When the 'A' league expands to ten teams, what will happen to the number of fixtures?
Will the Nix simply play each team home and away (18 fixtures) or will it continue with the current method of playing everyone three times (27 fixtures)?
At the moment I don't think that having teams playing a disproportionate number of home/away games does anything for the league's credibility.
At least if there were eighteen fixtures, this wouldn't happen. To make up for the lost matches, there could be a regular season cup competition, perhaps over two legs.
I don't really agree with having a pre-season cup. With the Nix already having played four out of their seven opponents, the air of mystery for the league season is lost a little.
The title 'pre-season' doesn't help the competetion's prestige either, although the Nix fans did the comp proud with the attendance on Wednesday night!
What does anyone else think?
Permalink
Permalink
I don't think there is any way that they will drop the number of games, it's already too short as it is for players with international ambitions. More likely it goes to 36 matches, maybe no finals series?? I'm not sure that the home and away thing is such a big deal when the league is very close. At the end of the season every team had a chance to make the top 4 right until nearly the last week, while every game is difficult the home and away issue isn't that important.
Normo's coming home
Permalink
Permalink
I dont think theyd ever drop the final series (and i dont personally think they should), although they need to cut it back. far too convoluted last year. it lost momentum.
I also think 36 games, or 33 if you mean 3 rounds, would just be too much, too soon for the A-League. I tend, for the meantime at least, to prefer a shorter, more intensively marketed league structure. So, id probably stick with 22 games, plus play-offs.
i can see the problem for the franchises in that they have to employ their players, effectively, for 12 months, but unlike europe, there is a long off-season when they are not creating value for the club. But, I still tend to think the key to the value of A-League as a whole is having a competition that retains the public interest. I think it would diluted if we dragged the season out too long. NZers and Australians arent used to that.
Permalink
Permalink
They've already said it's going to be 27 rounds plus playoffs.
Permalink
Permalink
They've already said it's going to be 27 rounds plus playoffs.
27 should be ok
Marius Lacatus2008-08-09 11:17:10
Permalink
Permalink
27 would be handy, not so much off season for the players and fans and more games to look forward to.
Permalink
Permalink
It'll be 27 - more revenue and a more appropriate season length.
Permalink
Permalink