-away" with the Salty defenders in the middle of the first half, and it sums everything up that the 2 CCM goals were from defensive blunders from such usually solid players as deVries and Sakai. Perhaps they're just preserving energy for the finals.
Still, Dan Hall had an excellent shift coming back from injury, I really like the look of Marlee François who deserved a goal, and Callan Elliot's strike shut up my T-AFC mate who was complaining that he was a defensive substitution lol.
The most distressing thing is that the stadium have got a mike in the Port and from time to time "boost" their chants through speakers in the West stand. I don't like it. It sounds somewhat plastic; The Port are a real grassroots movement, but they have a cosy relationship with the club, TOO cosy, and stuff like this may backfire later.
Ramming liberal dribble down your throat since 2009 This forum needs less angst and more Kate Bush threads
The snakes getting better every week, just a 4 point gap now. AFC throw a couple more games and suddenly that first season silverware evaporates into mist 🤙
Auckland FC looked tired and bored tonight. I didn't think it was a good omen when they were pretty much playing "keep-away" with the Salty defenders in the middle of the first half, and it sums everything up that the 2 CCM goals were from defensive blunders from such usually solid players as deVries and Sakai. Perhaps they're just preserving energy for the finals.
Still, Dan Hall had an excellent shift coming back from injury, I really like the look of Marlee François who deserved a goal, and Callan Elliot's strike shut up my T-AFC mate who was complaining that he was a defensive substitution lol.
The most distressing thing is that the stadium have got a mike in the Port and from time to time "boost" their chants through speakers in the West stand. I don't like it. It sounds somewhat plastic; The Port are a real grassroots movement, but they have a cosy relationship with the club, TOO cosy, and stuff like this may backfire later.
Re: Boosting the chants. Some years back, they tried that at Sky. Proved very unpopular then too
Proud to have attended the first 175 Consecutive "Home" Wellington Phoenix "A League" Games !!
AFC have now dropped 6 points in their last three matches. Two of those games against teams 9, 10 on table. Also two home games. Are they going to choke? They have a few tough games to come. Its all mental from now on. For a new club the pressure is mounting and they are showing signs of cracking
AFC have now dropped 6 points in their last three matches. Two of those games against teams 9, 10 on table. Also two home games. Are they going to choke? They have a few tough games to come. Its all mental from now on. For a new club the pressure is mounting and they are showing signs of cracking
This is about the season where CCM closed the gap on us last year wasn't it?
AFC have now dropped 6 points in their last three matches. Two of those games against teams 9, 10 on table. Also two home games. Are they going to choke? They have a few tough games to come. Its all mental from now on. For a new club the pressure is mounting and they are showing signs of cracking
This is about the season where CCM closed the gap on us last year wasn't it?
I think injuries are playing a part as well - just like they have really hurt the Nix's season, missing Mata who has been key on attack to unlock May and then not having Nando or Verstraete either due to suspension hasn't helped. thought Moreno was pretty invisible yesterday and yeah Sakai and De Vries looked a bit tired - good time for the break for some of the players.
Yeah forgot about the APL taking all the finals cash. But by being at Eden Park you also give fans from the wider upper North a real chance to get to the Grand Final.
If you live in Ellerslie you probably get to Penrose for most games. Likely have a season ticket, so priority tickets for the GF.
But if you are an Auckland FC fan in Kerkeri, the Tron, Tauranga, Taupo or Edgecimbe you may go to 1-2 games a season. You will need some luck to get a ticket for a GF at 30K Mt Smart. It will sell out maybe in the first day of open ticket sales. Even if they add some temp seating.
Basically there will be some very disappointed proper football fans (esp outside of Auckland), including lots of kids. That would be a shame. A chockful Eden Park would really highlight the potential of the sport in NZ.
Realise this is all cart before the horse. Auckland maybe knocked in their 2 legged semi, or not finish top of the log.
I get all that - but honestly eden park just doesn't have the atmosphere for me - Mt Smart is perfect and has shown it pumps for a big game. the worst scenario is you take the game to Eden Park and it doesn't sell out, Mt Smart definitely will.
