Auckland FC - Once the Knights, Always the Knights

AucklandPhoenix

Interested in his  reference to the North Island community.

Guess he’s leaving the south to the nix?

Battle lines drawn? They'd be wise to sew up that golden triangle between Auckland/Tauranga/Hamilton. Aside from that, there's not much else between that and Wellington to go after in my opinion.

Can't imagine they'd be so bold as to take a home game to Sky Stadium. 😆

Boca verus River Plate (Los Millonarios), and numerous other variations.

Buffon II

Doloras

He's not so popular in France

FC Lorient’s ultra group Merlus Ultras 1995 have published an open letter to their club president Loïc Féry, denouncing the minority ownership held by AFC Bournemouth owner Bill Foley.

 
The french will kick off over anything though. Look at how many protests and strikes they have per year.

Are... are you saying that's a bad thing!?!

Ryan

I hope Auckland develops their own traditions and don't just steal ours. 

Pot. Kettle. Black. #bloc5

zonknz

Buffon II

Doloras

He's not so popular in France

FC Lorient’s ultra group Merlus Ultras 1995 have published an open letter to their club president Loïc Féry, denouncing the minority ownership held by AFC Bournemouth owner Bill Foley.

 
The french will kick off over anything though. Look at how many protests and strikes they have per year.

Are... are you saying that's a bad thing!?!

Yup, lots of English-speaking people pride themselves that, unlike those unruly French, they do what they told and are grateful for what billionaires and the government give them, and will happily shun or neutralise any troublemakers.

Is starting to sound like Greenacre will be coach. Wonder if Danny Hay will be involved. DOF? Someone like Rob Shearman would be a good pick for that role.

Plans for the men’s team already appear to be well advanced. “We’ve already made a deal with a director of football operations,” Foley told Stuff. “He’s in a situation where he has to wait a few days before we can announce him.

“We’re interviewing coaches. We have one primary coach that we’re really interested in, but we’re vetting a number of other coaches, and I believe we’ll have a coach in place within two weeks.

“We have to get ready for the January window. We’re going to sign really good players. We’re not going to fool around. We’ll use all our visa players and we’ll sign marquee players. We’ll probably spend too much in the first two years.”

Asked about the director of football specifically, Foley said: “He has to leave the job he’s doing right now and give the proper notice and so on. We think we’ll be able to announce something within a week or so.

coochiee

Is starting to sound like Greenacre will be coach. Wonder if Danny Hay will be involved.

Plans for the men’s team already appear to be well advanced. “We’ve already made a deal with a director of football operations,” Foley told Stuff. “He’s in a situation where he has to wait a few days before we can announce him.

“We’re interviewing coaches. We have one primary coach that we’re really interested in, but we’re vetting a number of other coaches, and I believe we’ll have a coach in place within two weeks.

“We have to get ready for the January window. We’re going to sign really good players. We’re not going to fool around. We’ll use all our visa players and we’ll sign marquee players. We’ll probably spend too much in the first two years.”

I love this. A new NZ team coming in and winning the aleague with flashy players would bring a lot of media attention to football which would benefit the nix as well. 

Signing players in January implies off contract players European players doesn't it.

Balbi

Signing players in January implies off contract players European players doesn't it.

 I wonder if Singh would be released, he would be a fantastic local marquee signing and has fallen flat in Europe.

We’ll probably spend too much in the first two years

❤️ it

Balbi

Signing players in January implies off contract players European players doesn't it.

You can talk to any player who is in the last 6 month of their deal, which will start in January for most Euro & ALM players.

Wonder where they’ll play out of?
If North Harbour staduim they’ll might as well play on the moon, they’d get more fans 

zonknz

Buffon II

Doloras

He's not so popular in France

FC Lorient’s ultra group Merlus Ultras 1995 have published an open letter to their club president Loïc Féry, denouncing the minority ownership held by AFC Bournemouth owner Bill Foley.

 
The french will kick off over anything though. Look at how many protests and strikes they have per year.

Are... are you saying that's a bad thing!?!

No not at all. The French are a very passionate bunch. Just pointing out they love a good tear up against any form of leadership.

Hmm, will require OFC (Oceania Football Confederation) sign off.  How likely is that?

Mane_event_fever

Wonder where they’ll play out of?
If North Harbour staduim they’ll might as well play on the moon, they’d get more fans 

Pretty sure he said on tvone news that it'd be Mt Smart.

Oi Oi Edgecumbe

Mane_event_fever

Wonder where they’ll play out of?
If North Harbour staduim they’ll might as well play on the moon, they’d get more fans 

Pretty sure he said on tvone news that it'd be Mt Smart.

