On face value CEO Becker seems a top appointment. Kiwi. Experience in the EPL & ALM. Marketing background. Experience in a Multi club ownership model (City Group). That ticks alot of boxes.
Then sure beneath him you appoint a host of local Auckland employees who know a shark load about the Northern Region football scene. Throw in some of Foley's American inter circle who have experience with the Vegas Golden Knights, a new franchise set up 7 years ago, and who will bring a different American sports lens to whole operation (fresh ideas) - and you could have a successful organisation.
Foley's been in NZ since 2008 (15 years), so he'll be aware we do things differently. I have a feeling they will do the community engement stuff pretty well, though they won't please all the disparate threads of Auckland football. There's bound to be a story at some point about someone feeling they have been offended or neglected. But again Foley has the cash to spurge on full time football development coaches out into the community, subsidised transport, free buses from local clubs, signage all over town etc etc. He's going to be operating on a whole different budget to the Welnix owners, and Auckland will quickly make the Nix the little brother battler re resourcing.
And that will help quickly make the rivalry a real thing, with genuine feeling. Then when the Aucks raid Weenix it cranks up further.
I remember reading stories about NZ soldiers fighting in Vietnam or later Afghanistan, and just being completey blown away (and jealous) by all the luxuries and hi tech gear the American soldiers had in comparison. Weird analogy, but it's gonna be that sort of wide financial/resourcing disparity.
Then sure beneath him you appoint a host of local Auckland employees who know a shark load about the Northern Region football scene. Throw in some of Foley's American inter circle who have experience with the Vegas Golden Knights, a new franchise set up 7 years ago, and who will bring a different American sports lens to whole operation (fresh ideas) - and you could have a successful organisation.
Foley's been in NZ since 2008 (15 years), so he'll be aware we do things differently. I have a feeling they will do the community engement stuff pretty well, though they won't please all the disparate threads of Auckland football. There's bound to be a story at some point about someone feeling they have been offended or neglected. But again Foley has the cash to spurge on full time football development coaches out into the community, subsidised transport, free buses from local clubs, signage all over town etc etc. He's going to be operating on a whole different budget to the Welnix owners, and Auckland will quickly make the Nix the little brother battler re resourcing.
And that will help quickly make the rivalry a real thing, with genuine feeling. Then when the Aucks raid Weenix it cranks up further.
I remember reading stories about NZ soldiers fighting in Vietnam or later Afghanistan, and just being completey blown away (and jealous) by all the luxuries and hi tech gear the American soldiers had in comparison. Weird analogy, but it's gonna be that sort of wide financial/resourcing disparity.