Agreed Chopah. Eden Park is a terrible ground to watch football. 30k at Mt Smart would be ideal.
about 1 year ago· edited about 1 year ago· History
Yipe looking online seems is a number of AFC fans that don't like Eden Park at all. But folks on Facebook don't always represent the majority of any grouping, and there won't be many casuals wasting their time thumping a keyboard on FB.
Personally I like EP, went to one Nix game there and thought the atmosphere was good. A lot of that yes, due to Yellow Fever. And again the 50,000 who filled the ground for the Ferns verus Norway game had a great ole night. But then yes if your sole football game at the ground was the dire half full AWs v Socceroos game in 2022, you would say it had a very shark ambience.
Plus it now seems Mt Smart ain't such a fortress after all. Do the Black Knights now have a better away, than home record?
But never fear, I doubt AFC will take any GF to Mt Eden. They seem to communicate alot with The Port, and that fan group for sure want a GF in Penrose.
Auckland FC looked tired and bored tonight. I didn't think it was a good omen when they were pretty much playing "keep-away" with the Salty defenders in the middle of the first half, and it sums everything up that the 2 CCM goals were from defensive blunders from such usually solid players as deVries and Sakai. Perhaps they're just preserving energy for the finals.
Still, Dan Hall had an excellent shift coming back from injury, I really like the look of Marlee François who deserved a goal, and Callan Elliot's strike shut up my T-AFC mate who was complaining that he was a defensive substitution lol.
The most distressing thing is that the stadium have got a mike in the Port and from time to time "boost" their chants through speakers in the West stand. I don't like it. It sounds somewhat plastic; The Port are a real grassroots movement, but they have a cosy relationship with the club, TOO cosy, and stuff like this may backfire later.
My fudgeing lord it was horrific. Not only was it out of time, they weren't mic'd correctly so instead of a "broad crowd noise" you got "Dave standing nearest the mic trying to sing".
I reckon fans have told the club and/or the stadium not to blare music constantly and instead to let the fans naturally build atmosphere. Then someone can't help themselves and needs to justify their job so they've tried mic'ing the port.
Auckland FC looked tired and bored tonight. I didn't think it was a good omen when they were pretty much playing "keep-away" with the Salty defenders in the middle of the first half, and it sums everything up that the 2 CCM goals were from defensive blunders from such usually solid players as deVries and Sakai. Perhaps they're just preserving energy for the finals.
Still, Dan Hall had an excellent shift coming back from injury, I really like the look of Marlee François who deserved a goal, and Callan Elliot's strike shut up my T-AFC mate who was complaining that he was a defensive substitution lol.
The most distressing thing is that the stadium have got a mike in the Port and from time to time "boost" their chants through speakers in the West stand. I don't like it. It sounds somewhat plastic; The Port are a real grassroots movement, but they have a cosy relationship with the club, TOO cosy, and stuff like this may backfire later.
My fudgeing lord it was horrific. Not only was it out of time, they weren't mic'd correctly so instead of a "broad crowd noise" you got "Dave standing nearest the mic trying to sing".
I reckon fans have told the club and/or the stadium not to blare music constantly and instead to let the fans naturally build atmosphere. Then someone can't help themselves and needs to justify their job so they've tried mic'ing the port.
Yipe looking online seems is a number of AFC fans that don't like Eden Park at all. But folks on Facebook don't always represent the majority of any grouping, and there won't be many casuals wasting their time thumping a keyboard on FB.
Personally I like EP, went to one Nix game there and thought the atmosphere was good. A lot of that yes, due to Yellow Fever. And again the 50,000 who filled the ground for the Ferns verus Norway game had a great ole night. But then yes if your sole football game at the ground was the dire half full AWs v Socceroos game in 2022, you would say it had a very shark ambience.
Plus it now seems Mt Smart ain't such a fortress after all. Do the Black Knights now have a better away, than home record?
But never fear, I doubt AFC will take any GF to Mt Eden. They seem to communicate alot with The Port, and that fan group for sure want a GF in Penrose.
Yes , I can't see the AFC going somewhere where they'd make a few hundred thousand more ...