Not familiar with the ground is there the room to have two teams based there using the facilities. Wouldnt think the Warriors would be to keen on sharing their facilities.

extract

Hmm, will require OFC (Oceania Football Confederation) sign off.  How likely is that?

I guess if it means we keep a team out of this supposed 'OFC pro league' thats supposedly been bandied about previously (but has gone suspiciously quiet more recently) then I don't think they'd have any problem whatsoever.

There's obviously more to it than that, but I don't think that would be a stumbling block.

Does sound like they have their eyes on Greenie. How good is he as a coach? I still think he is too low profile. How would he go handling these high profile players they saw they will be buying.? A bit different to coaching kids at the academy

Rusty Dunks

Ryan

I hope Auckland develops their own traditions and don't just steal ours. 

Pot. Kettle. Black. #bloc5

As we established, doing something once doesn't make it a tradition. If that was the case then the YF have a tradition of doing conga lines.

AucklandPhoenix

We’ll probably spend too much in the first two years

❤️ it

I'd put money on us beating them, although having Greenacre in charge and starting to build the squad mid-season means they'll be pretty well prepared so they have a good chance at making an immediate splash.

While I think the best part about this whole announcement is the fact we'll get an Wellington/Auckland derby (which is brilliant) and that there will be more opportunities for New Zealand footballers to show their wares overall (also brilliant). The bit that takes the cake for mine is the absolute spoons over in Aussie who are losing their rag with the old 'NeW ZeALanD iSn'T iN AuSTrAliA - LoOk OuT fOr AuSsIe FooTbALl InTeReSt's FiRst!'  

They're the same crowd who are completely oblivious to the fact that there are two of their clubs up for sale that seemingly no-one wants to touch with a 10ft barge-pole.

Get it up ya ockers! ✌️

Also 
COYN!

You’d have to say that was a very solid launch. Not unrealistic in his goals but a desire to build a successful team straight from the off. By guaranteeing to use all visa and both marquee slots, this should automatically give them a good start. Exciting times for football in the 09!

I think once a club name gets confirmed, branding, shirts and the first player announcements start trickling from early next year (pre-contracts perhaps) then it will really start to build nicely. Hopefully a couple of ex-EPL players to target the casual football fans - although feels a year or two early for Wood. A genuine marquee would be great for hype if nothing else. An open chequebook may enable a pretty big name.

I’m thinking initial targets will include the likes of Sarpreet, Pjinaker, Howieson, Tuiloma/Boxall. All very realistic targets. 

Genuine question - assuming a big chequebook, what is the biggest level of player the club could attract. Auckland being a pretty attractive city with the harbour, etc. Would a Cavani, Aubameyang, level be way too high (just as old examples). Saudi makes it harder now financially. Maybe they’d be better off targeting a level below whose still hungry (Le Fondre, Keogh, etc).

YoungHeartHM

While I think the best part about this whole announcement is the fact we'll get an Wellington/Auckland derby (which is brilliant) and that there will be more opportunities for New Zealand footballers to show their wares overall (also brilliant). The bit that takes the cake for mine is the absolute spoons over in Aussie who are losing their rag with the old 'NeW ZeALanD iSn'T iN AuSTrAliA - LoOk OuT fOr AuSsIe FooTbALl InTeReSt's FiRst!'  

They're the same crowd who are completely oblivious to the fact that there are two of their clubs up for sale that seemingly no-one wants to touch with a 10ft barge-pole.

Get it up ya ockers! ✌️

Also 
COYN!

https://forum.insidesport.com.au/3090984/Auckland-to-enter-ALM-next-year-ALW-to-follow-in-2025-Comments

Exhibit A :)

Footy_Fella

YoungHeartHM

While I think the best part about this whole announcement is the fact we'll get an Wellington/Auckland derby (which is brilliant) and that there will be more opportunities for New Zealand footballers to show their wares overall (also brilliant). The bit that takes the cake for mine is the absolute spoons over in Aussie who are losing their rag with the old 'NeW ZeALanD iSn'T iN AuSTrAliA - LoOk OuT fOr AuSsIe FooTbALl InTeReSt's FiRst!'  

They're the same crowd who are completely oblivious to the fact that there are two of their clubs up for sale that seemingly no-one wants to touch with a 10ft barge-pole.

Get it up ya ockers! ✌️

Also 
COYN!

https://forum.insidesport.com.au/3090984/Auckland-to-enter-ALM-next-year-ALW-to-follow-in-2025-Comments

Exhibit A :)

Lulz. A 4 negative replies, a couple of positives and two on a completely pointless tangent about promotion and relegation. Not much of a sample size! 

