Auckland has shown the depth in NZ football is definitely there. If a 3rd team based in Christchurch got a repuation as the place to go for young Kiwis who were struggling for mins, at the other 2 NZ clubs that wouldn't be a bad thing.
I mean the Mariners have shown with basically that model (and excellent recruitment of Visa players) you can still win trophies. Tiny Josh Nisbet wasn't getting a look in at the Roar, in his home state Queensland, moves to CCM, and ends up a Johnny Warren Medal winner. Judging football talent is a very subjective art, and sometimes the coaches and analysts get it wrong.
I mean the Mariners have shown with basically that model (and excellent recruitment of Visa players) you can still win trophies. Tiny Josh Nisbet wasn't getting a look in at the Roar, in his home state Queensland, moves to CCM, and ends up a Johnny Warren Medal winner. Judging football talent is a very subjective art, and sometimes the coaches and analysts get it wrong.