The final last year would have been at Sky Stadium. I understand that anchors tenants such as us, lions and hurricanes have contacts that allow finals games to trump other events. Usually that's not a problem because most other events are single day ones so they can be worked around, but the home/garden show was required to postpone due to the prospect of the Nix making the final.
It's APL decision on where to host and they take the money from those games.
I understand CCM lobbied hard to keep last years final at Gosford rather than move it to Sydney. Not sure if Auckland would be as successful given Eden Park and Mt Smart are in the same city.
No-one has pointed out that Eden Park is booked on Saturday May 31 (for a Blues match). Not an insurmountable obstacle, but a major one (the preference will be for a Saturday final).
Yipe looking online seems is a number of AFC fans that don't like Eden Park at all. But folks on Facebook don't always represent the majority of any grouping, and there won't be many casuals wasting their time thumping a keyboard on FB.
Personally I like EP, went to one Nix game there and thought the atmosphere was good. A lot of that yes, due to Yellow Fever. And again the 50,000 who filled the ground for the Ferns verus Norway game had a great ole night. But then yes if your sole football game at the ground was the dire half full AWs v Socceroos game in 2022, you would say it had a very shark ambience.
Plus it now seems Mt Smart ain't such a fortress after all. Do the Black Knights now have a better away, than home record?
But never fear, I doubt AFC will take any GF to Mt Eden. They seem to communicate alot with The Port, and that fan group for sure want a GF in Penrose.
Yes , I can't see the AFC going somewhere where they'd make a few hundred thousand more ...
A-League take the gate so no benefit for them really
No-one has pointed out that Eden Park is booked on Saturday May 31 (for a Blues match). Not an insurmountable obstacle, but a major one (the preference will be for a Saturday final).
about 1 year ago· edited about 1 year ago· History
Auckland FC reserves just kicked off against a very-good-on-paper Fencibles side. Fencies 1-0 up; insane ball by Adam Paulsen (yes, brother of) to unlock the defence.
Lineup looks like:
Jones Ranui, Mackay, Coulibaly, Phoenix Middleton, McKenlay, Mitchell, Naidoo Bidois, Taylor
Fencies look an absolute handful. I had them as a top 4 dark horse at the start of the season after seeing some of their signings and they’re living up to it right now. 16 y/o Nathan Martin (U17 international) starring for Fencies
Auckland FC reserves just kicked off against a very-good-on-paper Fencibles side. Fencies 1-0 up; insane ball by Adam Paulsen (yes, brother of) to unlock the defence.
Lineup looks like:
Jones Ranui, Mackay, Coulibaly, Phoenix Middleton, McKenlay, Mitchell, Naidoo Bidois, Taylor
Fencies look an absolute handful. I had them as a top 4 dark horse at the start of the season after seeing some of their signings and they’re living up to it right now. 16 y/o Nathan Martin (U17 international) starring for Fencies
Any reason why Jones and not Woud in goal?
Supporter of the world's best football teams: Waikato..., Kingz FC, NZ Knights, The Nix, The Argyle & of course the All Whites
May be wrong but in the proper competition it is my understanding that only under 21s can play.
The game the other day with Nando and Louis was just a warm up - not official so they could do what they want
I think they can play pro's down - David Ball played some games in NL end of last season for the Nix - It would be good to see these participation agreements so everyone is not guessing - at least they should be supplied to the other teams in the competition.
about 1 year ago· edited about 1 year ago· History
chopah
AucklandPhoenix
May be wrong but in the proper competition it is my understanding that only under 21s can play.
The game the other day with Nando and Louis was just a warm up - not official so they could do what they want
I think they can play pro's down - David Ball played some games in NL end of last season for the Nix - It would be good to see these participation agreements so everyone is not guessing - at least they should be supplied to the other teams in the competition.
My understanding was they are allowed a max of 4 from the top squad. But I have not seen the regs.
about 1 year ago· edited about 1 year ago· History
van Alberto
chopah
AucklandPhoenix
May be wrong but in the proper competition it is my understanding that only under 21s can play.
The game the other day with Nando and Louis was just a warm up - not official so they could do what they want
I think they can play pro's down - David Ball played some games in NL end of last season for the Nix - It would be good to see these participation agreements so everyone is not guessing - at least they should be supplied to the other teams in the competition.