People saying he's the second richest owner in the a league, after the city group.

Napier Phoenix

What has been the consensus? What can Auckland fans look forward to based on what the Bournemouth fans are saying?

mrsmiis

Asked around and Bournemouth fans seem to love him, for what it's worth. They were initially skeptical too

Here’s a few key points I’ve gathered:

- will readily back the manager with funds + freedom to spend

- very proactive in supporting the building of club infrastructure (training facilities, stadium improvements, etc.); Foley sees this as imperative

- Not afraid of making unorthodox/unpopular decisions in favour of the club (e.g., sacking Gary O’Neal to hire Andoni Iraola)

- Some rightful concerns regarding his priorities when considering his fondness of the multi-club model

TonyHibbert

You’d have to say that was a very solid launch. Not unrealistic in his goals but a desire to build a successful team straight from the off. By guaranteeing to use all visa and both marquee slots, this should automatically give them a good start. Exciting times for football in the 09!

I think once a club name gets confirmed, branding, shirts and the first player announcements start trickling from early next year (pre-contracts perhaps) then it will really start to build nicely. Hopefully a couple of ex-EPL players to target the casual football fans - although feels a year or two early for Wood. A genuine marquee would be great for hype if nothing else. An open chequebook may enable a pretty big name.

I’m thinking initial targets will include the likes of Sarpreet, Pjinaker, Howieson, Tuiloma/Boxall. All very realistic targets. 

Genuine question - assuming a big chequebook, what is the biggest level of player the club could attract. Auckland being a pretty attractive city with the harbour, etc. Would a Cavani, Aubameyang, level be way too high (just as old examples). Saudi makes it harder now financially. Maybe they’d be better off targeting a level below whose still hungry (Le Fondre, Keogh, etc).

2-3 ex EPL guys would be a smart play. One a striker. That will drag in many Brits & EPL snobs. Then a Sth/Central American to tap into a reasonably sizeable Latino popn now in Auckland. Maybe a known quantity from the MLS (plenty of Latinos there), with Foley being an American. 

Finally a big name player from Sth East Asia like WSW managed with Shinji Ono and Victory with Keisuke Honda.

Certainly get the feeling their visa guys are going to be a few levels above the current crop at the Nix. Still if Greenie is appointed as coach, a sign that Foley will also be pragmatic about what needs to be done to be successful. It's been mostly local coaches (Aussie or long time UK expats) with a good knowledge of the league, that have done best in the ALM. Bringing in a high profile foreign coach, I feel you risk making the club all about the glamour & bling, rather than bedding in long term locally.

Great news really. Long term the big winners will be the AWs and Football ferns, this adds to the already great work the Phoenix have done relative to the national teams.
2 teams to support each week in the A league. Love it
A quick word on the French kicking off at anything. They dont. However they dont sit by meekly and accept everything the way we do. Wish we were more French and less British in that respect

The expensive foreign marquee is a curious one. 

I think the biggest crowds in Auckland came from Roy. He captains Fiji, and was successful at both Auckland City and Waitakere before moving to the Nix and continuing to be a star. There’s no one remotely like that I’d say. 

I think I heard somewhere that the Del Piero move by Sydney had plenty of knockers in hindsight. And there’s few bigger names in the history of football. 

You look at what the Nix are trying to do with their imports in Kraev and Zawada. Some younger and potentially more mobile players who could give us some of their best. Broich potentially. And it seems like that’s similar to Bournemouth. They’ve bought in Tyler Adams, not Ashley Young. 

Not sure about the rest of Foley’s empire. But Stephen Taylor type celebrity signings, who are also decent players and team mates, are few and far between. Otherwise ex-PL probably either means profile or quality. To get both in the A league and get an ego under the cap to boot is a difficult task. 

We’ll see. It’s a bit frustrating to see Woodsy talking more about the new team than the one already there, but to be expected I guess. 

But there's a huge gap in this whole model.

Where's the active support?

If I remember right, YF was announced by a crew of hardy pioneers and maniacs literally the day after Terry got the license.

It doesn't seem like the 09 has an equivalent. All the money in the universe won't help if you're a plastic No Fans United.

martinb

Footy_Fella

YoungHeartHM

While I think the best part about this whole announcement is the fact we'll get an Wellington/Auckland derby (which is brilliant) and that there will be more opportunities for New Zealand footballers to show their wares overall (also brilliant). The bit that takes the cake for mine is the absolute spoons over in Aussie who are losing their rag with the old 'NeW ZeALanD iSn'T iN AuSTrAliA - LoOk OuT fOr AuSsIe FooTbALl InTeReSt's FiRst!'  

