Auckland Pride - Make Auckland Great Again

Doloras

Napier Phoenix

The very hot oil is that Marco Rojas is currently living and training in Hamilton and will be a very early signing and announcement for Ak.

It was, in fact, revealed to you in a dream

Welcome to Brisbane, Marco Rojas 🦁

We're delighted the confirm the arrival of the New Zealand international attacker for the remainder of the 2023/24 Isuzu UTE A-League season ✍️

Details 🔗 https://t.co/o4ULlLaytD pic.twitter.com/NctTjl62Z3

— Brisbane Roar FC (@brisbaneroar) January 30, 2024

been training in Brisbane for awhile too

Balls my word….

Ryan

Doloras

Napier Phoenix

The very hot oil is that Marco Rojas is currently living and training in Hamilton and will be a very early signing and announcement for Ak.

It was, in fact, revealed to you in a dream

Welcome to Brisbane, Marco Rojas 🦁

We're delighted the confirm the arrival of the New Zealand international attacker for the remainder of the 2023/24 Isuzu UTE A-League season ✍️

Details 🔗 https://t.co/o4ULlLaytD pic.twitter.com/NctTjl62Z3

— Brisbane Roar FC (@brisbaneroar) January 30, 2024

been training in Brisbane for awhile too

Balls My Word... now that is a throwback for those of us who have been on this forum to long.

Might as well lock it in, its done, Rojas is off to Akl.

Nothing happening. NZ Worriers.

MetalLegNZ

Balls My Word... now that is a throwback for those of us who have been on this forum to long.

Might as well lock it in, its done, Rojas is off to Akl.

even if he does his ACL in May?

Are there any decent rumours about possible signings? Secret trials? Agents seen scuttling around?

Anzac

Are there any decent rumours about possible signings? Secret trials? Agents seen scuttling around?

A sauce tells me Woud is a serious option. Worth noting Auckland are way more advanced than Canberra who are still to confirm an ownership structure.

And interesting that $18M rather than $25M now being touted as the entry fee for Foley. I mean the new owners of Perth Glory will be paying well below either of those figures you'd wager.

New Christchurch stadium will be completed early-mid 2026. So if a ChCh team is to be part of further expansion to have 16 teams (2 more teams after Canberra & Auckland). Season 26/27 makes more sense than season 25/26. You'd want to launch any team in what looks a great new roofed stadium, rather than the Addington scaffolding. Also if Meyn in to be involved, gives more time for the war in Ukraine to hopefully be over, and some of his earlier statements to be forgotten about.

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/jan/31/a-league-expansion-2026-new-teams-updates-potentially-scrapped

The APL had hoped to command $100m in franchise fees – $25m per club – from Auckland, Canberra and two other sides by the start of the 2025-26 season.

Franchise expansion fees are a common buy-in tool in America’s Major League Soccer to give the competition financial surety.

But several sources suggest Foley and the preferred Canberra bidders paid closer to $18m rather than the $25m initially touted.

Expansion fees of $100m would have eased the competition’s cash flow until the expiry of its current $40m-per-year TV deal with Network Ten, which runs out at the end of the 2025-26 campaign.

The contract was signed in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021, and followed the competition’s unbundling from Football Australia and a split with longstanding broadcast partner Fox Sports.

The APL were confident that by the end of the five-year Network Ten deal the A-Leagues would be in a stronger position when negotiating broadcast rights for the 2026-27 season and beyond.

Their logic was that four extra teams, which would also provide additional capital, and a renewed excitement in the league buoyed by the relationship with Ten would lead to a more financially rewarding broadcast deal.

coochiee

Anzac

Are there any decent rumours about possible signings? Secret trials? Agents seen scuttling around?

A sauce tells me Woud is a serious option. Worth noting Auckland are way more advanced than Canberra who are still to confirm an ownership structure.

And interesting that $18M rather than $25M now being touted as the entry fee for Foley. I mean the new owners of Perth Glory will be paying well below either of those figures you'd wager.