My understanding was they are allowed a max of 4 from the top squad. But I have not seen the regs.
Edit: Have deleted as have posted proper information below
about 1 year ago· edited about 1 year ago· History
Shouldn't post before having coffee, as upon checking my emails I was slightly wrong above (and have now deleted)
The A-League Men reserves teams are allowed
In Northern League/Central League...
– Some number (possibly any number) of scholarship players, though I'm not clear if that includes over-21 scholarship playsers (Gillion, Piper, Toomey – can't recall off top of my head if there are any others). I had gone back to NZF seeking clarity on this without receiving a reply as yet. Obviously they have been busy in recent weeks.
– Up to three full professionals, provided they are New Zealanders aged under-21 (Hughes, the Kelly-Healds, Sheridan – not that I'd expect to see any of them playing Central League this year)
In the National League Championship, they are also allowed...
– Up to two full professionals, with no nationality/age restrictions
Below is verbatim what NZ Football sent me
Up to three (3) players with professional status (but not including scholarship players) who hold New Zealand citizenship and are under the age of 21 on or after 1 January immediately prior to the relevant National League season at all stages of the competition AND up to an additional two (2) players with professional status (but not including scholarship players) during the Championship Phase of the Competition only. For the avoidance of doubt these players are from the Licensee’s A-League roster and may change from time to time, provided the maximum numbers of these players at all times stay as described in this clause.
Shouldn't post before having coffee, as upon checking my emails I was slightly wrong above (and have now deleted)
The A-League Men reserves teams are allowed
In Northern League/Central League...
– Some number (possibly any number) of scholarship players, though I'm not clear if that includes over-21 scholarship playsers (Gillion, Piper, Toomey – can't recall off top of my head if there are any others). I had gone back to NZF seeking clarity on this without receiving a reply as yet. Obviously they have been busy in recent weeks.
– Up to three full professionals, provided they are New Zealanders aged under-21 (Hughes, the Kelly-Healds, Sheridan – not that I'd expect to see any of them playing Central League this year)
In the National League Championship, they are also allowed...
– Up to two full professionals, with no nationality/age restrictions
Below is verbatim what NZ Football sent me
Up to three (3) players with professional status (but not including scholarship players) who hold New Zealand citizenship and are under the age of 21 on or after 1 January immediately prior to the relevant National League season at all stages of the competition AND up to an additional two (2) players with professional status (but not including scholarship players) during the Championship Phase of the Competition only. For the avoidance of doubt these players are from the Licensee’s A-League roster and may change from time to time, provided the maximum numbers of these players at all times stay as described in this clause.
Good to have that cleared up - I do think NZF should be providing this to the other NL clubs - I spoke to one Chair at the last Auckland home game and he had no idea who they could play.
about 1 year ago· edited about 1 year ago· History
I received this info in one of the NL circulars NZF send out to the clubs prior to the season - maybe the Chair missed it?
Unless NZF agrees otherwise, the Licensee’s National League Start List shall comprise of a maximum of 16 players made up as follows;
a)An unlimited number of amateur players registered to the Licensee in the NZF National Registration System, who are registered to the Licensee as at 30-June of the respective National League season.
b)Players who can be contracted as ‘scholarship’ players (in accordance with the FFA Professional Contract Regulations).
c)Up to three (3) amateur players that were registered to another Participant that does not qualify for the Championship Phase who may register to the Licensee following the conclusion of the Regional Phase, and prior to the Championship Phase, of the Competition. For the avoidance of doubt no named player who is registered to another Participant who qualifies for the Championship Phase may be registered to the Licensee following the conclusion of the Regional Phase (unless on a scholarship or professional contract).
d)All players noted in 9a-9c above must be under the age of 21 on or after the 1 January immediately prior to the relevant National League season, by way of example: players must be born on or after 1 January 2001 for the 2022 season, and on or after 1 January 2002 for the 2023 season and so on.
e)Up to three (3) players with professional status (but not including scholarship players) who hold New Zealand citizenship and are under the age of 21 on or after 1 January immediately prior to the relevant National League season at all stages of the competition AND up to an additional two (2) players with professional status (but not including scholarship players) during the Championship Phase of the Competition only. For the avoidance of doubt these players are from the Licensee’s A-League roster and may change from time to time, provided the maximum numbers of these players at all times stay as described in this clause.
f)Subject at all times to the above clauses “9b”,”9d” and “9e”, the Licensee’s Start List at all times may never contain more than eight (8) non-amateur players (players who hold professional status, including scholarship players).
chopah
andrewvoerman
Shouldn't post before having coffee, as upon checking my emails I was slightly wrong above (and have now deleted)
The A-League Men reserves teams are allowed
In Northern League/Central League...
