Hi Phoenix fans,
My name is Sam and I am currently studying at AUT, undertaking a management assignment looking into the concept of a new A-League team based in Auckland. I was hoping to get some insight as to what fans would like to see in a new club based in NZ and what factors would influence a potential alliance switch?
Any and all replies are greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Fantastic surname Bobby.
Quick thoughts, more about how a team could be successful than really an allegiance switch -
A big name NZ signing, eg Winston Reid, Chris Wood, Ryan Thomas - that's presuming that an Auckland team is a min 3 years away, so first two esp will be at tail end of their careers, making a move to NZ more likely.
Home games all at Eden Park, apart from maybe 1-2 in Hamilton/Tauranga.
Similar model to how Nix seem to be heading with a core of young, promising NZ players.
Efforts to tap into Auckland's multi cultural popn/immigrant communities, like signing a quality player from China/Korea/Fiji.
A dedicated fan group like YF (not easy to mimic).
And related, make it a fun day out. Drums, smoke, noise etc. Offer free entry (or free transport from Waiheke Island) to those football mad Argentinians who live over there!
Organising buses, or other easy transport options, from football clubs based South, West and North Shore to Eden Park.
Win more than lose.
A pantomime villain to hate in Wellington, and/or vice versa, ie create a genuine NZ derby rivalry. Could sign Mark Rudan as coach for a start.
There is also an “A League Expansion” thread somewhere, which I’d suggest is a better place to put up your Post. Good luck with the assignment hopefully some of the Auckland football community read it!