New Christchurch stadium will be completed early-mid 2026. So if a ChCh team is to be part of further expansion to have 16 teams (2 more teams after Canberra & Auckland). Season 26/27 makes more sense than season 25/26. You'd want to launch any team in what looks a great new roofed stadium, rather than the Addington scaffolding. Also if Meyn in to be involved, gives more time for the war in Ukraine to hopefully be over, and some of his earlier statements to be forgotten about.

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/jan/31/a-league-expansion-2026-new-teams-updates-potentially-scrapped

The APL had hoped to command $100m in franchise fees – $25m per club – from Auckland, Canberra and two other sides by the start of the 2025-26 season.

Franchise expansion fees are a common buy-in tool in America’s Major League Soccer to give the competition financial surety.

But several sources suggest Foley and the preferred Canberra bidders paid closer to $18m rather than the $25m initially touted.

Expansion fees of $100m would have eased the competition’s cash flow until the expiry of its current $40m-per-year TV deal with Network Ten, which runs out at the end of the 2025-26 campaign.

The contract was signed in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021, and followed the competition’s unbundling from Football Australia and a split with longstanding broadcast partner Fox Sports.

The APL were confident that by the end of the five-year Network Ten deal the A-Leagues would be in a stronger position when negotiating broadcast rights for the 2026-27 season and beyond.

Their logic was that four extra teams, which would also provide additional capital, and a renewed excitement in the league buoyed by the relationship with Ten would lead to a more financially rewarding broadcast deal.

As much as I'd love a Chch A-League team I think it'd be extremely unlikely. You'd think Australian fans want to see further expansion into places like Brisbane, Adelaide who only have one team or Tasmania with no teams. If we are getting two more teams added in addition to Akl and Canberra my money would be on Tasmania and Brisbane.

The National Second Division/Tier (NSD/T), will be launched in 12 months if it happens. It maybe that the APL wait to see what clubs enter that comp, where they are located, size of their crowds, financial solidity etc etc before looking at further expanison.

But like the MLS, the A League financial model is at least partly dependant on receiving these new licence expansion fees ($18M per team or whatever). That's unless yes the APl can negotiate a bigger TV deal in 2 years, to reduce some of the financial uncertainity. They have a longer term plan to get to 20 teams and then split into A1 & A2, with pro/rel. That could be 17 Aussie teams & 3 NZ teams. Is ambitious, maybe even fantasy stuff - but they could get there. ChCh, Tassie, 2nd Brisbane (or Gold Coast), 2nd Perth, the Gong and South Melbourne. There's your 20.

If somehow a group in ChCh (is there another American billionaire out there in love with NZ?) can come up with $18M-$25M in 2 years (increase to 16 teams), and alternative new expansion teams in Aus are struggling to raise the dosh - as the APL you take the "bird in the hand" with it's immediate million cashflow injection right? Based out of a great new roofed stadium. Then you just sooth any Aussie fan anger about too many Kiwi teams, by selling them the eventual further expansion to 20 teams (A1/A2) with more Aussie teams to come. Plus South Melbourne, Sydney United 58, Brisbane Strikers and the like have their NSD/T to kick around in, until the APL invite new teams into the A1/A2. 

If Auckland FC is a success, but Canberra a bit more of a struggle - then that would push the case a bit that NZ deserves a 3rd team.

Agreed. I think if this was a few years ago there would have been more hesitancy about a Christchurch bid. However, after having the Fury and Gold Coast Utd fold (which is a terrible look), I suspect the financials and stability would be a greater focus rather than if it’s Australian based or not.

Or maybe I’m just hopeful.

Maybe the other cosortium will be interested - the good sauce is they only found out on the day Foley was announced it wasn't them.

Uptil that stage NZF strung them along.

Might be sour grapes (understandable so) on their end - but they had everything ready to go. Just depends if the move in their eyes would only work in Aucks... although Christchurch does have a bigger population base than Welly.

Don't forget the first ALM club to fold was the NZ Knights. But yeah the APL needs cash (they have just laid off a heap of staff). $36M from 2 new teams goes a long way, plus gives you extra games/product for negotiating TV rights deals. 

In the next 1-2 years it could be whatever new expansion group (to 16 teams) can come up with the $18M first that gets in, though I imagine they won't be in saturated Melbourne or Sydney. A completely new market like ChCh or Tassie - or 2nd teams for SE QLD and/or Perth.

