So, during the FIFA World Cup time, how are the Nix men spending the time? Do they play friendlies? Have another pre-season? Play other A L clubs? Go on holiday?
You'd think they are off to Aus for some ALM friendlies. Talay said only last week, that in his view a large part of why the Nix are slow season starters is the lack of a consistently intense pre season. They go from an Australia Cup tie away to Melb City with all it's Socceroos, to basically a light training run against Miramar or Wests the week after.
So with the team now hitting form, important to keep keep them sharp over the WC break.
Agruably Auckland City of the NZ National League teams, would give them the greatest workout (at least the Nix wouldn't have all the possession), but with the National League running until 27th Nov - I'm guessing will be hard to organise a friendly verus them.
If NZF could get eligible overseas based players like Marley Leuluai, Matt Dibley-Dias, Kees Sims, Jay Herdman etc flying in - with view to preparation for next year's U20 World Cup - some games Nix verus NZ U20s would be useful.
Plus here is a list of overseas NZ footballers who maybe heading home in next few weeks (or already in NZ). Their seasons either completed, or about to finish. A lot will just be thinking about a beach, but some for various reasons could be motivated to play against the Nix.
Would make up a useful opposition team for a hit out.
GKs - Woud & Sims
Defenders - Wynne, Robert Sabo, N Boxall, M Boxall, Tuiloma, Pijnaker, Kyle Adams
Midfield - Whyte, Musa, Zwetsloot, Rojas, Adam Thomas
Attackers - Bevan, Dyer, Mata, Collier, Otto Ingham, Joel Stevens, Rogerson
Chuck in some extras like Cam Howieson, Hamish Watson, Ryan de Vries, Taylor Schrijvers, Noah Billingsley or whoever in need. Joey Champness might be keen for a game of football. Dalton Wilkins Danish club about to have a 3 month winter break.
ALM restarts for the Nix with a home game against WSW on 10th December. So basically a 4 week break.