They're the same crowd who are completely oblivious to the fact that there are two of their clubs up for sale that seemingly no-one wants to touch with a 10ft barge-pole.

Get it up ya ockers! ✌️

Also 
COYN!

https://forum.insidesport.com.au/3090984/Auckland-to-enter-ALM-next-year-ALW-to-follow-in-2025-Comments

Exhibit A :)

Lulz. A 4 negative replies, a couple of positives and two on a completely pointless tangent about promotion and relegation. Not much of a sample size! 

Well, you can ignore Muz right away because he hates Kiwis and that's all there is to it. But the P&R thing has more substance to it, and a more sophisticated version of the argument is given by Nick Galatas, the chair of AAFC:

https://t.co/87ojPS4geL
The day after we announce expansion with clubs rooted in the community, we do the opposite. How will we connect our game if we perpetuate two paths? How does our governance model unite?
Language says it all. One can't "build roots". Things grow from them. pic.twitter.com/0YP97Q6m5X

— Nick Galatas (@NickGalatas) November 21, 2023

Galatas and the "NSL bitters" who populate the Inside Sport forums have a dream of a fully-connected pyramid of Australia football with P&R at all levels. They point out, correctly, that that can't happen with the A-League precisely because the huge licence fees mean that the Bill Foleys of the world are not going to risk their investments being relegated. Galatas is confused because the NSD is precisely what people like him have been fighting for for years, but expanding the A-League with new franchises (rather than promoting from top NSD teams) is absolutely the opposite. So he has a point that FA and APL are at cross purposes here.

You have to remember that some of these people are so extreme they actually dream of the A-League disappearing entirely and South Melbourne, Sydney Ustaše 58 etc. returning to their "rightful place" as the top level of Oz football. You can't say to them "but the Glory/Jets are broke" because they'll just say "good, let them die, let all the franchises die". (Although of course Glory and Jets were NSL clubs rather than franchises invented for the A-League, which ruins the argument.)

yeah some of these aussie die hards have ahted the a-league from the very outset. they've always wanted the marconi's or whatever syndey team they follow to be the top team in the country. they conviently forget how many aussie footballers the nix have reintorduced to aussie football over the years, how many aussie coaches coached us first and then went on to be stalwarts in the league.
anyway, no need to listen to the chumps, the team is in auckland we have an genuine derby now and we get to watch how foley, a self-professed expert, does it.

especially on insidesport, a few vocal extremists on that forum have made most moderate people leave to Facebook or Reddit. The place is mostly dead now and when it has activity it's just an echo chamber for nutters

Ahem... fudge Auckland, we'll smash the pricks. That's all.

Ryan

especially on insidesport, a few vocal extremists on that forum have made most moderate people to Facebook or Reddit. The place is mostly dead now and when it has activity it's just an echo chamber for nutters

I must say I kind of like that Monoethnic Social Club guy, although he's a South Melbourne diehard and quite conservative, he's friendly and has a sense of humour

But you're right that the quality of conversation on r/a-leagues is higher

We also need to hear whether Bill Foley's Black Knights will have a reserve team in the National League or what

Doloras

We also need to hear whether Bill Foley's Black Knights will have a reserve team in the National League or what

well theres a requirement from the A-League for them to have a reserve team
as NZF give the Nix a spot, they can't really turn around and say no to this new Auckland team

question is probably more about what happens at the Northern League level - do they do the same as Central league and then age group teams in Cap Prem and Cap 1 or do they team up with a club like the Nix did......... 

All this chat of high-profile marquee players to build the fan base, but how many people actually fit that bill? Wood is still too good to play at this level, how many other New Zealanders would be well known enough to bring in casual fans? There's a very narrow window where NZers are good enough to be well known, but no so good that they don't still want to be playing in Europe. Rojas maybe, but other All Whites wouldn't do it I don't think (Tuiloma, Pjinaker etc). Wonder how long Winston Reid has to go on his West Ham payout UAE tax haven holiday. 

And I'm doubtful that there are many ex-EPL/European players with a high enough profile to draw a crowd. Steven Taylor was a solid pro but he definitely wasn't bringing in crowds of people who were only there to see him. Very few people in the A-league have ever done that (APD, Fowler, maybe Heskey) and a few who have tried to do that have been major flops (Sturridge etc.). There just doesn't seem to be much merit in trying to bring in players for marketing purposes, as the combo of marketable but still quality is very rare.