MetalLegNZ

Maybe the other cosortium will be interested - the good sauce is they only found out on the day Foley was announced it wasn't them.

Uptil that stage NZF strung them along.

Might be sour grapes (understandable so) on their end - but they had everything ready to go. Just depends if the move in their eyes would only work in Aucks... although Christchurch does have a bigger population base than Welly.

Inasmuch as I'd hate to crap in my own nest, the Wellingtonians and the Cantabrians are not cut from the same cloth, and getting public support in ChCh beyond the occasional might take a lot more effort than up north. 
However, I agree that the impact of what Sasha Meyn has done so far here is probably underestimated, and could play part. His success may not be in terms of publicity but definitely in terms of grassroots work. He seems to be in for a long game, and has always made noises about A-League.  But the serious moolah that would be required may be beyond his paygrade.

coochiee

The National Second Division/Tier (NSD/T), will be launched in 12 months if it happens. It maybe that the APL wait to see what clubs enter that comp, where they are located, size of their crowds, financial solidity etc etc before looking at further expanison.

But like the MLS, the A League financial model is at least partly dependant on receiving these new licence expansion fees ($18M per team or whatever). That's unless yes the APl can negotiate a bigger TV deal in 2 years, to reduce some of the financial uncertainity. They have a longer term plan to get to 20 teams and then split into A1 & A2, with pro/rel. That could be 17 Aussie teams & 3 NZ teams. Is ambitious, maybe even fantasy stuff - but they could get there. ChCh, Tassie, 2nd Brisbane (or Gold Coast), 2nd Perth, the Gong and South Melbourne. There's your 20.

If somehow a group in ChCh (is there another American billionaire out there in love with NZ?) can come up with $18M-$25M in 2 years (increase to 16 teams), and alternative new expansion teams in Aus are struggling to raise the dosh - as the APL you take the "bird in the hand" with it's immediate million cashflow injection right? Based out of a great new roofed stadium. Then you just sooth any Aussie fan anger about too many Kiwi teams, by selling them the eventual further expansion to 20 teams (A1/A2) with more Aussie teams to come. Plus South Melbourne, Sydney United 58, Brisbane Strikers and the like have their NSD/T to kick around in, until the APL invite new teams into the A1/A2. 

If Auckland FC is a success, but Canberra a bit more of a struggle - then that would push the case a bit that NZ deserves a 3rd team.

 Pretty sure there's a Russian Bloke that owns the very nice Christchurch United football grounds and academy who has expressed interest in an A-Leagues bid 

I think a recent article on that guy quoted him saying he isn't starting an A-League team sort of rich, or words to that effect

3 weeks, so had been there just on a week before I said he was in Hamilton. Trust me man…..

Ryan

Doloras

Napier Phoenix

The very hot oil is that Marco Rojas is currently living and training in Hamilton and will be a very early signing and announcement for Ak.

It was, in fact, revealed to you in a dream

Welcome to Brisbane, Marco Rojas 🦁

We're delighted the confirm the arrival of the New Zealand international attacker for the remainder of the 2023/24 Isuzu UTE A-League season ✍️

Details 🔗 https://t.co/o4ULlLaytD pic.twitter.com/NctTjl62Z3

— Brisbane Roar FC (@brisbaneroar) January 30, 2024

been training in Brisbane for awhile too

I don’t think so.
Brisbane have been getting bad crowds for many seasons now for the size of the place it. and there isn’t any demand to add a second team, as well as Gold Coast folding.
They added 3rd teams in Melbourne and Sydney because both teams in the city already had reasonable crowds and greater demand for football.
My bets would ChCh, the next best place behind Tasmania.
Tasmania have a good following in the NBL so can see them getting behind a football team aswell.

SamCoughlan

coochiee

Anzac

Are there any decent rumours about possible signings? Secret trials? Agents seen scuttling around?

A sauce tells me Woud is a serious option. Worth noting Auckland are way more advanced than Canberra who are still to confirm an ownership structure.

And interesting that $18M rather than $25M now being touted as the entry fee for Foley. I mean the new owners of Perth Glory will be paying well below either of those figures you'd wager.

