I haven't read of any angst from 'grassroots' Aussie football fans, about Auckland being in the ALM. Mostly I've just read stuff about a welcome good news story re a new start up club, after all the negative stuff about WU and Macarthur with their tiny crowds, financial woes etc.
The failure of the A League to engage some grassroots fans in Australia, is due to a range of factors. Biggest one being yes many of those aligned to the old NSL/NPL clubs, feel their outfits should be involved. Then you also get the likes of Brisbane Roar having spats with Football QLD, and the two organisations frequently squabbling.
However the Glory, Adelaide, Mariners seem reasonably popular in their communities. It's really all about on field success with them. They are winning and the fans turn up. If not they go to the beach. Adelaide U have maintained pretty good crowds. Lots of exciting local youngsters coming through for their fans to identify with.
A 3rd NZ club will have very little influence on whether a South Melbourne member turns up to watch the VUK, or same a APIA Leichhardt supporter and Sydney FC.
But you are right without a Foley, Mowbray/Williams, or Welnix group a 3rd club in Christchurch will never happen. It's unlikely to ever be a Bling club like Auckland either, just because ChCh/Sth Island is smaller and is far a less bling a place alround. More sheep station than super yacht. NZ's version of low key CCM maybe.
A 3rd team would yes stretch the talent pool, but Auckland with Gillion, Randall, Howieson, FDV etc have proved their is some A League ready talent on the domestic scene.
McGarry (give him the captaincy) might want to return to the South Island. Andre De Jong played for Canty United back in the old Handy Prem. The likes of Deklan Wynne, Ryan Feutz, Zac Zoricich, George Ott & Seth Clark (a Cantab) are all NPL players that might be worth an ALM crack. Oliver Colloty is from Dunners? Same Xuan Loke.
Callan Elliott & Jayden Smith are from Nelson. Scott Morris, Dublin Boon & Matt Foord are all talented young keepers from the Mainland. Grab Alex Grieve & Riley Bidois from the USL. OVH a 2nd chance in the A League. Jay Herdman I think was born in Invercargill!
ChCh almost feels like a Nottingham or pretty Huddersfield so should be able to attract some handy English lower league footballers, keen on a lifestyle change. Get in Ifill as coach to help scout Blighty for those with daughters keen to live at West Melton and ride ponies.
Not all the talented Weenix kids who played Wrexham will be able to crack the Nix senior squad. And re future proofing, after 10 seasons in the EPL a 35 yr old Surman could be keen on a return to his home town. Same Matt Sheridan after his time in L1/Championship. Francis de Vries is a Cantab as well and maybe could finish his career as a ball playing CB, rather than as a gut busting full back. Another captaincy option.
Should be able to put together a competitive enough squad. If they had an ALW team full of ex Pride players it would be very strong.
The failure of the A League to engage some grassroots fans in Australia, is due to a range of factors. Biggest one being yes many of those aligned to the old NSL/NPL clubs, feel their outfits should be involved. Then you also get the likes of Brisbane Roar having spats with Football QLD, and the two organisations frequently squabbling.
However the Glory, Adelaide, Mariners seem reasonably popular in their communities. It's really all about on field success with them. They are winning and the fans turn up. If not they go to the beach. Adelaide U have maintained pretty good crowds. Lots of exciting local youngsters coming through for their fans to identify with.
A 3rd NZ club will have very little influence on whether a South Melbourne member turns up to watch the VUK, or same a APIA Leichhardt supporter and Sydney FC.
But you are right without a Foley, Mowbray/Williams, or Welnix group a 3rd club in Christchurch will never happen. It's unlikely to ever be a Bling club like Auckland either, just because ChCh/Sth Island is smaller and is far a less bling a place alround. More sheep station than super yacht. NZ's version of low key CCM maybe.
A 3rd team would yes stretch the talent pool, but Auckland with Gillion, Randall, Howieson, FDV etc have proved their is some A League ready talent on the domestic scene.
McGarry (give him the captaincy) might want to return to the South Island. Andre De Jong played for Canty United back in the old Handy Prem. The likes of Deklan Wynne, Ryan Feutz, Zac Zoricich, George Ott & Seth Clark (a Cantab) are all NPL players that might be worth an ALM crack. Oliver Colloty is from Dunners? Same Xuan Loke.
Callan Elliott & Jayden Smith are from Nelson. Scott Morris, Dublin Boon & Matt Foord are all talented young keepers from the Mainland. Grab Alex Grieve & Riley Bidois from the USL. OVH a 2nd chance in the A League. Jay Herdman I think was born in Invercargill!
ChCh almost feels like a Nottingham or pretty Huddersfield so should be able to attract some handy English lower league footballers, keen on a lifestyle change. Get in Ifill as coach to help scout Blighty for those with daughters keen to live at West Melton and ride ponies.
Not all the talented Weenix kids who played Wrexham will be able to crack the Nix senior squad. And re future proofing, after 10 seasons in the EPL a 35 yr old Surman could be keen on a return to his home town. Same Matt Sheridan after his time in L1/Championship. Francis de Vries is a Cantab as well and maybe could finish his career as a ball playing CB, rather than as a gut busting full back. Another captaincy option.
Should be able to put together a competitive enough squad. If they had an ALW team full of ex Pride players it would be very strong.