– Some number (possibly any number) of scholarship players, though I'm not clear if that includes over-21 scholarship playsers (Gillion, Piper, Toomey – can't recall off top of my head if there are any others). I had gone back to NZF seeking clarity on this without receiving a reply as yet. Obviously they have been busy in recent weeks.
– Up to three full professionals, provided they are New Zealanders aged under-21 (Hughes, the Kelly-Healds, Sheridan – not that I'd expect to see any of them playing Central League this year)
In the National League Championship, they are also allowed...
– Up to two full professionals, with no nationality/age restrictions
Below is verbatim what NZ Football sent me
Up to three (3) players with professional status (but not including scholarship players) who hold New Zealand citizenship and are under the age of 21 on or after 1 January immediately prior to the relevant National League season at all stages of the competition AND up to an additional two (2) players with professional status (but not including scholarship players) during the Championship Phase of the Competition only. For the avoidance of doubt these players are from the Licensee’s A-League roster and may change from time to time, provided the maximum numbers of these players at all times stay as described in this clause.
Good to have that cleared up - I do think NZF should be providing this to the other NL clubs - I spoke to one Chair at the last Auckland home game and he had no idea who they could play.
I received this info in one of the NL circulars NZF send out to the clubs prior to the season - maybe the Chair missed it?
Unless NZF agrees otherwise, the Licensee’s National League Start List shall comprise of a maximum of 16 players made up as follows;
a)An unlimited number of amateur players registered to the Licensee in the NZF National Registration System, who are registered to the Licensee as at 30-June of the respective National League season.
b)Players who can be contracted as ‘scholarship’ players (in accordance with the FFA Professional Contract Regulations).
c)Up to three (3) amateur players that were registered to another Participant that does not qualify for the Championship Phase who may register to the Licensee following the conclusion of the Regional Phase, and prior to the Championship Phase, of the Competition. For the avoidance of doubt no named player who is registered to another Participant who qualifies for the Championship Phase may be registered to the Licensee following the conclusion of the Regional Phase (unless on a scholarship or professional contract).
d)All players noted in 9a-9c above must be under the age of 21 on or after the 1 January immediately prior to the relevant National League season, by way of example: players must be born on or after 1 January 2001 for the 2022 season, and on or after 1 January 2002 for the 2023 season and so on.
e)Up to three (3) players with professional status (but not including scholarship players) who hold New Zealand citizenship and are under the age of 21 on or after 1 January immediately prior to the relevant National League season at all stages of the competition AND up to an additional two (2) players with professional status (but not including scholarship players) during the Championship Phase of the Competition only. For the avoidance of doubt these players are from the Licensee’s A-League roster and may change from time to time, provided the maximum numbers of these players at all times stay as described in this clause.
f)Subject at all times to the above clauses “9b”,”9d” and “9e”, the Licensee’s Start List at all times may never contain more than eight (8) non-amateur players (players who hold professional status, including scholarship players).
chopah
andrewvoerman
Shouldn't post before having coffee, as upon checking my emails I was slightly wrong above (and have now deleted)
The A-League Men reserves teams are allowed
In Northern League/Central League...
– Some number (possibly any number) of scholarship players, though I'm not clear if that includes over-21 scholarship playsers (Gillion, Piper, Toomey – can't recall off top of my head if there are any others). I had gone back to NZF seeking clarity on this without receiving a reply as yet. Obviously they have been busy in recent weeks.
– Up to three full professionals, provided they are New Zealanders aged under-21 (Hughes, the Kelly-Healds, Sheridan – not that I'd expect to see any of them playing Central League this year)
In the National League Championship, they are also allowed...