New Christchurch stadium will be completed early-mid 2026. So if a ChCh team is to be part of further expansion to have 16 teams (2 more teams after Canberra & Auckland). Season 26/27 makes more sense than season 25/26. You'd want to launch any team in what looks a great new roofed stadium, rather than the Addington scaffolding. Also if Meyn in to be involved, gives more time for the war in Ukraine to hopefully be over, and some of his earlier statements to be forgotten about.

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/jan/31/a-league-expansion-2026-new-teams-updates-potentially-scrapped

The APL had hoped to command $100m in franchise fees – $25m per club – from Auckland, Canberra and two other sides by the start of the 2025-26 season.

Franchise expansion fees are a common buy-in tool in America’s Major League Soccer to give the competition financial surety.

But several sources suggest Foley and the preferred Canberra bidders paid closer to $18m rather than the $25m initially touted.

Expansion fees of $100m would have eased the competition’s cash flow until the expiry of its current $40m-per-year TV deal with Network Ten, which runs out at the end of the 2025-26 campaign.

The contract was signed in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021, and followed the competition’s unbundling from Football Australia and a split with longstanding broadcast partner Fox Sports.

The APL were confident that by the end of the five-year Network Ten deal the A-Leagues would be in a stronger position when negotiating broadcast rights for the 2026-27 season and beyond.

Their logic was that four extra teams, which would also provide additional capital, and a renewed excitement in the league buoyed by the relationship with Ten would lead to a more financially rewarding broadcast deal.

As much as I'd love a Chch A-League team I think it'd be extremely unlikely. You'd think Australian fans want to see further expansion into places like Brisbane, Adelaide who only have one team or Tasmania with no teams. If we are getting two more teams added in addition to Akl and Canberra my money would be on Tasmania and Brisbane.

Last night's crowd at Suncorp was abysmal. Just over 5,000.
Fleshed out by a good sized Nix supporter contingent of 100-200. But the Roar as a club are a bit of a mess at the moment, after starting the season promising with Ross Aloisi in charge.

A 2nd QLD team on the Gold Coast maybe a better bet, if they could have an owner a bit more sane than Clive Palmer.

I'd say the Gong, is also seriously in the mix. Wolves a proud football history in the old NSL, nice rectangular ground near the sea as we saw during Covid. Wolves have been accepted into the National Second Division in 2025. Greater Illawara area popn about 350,000. Ready made derby verus Canberra.

Noticed that the commentators talked about "Auckland FC" a couple of times during the match.  Probably the best name for an Auckland side.

coochiee

Last night's crowd at Suncorp was abysmal. Just over 5,000.
Fleshed out by a good sized Nix supporter contingent of 100-200. But the Roar as a club are a bit of a mess at the moment, after starting the season promising with Ross Aloisi in charge.

A 2nd QLD team on the Gold Coast maybe a better bet, if they could have an owner a bit more sane than Clive Palmer.

I'd say the Gong, is also seriously in the mix. Wolves a proud football history in the old NSL, nice rectangular ground near the seas as we saw during Covid. Wolves have been accepted into the National Second Division in 2025. Greater Illawara area popn about 350,000. Ready made derby verus Canberra.

I imagine getting a team in the gold coast again might be a bit tough, given the collapse of the original one. Brisbane/Queensland feels a little small to handle another team. Tazzy would be my bet for the third additional team and then hopefully a Chch shortly after.

theprof

coochiee

Last night's crowd at Suncorp was abysmal. Just over 5,000.
Fleshed out by a good sized Nix supporter contingent of 100-200. But the Roar as a club are a bit of a mess at the moment, after starting the season promising with Ross Aloisi in charge.

A 2nd QLD team on the Gold Coast maybe a better bet, if they could have an owner a bit more sane than Clive Palmer.

I'd say the Gong, is also seriously in the mix. Wolves a proud football history in the old NSL, nice rectangular ground near the seas as we saw during Covid. Wolves have been accepted into the National Second Division in 2025. Greater Illawara area popn about 350,000. Ready made derby verus Canberra.

I imagine getting a team in the gold coast again might be a bit tough, given the collapse of the original one. Brisbane/Queensland feels a little small to handle another team. Tazzy would be my bet for the third additional team and then hopefully a Chch shortly after.

