With the TV deal payout going down to a shadow of its former self, there is much less enthusiasm (fewer potential applicants) for new clubs starting, as it needs more money than before. Auckland FC was an outlier to get off the ground due to an owner with big pockets, leveraging off other interests (other sports / other countries). This bought A-FC some security, and also success.
Christchurch has bugger all in terms of European immigration (per capita) which provided the grassroots footballing heritage in Australia. And money is really tight in NZ right now. I also hope the OFC team will be a useful litmus test for local interest, assuming we will get to see the team playing here rather than just in North Island.
Christchurch has bugger all in terms of European immigration (per capita) which provided the grassroots footballing heritage in Australia. And money is really tight in NZ right now. I also hope the OFC team will be a useful litmus test for local interest, assuming we will get to see the team playing here rather than just in North Island.