– Up to two full professionals, with no nationality/age restrictions
Below is verbatim what NZ Football sent me
Up to three (3) players with professional status (but not including scholarship players) who hold New Zealand citizenship and are under the age of 21 on or after 1 January immediately prior to the relevant National League season at all stages of the competition AND up to an additional two (2) players with professional status (but not including scholarship players) during the Championship Phase of the Competition only. For the avoidance of doubt these players are from the Licensee’s A-League roster and may change from time to time, provided the maximum numbers of these players at all times stay as described in this clause.
Good to have that cleared up - I do think NZF should be providing this to the other NL clubs - I spoke to one Chair at the last Auckland home game and he had no idea who they could play.
Thanks - had to chuckle at the first line - unless NZF agrees otherwise.
I received this info in one of the NL circulars NZF send out to the clubs prior to the season - maybe the Chair missed it?
Unless NZF agrees otherwise, the Licensee’s National League Start List shall comprise of a maximum of 16 players made up as follows;
a)An unlimited number of amateur players registered to the Licensee in the NZF National Registration System, who are registered to the Licensee as at 30-June of the respective National League season.
b)Players who can be contracted as ‘scholarship’ players (in accordance with the FFA Professional Contract Regulations).
c)Up to three (3) amateur players that were registered to another Participant that does not qualify for the Championship Phase who may register to the Licensee following the conclusion of the Regional Phase, and prior to the Championship Phase, of the Competition. For the avoidance of doubt no named player who is registered to another Participant who qualifies for the Championship Phase may be registered to the Licensee following the conclusion of the Regional Phase (unless on a scholarship or professional contract).
d)All players noted in 9a-9c above must be under the age of 21 on or after the 1 January immediately prior to the relevant National League season, by way of example: players must be born on or after 1 January 2001 for the 2022 season, and on or after 1 January 2002 for the 2023 season and so on.
e)Up to three (3) players with professional status (but not including scholarship players) who hold New Zealand citizenship and are under the age of 21 on or after 1 January immediately prior to the relevant National League season at all stages of the competition AND up to an additional two (2) players with professional status (but not including scholarship players) during the Championship Phase of the Competition only. For the avoidance of doubt these players are from the Licensee’s A-League roster and may change from time to time, provided the maximum numbers of these players at all times stay as described in this clause.
f)Subject at all times to the above clauses “9b”,”9d” and “9e”, the Licensee’s Start List at all times may never contain more than eight (8) non-amateur players (players who hold professional status, including scholarship players).
chopah
andrewvoerman
Shouldn't post before having coffee, as upon checking my emails I was slightly wrong above (and have now deleted)
The A-League Men reserves teams are allowed
In Northern League/Central League...
– Some number (possibly any number) of scholarship players, though I'm not clear if that includes over-21 scholarship playsers (Gillion, Piper, Toomey – can't recall off top of my head if there are any others). I had gone back to NZF seeking clarity on this without receiving a reply as yet. Obviously they have been busy in recent weeks.
– Up to three full professionals, provided they are New Zealanders aged under-21 (Hughes, the Kelly-Healds, Sheridan – not that I'd expect to see any of them playing Central League this year)
In the National League Championship, they are also allowed...
– Up to two full professionals, with no nationality/age restrictions
Below is verbatim what NZ Football sent me
Up to three (3) players with professional status (but not including scholarship players) who hold New Zealand citizenship and are under the age of 21 on or after 1 January immediately prior to the relevant National League season at all stages of the competition AND up to an additional two (2) players with professional status (but not including scholarship players) during the Championship Phase of the Competition only. For the avoidance of doubt these players are from the Licensee’s A-League roster and may change from time to time, provided the maximum numbers of these players at all times stay as described in this clause.
Good to have that cleared up - I do think NZF should be providing this to the other NL clubs - I spoke to one Chair at the last Auckland home game and he had no idea who they could play.
Thanks - had to chuckle at the first line - unless NZF agrees otherwise.
Shouldn't be surprised to get better service on here than from NZF. Glad to confirm Liam Gillion and Luis Toomey can't play for the reserves in the Northern League.