Gold Coast folded because Palmer was being a dick. Because he couldn't bully his way with fans of football, he insisted they play at one stadium but would only open 2 sides of the ground below the TV Cameras and thus made their attendences look abysmal.

Marto

Noticed that the commentators talked about "Auckland FC" a couple of times during the match.  Probably the best name for an Auckland side.

You're probably right but wouldn't you just love to hear the Aussie commentators struggling to say Tāmaki Makaurau FC - or something similar

What’s Black Knights in Te Reo? 

martinb

What’s Black Knights in Te Reo? 

kaiawhina pango

theprof

martinb

What’s Black Knights in Te Reo? 

kaiawhina pango

Now that's not a bad name! Get your teeth around that Australian based commentators!!

Kaiawhina Pango United
Kaiawhina Pango FC

Auckland Kaiawhina Pango
Could be time to introduce a haka to the A league…

Lol- what’s the Bling in Maori… that’d be funny…

Talking with someone about the TV production of the A-League on Twitter & it got me wondering if Sky TV will use the same set of commentators for both teams. I kinda like Piney being the voice of the Nix, I hope they get someone else to do the Auckland matches.

We’re hearing NZ U20’s striker, Jesse Randell will link up with Wellington Olympic in 2024 before moving on to the new Auckland franchise in the A-League 👀🚨🔵⚪️ Here We Go!!! pic.twitter.com/b1MF2mcIuA

— FabriNZio Romano (@FabriNZioR) February 2, 2024

Two follower account...
One of them is me, but I did it purely for the name. 😆

But there's some speculation I guess, so take it for what you will.
 
It would be a good move for both parties though given I thought a few of the OlyWhites would have been pretty decent pickups. It sounds like they've missed out on a couple of Kiwi signings via the murmurings I've been hearing...

YoungHeartHM

We’re hearing NZ U20’s striker, Jesse Randell will link up with Wellington Olympic in 2024 before moving on to the new Auckland franchise in the A-League 👀🚨🔵⚪️ Here We Go!!! pic.twitter.com/b1MF2mcIuA

— FabriNZio Romano (@FabriNZioR) February 2, 2024

Two follower account...
One of them is me, but I did it purely for the name. 😆

But there's some speculation I guess, so take it for what you will.
 
It would be a good move for both parties though given I thought a few of the OlyWhites would have been pretty decent pickups. It sounds like they've missed out on a couple of Kiwi signings via the murmurings I've been hearing...

Why come to a Wellington club, if you are signing with Auckland?

RR

YoungHeartHM

We’re hearing NZ U20’s striker, Jesse Randell will link up with Wellington Olympic in 2024 before moving on to the new Auckland franchise in the A-League 👀🚨🔵⚪️ Here We Go!!! pic.twitter.com/b1MF2mcIuA

— FabriNZio Romano (@FabriNZioR) February 2, 2024

Two follower account...
One of them is me, but I did it purely for the name. 😆

But there's some speculation I guess, so take it for what you will.
 
It would be a good move for both parties though given I thought a few of the OlyWhites would have been pretty decent pickups. It sounds like they've missed out on a couple of Kiwi signings via the murmurings I've been hearing...

Why come to a Wellington club, if you are signing with Auckland?

Familiarity, OFC Champions League 🥕, Family, Friends, Missus. Could be anything.

Pedantic maybe but Randall never played for the NZ U20s. Covid ruined any chance of that. NZ U17s & U23s.

Still he'd be the type of young player, you'd hope Auckland do sign.
https://us.soccerway.com/players/jesse-randall/640034/

Jackson Manuel a NIx contracted player, has been playing Northern League. So a reverse of Randall if the rumour is true. Still I would have thought JR being in Auckland closer to Bazeley & Co would help his Olympics chances - though he's likely a lock in, unless they go for an over age player in his spot.

Randall's played for both Tasman & Hawkes Bay, so he likely knows new Olympic gaffer Paul Ifill.

anaveragestem

Marto

Noticed that the commentators talked about "Auckland FC" a couple of times during the match.  Probably the best name for an Auckland side.

