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).
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.