My take on the "issue" (such a big word to use for it) with the supporters is that some of it has to be directly sheeted home to the New Zealand media.
The Nix have been around for what, 18 years now? We have done it the hard way, carrying the torch and enduring the mistreatment from FFA and from FOX Sports personalities, both of which ranked from mild to annoying.
But you wouldn't know it if you followed NZ news over the 18 years. We did not really exist for them, and we were not really embraced or cheered on by the media, the way that say the Warriors were. We heard this is because "sokkah" is a niche sport and is not followed by majority of NZ public, unless it is the EPL (this from a reply I got from RNZ some 10 years ago when I complained for the umpteenth time about lack of coverage of Nix wins.)
And then you get Foley circus roll into town (hey, I am glad they did, do not take me wrong). Suddenly the Auckland-centric media discover A-League football and of course all they know is that there was no football in NZ before A-FC. And this type of blinkered hype goes on, even well-meaning types like Piney can be guilty of adopting an A-FC centric mindset. This can easily produce a particular gloating sense of invincibility from the fans who have never lived through a season of finishing last on the table. Having a very good team on the field helps; and some of their lads are grateful to have a team to play for if they did not go through the Nix Academy (like Randall).
Am I surprised that this media frenzy translates into an entitled, unchecked attitude among some of the A-FC fans? No. They are drunk on it right now, but I still reckon it will only last as long as the on field success continues and the money lasts. Once that wanes, numbers will drop to something more realistic (core supporters), attracting fewer dickheads. I will be keen to see if the NZ media will continue the same hype then. If it does, I will say we have turned the corner in NZ.
The Nix have been around for what, 18 years now? We have done it the hard way, carrying the torch and enduring the mistreatment from FFA and from FOX Sports personalities, both of which ranked from mild to annoying.
But you wouldn't know it if you followed NZ news over the 18 years. We did not really exist for them, and we were not really embraced or cheered on by the media, the way that say the Warriors were. We heard this is because "sokkah" is a niche sport and is not followed by majority of NZ public, unless it is the EPL (this from a reply I got from RNZ some 10 years ago when I complained for the umpteenth time about lack of coverage of Nix wins.)
And then you get Foley circus roll into town (hey, I am glad they did, do not take me wrong). Suddenly the Auckland-centric media discover A-League football and of course all they know is that there was no football in NZ before A-FC. And this type of blinkered hype goes on, even well-meaning types like Piney can be guilty of adopting an A-FC centric mindset. This can easily produce a particular gloating sense of invincibility from the fans who have never lived through a season of finishing last on the table. Having a very good team on the field helps; and some of their lads are grateful to have a team to play for if they did not go through the Nix Academy (like Randall).
Am I surprised that this media frenzy translates into an entitled, unchecked attitude among some of the A-FC fans? No. They are drunk on it right now, but I still reckon it will only last as long as the on field success continues and the money lasts. Once that wanes, numbers will drop to something more realistic (core supporters), attracting fewer dickheads. I will be keen to see if the NZ media will continue the same hype then. If it does, I will say we have turned the corner in NZ.