You're probably right but wouldn't you just love to hear the Aussie commentators struggling to say Tāmaki Makaurau FC - or something similar

Never mind the roo shaggers, hearing the Yanks, Poms, Irish and other Europeans say it would be even funnier.

martinb

Kaiawhina Pango United
Kaiawhina Pango FC

Auckland Kaiawhina Pango
Could be time to introduce a haka to the A league…

Lol- what’s the Bling in Maori… that’d be funny…

Sadly it won't happen; they suggested a name in Te Reo on the AK24 Facebook page and all the Hobson's Pledge/David Seymour types came out yelling "what do bloody maoris have to do with football"

I tried to mention that Wynton bloody Rufer is Māori but apparently that doesn't count

The AK24 FB page is a horrid place already. Lots of blokes talking about National League football in the 1970s and how great it was, followed by how Auckland will be their 2nd team behind Liverpool, Leeds or Accrington Stanley. Yeah not the most inclusive hangout.

Hopefully for them they get their own younger fan group, and separate website. This from someone born in 1969. Thanks YF and all the work you do to keep this Forum going.

coochiee

The AK24 FB page is a horrid place already. Lots of blokes talking about National League football in the 1970s and how great it was, followed by how Auckland will be their 2nd team behind Liverpool, Leeds or Accrington Stanley. Yeah not the most inclusive hangout.

Hopefully for them they get their own younger fan group, and separate website. This from someone born in 1969. Thanks YF and all the work you do to keep this Forum going.

Geez mate, with a couple of young kids I hope you’re eating your weetbix! 

Hah hah. Nice pickup. It is less football watching, and more Dora the Explorer! 

coochiee

The AK24 FB page is a horrid place already. Lots of blokes talking about National League football in the 1970s and how great it was, followed by how Auckland will be their 2nd team behind Liverpool, Leeds or Accrington Stanley. Yeah not the most inclusive hangout.

Hopefully for them they get their own younger fan group, and separate website. This from someone born in 1969. Thanks YF and all the work you do to keep this Forum going.

Doloras

martinb

Kaiawhina Pango United
Kaiawhina Pango FC

Auckland Kaiawhina Pango
Could be time to introduce a haka to the A league…

Lol- what’s the Bling in Maori… that’d be funny…

Sadly it won't happen; they suggested a name in Te Reo on the AK24 Facebook page and all the Hobson's Pledge/David Seymour types came out yelling "what do bloody maoris have to do with football"

I tried to mention that Wynton bloody Rufer is Māori but apparently that doesn't count

Fudgeing hell - yeah, I absolutely agree. Hope the majority of fans can separate themselves from the older, bigoted minority who seem to revel in this sort of thing in lieu of anything more stimulating to do in their lives.

Don't want this club to present itself as the antithesis of everything the YF stands for

mrsmiis

coochiee

The AK24 FB page is a horrid place already. Lots of blokes talking about National League football in the 1970s and how great it was, followed by how Auckland will be their 2nd team behind Liverpool, Leeds or Accrington Stanley. Yeah not the most inclusive hangout.

Hopefully for them they get their own younger fan group, and separate website. This from someone born in 1969. Thanks YF and all the work you do to keep this Forum going.

Doloras

martinb

Kaiawhina Pango United
Kaiawhina Pango FC

Auckland Kaiawhina Pango
Could be time to introduce a haka to the A league…

Lol- what’s the Bling in Maori… that’d be funny…

Sadly it won't happen; they suggested a name in Te Reo on the AK24 Facebook page and all the Hobson's Pledge/David Seymour types came out yelling "what do bloody maoris have to do with football"

I tried to mention that Wynton bloody Rufer is Māori but apparently that doesn't count

Fudgeing hell - yeah, I absolutely agree. Hope the majority of fans can separate themselves from the older, bigoted minority who seem to revel in this sort of thing in lieu of anything more stimulating to do in their lives.

Don't want this club to present itself as the antithesis of everything the YF stands for

It wasn't everyone who poo poo'd it but there were enough for it to be a problem.

It's a bit of a cesspit atm but I don't think you can expect much else when there's 1500 people there

Too many to be all Leggy's relations.